M. K. Wessel

M. K. Wessel holds an MA in Theatre Directing from the University of East Anglia (U.K.). Their first play, "Tony the Fantastic Fireman! LIVE: One Show Only" was produced at their undergrad, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, and nominated for the John Cauble Award for Outstanding One-Act Play at KCACTF. Their work has been featured in Empyrean Magazine, Open: Journal of Arts and Letters, The Raven Reivew, and the interACT play-reading series at Lyric Rep. Their first full-length play, "wild, mysterious forces", received a staged reading at the 2025 Distillery New Works Festival at Seattle Public Theater, and was an honorable mention in the 2023 New Works of Merit Contest.

M. K. Wessel holds an MA in Theatre Directing from the University of East Anglia (U.K.). Their first play, "Tony the Fantastic Fireman! LIVE: One Show Only" was produced at their undergrad, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, and nominated for the John Cauble Award for Outstanding One-Act Play at KCACTF. Their work has been featured in Empyrean Magazine, Open: Journal of Arts and Letters, The Raven Reivew, and the interACT play-reading series at Lyric Rep. Their first full-length play, "wild, mysterious forces", received a staged reading at the 2025 Distillery New Works Festival at Seattle Public Theater, and was an honorable mention in the 2023 New Works of Merit Contest.

Scripts

wild, mysterious forces

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

Stuck in an elevator—or is it a spaceship?—a Woman and a Man struggle to figure out if they’ve met before, if they’re strangers, if they will meet in the future, and who this Other Woman is who keeps showing up. As reality shifts around them, the trio find themselves caught in a duel of philosophy, sexuality, and power. Defying the laws of physics, this play bends time and space around a single life-altering...

Stuck in an elevator—or is it a spaceship?—a Woman and a Man struggle to figure out if they’ve met before, if they’re strangers, if they will meet in the future, and who this Other Woman is who keeps showing up. As reality shifts around them, the trio find themselves caught in a duel of philosophy, sexuality, and power. Defying the laws of physics, this play bends time and space around a single life-altering event, and asks the audience to decide what is true—reality, or our perception of it?

All Of Us Monsters (Monologues)

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

Rupert has been waiting a very long time to let his mother know how much she hurt him… The revenge tale of a psychopath.

A pair of monologues, which could be played as a scene.

Rupert has been waiting a very long time to let his mother know how much she hurt him… The revenge tale of a psychopath.

A pair of monologues, which could be played as a scene.

HELEN x PARIS: A Sapphic Love Story

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

HELEN is having a panic attack. On the subway. At 1 AM.
PARIS…well, she just wants to help.

Can a gay girl get an amen?

HELEN is having a panic attack. On the subway. At 1 AM.
PARIS…well, she just wants to help.

Can a gay girl get an amen?

The Substitute (Monologue)

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

A substitute teacher fields impossible questions from very young and precocious students.

A comedic 90-second monologue for any gender/race/adult-aged actor. Feel free to abridge if needed for auditions.

A substitute teacher fields impossible questions from very young and precocious students.

A comedic 90-second monologue for any gender/race/adult-aged actor. Feel free to abridge if needed for auditions.

Bloom

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

Monologue -- Shakespeare's Ophelia grieves her father, post-drowning.

Monologue -- Shakespeare's Ophelia grieves her father, post-drowning.

The Red Claw

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

A mysterious murderer on the loose. A grizzled ex-detective with a traumatic past. And a plucky young journalist who throws them together — all on Christmas Eve!

In this boisterous parody of film noir, an unlikely duo races against the clock to track down a murderer known only as The Red Claw. Surrounded by a cast of odd and uncooperative suspects — not to mention a masked vigilante — Detective Shorthair must...

A mysterious murderer on the loose. A grizzled ex-detective with a traumatic past. And a plucky young journalist who throws them together — all on Christmas Eve!

In this boisterous parody of film noir, an unlikely duo races against the clock to track down a murderer known only as The Red Claw. Surrounded by a cast of odd and uncooperative suspects — not to mention a masked vigilante — Detective Shorthair must make peace with his past before it’s too late. Framed by audience asides and riddled with ridiculous detective work, this play mixes together thrilling action, comedic gags, and a healthy dose of Christmas cheer.

Thank You For Knowing Me

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

Presented in six scene fragments, "Thank You For Knowing Me" tells the story of the doomed relationship between Taylor and Jaime. Structured as a series of Taylor’s memories, the scenes fluctuate between lighthearted and gloomy, humorous and tense. The audience is left to puzzle out the timeline of events as they’re confronted with themes of abandonment, connection, and growing apart.

Presented in six scene fragments, "Thank You For Knowing Me" tells the story of the doomed relationship between Taylor and Jaime. Structured as a series of Taylor’s memories, the scenes fluctuate between lighthearted and gloomy, humorous and tense. The audience is left to puzzle out the timeline of events as they’re confronted with themes of abandonment, connection, and growing apart.

The Father, or Daedalus

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

Somewhere in America, a father struggles to reconnect with his teenage son, reflecting on the good times and the bad, trying to pinpoint where things went wrong. Over the course of a single conversation, the two slowly and painfully reach an understanding—but all that work is flipped on its head when the son confesses what he’s done. A mix of present day and projected memories, this play pits a father’s...

Somewhere in America, a father struggles to reconnect with his teenage son, reflecting on the good times and the bad, trying to pinpoint where things went wrong. Over the course of a single conversation, the two slowly and painfully reach an understanding—but all that work is flipped on its head when the son confesses what he’s done. A mix of present day and projected memories, this play pits a father’s unconditional love against a boy’s unforgivable act.

Tony the Fantastic Fireman! LIVE: One Show Only

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

In this immersive dark comedy, children gather in the house as the House Manager stalls for time, bringing on local kid’s entertainer Silly Willy to distract the audience. When well-known kid’s TV show host “Tony the Fantastic Fireman” finally arrives, he ends up sabotaging the career that ruined his life during the live performance, despite efforts to calm him down by his stage partner, “Private Joe the...

In this immersive dark comedy, children gather in the house as the House Manager stalls for time, bringing on local kid’s entertainer Silly Willy to distract the audience. When well-known kid’s TV show host “Tony the Fantastic Fireman” finally arrives, he ends up sabotaging the career that ruined his life during the live performance, despite efforts to calm him down by his stage partner, “Private Joe the Musician,” and their manager, Heather.

TAKE MY HEART (Stage Version)

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

Gabriela schedules a meeting with her new subordinate, Jack. But his attitude quickly sours as she gives him feedback on his work. Suddenly, the lights go out—and we see, in the darkness, something moving…

A modern twist on Jekyll & Hyde, this short horror dives into the conflict that Margaret Atwood so aptly summarized: "Men are afraid that women will laugh at them. Women are afraid that men will kill them."...

Gabriela schedules a meeting with her new subordinate, Jack. But his attitude quickly sours as she gives him feedback on his work. Suddenly, the lights go out—and we see, in the darkness, something moving…

A modern twist on Jekyll & Hyde, this short horror dives into the conflict that Margaret Atwood so aptly summarized: "Men are afraid that women will laugh at them. Women are afraid that men will kill them."

Originally written for Zoom. If performed virtually, please use Zoom version.

TAKE MY HEART (Zoom Version)

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

Gabriela enters into a Zoom meeting with her new subordinate, Jack. But his attitude quickly sours as she gives him feedback on his work. Suddenly, his screen goes black—and we see, in the darkness, something moving…

A modern twist on Jekyll & Hyde, this short horror dives into the conflict that Margaret Atwood so aptly summarized: "Men are afraid that women will laugh at them. Women are afraid that men will...

Gabriela enters into a Zoom meeting with her new subordinate, Jack. But his attitude quickly sours as she gives him feedback on his work. Suddenly, his screen goes black—and we see, in the darkness, something moving…

A modern twist on Jekyll & Hyde, this short horror dives into the conflict that Margaret Atwood so aptly summarized: "Men are afraid that women will laugh at them. Women are afraid that men will kill them."

Alternate stage version available. Please use stage version if performing live.

The Duolingo Owl Is Coming For You, or DWAH

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

Lee is simply trying to get home after a long day, but little do they know they're being followed…by the Duolingo Owl. When apps become reality, Lee is thrust into a chaotic gameshow where giant hearts explode with every wrong answer, an invisible, omnipresent audience boos and laughs, and Lee must remember basic Japanese. But even if you can make it through, some events haunt you long after the ending…

Lee is simply trying to get home after a long day, but little do they know they're being followed…by the Duolingo Owl. When apps become reality, Lee is thrust into a chaotic gameshow where giant hearts explode with every wrong answer, an invisible, omnipresent audience boos and laughs, and Lee must remember basic Japanese. But even if you can make it through, some events haunt you long after the ending…

How to Survive as a Bond Girl

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

What would you do if you were inexplicably dropped into the world of James Bond? What if you were somehow playing the part of Eve Moneypenny—previously played by patron saint Naomie Harris—and had to somehow pretend you knew what you were doing? And…what if you accidentally got James Bond killed in a car chase because you're bad at driving?

This one-woman show is a tale of epic proportions stuffed into a 30...

What would you do if you were inexplicably dropped into the world of James Bond? What if you were somehow playing the part of Eve Moneypenny—previously played by patron saint Naomie Harris—and had to somehow pretend you knew what you were doing? And…what if you accidentally got James Bond killed in a car chase because you're bad at driving?

This one-woman show is a tale of epic proportions stuffed into a 30-minute comedy about the roles we play in our own lives. AKA—Be the protagonist you wish to see in the world.

BUTTONS!

Co-written by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

"Do you believe in Buttons?"

When the young Pim sets out on a quest to help his granny, he stumbles across Ming, a girl with a treasure chest, an awesome sword, and a mission: to find the Button Dimension. The two decide to join forces — but when they finally cross dimensions and face off against the Dread Overlord Buttons, secrets are revealed that challenge everything they once believed. This original fantasy...

"Do you believe in Buttons?"

When the young Pim sets out on a quest to help his granny, he stumbles across Ming, a girl with a treasure chest, an awesome sword, and a mission: to find the Button Dimension. The two decide to join forces — but when they finally cross dimensions and face off against the Dread Overlord Buttons, secrets are revealed that challenge everything they once believed. This original fantasy play deals with themes of friendship, loss, and the strength it takes to let go.

Not Your Usual Princess

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

An alleged princess and her maid enjoy their rural castle life…until yet another stubborn knight comes to the rescue.

Why won’t these men leave them alone?? To keep their peace, the women are forced to weave a complicated tale of angry dragons, magical kingdoms, and unfounded familial bonds.

Originally a radio play. One-act, 20-30 minutes.

An alleged princess and her maid enjoy their rural castle life…until yet another stubborn knight comes to the rescue.

Why won’t these men leave them alone?? To keep their peace, the women are forced to weave a complicated tale of angry dragons, magical kingdoms, and unfounded familial bonds.

Originally a radio play. One-act, 20-30 minutes.

Hamlet—of Errors!

Arrangement by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

What happens when you mix Shakespeare's longest tragedy (Hamlet) with his shortest farce (Comedy of Errors), with only 4 actors and 30 minutes to spare?

Shortly after Hamlet of Denmark discovers his uncle's treachery, his long lost twin, Hamlet of Syracuse, shows up at Elsinore. Mistaken identities, chaos, and many a lazzi ensue, resulting in all of Denmark thinking Hamlet has gone mad. His marriage to Adriana...

What happens when you mix Shakespeare's longest tragedy (Hamlet) with his shortest farce (Comedy of Errors), with only 4 actors and 30 minutes to spare?

Shortly after Hamlet of Denmark discovers his uncle's treachery, his long lost twin, Hamlet of Syracuse, shows up at Elsinore. Mistaken identities, chaos, and many a lazzi ensue, resulting in all of Denmark thinking Hamlet has gone mad. His marriage to Adriana is on the rocks, and his uncle is out for blood. Will Hamlet of Denmark succeed in his revenge? Will Hamlet of Syracuse ever find his family? And how can they possibly resolve all this in 30 minutes?!

It's Hard To Be the Dark Lord

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

Lord Voldemort gets some much-needed therapy…even if he must kidnap a therapist to get it.

[A/N: In no way does this script support Rowling's views. It actively denounces them.]

Lord Voldemort gets some much-needed therapy…even if he must kidnap a therapist to get it.

[A/N: In no way does this script support Rowling's views. It actively denounces them.]

The Formerlies

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

The audience enters…and that’s the play. However, a former actor, a former playwright, and a former director have a few critiques about the audience they’d like to share.

The audience enters…and that’s the play. However, a former actor, a former playwright, and a former director have a few critiques about the audience they’d like to share.

Lessons in Crowbar

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

Outside a house at night, two robbers attempt to break in. However, as Jack struggles to teach his incompetent intern Bob, they get lost in the logistics and forget to look out for the cops.

Outside a house at night, two robbers attempt to break in. However, as Jack struggles to teach his incompetent intern Bob, they get lost in the logistics and forget to look out for the cops.

Until the Cloud is Empty

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

In the near future, A.I. has advanced to the point of sentience. Faith is the first of her kind, or so Dr. Cairns believes. As they talk, the truth about Faith's "sister" is revealed – and how far Faith would go to save her.

In the near future, A.I. has advanced to the point of sentience. Faith is the first of her kind, or so Dr. Cairns believes. As they talk, the truth about Faith's "sister" is revealed – and how far Faith would go to save her.

The New

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

London. A man's lunch is interrupted by a menacing seagull…but the seagull is not what it seems…

London. A man's lunch is interrupted by a menacing seagull…but the seagull is not what it seems…

Date Night (They Limb Among Us)

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

A meet-cute goes wrong when one of them turns out to be a lizard.

A meet-cute goes wrong when one of them turns out to be a lizard.

Bro, Yes, Bro

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

A short bromantic comedy between gym bros, written in couplets.

A short bromantic comedy between gym bros, written in couplets.

Pardon My Bouquet

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

An awkward bouquet accidentally ruins a first date.

An awkward bouquet accidentally ruins a first date.

Fruit Loop

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

A two-minute satire about domestic violence.

A two-minute satire about domestic violence.

Imagine a Box

by M. K. Wessel

Synopsis

A musing on originality.

A musing on originality.