DC Cathro

DC Cathro is a Chicago-based playwright, actor, and director from the Washington DC metropolitan area. His musical "Till," written with award-winning composer Leo Schwartz, was one of three winners in the 2016 Main Street Musicals Festival, selected by Gregory Mosher, and was also accepted into the 2019 New York Musical Festival (NYMF). "The Book of Merman," another musical written with Leo Schwartz, enjoyed a five-month run Off-Broadway. In 2014, he became the only playwright to have two shows in the Pride Films and Plays Festival in Chicago, IL; "Pen, A Musical" (with Schwartz) and the comedy "Family Holiday." DC's works have been read at theatres and festivals across the U.S. and U.K., including The William Inge Festival in Independence, Kansas, The Kennedy Center in Washington DC, and...

DC Cathro is a Chicago-based playwright, actor, and director from the Washington DC metropolitan area. His musical "Till," written with award-winning composer Leo Schwartz, was one of three winners in the 2016 Main Street Musicals Festival, selected by Gregory Mosher, and was also accepted into the 2019 New York Musical Festival (NYMF). "The Book of Merman," another musical written with Leo Schwartz, enjoyed a five-month run Off-Broadway. In 2014, he became the only playwright to have two shows in the Pride Films and Plays Festival in Chicago, IL; "Pen, A Musical" (with Schwartz) and the comedy "Family Holiday." DC's works have been read at theatres and festivals across the U.S. and U.K., including The William Inge Festival in Independence, Kansas, The Kennedy Center in Washington DC, and St. Luke's Theatre, Off-Broadway in New York City. His published works are available through Broadway Licensing, StageRights.com, and Smith & Kraus Publishers.

NOTE: Plays below are alphabetical, grouped in the following order:
Full Length Plays
Musicals
One-Acts
Shorts

Scripts

Chai

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

Full length. Chai (his nickname), a Black teen, hates his real name, so his girlfriend raises the money for him to legally change it. Chai's mother, however, is completely opposed to the idea.

Full length. Chai (his nickname), a Black teen, hates his real name, so his girlfriend raises the money for him to legally change it. Chai's mother, however, is completely opposed to the idea.

Clone

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

Full length. In the not-too-distant future, clones are discovered living among us. Mick’s clone is apprehended and now belongs to Mick, but they each have different ideas of how to navigate the situation.

”Clone” was developed at Desert Playwrights’ Retreat,
Palm Springs, CA, April 2024.
Https://desertplaywrightsretreat.com

Full length. In the not-too-distant future, clones are discovered living among us. Mick’s clone is apprehended and now belongs to Mick, but they each have different ideas of how to navigate the situation.

”Clone” was developed at Desert Playwrights’ Retreat,
Palm Springs, CA, April 2024.
Https://desertplaywrightsretreat.com

Family Holiday

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

Full length. RJ goes home for the holidays and a nice relaxing time with his family and best friend. They, however, have other plans. Secrets are revealed and RJ is stuck in the middle of this fast-paced holiday farce for modern times.

NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH STAGERIGHTS.COM
https://www.stagerights.com/allshows/family-holiday/

Full length. RJ goes home for the holidays and a nice relaxing time with his family and best friend. They, however, have other plans. Secrets are revealed and RJ is stuck in the middle of this fast-paced holiday farce for modern times.

NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH STAGERIGHTS.COM
https://www.stagerights.com/allshows/family-holiday/

Finger

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

Full Length. Seventeen year old Vee discovers something strange inside a small box, and embarks on a dangerous search for the owner.

Full Length. Seventeen year old Vee discovers something strange inside a small box, and embarks on a dangerous search for the owner.

Hats

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

Full length. “Hats” is a series of intertwining short pieces, each inspired by a track from The Blue Nile album of the same name. They are stories of love, loss, and longing that take place over different times with the same people. (You need not be familiar with the songs that inspired the play.)

Full length. “Hats” is a series of intertwining short pieces, each inspired by a track from The Blue Nile album of the same name. They are stories of love, loss, and longing that take place over different times with the same people. (You need not be familiar with the songs that inspired the play.)

ITCH

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

Full Length. Richard comes home to his mother, his twin, and their new boarder after years of being institutionalized for his never-ending itch.

Full Length. Richard comes home to his mother, his twin, and their new boarder after years of being institutionalized for his never-ending itch.

Reason for Return

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

Full length. Gail's dress shop falls on hard times after a tragedy in the community. She and her daughter Abby try to deal with the repercussions but things spiral downward and come to a head when Gail discovers that Abby may have unwittingly caused it all.

NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH STAGERIGHTS.COM
https://www.stagerights.com/allshows/reason-for-return/

Full length. Gail's dress shop falls on hard times after a tragedy in the community. She and her daughter Abby try to deal with the repercussions but things spiral downward and come to a head when Gail discovers that Abby may have unwittingly caused it all.

NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH STAGERIGHTS.COM
https://www.stagerights.com/allshows/reason-for-return/

ReConnect

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

Full length. "ReConnect" is a funny and poignant series of six one-acts that center on the reunions of eleven different people and the surprise, pain, and awareness that reconnecting brings. Mother and daughter, teacher and student, friends, lovers and more. (Note: contains "That Kiss" and "Roadkill")

Full length. "ReConnect" is a funny and poignant series of six one-acts that center on the reunions of eleven different people and the surprise, pain, and awareness that reconnecting brings. Mother and daughter, teacher and student, friends, lovers and more. (Note: contains "That Kiss" and "Roadkill")

Teaching Professor Langstrom

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

Full length. Professor Langstrom’s concern about a student’s welts and bruises develops into a relationship neither was expecting.

Full length. Professor Langstrom’s concern about a student’s welts and bruises develops into a relationship neither was expecting.

You May Have 6

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

Full length. Roger wakes up to discover that his afterlife isn’t exactly what he expected it to be.

Full length. Roger wakes up to discover that his afterlife isn’t exactly what he expected it to be.

Johnnie’s Song, a serialized audio drama

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

22 chapters, 168 pages. At nearly 17, Johnnie knows love... for his family, his friend Della, and for his biggest passion, playing the piano. But when alcohol is outlawed, making work harder on his police officer father, life in 1920s Atlantic City isn't as simple as it used to be. With the help of some friends, both new and old, Johnnie must find his place and his voice in the sometimes dangerous world of jazz...

22 chapters, 168 pages. At nearly 17, Johnnie knows love... for his family, his friend Della, and for his biggest passion, playing the piano. But when alcohol is outlawed, making work harder on his police officer father, life in 1920s Atlantic City isn't as simple as it used to be. With the help of some friends, both new and old, Johnnie must find his place and his voice in the sometimes dangerous world of jazz and prohibition.

"Johnnie's Song" was commissioned and produced by ERALôR NFT. ERALôR is dedicated to creating nostalgic experiences, while promoting positive, human connection through vintage art, performance based storytelling, and immersive events and travel.

The Book of Merman: A Musical

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

Musical Comedy. Book by Leo Schwartz and DC Cathro, Music and Lyrics by Leo Schwartz. Full length. Two Mormon missionaries knock on the door of Ethel Merman in this funny and touching musical.

NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH BROADWAY LICENSING
https://broadwaylicensing.com/shows/off-broadway/the-book-of-merman/

Musical Comedy. Book by Leo Schwartz and DC Cathro, Music and Lyrics by Leo Schwartz. Full length. Two Mormon missionaries knock on the door of Ethel Merman in this funny and touching musical.

NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH BROADWAY LICENSING
https://broadwaylicensing.com/shows/off-broadway/the-book-of-merman/

Pen: A Musical

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

Book by DC Cathro, Music by Leo Schwartz, Lyrics by Leo Schwartz and DC Cathro. Full Length Musical. Unhappy from a recent breakup and looking for a distraction, Paul starts corresponding with a pen pal in another state. Soon, what began as an innocent flirtation evolves into an emotional attachment that neither of them expected. The problem? Paul’s pen pal is a prisoner, incarcerated for 13 more years.

NOW...

Book by DC Cathro, Music by Leo Schwartz, Lyrics by Leo Schwartz and DC Cathro. Full Length Musical. Unhappy from a recent breakup and looking for a distraction, Paul starts corresponding with a pen pal in another state. Soon, what began as an innocent flirtation evolves into an emotional attachment that neither of them expected. The problem? Paul’s pen pal is a prisoner, incarcerated for 13 more years.

NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH STAGERIGHTS.COM
https://www.stagerights.com/allshows/pen/

TILL: A Musical

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

Book by Leo Schwartz and DC Cathro
Music by Leo Schwartz
Lyrics by Leo Schwartz.
Full length musical. Emmett Till, a young black boy away from home for the first time, is caught up in the horror of the Jim Crow South when he is kidnapped and lynched for allegedly whistling at a white woman. Based on a true story, TILL explores the short life of Emmett and the powerful love of his mother, Mamie.

Book by Leo Schwartz and DC Cathro
Music by Leo Schwartz
Lyrics by Leo Schwartz.
Full length musical. Emmett Till, a young black boy away from home for the first time, is caught up in the horror of the Jim Crow South when he is kidnapped and lynched for allegedly whistling at a white woman. Based on a true story, TILL explores the short life of Emmett and the powerful love of his mother, Mamie.

Car Games

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

35 pages. A young man and woman are on a long drive. Tension is high, so she tries to distract the man from their destination by engaging him in a series of car games, until the audience finds out where they are headed, and why.

35 pages. A young man and woman are on a long drive. Tension is high, so she tries to distract the man from their destination by engaging him in a series of car games, until the audience finds out where they are headed, and why.

Commemorative Edition

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

21 pages. A coming-of-age tale about a boy's crush on his coach during the time of the 1984 Olympic Games.

21 pages. A coming-of-age tale about a boy's crush on his coach during the time of the 1984 Olympic Games.

Fixed

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

41 pages. A woman tries to connect with her goth tattoo artist. Both are damaged. Can they fix each other?

41 pages. A woman tries to connect with her goth tattoo artist. Both are damaged. Can they fix each other?

That Kiss

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

21 pages. Monica hasn't seen Kelly since college, so she's taken aback when Kelly shows up on her doorstep in a wedding dress to profess her love.

21 pages. Monica hasn't seen Kelly since college, so she's taken aback when Kelly shows up on her doorstep in a wedding dress to profess her love.

And Be Gay

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

5 pages. Randy returns from a rally, dejected because his plan for the counter-protestors was foiled.

5 pages. Randy returns from a rally, dejected because his plan for the counter-protestors was foiled.

Art in Quotation Marks (A One-Minute Play)

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

2 pages. Duane and Sean have very different ideas about "art."

2 pages. Duane and Sean have very different ideas about "art."

The Artist Formerly Known as T

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

7 pages. T, a rapper, is confronted by his manager and pushed to change his name. It seems someone else has the same name and it's causing problems.

7 pages. T, a rapper, is confronted by his manager and pushed to change his name. It seems someone else has the same name and it's causing problems.

Ashley

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

6 pages. A dialogue-free play. A physical tale of love, hate, and revenge, told in a unique way.

6 pages. A dialogue-free play. A physical tale of love, hate, and revenge, told in a unique way.

Babies React To...

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. Brenda and Mike deal with repercussions after their baby reacts badly to Mike shaving his beard.

10 pages. Brenda and Mike deal with repercussions after their baby reacts badly to Mike shaving his beard.

The Bag Under the Bed

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. Verne and Elle have different ideas on how to spice up their sex life.

10 pages. Verne and Elle have different ideas on how to spice up their sex life.

The Bang Bang Song

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

4 pages. Damon and Belinda argue about home schooling their children after finding out about the active shooter drills at their school.

The Code Red Playwrights pieces are available for readings and performances royalty-free. For more information, please visit https://coderedplaywrights.wixsite.com/website

4 pages. Damon and Belinda argue about home schooling their children after finding out about the active shooter drills at their school.

The Code Red Playwrights pieces are available for readings and performances royalty-free. For more information, please visit https://coderedplaywrights.wixsite.com/website

The Bearer (A One-Minute Play)

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

2 pages. A father and son remember dead celebrities and the impact they left on their lives.

2 pages. A father and son remember dead celebrities and the impact they left on their lives.

Big Black Giraffe

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

5 pages. Joey is in a panic because something that looks like a big, black giraffe is attacking the city... But Vickie remains skeptical.

5 pages. Joey is in a panic because something that looks like a big, black giraffe is attacking the city... But Vickie remains skeptical.

Boots Up the Chimney (A Zoom Play)

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. Steven answers a video call from Buddy, who claims to be his half-brother, with news about their father.

10 pages. Steven answers a video call from Buddy, who claims to be his half-brother, with news about their father.

The Cardinal

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Caleb’s mother tries to convince him that a miracle has happened in the form of a cardinal.

9 pages. Caleb’s mother tries to convince him that a miracle has happened in the form of a cardinal.

Chase

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

5 pages. Chase comes home, visibly distraught. The actress playing Chase has no lines, but throughout the scene we discover what she's going through.

5 pages. Chase comes home, visibly distraught. The actress playing Chase has no lines, but throughout the scene we discover what she's going through.

Chloe and Zoey

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Zoey is teased by one of Chloe's friends in school, and their mother is upset, until she finds out that Zoey has the situation under control.

9 pages. Zoey is teased by one of Chloe's friends in school, and their mother is upset, until she finds out that Zoey has the situation under control.

CHOMP

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. Tammi has a confession to make, and Beau ain’t buying it.

10 pages. Tammi has a confession to make, and Beau ain’t buying it.

Christmas Stories

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

11 pages. Billy and Violet are exchanging gifts with Violet's Mom, but the stories behind the presents are the real gifts in this short holiday comedy.

11 pages. Billy and Violet are exchanging gifts with Violet's Mom, but the stories behind the presents are the real gifts in this short holiday comedy.

Cleaning Gravestones

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. Amanda and her dad meet to secretly sign loan papers while her mother visits the local cemetery to clean gravestones.

10 pages. Amanda and her dad meet to secretly sign loan papers while her mother visits the local cemetery to clean gravestones.

Competition Postponed Due to Weather

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

4 pages. Julie's horse show has been cancelled, so mom is trapped with a bitter 12-year-old in a hotel room.

4 pages. Julie's horse show has been cancelled, so mom is trapped with a bitter 12-year-old in a hotel room.

The Creek

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. Two couples reminisce after a class reunion, but tensions surface when a long held betrayal is revealed.

10 pages. Two couples reminisce after a class reunion, but tensions surface when a long held betrayal is revealed.

Curves

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Carolina confesses to her sister Francina that she's met a man and is moving in with him, and Francina lashes out.

9 pages. Carolina confesses to her sister Francina that she's met a man and is moving in with him, and Francina lashes out.

Daddy Mack

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

12 pages. Mack and Marty have an online relationship, but Marty wants it to be real.

12 pages. Mack and Marty have an online relationship, but Marty wants it to be real.

Daddy Mack (Video Version)

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

11 pages. Mack and Marty have an online relationship, but Marty wants it to be real.
(Written to be performed online ie. Zoom, Messenger, etc.)

NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH STAGERIGHTS.COM
https://www.stagerights.com/allshows/daddy-mack/

11 pages. Mack and Marty have an online relationship, but Marty wants it to be real.
(Written to be performed online ie. Zoom, Messenger, etc.)

NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH STAGERIGHTS.COM
https://www.stagerights.com/allshows/daddy-mack/

Damaged

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Klein badgers Casey about why their roommate, Declan, only seems to date a very particular type of man.

9 pages. Klein badgers Casey about why their roommate, Declan, only seems to date a very particular type of man.

A Day in the Life of a Former Zombie

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Donnie's co-workers find out he was in a horror movie back in college, but when they watch it some of them take issue with his character.

9 pages. Donnie's co-workers find out he was in a horror movie back in college, but when they watch it some of them take issue with his character.

Dog Day Afternoon

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

7 pages. Pete and Katie are trapped in an office storage room while the world outside is overrun with wild dogs.

7 pages. Pete and Katie are trapped in an office storage room while the world outside is overrun with wild dogs.

Donna

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

2 pages. As a riot rages outside, Donna tries to shut out the chaos... Until it comes crashing into her world.

2 pages. As a riot rages outside, Donna tries to shut out the chaos... Until it comes crashing into her world.

Elizabeth

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

14 pages. Cassie and Karl are locked in a hospital room after the birth of their daughter... Because she's different.

14 pages. Cassie and Karl are locked in a hospital room after the birth of their daughter... Because she's different.

Episode V

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. I don’t normally post what I like to call “therapy plays,” but… Based on a true story.

10 pages. I don’t normally post what I like to call “therapy plays,” but… Based on a true story.

Every Four Years

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

5 pages. Frannie is waiting for her absentee ballot to show up in the mail and threatens her son James with drastic measures if she doesn't receive it soon.

5 pages. Frannie is waiting for her absentee ballot to show up in the mail and threatens her son James with drastic measures if she doesn't receive it soon.

Exit, Pursued by a Bear

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. Tragedy strikes at the circus in this dark comedy, or hilarious drama. Written for the 4th annual Chicago Dramatists 48 Hour Play Festival, 2022.

10 pages. Tragedy strikes at the circus in this dark comedy, or hilarious drama. Written for the 4th annual Chicago Dramatists 48 Hour Play Festival, 2022.

Fever (Radio Play)

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. Angel wants to go out dancing with Deke, but Mama is afraid of what might happen.

10 pages. Angel wants to go out dancing with Deke, but Mama is afraid of what might happen.

Fever (Stage Play)

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. Angel wants to go out dancing with Deke, but Mama is afraid of what might happen.

10 pages. Angel wants to go out dancing with Deke, but Mama is afraid of what might happen.

A Field of Beautiful Weeds

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

5 pages. The present and the past collide in this short piece about a woman finding what she loves over who she loves. Inspired by the song "But a Girl" by the musical artist Brenda Xu.

5 pages. The present and the past collide in this short piece about a woman finding what she loves over who she loves. Inspired by the song "But a Girl" by the musical artist Brenda Xu.

The Fine Art of Critiquing the Hang of the Shoe

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

8 pages. Dax wore out a pair of shoes, and Quentin doesn't really understand why they have to drive to a different neighborhood to throw them away.

8 pages. Dax wore out a pair of shoes, and Quentin doesn't really understand why they have to drive to a different neighborhood to throw them away.

First Lesson

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

5 pages. A violin student reveals to his teacher the tragic and touching reason he's learning the instrument.

5 pages. A violin student reveals to his teacher the tragic and touching reason he's learning the instrument.

The First Pescatarian (Based on the Ancient Texts)

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

8 pages. Caveman Rockefeller struggles with hunting, so he looks for an alternative food source for himself and Phoebe.

8 pages. Caveman Rockefeller struggles with hunting, so he looks for an alternative food source for himself and Phoebe.

Flying Solo

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. When Martin finds out his wife cheated on him, he sells his entire Star Wars collection to become his hero.

9 pages. When Martin finds out his wife cheated on him, he sells his entire Star Wars collection to become his hero.

The Forecast Calls for Showers

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

7 pages. Diana finds out that her teenage boys are watching her neighbor in the shower, and tempers start to flare when she tries to put a stop to it.

7 pages. Diana finds out that her teenage boys are watching her neighbor in the shower, and tempers start to flare when she tries to put a stop to it.

For the Soul

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Alan goes to confess to Father Davis, but his plans after the confession are thwarted by Father Davis confessing some things to him. (Trigger warnings)

9 pages. Alan goes to confess to Father Davis, but his plans after the confession are thwarted by Father Davis confessing some things to him. (Trigger warnings)

Front Porch

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Candace and Paul return from their vacation to the scene of a tragedy that struck while they were away.

9 pages. Candace and Paul return from their vacation to the scene of a tragedy that struck while they were away.

Game Night

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

11 pages. Two couples are enjoying a bottle of wine at a silly game night, but the game gets serious when one player pushes things too far.

11 pages. Two couples are enjoying a bottle of wine at a silly game night, but the game gets serious when one player pushes things too far.

Goldfish

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

8 pages. A chance encounter at some motel vending machines turns into something sinister.

8 pages. A chance encounter at some motel vending machines turns into something sinister.

Goodbye, Howie

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

6 pages. Bridge and Lisa struggle with anger, guilt, and resentment after putting down their beloved dog, Howie.

6 pages. Bridge and Lisa struggle with anger, guilt, and resentment after putting down their beloved dog, Howie.

Grindr Police

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. Colin has a hot Grindr date but he's in for a few surprises.

10 pages. Colin has a hot Grindr date but he's in for a few surprises.

A Gun or a Paycheck

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

6 pages. A husband's refusal to dance at a wedding reception causes friction in a marriage.

6 pages. A husband's refusal to dance at a wedding reception causes friction in a marriage.

Hadley's Son Finds the Truth

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

13 pages. Hadley is getting ready for Thanksgiving when her teenage son finds something he wasn't supposed to find... His birth certificate.

13 pages. Hadley is getting ready for Thanksgiving when her teenage son finds something he wasn't supposed to find... His birth certificate.

Harry Vs James or The Cigarette Butt Incident

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

7 pages. Harry and James explain to their wives why they ended up in the hospital and the police station, respectively.

7 pages. Harry and James explain to their wives why they ended up in the hospital and the police station, respectively.

Hate the Game

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

7 pages. J.J. made the touchdown, but wants to hide an injury from his mother who thinks football is dangerous.

7 pages. J.J. made the touchdown, but wants to hide an injury from his mother who thinks football is dangerous.

The Hero Formerly Known as Force Majeure

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

4 pages. Confessions of a former super-hero turn into the fantasies of a bombing victim in this dark monologue play for either a man or a woman.

4 pages. Confessions of a former super-hero turn into the fantasies of a bombing victim in this dark monologue play for either a man or a woman.

Hey Hey, Jay Jay!

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. Jay saves the day when the caterer doesn’t show up for a party, but Rachel and Hiram want more…

10 pages. Jay saves the day when the caterer doesn’t show up for a party, but Rachel and Hiram want more…

Hobie's Car Key Tattoo

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

12 pages. Tru wants to hide out from his roommate, who is high and wants to tattoo him. Justin and Robb have little sympathy for his plight, once they find out what Tru has been up to.

12 pages. Tru wants to hide out from his roommate, who is high and wants to tattoo him. Justin and Robb have little sympathy for his plight, once they find out what Tru has been up to.

How Jamie's Hatred of Smoking Brought About the End of Civilization as We Know It

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

11 pages. It might be the end of the world, and Jamie confesses to Linda that, because of a cigarette butt, it's all his fault.

11 pages. It might be the end of the world, and Jamie confesses to Linda that, because of a cigarette butt, it's all his fault.

Ice Cream in Winter

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

6 pages. In the time of Covid, a police officer stops in on Dewey for a welfare check and the two men open up to each other in unexpected ways.

6 pages. In the time of Covid, a police officer stops in on Dewey for a welfare check and the two men open up to each other in unexpected ways.

If You've Been in an Accident...

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Young teen Danny has a locally famous dad, but he's not happy about his newfound notoriety.

9 pages. Young teen Danny has a locally famous dad, but he's not happy about his newfound notoriety.

I Knew Him

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

8 pages. Brad is playing Hamlet and after a show gets an unexpected visitor at the stage door, the mother of an unusual "cast member."

8 pages. Brad is playing Hamlet and after a show gets an unexpected visitor at the stage door, the mother of an unusual "cast member."

I Know

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

4 pages. After a shooting at their church, a husband and wife argue about continuing to volunteer there. Written for Code Red Playwrights, based on the events of May 3, 2012 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church In Ellicott City, MD. Dedicated to Rev. Marguerite Mary Kohn and Brenda Brewington.

The Code Red Playwrights pieces are available for readings and performances royalty-free. For more information, please visit...

4 pages. After a shooting at their church, a husband and wife argue about continuing to volunteer there. Written for Code Red Playwrights, based on the events of May 3, 2012 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church In Ellicott City, MD. Dedicated to Rev. Marguerite Mary Kohn and Brenda Brewington.

The Code Red Playwrights pieces are available for readings and performances royalty-free. For more information, please visit https://coderedplaywrights.wixsite.com/website

I’m Worried About Lucille

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

6 pages. Mom is very concerned that her precocious six-year-old daughter Lucille is in the back yard building a psychiatric booth.

6 pages. Mom is very concerned that her precocious six-year-old daughter Lucille is in the back yard building a psychiatric booth.

The Incredible Story of Jacob and Dylan and the Not-Gay Kiss

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

11 pages. How exactly did Jacob and Dylan get way up there, and why did they end up in a kiss?

11 pages. How exactly did Jacob and Dylan get way up there, and why did they end up in a kiss?

Interview

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

8 pages. Wayne seeks out a homeless man to interview for a school project, but the truth come out in a dirty park restroom.

8 pages. Wayne seeks out a homeless man to interview for a school project, but the truth come out in a dirty park restroom.

Into Me (A Love Story)

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

7 pages. A most unlikely, beautiful, and dangerous love story.

7 pages. A most unlikely, beautiful, and dangerous love story.

It's August

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

7 pages. Clive gives Sammy her first Christmas gift of the year... in August.

7 pages. Clive gives Sammy her first Christmas gift of the year... in August.

It's Totally Not

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Margie is convinced that she's magical, but Duane remains skeptical.

9 pages. Margie is convinced that she's magical, but Duane remains skeptical.

January 21

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

8 pages. Sadie is struggling, so she finds something to celebrate… no, not celebrate, appreciate.

8 pages. Sadie is struggling, so she finds something to celebrate… no, not celebrate, appreciate.

Juror #3

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Candace, the mother of a convicted killer, pays a visit to Jackie, who served on the jury that convicted her son.

9 pages. Candace, the mother of a convicted killer, pays a visit to Jackie, who served on the jury that convicted her son.

Lang

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. 1930s Berlin. German filmmaker Fritz Lang has a deadly serious decision to make. Based on true events.

10 pages. 1930s Berlin. German filmmaker Fritz Lang has a deadly serious decision to make. Based on true events.

The Last Pub in Burtonsville, NY

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

11 pages. Late Christmas Eve at a shut-down bar, two people come to say goodbye to the business in very different ways. An unconventional Christmas tale.

11 pages. Late Christmas Eve at a shut-down bar, two people come to say goodbye to the business in very different ways. An unconventional Christmas tale.

The Library Will Reopen on Monday

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

4 pages. After a shooting, two library employees come in to clean up. Written for Code Red Playwrights, based on the events of June 7, 2013, Santa Monica, CA.

The Code Red Playwrights pieces are available for readings and performances royalty-free. For more information, please visit https://coderedplaywrights.wixsite.com/website

4 pages. After a shooting, two library employees come in to clean up. Written for Code Red Playwrights, based on the events of June 7, 2013, Santa Monica, CA.

The Code Red Playwrights pieces are available for readings and performances royalty-free. For more information, please visit https://coderedplaywrights.wixsite.com/website

Lifesavers

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

8 pages. Teens Victor and Corrine, on their way home from a date, hide out from street riots in a nursery. Written for the 2019 "Quarantine Bake-Off" project.

8 pages. Teens Victor and Corrine, on their way home from a date, hide out from street riots in a nursery. Written for the 2019 "Quarantine Bake-Off" project.

Limits

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

A man tries reporting his rape to the police, but the circumstances lend doubts to his claim.

A man tries reporting his rape to the police, but the circumstances lend doubts to his claim.

Magic Michael

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. Mia is going through some old boxes and comes across Michael's magic tricks. Is there really magic in what she finds?

10 pages. Mia is going through some old boxes and comes across Michael's magic tricks. Is there really magic in what she finds?

Making Soap

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

7 pages. In the time of Covid, Jake and Ariel receive a gift of homemade soap from friends... and it pisses Ariel off.

7 pages. In the time of Covid, Jake and Ariel receive a gift of homemade soap from friends... and it pisses Ariel off.

Massage Envy

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Derek thinks his wife is cheating. Tony is giving him a massage. They both want a "happy ending." One of them gets it.

9 pages. Derek thinks his wife is cheating. Tony is giving him a massage. They both want a "happy ending." One of them gets it.

MJX

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Should an artist's actions affect the way their art is perceived? Two alcoholics from different worlds, Blake and Carter, have opposing opinions on the matter.

9 pages. Should an artist's actions affect the way their art is perceived? Two alcoholics from different worlds, Blake and Carter, have opposing opinions on the matter.

Mr. Tubbs Hearts Dr. Franklin

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. Mr. Tubbs has some seriously strange confessions to his dentist as he comes out of his anesthesia.

10 pages. Mr. Tubbs has some seriously strange confessions to his dentist as he comes out of his anesthesia.

Next Door

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. A short play inspired by the 2016 William Inge Festival. A troubled couple moves in next to William Inge's boyhood home in Independence, KS.

10 pages. A short play inspired by the 2016 William Inge Festival. A troubled couple moves in next to William Inge's boyhood home in Independence, KS.

Not Yet Yeti!

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

4 pages. Yeti CAN'T WAIT to help with the surprise party for Frankie! An immersive play for kids of all ages!

4 pages. Yeti CAN'T WAIT to help with the surprise party for Frankie! An immersive play for kids of all ages!

Nubs

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

2 page monologue. The pandemic is over, and They need to find something, anything positive resulting from the tragedy.

2 page monologue. The pandemic is over, and They need to find something, anything positive resulting from the tragedy.

Oops!

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

7 pages. Fairy Godmother is the only one who can help J.D. stop having so many klutzy accidents, but J.D. isn't ready to help her earn her wings just yet!

7 pages. Fairy Godmother is the only one who can help J.D. stop having so many klutzy accidents, but J.D. isn't ready to help her earn her wings just yet!

Orange

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Ray sees the world differently. If only he could make Cora understand... so he enlists the help of an orange.

9 pages. Ray sees the world differently. If only he could make Cora understand... so he enlists the help of an orange.

The Origin of the Bob's Big Boy Triplets

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. Bryan inherits a house and a huge unexpected legacy.

10 pages. Bryan inherits a house and a huge unexpected legacy.

Perseus and the Pretty Purple Pickles (co-written with Steven G. Martin)

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

6 pages, by Steven G. Martin & DC Cathro. Perseus is on a quest for Mommy! She needs a jar of pretty purple pickles, and Perseus meets lots of friends along the way! An adventure in manners for young audiences!

6 pages, by Steven G. Martin & DC Cathro. Perseus is on a quest for Mommy! She needs a jar of pretty purple pickles, and Perseus meets lots of friends along the way! An adventure in manners for young audiences!

Phase 3: Mandusa

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

8 pages. Super-hero wannabe Mandusa is tested to see if he's got what it takes to join The Hero Initiative.

8 pages. Super-hero wannabe Mandusa is tested to see if he's got what it takes to join The Hero Initiative.

The Play About a Happy Ending Without a Happy Ending

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Trevor had an unexpected surprise at his massage, after the masseur was recommended by his buddy Bruce. Now Trevor has some questions...

9 pages. Trevor had an unexpected surprise at his massage, after the masseur was recommended by his buddy Bruce. Now Trevor has some questions...

A Precious Moment with Bonnie and Neil

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

6 pages. Bonnie is thrilled with the birthday gift she found for Neil. Neil... not so much.

6 pages. Bonnie is thrilled with the birthday gift she found for Neil. Neil... not so much.

Princess Camilla

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

8 pages. When her day at a craft fair selling her wares goes horribly wrong, Diedre is ready to give it all up.

8 pages. When her day at a craft fair selling her wares goes horribly wrong, Diedre is ready to give it all up.

Property Values

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

8 pages. A visiting neighbor discovers that the rumors are true... The house IS haunted! Why isn't the owner scared?

8 pages. A visiting neighbor discovers that the rumors are true... The house IS haunted! Why isn't the owner scared?

To Protect and Serve

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. Margie's husband, Roland, is wheelchair-bound and now works from home, and Margie has trouble dealing with his job now that it's under her own roof.

10 pages. Margie's husband, Roland, is wheelchair-bound and now works from home, and Margie has trouble dealing with his job now that it's under her own roof.

Real Heroes

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

4 pages. It's Halloween, a husband and wife are in conflict about the costumes she picked out, and why. Written for Code Red Playwrights, based on the events of September 28, 2016, Townville, South Carolina. Dedicated to Jacob Hall.

The Code Red Playwrights pieces are available for readings and performances royalty-free. For more information, please visit https://coderedplaywrights.wixsite.com/website

4 pages. It's Halloween, a husband and wife are in conflict about the costumes she picked out, and why. Written for Code Red Playwrights, based on the events of September 28, 2016, Townville, South Carolina. Dedicated to Jacob Hall.

The Code Red Playwrights pieces are available for readings and performances royalty-free. For more information, please visit https://coderedplaywrights.wixsite.com/website

The Realization Came Halfway Through the Donut

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

8 pages. Ed's first realization came lying in bed, watching his wife sleep. His second came halfway through eating the donut.

8 pages. Ed's first realization came lying in bed, watching his wife sleep. His second came halfway through eating the donut.

Resolution

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Cynthia is enjoying her date with Bob, mostly, but she really wants him to clear something up… His face.

9 pages. Cynthia is enjoying her date with Bob, mostly, but she really wants him to clear something up… His face.

Roadkill

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

11 pages. Bud comes to say goodbye to Charlie, his ex. It seems he knows how he's going to die, and it may be soon, but Charlie isn't buying it.

11 pages. Bud comes to say goodbye to Charlie, his ex. It seems he knows how he's going to die, and it may be soon, but Charlie isn't buying it.

The Rules of the Sisterhood

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

4 pages. The rules of The Sisterhood are very strict...So are the consequences for breaking them.

4 pages. The rules of The Sisterhood are very strict...So are the consequences for breaking them.

Santa’s Scarlet Letter

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

5 page monologue. Cynthia recalls her encounter with Santa… the real Santa.

5 page monologue. Cynthia recalls her encounter with Santa… the real Santa.

Saying It (A One-Minute Play)

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

2 pages. A couples' intimate thoughts during an intimate moment.
(Note - this piece is 22:30-23:20 in the video, link inside.)

2 pages. A couples' intimate thoughts during an intimate moment.
(Note - this piece is 22:30-23:20 in the video, link inside.)

Scissor Stars

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

11 pages. Buck and Gina are struggling, but when Gina gets what may be her big break, Buck lashes out.

11 pages. Buck and Gina are struggling, but when Gina gets what may be her big break, Buck lashes out.

Skin

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

7 pages. Melissa has been betrayed, but Jo can't relate. There are, however, many kinds of betrayal.

7 pages. Melissa has been betrayed, but Jo can't relate. There are, however, many kinds of betrayal.

The Snake on the Steering Wheel

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

6 pages. Lila is concerned about the deteriorating mental faculties of her partner, Jenny, so she proposes an idea.

6 pages. Lila is concerned about the deteriorating mental faculties of her partner, Jenny, so she proposes an idea.

So I Was Visiting Dad on His Birthday...

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. Miranda and Sarah meet under strange and tragic circumstances when Miranda visits her father's grave at a cemetery. Written for The Rainy Day Artistic Collective 48 Hour Fundraiser Playfest, August 7-8, 2021.

Published in “The Best Short Plays of 2022” from Smith & Kraus Publishers.

10 pages. Miranda and Sarah meet under strange and tragic circumstances when Miranda visits her father's grave at a cemetery. Written for The Rainy Day Artistic Collective 48 Hour Fundraiser Playfest, August 7-8, 2021.

Published in “The Best Short Plays of 2022” from Smith & Kraus Publishers.

Sometimes, When It’s Night, I Run Through the Neighborhood Naked and No One’s Caught Me Yet

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. Danielle and her boyfriend find shelter for the holidays in her old dorm room. An unconventional Christmas play.,

10 pages. Danielle and her boyfriend find shelter for the holidays in her old dorm room. An unconventional Christmas play.,

Spirited

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

8 pages. A woman returns a Ouija Board to a local toy store... because it WORKS.

8 pages. A woman returns a Ouija Board to a local toy store... because it WORKS.

Sports, Weather, Murder (A One-Minute Play)

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

2 pages. Bey is annoyed that her mother calls to check up on her every time there is a shooting in Chicago.

2 pages. Bey is annoyed that her mother calls to check up on her every time there is a shooting in Chicago.

Stuck

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

6 pages. Mark has some bad news to share with Karen, but she won't let him.

6 pages. Mark has some bad news to share with Karen, but she won't let him.

A Sunday Morning in Richmond, VA

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Grant and Neveah discover their son Ray has a racist tattoo.

9 pages. Grant and Neveah discover their son Ray has a racist tattoo.

Tails (A One-Minute Play)

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

1 page. Lots of important decisions are made with a coin toss.

1 page. Lots of important decisions are made with a coin toss.

That'sh Classhified

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

8 pages. Carter and Criswell interrogate Wendell, who has a very tall tale about his dental trauma... And how did he end up in Russia anyway?

8 pages. Carter and Criswell interrogate Wendell, who has a very tall tale about his dental trauma... And how did he end up in Russia anyway?

They Say Music Makes Memories

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Ming returns Lee's iPod, borrowed for a camping trip. However, Lee's iPod is broken. The one Ming took belonged to Lee's late father, and unhappy memories are brought back to light.

9 pages. Ming returns Lee's iPod, borrowed for a camping trip. However, Lee's iPod is broken. The one Ming took belonged to Lee's late father, and unhappy memories are brought back to light.

The Things You Find Behind the Family Bible

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Emily and her son Sam both discover they use the same hiding place... From each other.

9 pages. Emily and her son Sam both discover they use the same hiding place... From each other.

The Things You Find Out Between the First and Second Date

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Shawna helps her mom Toni get ready for a second date, and ends up filling her in on some fascinating information about the guy.

9 pages. Shawna helps her mom Toni get ready for a second date, and ends up filling her in on some fascinating information about the guy.

A Thousand Points

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

8 pages. Ty's mother confronts his Driver's Ed teacher after he's kicked out of the program.

8 pages. Ty's mother confronts his Driver's Ed teacher after he's kicked out of the program.

Tina is Weird

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Julie is convinced that Tina is either a robot or an alien, and that is why she is so weird. Dallas thinks Julie is weird for trying to convince him of this.

9 pages. Julie is convinced that Tina is either a robot or an alien, and that is why she is so weird. Dallas thinks Julie is weird for trying to convince him of this.

Trick or Treat

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. AJ and Joey Ray meet in a junkyard on Halloween night, but haggling for candy turns into something more sinister.

9 pages. AJ and Joey Ray meet in a junkyard on Halloween night, but haggling for candy turns into something more sinister.

Twenty-Eight Percent Capacity

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

8 pages. Musicians Dylan and Jerome have just finished performing a concert in the time of Covid, and Dylan has reservations about finishing the tour.

8 pages. Musicians Dylan and Jerome have just finished performing a concert in the time of Covid, and Dylan has reservations about finishing the tour.

Unbelievable

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Lynch and Laura are trapped in their car as some creepy, unbelievable stuff is happening outside all around them.

9 pages. Lynch and Laura are trapped in their car as some creepy, unbelievable stuff is happening outside all around them.

Uncle Dog's Banjo

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

6 pages. LaKoya tries to sneak Uncle Dog's beloved banjo to him in jail, but Maw finds out.

6 pages. LaKoya tries to sneak Uncle Dog's beloved banjo to him in jail, but Maw finds out.

Under Multicolored Lights

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Robert and Polly's relationship is crumbling when their child is found in the middle of an intersection, watching the traffic light change. A holiday drama.

9 pages. Robert and Polly's relationship is crumbling when their child is found in the middle of an intersection, watching the traffic light change. A holiday drama.

Untitled Play That We Promise is Really Good

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

7 pages. Glynn has free tickets to a play, but Cam changes their mind about going when they hear that the play is "Untitled."

7 pages. Glynn has free tickets to a play, but Cam changes their mind about going when they hear that the play is "Untitled."

Up With Family

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. Two siblings go in together on a present for their father, but it's really an attempt to help a failing marriage.

10 pages. Two siblings go in together on a present for their father, but it's really an attempt to help a failing marriage.

Verna and Jeannie

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. Two elderly cousins, following the funeral of one of their husbands, confide in each other about the biggest secrets they have... including his cause of death.

10 pages. Two elderly cousins, following the funeral of one of their husbands, confide in each other about the biggest secrets they have... including his cause of death.

When the Heart is Freed

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

10 pages. Sabrina is questioned following the strange death of a co-worker. Was she at fault? Inspired by the short play “The Cage Which Holds a Heart” by Monica Cross.

https://newplayexchange.org/plays/1044925/cage-which-holds-heart

10 pages. Sabrina is questioned following the strange death of a co-worker. Was she at fault? Inspired by the short play “The Cage Which Holds a Heart” by Monica Cross.

https://newplayexchange.org/plays/1044925/cage-which-holds-heart

Wine Box Players

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

8 pages. Emily has stolen a box of wine, and Zach is not happy about being an unwilling accomplice.

8 pages. Emily has stolen a box of wine, and Zach is not happy about being an unwilling accomplice.

Your First Pet and the Street You Grew Up On

by DC Cathro

Synopsis

9 pages. Donald surprises Lizzie with a birthday present that shocks and angers her, and he wants to know why.

9 pages. Donald surprises Lizzie with a birthday present that shocks and angers her, and he wants to know why.