Kate Herlihy

Hello hello! My name is Kate and I am currently a student at Texas State University studying playwriting! I'm a born and raised New Englander who has always been drawn to the world of words and found a passion and enjoyment in writing as a whole. The ability to craft such stories that not only speak to me and my own experience, but can appeal to our common humanity was what drew me in and excited me more than performing ever did.

Scripts

Jab

by Kate Herlihy

Cast Size

6—8

Genre

drama,

movement/physical,

political

Marissa is a woman who has been trapped in an abusive marriage, with her partner Hawk, since they were in their early twenties. Now at the age of thirty-four, the weight, intensity, and frequency has caused her to lose all parts of herself. One day her neighbor, Millie, stops by knowing that something deeper is going on and tries to help Marissa in whatever way she needs. But Marissa’s anxiety and paranoia over letting out this secret she has held onto for years causes her to retreat and hide again. Later after confiding in Millie, Millie takes to the all female kickboxing group she’s a part of; hoping this outlet can help Marissa to regain her strength and confidence. Over the course of the play Marissa tries to give kickboxing a shot, slowly rediscovers herself through each jab, hook, and cross until it’s time for her to choose herself and safety.

by Kate Herlihy

Cast Size

Genre

drama,

movement/physical

A professional ballet dancer is forced into retirement and has to come to terms with this change and loss.

You're Not... Are You?

by Kate Herlihy

Cast Size

Genre

drama,

political

Two teen girls currently living in Idaho after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, but one finds out she is pregnant and wants to find a way to have an abortion, while her friend is in complete disagreement that it's an ok thing to do.

Far-Gone Flame

by Kate Herlihy

Cast Size

Genre

comedy,

dark comedy

A candle nearing the end of its wick pleas for life while burning out.

Representation

[email protected]

Recommended by

100 Things I Never Said To You

by Adam Szymkowicz

I enjoy all of Szymkowicz's writing, but this is by far by favorite of their pieces! It is such a creative way to approach grief, love, loss, and shock while still maintaining a sense of balance through a sense of lightness. It is as honest and complex as people are, especially while enduring the grieving process, and is a beautiful read that's profound and meaningful.

I enjoy all of Szymkowicz's writing, but this is by far by favorite of their pieces! It is such a creative way to approach grief, love, loss, and shock while still maintaining a sense of balance through a sense of lightness. It is as honest and complex as people are, especially while enduring the grieving process, and is a beautiful read that's profound and meaningful.
The Long Christmas Journey to Wellesley and Weston

by John Minigan

I really loved this piece! The specificity in each individual character, the strong familial ties, and constant evolution of their states of being was such a unique and beautiful way to approach the idea of time. it's filled with love and loss, making for such a cathartic and relatable play on many levels.

I really loved this piece! The specificity in each individual character, the strong familial ties, and constant evolution of their states of being was such a unique and beautiful way to approach the idea of time. it's filled with love and loss, making for such a cathartic and relatable play on many levels.
Grown-Ass Louis

by Bruce Walsh

I loved this play! it was so different from other 10-minute plays I've read, but the approach to confronting grief and how it lingers while aging was really cool. I liked how it was set in a dream-scape atmosophere and how things blended together in a way that was clear, yet confusing at the same time, much like how coming to terms with loss is.

I loved this play! it was so different from other 10-minute plays I've read, but the approach to confronting grief and how it lingers while aging was really cool. I liked how it was set in a dream-scape atmosophere and how things blended together in a way that was clear, yet confusing at the same time, much like how coming to terms with loss is.
Where the Fireworks Come From

by Michael Pisaturo

This play was simply beautiful due to the honesty and vulnerability that was expressed from real, 3-dimensional characters who are at a cross roads when it comes to the next chapter of their lives. I loved reading this and could easily feel the love, pain, and confusion radiating through each moment of dialogue. It encapsulated the nuances of figuring out sexuality, growing up in a small towns with broader plans, and what to do while trying to bridge the two together

This play was simply beautiful due to the honesty and vulnerability that was expressed from real, 3-dimensional characters who are at a cross roads when it comes to the next chapter of their lives. I loved reading this and could easily feel the love, pain, and confusion radiating through each moment of dialogue. It encapsulated the nuances of figuring out sexuality, growing up in a small towns with broader plans, and what to do while trying to bridge the two together
Closing Doors

by John Minigan

This piece was so powerful, compelling, and really struck a major chord with me. I see and can understand both arguments from the characters, but am heartbroken over how one's duty to protecting and saving a child physically and emotionally even during a drill was being reprimanded. It goes to show the society we live in and how prevalent those situations are where teachers are continuing to put themselves on the line for the sake of children. It was beautifully written to show the complexity of this reoccurring issue

This piece was so powerful, compelling, and really struck a major chord with me. I see and can understand both arguments from the characters, but am heartbroken over how one's duty to protecting and saving a child physically and emotionally even during a drill was being reprimanded. It goes to show the society we live in and how prevalent those situations are where teachers are continuing to put themselves on the line for the sake of children. It was beautifully written to show the complexity of this reoccurring issue

View all 6 recommendations

Kate Herlihy

Scripts

Jab

by Kate Herlihy

Révérence

by Kate Herlihy

You're Not... Are You?

by Kate Herlihy

Far-Gone Flame

by Kate Herlihy

100 Things I Never Said To You

The Long Christmas Journey to Wellesley and Weston

Grown-Ass Louis

Where the Fireworks Come From

Closing Doors