Matthew Weaver

Matthew Weaver

PHOTO CREDIT: Crystal Madsen Photography
http://www.crystalmadsen.com

Accepting commissions. Inquire within.

https://bsky.app/profile/cutewriterguy.bsky.social

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Matthew Weaver (he/him/his) is a Spokane, Wash., playwright and screenwriter. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

His plays have been produced in Washington State, Canada,...
PHOTO CREDIT: Crystal Madsen Photography
http://www.crystalmadsen.com

Accepting commissions. Inquire within.

https://bsky.app/profile/cutewriterguy.bsky.social

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Matthew Weaver (he/him/his) is a Spokane, Wash., playwright and screenwriter. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

His plays have been produced in Washington State, Canada, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Ohio, Texas, West Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, Colorado, California, Florida, Ireland, Japan, Oregon, Maryland, Illinois, Missouri, Arizona, Oklahoma, Iowa, Connecticut, Utah, Kansas, North Dakota, England and Rhode Island.
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September, 2022: S'more beer beer bread, made using Campfire Snack beer from Lumberbeard Brewing in Spokane, receives second-place red ribbon in Spokane Interstate Fair beer bread contest.

September, 2021: Huckleberry beer beer bread, made using Huckleberry Cream Ale from Laughing Dog Brewing in Ponderay, Idaho, receives first place blue ribbon in Spokane Interstate Fair beer bread contest.

Producer and contributed to the screenplay for the film STATION TO STATION, directed by Ben Bryant, produced by Bryant Zamberlan Group. Received Award of Merit for the script from IndieFest Film Awards, August 2021. Also IndieEye Film Award for Best Narrative Feature (as producer), July 2021.

"Willy's Mom Gets in the Car" included in Smith & Kraus Best Ten Minute Plays 2021 anthology.

"Continents Apart" included in Lawrence Harbison's 2020 Best Ten-Minute Plays anthology.

In November 2020, his full-length screenplay LOVE IN THE TIME OF SCHOOL SHOOTINGS was named a quarter-finalist for Sci-Fi/Fantasy in Final Draft's Big Break screenwriting contest.

In October 2020, his full-length clown romantic comedy screenplay FEAR ITSELF received a public reading as part of the Spokane Film Project's Connecting in Chaos program: https://www.facebook.com/SpokaneFilmProject/posts/1599221270259749

In September 2019, his full-length young adult screenplay BOBBY AND THE CHEERLEADERS was named a semi-finalist for Drama in Final Draft's Big Break screenwriting contest.

In June 2019, his one-act play "The Great Fish and Jonah" received the Adjudicator's Choice Award during the Spokane Civic Theatre's Playwrights Forum Festival.

In July 2018, a "Matthew Weaver" Special Showcase of 14 of his short plays was featured at Ignite! Community Theatre in Spokane Valley, Wash.

His comedy "Bed Ride" was a 2016 finalist in the Rover Dramawerks annual play contest in Plano, Texas. "Variations on a First Kiss" received Audience Favorite Comedy in the Exit 7 Players Theater's Short Play Contest.
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"Awnings" received the Robert Barnard Audience Award-Friday for a reading at the Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS) New Works Festival in Huntington, WV, December 2016.
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"The Fluidity of Truth" is a semifinalist in the NYC Playwrights project Women in the Age of Trump.
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His screenplay "Trapped in a First Kiss" is a finalist in the first annual Twin Falls Sandwiches Film Festival in Twin Falls, Idaho, in October 2016.
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His short screenplay "Untoward" is a 2016 semifinalist in the DC Shorts Film Festival in Washington, D.C., and a quarterfinalist in the Richmond International Film Festival in Richmond, Va.
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He works by day as a reporter for an agricultural newspaper. Listen to a May 2017 interview with the Washington Grain Commission podcast, Wheat All About It: http://wagrains.org/podcast/episode-18-behind-the-curtain/
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His short screenplay "The Lift" received the only honorable mention in the Short. Sweet. Film Fest screenplay contest in March 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wordweaver19/

Plays

  • 7th Floor Nurse's Station
    FULL-LENGTH: Jessie Hardy is a hard-working nurse and single mother. Her commitment to her job is tested when a dangerous patient is checked in to the hospital.

    Produced in July 2022 as part of Buck's Rock Camp.
  • Aaaron the Aardvark
    FULL-LENGTH: Jasmine Pine celebrates her anniversary.
  • Aces Are Feverish
    FULL-LENGTH: Directed by Joanne Moore Bracht; Masquers Theater in Soap Lake, Wash., Summer of 2016
    Eagle Point High School production in Eagle Point, OR, in November 2018.

    Reading by Baldwin Wallace BFA Showcase Class of 2021, Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio; July 24, 2020.

    Ace Valentine is a classic noir detective like Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe. Only she has a...
    FULL-LENGTH: Directed by Joanne Moore Bracht; Masquers Theater in Soap Lake, Wash., Summer of 2016
    Eagle Point High School production in Eagle Point, OR, in November 2018.

    Reading by Baldwin Wallace BFA Showcase Class of 2021, Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio; July 24, 2020.

    Ace Valentine is a classic noir detective like Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe. Only she has a cold. When a sexy club singer asks her to investigate the disappearance of his missing wife, Ace is forced to confront old flames and longtime rivals. Before long, she's on the trail of a killer, consuming a large quantity of doughnuts - her medicine of choice - and dodging bullets. And ducking is hard when you have the sniffles.
  • Aphrodite- An Intimate Evening with the Goddess of Love
    ONE-WOMAN SHOW: The Goddess Aphrodite descends from Olympus to tell her side of the story. For one night only.

    Calls for some audience interaction.
  • Awkward Robot's Instruction Manual For Dating Other Awkward Robots
    FULL-LENGTH: A-19 is an Awkward Robot. The Toastburn Company lost the instruction manual for Awkward Robots. A-19 is good at awkwarding anyway. A natural. Gifted. But A-19 wants to write an instruction manual so they know how to navigate dating. QTP-13 is a Scintillating Conversation Robot who is sometimes awkward, and wants to help A-19 with their instruction manual.

    Reading June 20, 2020 as...
    FULL-LENGTH: A-19 is an Awkward Robot. The Toastburn Company lost the instruction manual for Awkward Robots. A-19 is good at awkwarding anyway. A natural. Gifted. But A-19 wants to write an instruction manual so they know how to navigate dating. QTP-13 is a Scintillating Conversation Robot who is sometimes awkward, and wants to help A-19 with their instruction manual.

    Reading June 20, 2020 as part of Baldwin Wallace University's BFA Showcase.
  • Bed Ride
    FULL-LENGTH: 2016 finalist in the Rover Dramawerks play contest in Plano, Texas.
    Directed by Beverly Hasper at Masquers Theater in Soap Lake, Wash., in the summer of 2013.

    Bob and Agatha Outhaus are confined to their bed for medical reasons. Agatha is eight months and three weeks pregnant and just about to give birth, and Bob broke both of his legs. Bob is an outdoors newspaper columnist,...
    FULL-LENGTH: 2016 finalist in the Rover Dramawerks play contest in Plano, Texas.
    Directed by Beverly Hasper at Masquers Theater in Soap Lake, Wash., in the summer of 2013.

    Bob and Agatha Outhaus are confined to their bed for medical reasons. Agatha is eight months and three weeks pregnant and just about to give birth, and Bob broke both of his legs. Bob is an outdoors newspaper columnist, but hasn't wanted to tell his bosses about his injuries, so he's still been writing his column like he's getting out and about.
    Their nurse, Joan, has a thing for bad boys. Bob's ne'er-do-well brother, Simon, arrives to help out and brings his girlfriend, Twinkie, with him. But trouble tends to follow Simon around ... unless it's already on the Outhaus doorstep!
  • The Blushing Groom
    FULL-LENGTH, TWO-HANDER: It's Marshall and Rowdy's eighth date. It has gone very, very well.
  • Cashmere Woods
    FULL-LENGTH: A group of friends gathers for their semi-regular "Guy's Night Out" poker game. All of them are at various stages of life - Teddy and his wife just had a baby. Hank just started dating again. Clint is suspicious of his wife. John is embarking on a new business venture. Pierce is distracted by worry.

    They're all starving, because it's The Stooge's night...
    FULL-LENGTH: A group of friends gathers for their semi-regular "Guy's Night Out" poker game. All of them are at various stages of life - Teddy and his wife just had a baby. Hank just started dating again. Clint is suspicious of his wife. John is embarking on a new business venture. Pierce is distracted by worry.

    They're all starving, because it's The Stooge's night to bring food. Only The Stooge apparently met a girl ...

    All characters are male, but are to be played by female performers.
  • The Crowd
    FULL-LENGTH FOR A LARGE CAST: A crowd gathers to watch Jesus Christ's crucifixion.
  • Gluttony & Lust Are Friends
    FULL-LENGTH: Read as part of the WILDSound Festival in Canada in August 2015.

    At the annual gathering of the Seven Deadly Sins, Gluttony and Lust begin commiserating about the monotony of their routines. Apparently even having sex all the time and eating as much as you could ever want eventually gets really boring.

    So Gluttony and Lust swap, and are so reinvigorated and energized...
    FULL-LENGTH: Read as part of the WILDSound Festival in Canada in August 2015.

    At the annual gathering of the Seven Deadly Sins, Gluttony and Lust begin commiserating about the monotony of their routines. Apparently even having sex all the time and eating as much as you could ever want eventually gets really boring.

    So Gluttony and Lust swap, and are so reinvigorated and energized that they convince the other deadly sins to follow suit. Meanwhile, the world falls into chaos, with erotic bakeries taking the place of Starbucks on every street corner and a sumo wrestler being named the Sexiest Person Currently Breathing.

    Eventually the Virtues get involved, as all the changes threaten to bring about the apocalypse.

    Set entirely in a Chinese buffet restaurant.
  • Leo and the Art of Getting Over a Girl
    FULL-LENGTH: Leo and his roommate order Chinese takeout.

    Performed as a Zoom reading by the September Theatre Project, September 2020.

    (formerly SPECIAL CHOW MEIN)
  • Shamrock Shake Jones in the Case of the Bonus Flour Baby (a high school full-length play for Zoom)
    FULL-LENGTH YOUNG ADULT PLAY FOR ZOOM: Former ace kid detective Shamrock Shake Jones, best friend Charlie Winkston and brother Dunk are knee-deep in homework and caring for their flour babies for class when someone leaves an actual baby on Sham's doorstep, with a note and her old detective agency fee.

    Sham, Charlie and Dunk, and you, the audience (as a character named Milton), must figure...
    FULL-LENGTH YOUNG ADULT PLAY FOR ZOOM: Former ace kid detective Shamrock Shake Jones, best friend Charlie Winkston and brother Dunk are knee-deep in homework and caring for their flour babies for class when someone leaves an actual baby on Sham's doorstep, with a note and her old detective agency fee.

    Sham, Charlie and Dunk, and you, the audience (as a character named Milton), must figure out the identity of the mother who left the baby and the identity of the father.

    Written in response to a request for a high school play entirely on Zoom, for 20-plus performers, with a Choose Your Own adventure element.
  • Timmy's Big Kiss
    YA FULL-LENGTH COMEDY: Timmy Hilsop is on the run from every girl in his school and the tri-county area, all of whom want to kiss him to win a prize established by his rock star older brother, Van. But does Timmy even want to be kissed?

    Selected for the 2018 Plays-In-Development program at The Sauk in Jonesville, Michigan in June 2018, directed by Trinity Bird.
  • The Urn
    FULL-LENGTH: Sisters Finn and Vesta go on a road trip across the country after Vesta turns up on Finn's door
    with a mysterious urn.
  • The Wheatfield
    YOUTH PLAY FOR A LARGE CLASS OF STUDENTS: A year in the life of a wheatfield.
  • 40ish Short Plays about Matthew Weaver, compiled
    EVENING OF PLAYS: 40ish family and friends write on the theme: What Matthew Weaver means to me.

    BY: Lisa Weaver, William Weaver, Steven Weaver
    &
    Evan Baughfman, Trinity Bird, Tristen Canfield, Hal Corley, Gail Cory-Betz, Monica Cross, Doug DeVita, Coral Dickinson, Carol Ellis, Franky Gonzalez, Justin Guidroz, Emily Hageman, Jean Hardie, S.E. Hilsen, Pam Kingsley, Greg Lam,...
    EVENING OF PLAYS: 40ish family and friends write on the theme: What Matthew Weaver means to me.

    BY: Lisa Weaver, William Weaver, Steven Weaver
    &
    Evan Baughfman, Trinity Bird, Tristen Canfield, Hal Corley, Gail Cory-Betz, Monica Cross, Doug DeVita, Coral Dickinson, Carol Ellis, Franky Gonzalez, Justin Guidroz, Emily Hageman, Jean Hardie, S.E. Hilsen, Pam Kingsley, Greg Lam, Steven G. Martin, Giselle Muise, Scott Mullen, Jennifer O’Grady, Brady Peters, Daniel Prillaman, Larry Rinkel, Vicki Rothrock, Scott Sickles, Amee Smith, Elisabeth Giffin Speckman, Rachel Luann Strayer, Philip Middleton Williams


    From Matthew:
    So, I turned 40 this year. On September 19.

    As a way to mark the occasion, I asked family, friends, fellow playwrights and strangers to write a few words for a project called 40ish Short Plays about Matthew Weaver. The theme: What Matthew Weaver means to me.

    Thank you all so much for contributing!
  • And Sometimes Y
    FULL-LENGTH: An evening of very short plays, 1-3 minutes each, all in alphabetical order.

    Each play only uses dialogue that begins with a corresponding letter. The "A" play only uses words that begin with the letter A, the "B" play only uses words that begin with the letter "B," and so on.

    Includes "Quite" and "Want."
    ...
    FULL-LENGTH: An evening of very short plays, 1-3 minutes each, all in alphabetical order.

    Each play only uses dialogue that begins with a corresponding letter. The "A" play only uses words that begin with the letter A, the "B" play only uses words that begin with the letter "B," and so on.

    Includes "Quite" and "Want."

    A finalist for the Playwrights Series new play development program at Cutting Ball Theatre in San Francisco, CA, in the summer of 2018.
    Used as a prompt in Emma Goldman-Sherman's Write Now workshop in the 29th Street Playwrights Collective in New York City.

    Maximum of 86 individual parts. Obviously, doubling is allowed.
  • Animals in the Bible (an evening of short plays)
    FULL-LENGTH, WORK IN PROGRESS: An evening of short plays depicting various animals in the Bible.

    Collection includes "The Gospel According to the Snake," "The Ark," "Spots," The Great Fish & Jonah," "Flies at the Nativity" and "4 Horses of the Apocalypse."

    More animals may/will be added as inspiration sparks.
  • Boys & Girls on the Beach (an evening of short plays)
    FULL-LENGTH: A collection of tales of first kisses, innocence and loss of innocence.

    Compiles THE BOY ON THE BEACH, TWO BOYS ON THE BEACH, THREE BOYS ON THE BEACH (the playwright requests that you include both versions), THREE GIRLS ON THE BEACH, FOUR BOYS ON THE BEACH, FIVE BOYS ON THE BEACH, SIX BOYS ON THE BEACH, NINE BOYS ON THE BEACH, TEN BOYS ON THE BEACH and TWO YOUNG MEN ON THE BEACH....
    FULL-LENGTH: A collection of tales of first kisses, innocence and loss of innocence.

    Compiles THE BOY ON THE BEACH, TWO BOYS ON THE BEACH, THREE BOYS ON THE BEACH (the playwright requests that you include both versions), THREE GIRLS ON THE BEACH, FOUR BOYS ON THE BEACH, FIVE BOYS ON THE BEACH, SIX BOYS ON THE BEACH, NINE BOYS ON THE BEACH, TEN BOYS ON THE BEACH and TWO YOUNG MEN ON THE BEACH.

    (NINE BOYS and TWO YOUNG MEN make their debut here.)
  • First Kisses
    FULL-LENGTH: An evening of short plays devoted to first kisses.

    Includes "New Mistakes," "True Love's Kiss," "Asterisk Kisses" and "Variations on a First Kiss."

    In "The Kissing Scene," Quinn discovers Dominick's secret.
    In "Shrug," a boy and girl wonder what all the fuss is about.
    In "The...
    FULL-LENGTH: An evening of short plays devoted to first kisses.

    Includes "New Mistakes," "True Love's Kiss," "Asterisk Kisses" and "Variations on a First Kiss."

    In "The Kissing Scene," Quinn discovers Dominick's secret.
    In "Shrug," a boy and girl wonder what all the fuss is about.
    In "The Cereals Aisle," a man and woman share a passionate moment in the middle of a grocery store.
    In "Spin the Bottle,"a group of senior citizens play a favorite childhood game.
    In "Seven Minutes in Heaven," Jordan tries to give Charlie his first kiss.
  • If I Were an Elephant, Where Would I Hide? (a herd of short plays for youth performers)
    SHORT PLAYS FOR KIDS: A sort of ALL IN THE TIMING (that classic evening of short plays by David Ives) for youth performers. Only instead of a bell, it's elephants. Or a lack thereof .. mostly ... except for when elephants show up ...

    Contains eight original short plays: RECIPE FOR AN ELEPHANT, THE INSIDE OF AN ELEPHANT, THE ELEPHANT'S LEGS HAVE SOME THOUGHTS; CLOWN & MIME ARE...
    SHORT PLAYS FOR KIDS: A sort of ALL IN THE TIMING (that classic evening of short plays by David Ives) for youth performers. Only instead of a bell, it's elephants. Or a lack thereof .. mostly ... except for when elephants show up ...

    Contains eight original short plays: RECIPE FOR AN ELEPHANT, THE INSIDE OF AN ELEPHANT, THE ELEPHANT'S LEGS HAVE SOME THOUGHTS; CLOWN & MIME ARE MISSING AN ELEPHANT; ELEPHANTS, ELEPHANTS, EVERYWHERE; THE ELEPHANT DETECTIVE; NO ROLES FOR ELEPHANTS and ONE OF US IS IMAGINARY.
  • Jesus at 10 (an evening of 10 short plays)
    FULL-LENGTH: Intended to be an evening of short plays, mostly monologues, depicting the life and times of Jesus Christ at various ages - three weeks, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, newly crucified at 33, today and infinity.

    Includes the short plays "Jesus at 3 Weeks" and "Jesus at 10."
  • 19
    TEN-MINUTE-PLUS:On his nineteenth birthday on the 19th, a young man asks to kiss the girl of his dreams. She says no. A Reality Girl appears and offers him an interesting alternative.
  • The 19 1/2 Deaths of Dung Beetle-Man
    ONE-ACT: Dung Beetle-Man finds himself captured by a longtime enemy.

    Directed by Adam Sharp, starring Abby Constable and Court Saunders, in the Spokane Civic Theatre's Playwrights Forum Festival in June 2023, Spokane, Wash.
  • A Sprig of Mistletoe Up in That One Little Corner of the Jail
    ONE-ACT: Young Alec, the sheriff's son, spends Christmas Eve with the notorious bank robbers Bonnie and Bonnie. Selected for the Long Form March 16-18, 2018 at Stage Left Theater in Spokane, Wash. Directed by Jennie Oliver and Andrea Tate.
  • A Zillion Kinds of Kisses
    TEN-MINUTE PLUS: Two performers demonstrate many different kinds of kisses.
  • Asterisk Kisses
    TEN-MINUTE-PLUS: Performed by Fearless Productions, Kicking and Screaming Festival in Rahway, N.J., February 2016

    Logan asks Jessica to be his first kiss.
  • Be in the Moment
    A playwright observes the activities going on around them on a particular day in Spokane, Wash.

    Theater verite.

    Published by Cascadia Rising Review, June 2018.

    A finalist for the Dionysian magazine, issue 002, February 2017.
  • The Bee's Knees
    ONE-ACT: A veteran bee scout desperately searches for food for the rest of the hive. Her knees cheer her on.

    All-female cast.
  • Feminine Care
    10- to 15-MINUTE: Three guys find themselves in the feminine care aisle, having to pick out a product for the important ladies in their lives.

    Key dialogue written by Emily Wagnitz.

    Originally performed June 2012 by Ignite! Community Theatre in Spokane, Wash., directed by Will Gilman. Also performed on Spokane community radio the same year.
  • Friday Nights at the Food Court
    YA ONE-ACT: Selected for Gallery Players Black Box New Play Festival June 2017, in Brooklyn, NY.

    Kent Rowan and brother Bobby are at the food court of their local mall, getting dinner after buying shoes for Bobby.

    Cheryl Jarvis, the girl Kent likes, is at another table with friends Brandy and Madison. Her overbearing boyfriend, Keith, crashes the party to check in on his girlfriend...
    YA ONE-ACT: Selected for Gallery Players Black Box New Play Festival June 2017, in Brooklyn, NY.

    Kent Rowan and brother Bobby are at the food court of their local mall, getting dinner after buying shoes for Bobby.

    Cheryl Jarvis, the girl Kent likes, is at another table with friends Brandy and Madison. Her overbearing boyfriend, Keith, crashes the party to check in on his girlfriend.

    Love and hate, betrayal and woe all play out among the teen scene at a local mall on a Friday night.
  • The Great Fish & Jonah
    ONE-ACT: Jonah (yes, that Jonah, the one from the Bible) and the great fish are friends.

    Performed as part of Burien Actors Theatre Playwrights Festival, Burien, WA, May 2019, directed by Rachel Rene. First-place winner, one-act category.

    Performed as part of Spokane Civic Theatre Playwrights Forum Festival; Spokane, WA; June 2019, directed by Matthew Harget. Received Adjudicator's Award.
  • The Girl Wore Red Licorice
    ONE-ACT: Produced as part of Spokane Civic Theatre's Playwrights Forum Festival in summer of 2014, directed by Will Gilman.

    A psychic comes up to Peter Hopewell and tells him when and where to meet the love of his life ... and what she'll be wearing.
  • Heart in a Box
    TEN-MINUTE/ONE-ACT: A man sits at a table, his beating heart in a shoebox.

    Published by Cascadia Rising Review magazine, June 2019.
  • Kiss Me in the House of Mirrors
    ONE-ACT: Two young couples bravely venture into a house of mirrors, led by our host, Rae Bradbury.

    They might not like what they find.
  • The Kissing Bandit
    ONE-ACT: Ace reporter Lulu Lamb is on the scene in search of more information about the notorious Kissing Bandit. She finds three women hoping the masked vigilante appears ...
  • Matthew Weaver's First Kiss
    ONE-ACT: The playwright Matthew Weaver gets his first kiss.

    Written Nov. 19, 2020, as part of a personal challenge to write 30 10-page plays during the month of November 2020.
  • Mr. Irresistible
    ONE-ACT: Charlie Donner wrote a controversial story for school, and now he's in trouble with his favorite teacher, Miss Anchovy.
  • On the 38th Kiss, I Explode
    ONE-ACT: Xavier and Petunia find romance at a party. But Petunia has a hereditary heart diagnosis ...
  • The Pulpit
    ONE-ACT: Zillah Slaughter brings her soulmate home to see the place she grew up.

    Inspired by an Aug. 20, 2020 Tweet by Eve Rock, also known as _om_eye_goodness: "I really want to fuck someone on the pulpit in my old church someday."

    Contains scenes of intimacy. An intimacy coordinator is advised.
  • Spin The Bottle
    10-MINUTE-PLUS: Six frisky seniors play a favorite childhood game. Part of the "First Kisses" evening of short plays.

    One of 14 (!) short plays read as part of a "Matthew Weaver Special Showcase" July 20-22, 2018 at Ignite! Community Theatre in Spokane Valley, Wash.
  • The Tub
    ONE-ACT: Ziggy has stopped talking to JJ. JJ is determined to address the situation
  • Very First Kiss
    ONE-ACT: In prehistoric times, a Gatherer and a Hunter invent the kiss.

    Written Aug. 31, 2019, as the final play written as part of a month-long personal challenge to myself to write a 10-page play (at least) every day in August 2019.

    An intimacy coordinator is recommended.
  • The Whale and the Tuba
    ONE-ACT: Ms. Conrad's high school English class is reading that classic, epic novel THE WHALE AND THE TUBA. Ms. Conrad is the world's foremost expert on THE WHALE AND THE TUBA.

    Then the author of THE WHALE AND THE TUBA walks into the classroom.

    Originally written as a short story for my senior year Creative Writing class at Rogers High School in March 1999. I thought it...
    ONE-ACT: Ms. Conrad's high school English class is reading that classic, epic novel THE WHALE AND THE TUBA. Ms. Conrad is the world's foremost expert on THE WHALE AND THE TUBA.

    Then the author of THE WHALE AND THE TUBA walks into the classroom.

    Originally written as a short story for my senior year Creative Writing class at Rogers High School in March 1999. I thought it would be an interesting exercise to try to turn it into a play.
  • When You Are a Little Bit Older
    YA-ONE-ACT: Owen tags along on older brother Cooper's hot date at the movies with Ava. But then Owen runs out of popcorn ...

    Produced May 2019 as part of Iowa State University One-Act Play Festival, directed by Levi Miller.

    Produced April 2019 as part of Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center One-Act Play Festival in Midland, PA, directed by Korey Grecek and Sophia Rose...
    YA-ONE-ACT: Owen tags along on older brother Cooper's hot date at the movies with Ava. But then Owen runs out of popcorn ...

    Produced May 2019 as part of Iowa State University One-Act Play Festival, directed by Levi Miller.

    Produced April 2019 as part of Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center One-Act Play Festival in Midland, PA, directed by Korey Grecek and Sophia Rose Englesberg*

    *This is a special production because Korey and Sophia were in the world premiere of the play, and enjoyed it so much they asked to direct it.

    Selected for the Pittsburgh New Works Festival in Carnegie, PA, produced by Thoreau NM - a Production Company, in September 2017.

    Shortlisted for the International Talent Club Balkan Regional Playwrights Childrens Drama category in July 2017.
  • The Murder (radio play)
    Three crows witness something ominous on Halloween.

    Written and produced as part of Spokane Public Radio and Spokane Playwrights Laboratory's Radio Play Co-Lab. Directed by Juan Mas, starring Deborah Marlowe, Aubrey Shimek Davis and Jaz Vega.

    https://www.spokanepublicradio.org/show/radio-play-co-lab/2023-10-31/the-murder-by-matthew-weaver
  • Nude Beach (radio play)
    15-MINUTES: Two bookish students visit a nude beach. A radio play.
  • -1
    TEN-MINUTE PLAY: Ten people gather on a rooftop for a New Year's Eve party in the middle of intense cold.
  • The 123s of PDAs, Easy as ABC
    TEN-MINUTE-PLUS: Cindy teaches Uriah how to be affectionate in public.
  • 4 Horses of the Apocalypse
    TEN-MINUTE: The four horses of the apocalypse wonder if today will be the day.

    Selected for Mystic Vision Players's Kicking & Swearing Festival in Rahway, NJ, in January-February 2020.

    Performed as part of Playwrights Playground, Stage Left Theatre, Spokane, WA, August 2020. Directed by Rebecca Cook.

    Published in the Vassar Review in May 2020, literary arts...
    TEN-MINUTE: The four horses of the apocalypse wonder if today will be the day.

    Selected for Mystic Vision Players's Kicking & Swearing Festival in Rahway, NJ, in January-February 2020.

    Performed as part of Playwrights Playground, Stage Left Theatre, Spokane, WA, August 2020. Directed by Rebecca Cook.

    Published in the Vassar Review in May 2020, literary arts journal at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY.
  • A Bed
    TEN-MINUTE: Isabelle is furious with Michael for cheating on her - in her dream.
  • A New Play by Matthew Weaver
    TEN-MINUTE: In the year 9936, a new play by Matthew Weaver has been discovered.

    One of 14 (!) short plays read as part of a "Matthew Weaver Special Showcase" July 20-22, 2018 at Ignite! Community Theatre in Spokane Valley, Wash.

    Featured in November 2018 on the NYC Playwrights podcast.
  • Abby & Ksenia & the Monster
    TEN-MINUTE: A Terrifying Monster is in Abby and Ksenia's room. The sisters need to try to ignore it.

    Performed as part of Mildred's Umbrella Theater's Museum of Dysfunction play festival, July 2017, Houston, Texas.

    Performed as part of Dramatic Acting track for Summer School for Performing Arts in Westford, MA, July 2017.

    Performed as part of Harper...
    TEN-MINUTE: A Terrifying Monster is in Abby and Ksenia's room. The sisters need to try to ignore it.

    Performed as part of Mildred's Umbrella Theater's Museum of Dysfunction play festival, July 2017, Houston, Texas.

    Performed as part of Dramatic Acting track for Summer School for Performing Arts in Westford, MA, July 2017.

    Performed as part of Harper College's InZone Program, "Stars of the Stage," in Palatine, Ill., in June 2018.

    Selected for Open Space Arts' 2018 Summer Playwrights Festival in Reisterstown, Maryland, in August 2018.

    Selected for Abiding Harvest Shorts Play Festival in Broken Arrow, OK, October 2017.
  • Adult Situations
    TEN-MINUTE: On the eve of their high school graduation, Farley and Glenn are playing video games. Glenn's big sister Naomi has other ideas ...
  • Afar
    TEN-MINUTE: X and Valentina are about to have their first kiss ... online ... via Zoom.

    Produced July 25, 2020 as part of the Spokane Theater Arts Council's Virtual Festival. Directed by Devante Lamar Smith and starring Alissa Garcia and Aaron Deonte Thorne.

    Performed as part of a student director showcase for Hamilton College in Clinton, NY in November 2020
  • The Aftermath
    TEN-MINUTE: Myrna and Noah survey the damage of a Godzilla-ish attack.

    For this play, I combined two ideas. One was a prompt from 31 Plays in 31 Days: "Write a play where each character says no more than three words at a time."

    Also, as according to Vulture, the reclusive author Thomas Pynchon (V., GRAVITY'S RAINBOW, THE CRYING OF LOT 49, MASON & DIXON)...
    TEN-MINUTE: Myrna and Noah survey the damage of a Godzilla-ish attack.

    For this play, I combined two ideas. One was a prompt from 31 Plays in 31 Days: "Write a play where each character says no more than three words at a time."

    Also, as according to Vulture, the reclusive author Thomas Pynchon (V., GRAVITY'S RAINBOW, THE CRYING OF LOT 49, MASON & DIXON) reportedly was working on a novel, never published, "about an insurance adjuster flown in to Japan to assess the damage done by Godzilla."

    (http://www.vulture.com/2013/08/thomas-pynchon-bleeding-edge.html)

    Put the two ideas together and what do you have?

    THE AFTERMATH.
  • The Anchovy
    TEN-MINUTE: Macauley has a request for the Goddess of Love.
  • Another Play by Matthew Weaver
    TEN-MINUTE: Three actresses get on set to read their latest script.
  • Aphrodite's Welcome
    TEN-MINUTE-ISH: Two young lovers can't quite make a connection on a river bank, until the goddess Aphrodite appears and offers assistance.

    Written Aug. 9, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself to write 31 ten-page plays in 31 days in August 2019.

    Play calls for nudity. Please perform to the safety and comfort of performers.
  • The Apple
    TEN-MINUTE: Young Matthew lost his way in the dark woods. The Woman appears, wearing a red cloak, offering knowledge of the way home.
  • Arguing With Toasters
    TEN-MINUTEISH: Four women argue with toasters.

    Selected for University of St. Thomas' Ampersand 2.0 Festival April 2017 in Houston, Texas.
  • The Ark
    TEN-MINUTE: Noah's three sons - Japheth, Shem and Ham - have to usher in the animals two by two on the boat their father recently built. A 10-minute comedy, selected for performance on the Onstage-Offstage podcast by George Sapio in October 2017. http://www.gsapio.com/podcasts/itunes/171001WEAVER.mp3

    One of 14 (!) short plays read as part of a "Matthew Weaver Special Showcase" July...
    TEN-MINUTE: Noah's three sons - Japheth, Shem and Ham - have to usher in the animals two by two on the boat their father recently built. A 10-minute comedy, selected for performance on the Onstage-Offstage podcast by George Sapio in October 2017. http://www.gsapio.com/podcasts/itunes/171001WEAVER.mp3

    One of 14 (!) short plays read as part of a "Matthew Weaver Special Showcase" July 20-22, 2018 at Ignite! Community Theatre in Spokane Valley, Wash.
  • At the Gates of the Animal Kingdom
    GRATITUDE/APOLOGIES TO AUTHOR AMY HEMPEL FOR THE TITLE!

    TEN-MINUTE: Four animals find themselves in the afterlife.

    Written Jan. 12, 2024 and selected for the Exit 7 Players Theater 48-Hour Play Festival in Ludlow, Massachusetts.
  • Awnings
    TEN-MINUTE: Arthur and Viola find themselves under an awning in the middle of a storm.

    A 10-minute play.

    Winner, Robert Barnard Audience Award-Friday for reading at the Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS) New Works Festival in Huntington, WV, December 2016.

    Selected for Curious Arrow Theatre's Lucid Short Play Festival in September 2017 in Grand Rapids, MI....
    TEN-MINUTE: Arthur and Viola find themselves under an awning in the middle of a storm.

    A 10-minute play.

    Winner, Robert Barnard Audience Award-Friday for reading at the Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS) New Works Festival in Huntington, WV, December 2016.

    Selected for Curious Arrow Theatre's Lucid Short Play Festival in September 2017 in Grand Rapids, MI.

    One of 14 (!) short plays read as part of a "Matthew Weaver Special Showcase" July 20-22, 2018 at Ignite! Community Theatre in Spokane Valley, Wash.
  • Baby Grand
    TEN-MINUTE: Twin brothers Freddy and Teddy stand on a street corner. They have a porn star's phone number.

    Written Aug. 24, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself to write a 10-page play each day in August 2019.

    For this play, I used a prompt from my fellow playwright Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 172 PUSH-UPS) - three elements drawn at random - a street corner, a...
    TEN-MINUTE: Twin brothers Freddy and Teddy stand on a street corner. They have a porn star's phone number.

    Written Aug. 24, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself to write a 10-page play each day in August 2019.

    For this play, I used a prompt from my fellow playwright Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 172 PUSH-UPS) - three elements drawn at random - a street corner, a porn star's phone number and sibling rivalry.

    I think my imagination went to the most logical place possible.
  • Bearsong
    TEN-MINUTE PLAY: Two convenience store clerks are working late when a bear wanders into their store.
  • Best Behavior
    TEN-MINUTE: Cadence is ... planting bulbs in flower pots, apparently? When an old friend from school, Diana, suddenly appears and tells her they should have hung out more often or gotten coffee together.

    Written in an hour on Jan. 26, 2019, for the Nugget Fringe Festival in Grass Valley, CA.

    The prompt we received was "There is a crack in everything. That's how the light...
    TEN-MINUTE: Cadence is ... planting bulbs in flower pots, apparently? When an old friend from school, Diana, suddenly appears and tells her they should have hung out more often or gotten coffee together.

    Written in an hour on Jan. 26, 2019, for the Nugget Fringe Festival in Grass Valley, CA.

    The prompt we received was "There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in."

    It was kind of a melancholy prompt on kind of a melancholy day, so I just started typing and this is what came out.
  • Biden's America
    TEN-MINUTE: Skylar delivers on a promise as Joe Biden is elected president of the United States.

    Written Nov. 5, 2020, as a personal challenge to write a 10-page play a day in November 2020.

    Inspired by a Nov. 4, 2020, tweet by Marissa Monticolo on Twitter: "Half-jokingly told a guy I was going to stand outside his apartment, yell his name, and then make out with him when...
    TEN-MINUTE: Skylar delivers on a promise as Joe Biden is elected president of the United States.

    Written Nov. 5, 2020, as a personal challenge to write a 10-page play a day in November 2020.

    Inspired by a Nov. 4, 2020, tweet by Marissa Monticolo on Twitter: "Half-jokingly told a guy I was going to stand outside his apartment, yell his name, and then make out with him when Biden wins.
    Bitch, I keep my word, and also it's been over a year so this is no longer a joke keep counting those votes."

    https://twitter.com/MMonticolo/status/1324162489349632000
  • Bigelow Gulch
    TEN-MINUTE: Longtime best friends Quentin and Xavier run into Rachel, the girl they both loved once upon a time.
  • Bigfeet
    TEN-MINUTE: Two Sasquatch meet in the woods.
  • Bigfoot Does Ballet
    TEN-MINUTE: Three young ballet dancers are surprised when their classmate shows up with a new friend.

    Written Aug. 22, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself to write a 10-page play every day in August 2019.

    Selected for the Bigfoot by Moonlight Play Festival at Spartan Theatre at Spokane Falls Community College in Spokane, WA, in October 2019.
  • Bigfoot on the Ferry
    TEN-MINUTE-ISH: Sasha and Aurora spot Bigfoot on the Staten Island Ferry.

    Written Aug. 30, 2019, as part of a month-long personal challenge to write 31 plays in 31 days in August 2019.
  • The Birds and the Bees (a play about Jesus and kissing)
    TEN-MINUTE: Joseph and Mary come home to find their teenaged son, Jesus, alone with Mary Magdalene.
  • Biscuits & Gravy
    TEN-MINUTE-ISH: Penelope tries to rescue Bernadette from a life of marital monotony.

    Written March 16, 2020 for the Quarantine Bake-Off project.
  • Blackbirds Singing in the Dead of Night
    TEN-MINUTE: Con artist sisters Blackbird and Raven run through the woods late at night, having successfully absconded with cash from Blackbird's unwitting would-be-husband. They have a train to catch, if Sheriff Bickleton doesn't stop them.

    This play was written in an hour for the Nugget Fringe Festival in Grass Valley, CA on Jan. 20, 2019.

    We were given the prompt "...
    TEN-MINUTE: Con artist sisters Blackbird and Raven run through the woods late at night, having successfully absconded with cash from Blackbird's unwitting would-be-husband. They have a train to catch, if Sheriff Bickleton doesn't stop them.

    This play was written in an hour for the Nugget Fringe Festival in Grass Valley, CA on Jan. 20, 2019.

    We were given the prompt "Blackbirds singing in the dead of night." Now, I WAS tempted to write about a trio of penguins (perhaps the SAME penguins from CONTINENTS APART?) singing in the middle of the night, but I didn't want to repeat, I'd already written about animals and I knew Scott Mullen had written a play for the prompt about eagles, so I figured I had better write about some people. I came up with two con artist sisters running through the woods, having successfully stolen bags' worth of money from the older sister's unsuspecting would-be husband. They're dashing to catch a train ... and then the sheriff shows up and wonders where they're off to in such a hurry, the night before the elder sister's wedding. I used the prompt for the title: BLACKBIRDS SINGING IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT.
  • Bookdrop
    TEN-MINUTE: Librarian Ulma finds Ricky in kind of an awkward situation - his hand caught in the bookdrop.

    Originally written for the Heartland Theatre Company's annual 10-minute play festival, which was themed "The Library."
  • The Boy on the Beach
    TEN-MINUTE: Three mysterious women happen upon a boy on a beach.

    Produced as part of Pyro Playfest by the Paris Junior College Department of Drama in Paris, TX, in April 2019.

    Selected for a reading for the West Side Show Room's Rockford New Play Festival in Rockford, Illinois, August 2018.

    Listed in Smith & Kraus Best Ten-Minute Plays 2019; second place Circle of Excellence winner.
  • The Bride and the Boy
    TEN-MINUTE: A young boy gets a message from the future.
  • Calpurnia Delivers Caesar's Papers to Mark Antony
    TEN-MINUTE: Calpurnia, final wife to Julius Caesar, delivers his papers to Mark Antony following Caesar's assassination.
    Written for the 365 Women a Year project.
  • The Carpenter's Boy
    TEN-MINUTE: Enoch and Judith discuss troublesome neighbors in Nazareth, circa 32 A.D.

    Selected for Nylon Fusion Theatre's Can You HEAR Me? Festival in NYC in June 2018.
  • Coffee with Irna & Gloria
    TEN-MINUTE: Irna Phillips is the mother of the daytime soap opera, having created PAINTED DREAMS, WOMAN IN WHITE, THE GUIDING LIGHT, AS THE WORLD TURNS and ANOTHER WORLD.

    Gloria Monty revolutionized the soap in the late 1970s by creating the adventures of Luke and Laura on GENERAL HOSPITAL.

    This play, written as part of the 365 Women a Year playwrighting project, imagines a...
    TEN-MINUTE: Irna Phillips is the mother of the daytime soap opera, having created PAINTED DREAMS, WOMAN IN WHITE, THE GUIDING LIGHT, AS THE WORLD TURNS and ANOTHER WORLD.

    Gloria Monty revolutionized the soap in the late 1970s by creating the adventures of Luke and Laura on GENERAL HOSPITAL.

    This play, written as part of the 365 Women a Year playwrighting project, imagines a conversation between the two women - renowned for their creativity and ferocity - as they reflect on soap operas today.
  • Come Here and Kiss Me
    TEN-MINUTE: Steffi is helping Michael cross a milestone.

    Written Aug. 27, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself to write a 10-page play every day in the month of August 2019.
  • Continents Apart
    TEN-MINUTE: Penguin Rangiora informs her friends Gerritsz and Mercator Cooper of a dream she had the night before.

    Included in Lawrence Harbison's Best Ten-Minute Plays 2020 anthology.

    This play was written in an hour for the Nugget Fringe Festival in Grass Valley, CA on Jan. 19, 2019.

    The prompt we were given was "Last night I dreamed of bears."...
    TEN-MINUTE: Penguin Rangiora informs her friends Gerritsz and Mercator Cooper of a dream she had the night before.

    Included in Lawrence Harbison's Best Ten-Minute Plays 2020 anthology.

    This play was written in an hour for the Nugget Fringe Festival in Grass Valley, CA on Jan. 19, 2019.

    The prompt we were given was "Last night I dreamed of bears."

    Now, with an hour, you don't have a lot of time to waste figuring out what you're going to write about. So I asked myself, "WHO dreamed of bears?" Then I asked "Who is the least likely to dream of bears?" And I thought of penguins, since polar bears are only at the North Pole and penguins are only at the South Pole. So I came up with CONTINENTS APART, in which Rangiora the penguin admits to her friends Gerritsz and Mercator Cooper (the penguins are all named after South Pole explorers) that she dreamt of a giant beast the night before, and they all wonder what the dream could mean (special challenge to myself: The penguins have no reason to know they're called polar bears, so they never actually use the word "bear").
  • The Count
    TEN-MINUTE: Count Orsino finds the lovely Elizabeth reading on a park bench and enthralls her.

    Selected for Little Fish Theatre's fundraiser in San Pedro, CA, in October 2018.

    Inspired by this T-shirt: https://www.vacancyprojects.com/product/winona
  • The Death and Dying of Kateri Tekakwitha
    TEN-MINUTE: Kateri Tekakwitha, who would go on to become the first Native American Catholic saint, receives visitors as she enters her final moments.

    Written for the 365 Women A Year Playwriting Project in 2018.
  • Dung Beetle Family Reunion
    TEN-MINUTE: Roller, Tunneler and Dweller have an important discussion during the quinquennial dung beetle family reunion.
  • egg salad and cola
    TEN-MINUTE: Newlyweds Elliott and Nan are enjoying the last evening of their honeymoon when Elliott, a chef, decides to make Nan's lunch for the next day back at work. What Nan reveals astonishes him.

    One of 14 (!) short plays read as part of a "Matthew Weaver Special Showcase" July 20-22, 2018 at Ignite! Community Theatre in Spokane Valley, Wash.
  • Elves on Strike
    HOLIDAY TEN-MINUTE: Three elves participate in polar solidarity as part of a worldwide elfin strike.

    *Written for The Playwrights Thriving 2023 Secret Santa Title Exchange.*
  • The Embrace
    TEN-MINUTE: Written in an hour Jan. 21, 2018, for the Nugget Fringe Festival Three-Hour Plays in Grass Valley, CA.

    Judith is quietly crying on a park bench when Claudette and her boyfriend pass through.

    The prompt we were given was the quote by Rumi, "The hurt we embrace becomes joy. Call it to your arms where it can change."
  • Evening Prayers
    TEN-MINUTE: Mom Matilda and daughters Zuzu and Lydia brush their teeth before bedtime.

    Written Aug. 16, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to write a 10-page play each day in the month of August 2019.

    Performed as part of Theatre Arts for Everyone's Women and One Acts, York, PA; March 2022
  • First Kiss No. 39
    TEN-MINUTE: Boy meets girl. Girl is in a painting.
  • Five Boys on the Beach
    TEN-MINUTE: Five boys are on a beach. A mysterious girl appears.

    In a series of related plays, following THE BOY ON THE BEACH, TWO BOYS ON THE BEACH, THREE BOYS ON THE BEACH (LGBTQ version of TWO BOYS), THREE GIRLS ON THE BEACH, FOUR BOYS ON THE BEACH (work in progress) and TEN BOYS ON THE BEACH.
  • Flies at the Nativity
    TEN-MINUTE: Yes, you read the title right. Three common houseflies are present at the site of the birth of the Baby Jesus.

    One of 14 (!) short plays read as part of a "Matthew Weaver Special Showcase" July 20-22, 2018 at Ignite! Community Theatre in Spokane Valley, Wash.

    Reading by City Theatre in Coral Gables, FL; July 2018.
  • The Fluidity of Truth
    TEN-MINUTE: Gina accuses Donnie of being inappropriate.

    Semifinalist in NYC Playwrights' Women in the Age of Trump project.
  • Four Boys on the Beach
    TEN-MINUTE: College students Christel and Naomi take a break from studying for finals and go to the beach. They meet a group of mysterious boys.

    Part of a series of plays, alongside THE BOY ON THE BEACH, TWO BOYS ON THE BEACH and THREE BOYS ON THE BEACH, THREE GIRLS ON THE BEACH, FIVE BOYS ON THE BEACH, SIX BOYS ON THE BEACH and TEN BOYS ON THE BEACH.

    Produced as part of Memoriam...
    TEN-MINUTE: College students Christel and Naomi take a break from studying for finals and go to the beach. They meet a group of mysterious boys.

    Part of a series of plays, alongside THE BOY ON THE BEACH, TWO BOYS ON THE BEACH and THREE BOYS ON THE BEACH, THREE GIRLS ON THE BEACH, FIVE BOYS ON THE BEACH, SIX BOYS ON THE BEACH and TEN BOYS ON THE BEACH.

    Produced as part of Memoriam Development's Nightshade horror anthology, April 2021.
  • GEG-SEA-ANC-ADQ
    TEN-MINUTE: Claire and Snake are flying to Alaska. Snake hates flying.
  • Genesis, From the Perspective of the Tree
    TEN-MINUTE: The story of Adam and Eve, as seen by the Tree of Knowledge.

    Written Nov. 15, 2020, as part of a personal challenge to write a 10-page play each day in the month of November 2020.
  • Ghost Chicken
    TEN-MINUTE: Dawn Notts and Cecil Clucks have arrived at a very secluded makeout point. What's that sound outside the car? Could it be ... clucking?

    Written Aug. 15, 2019, as part of a personal challenge to myself to write 31 ten-minute plays in 31 days in August 2019.

    I've also been following @TheRealAuGHOST on Twitter, and enjoying artists' answers to different...
    TEN-MINUTE: Dawn Notts and Cecil Clucks have arrived at a very secluded makeout point. What's that sound outside the car? Could it be ... clucking?

    Written Aug. 15, 2019, as part of a personal challenge to myself to write 31 ten-minute plays in 31 days in August 2019.

    I've also been following @TheRealAuGHOST on Twitter, and enjoying artists' answers to different prompts each day for the month, ghostly spins on words such as LOCK, CAT, STONE, HOLY and SINK. Aug. 10 was CHICKEN. This is several days late, but I woke up this morning inspired: What if the monster outside the car was ... a ghost chicken?!
  • Gigi and the Hearts
    TEN-MINUTES: Gigi gets a disturbing package in the mail.
  • Gobbler
    TEN-MINUTE: Gobbler survived another Thanksgiving. What will he do with the time he has left?

    Written November 27, 2020, as part of a personal challenge to write a 10-page play each day in November 2020.
  • Gobbler & Phil on Groundhog Day Eve
    TEN-MINUTE: Gobbler, the world's first turkey playwright, and Phil reflect on Groundhog Day Eve.
  • Grilled PB&J
    TEN-MINUTE: Henry makes Alyce a grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwich the morning after.
  • Help! I'm Trapped in a Monologue Written by Matthew Weaver!
    MONOLOGUE: A performer is trapped in a monologue written by Matthew Weaver, playwright of such works as A NEW PLAY BY MATTHEW WEAVER and ANOTHER PLAY BY MATTHEW WEAVER.

    Produced as part of Masterpiece Monologues, Stage Left Theatre, Spokane, WA, October 2020.
  • Here, Now, Here
    TEN-MINUTE: Two performers try to meditate.
  • High School Nachos
    TEN-MINUTE: Written in an hour and performed for the Nugget Fringe Festival in Grass Valley, California, Jan. 27, 2018. The prompt was: "Yes time travel is possible. Will explain later." - Jose Conseco

    V. travels back in time for a favorite meal.
  • The Hug
    TEN-MINUTE-ISH: Emily meets ex-lover Lawrence, only to find he is participating in a world record hug.
  • I, Marshmallow
    TEN-MINUTE: Everyone loves a camp fire. Except for maybe the marshmallows.

    Contact WeaverRMatthew@gmail.com

    Performed as part of Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS) New Works Festival in Huntington, WV, in December 2016.

    Produced by the Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, Maryland, in May 2018.

    Performed as part of Harper College's Inzone Program...
    TEN-MINUTE: Everyone loves a camp fire. Except for maybe the marshmallows.

    Contact WeaverRMatthew@gmail.com

    Performed as part of Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS) New Works Festival in Huntington, WV, in December 2016.

    Produced by the Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, Maryland, in May 2018.

    Performed as part of Harper College's Inzone Program, "Stars of the Stage," in Palatine, Ill., in June 2018.
  • If You Ever Want to See Your Lizard Again ...
    TEN-MINUTE: Liz and Ardy have stolen a lizard from the zoo, but things aren't entirely going to plan.

    Written April 26, 2019, as part of the LeftOvers 24-hour festival at Stage Left Theatre in Spokane, WA. Directed by Kim Roberts and starred Michelle Bakken and Rebecca Bolster. The prop I had to incorporate into the play was a toy lizard.

    I had 12 hours to write the play and...
    TEN-MINUTE: Liz and Ardy have stolen a lizard from the zoo, but things aren't entirely going to plan.

    Written April 26, 2019, as part of the LeftOvers 24-hour festival at Stage Left Theatre in Spokane, WA. Directed by Kim Roberts and starred Michelle Bakken and Rebecca Bolster. The prop I had to incorporate into the play was a toy lizard.

    I had 12 hours to write the play and they had 12 hours to prepare it for production. They did a fantastic job!
  • Illicit
    TEN-MINUTE: Sammy, the brother of the groom, catches the bride in a compromising position.
  • The Intimates
    TEN-MINUTE: A tale of two windows.

    Written Aug. 26, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself to write a 10-page play every day in the month of August 2019.
  • Jessica Alba in a Boat in an Ocean of Cream of Wheat
    TEN-MINUTE: Spider dreams she is on a boat with Jessica Alba, star of the Batman movie trilogy directed by
    Christopher Nolan, in the middle of an ocean made of Cream of Wheat.

    Written Aug. 29, 2019, as part of a month-long personal challenge to myself to write a 10-page play each day in August 2019.

    Wrote this one after a conversation with a friend who mentioned she had...
    TEN-MINUTE: Spider dreams she is on a boat with Jessica Alba, star of the Batman movie trilogy directed by
    Christopher Nolan, in the middle of an ocean made of Cream of Wheat.

    Written Aug. 29, 2019, as part of a month-long personal challenge to myself to write a 10-page play each day in August 2019.

    Wrote this one after a conversation with a friend who mentioned she had dreamed of Cream of Wheat, one of my favorite breakfasts. I tried for as much dream logic as possible.
  • Jesus in the Kitchen
    TEN-MINUTE: Milton is up too late, eating cheese.

    Written Aug. 8, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to write a 10-page play each day in August 2019.
  • Just Another Toaster Play
    TEN-MINUTE: A daughter is asked to eat her toast.

    Selected for Memoriam Development's Nightshade in September-October 2022.
  • The Kissing Scene
    TEN-MINUTE: Young actor Dominick is anxious about his kissing scene the next day with co-star Quinn.

    Part of the "First Kisses" evening of plays.

    One of 14 (!) short plays read as part of a "Matthew Weaver Special Showcase" July 20-22, 2018 at Ignite! Community Theatre in Spokane Valley, Wash.
  • Living Our Best Kristen Bell Life
    TEN-MINUTE: Two sisters, Rose and Leigh, discuss whether they're living their best Kristen Bell (star of VERONICA MARS, FROZEN and THE GOOD PLACE, among others) lives.

    A 365 Women a Year project

    Performed in a Valley Center High School evening of short plays in Valley Center, Kansas, in the fall of 2020.
  • Look
    TEN-MINUTE: Neal and Jackie look at each other.

    Play calls for nudity. Please play to the safety and comfort of your performers.
  • Marshmallows and Old Flames
    TEN-MINUTE: Two exes are suddenly reunited in the middle of the woods, near a roaring fire, with plenty of marshmallows.

    Contact WeaverRMatthew@gmail.com

    Selected for the Heartland Theatre Company for production in the summer of 2020, COVID-19 willing.
  • Matthew Weaver Meets the Goddess Aphrodite
    TEN-MINUTE OR SO: The Goddess Aphrodite speaks to a bumbling playwright.

    Read by Caravan Theatre in England in July 2020.
  • Mind Your Ps and Qs
    TEN-MINUTE: Workers at a typesetting company experience a moment of temptation.

    Author's note: This was written after reading "Letter Perfect," a history of the origins of the alphabet, by David Sacks, and learning the origins of the expression "Mind your Ps and Qs," referring to keeping the letters straight when using movable type.

    Selected for Mystic...
    TEN-MINUTE: Workers at a typesetting company experience a moment of temptation.

    Author's note: This was written after reading "Letter Perfect," a history of the origins of the alphabet, by David Sacks, and learning the origins of the expression "Mind your Ps and Qs," referring to keeping the letters straight when using movable type.

    Selected for Mystic Vision Players's Kicking & Swearing Festival in Linden, NJ, in January-February 2020
  • Mom's Guide to Asking a Girl to Dance
    TEN-MINUTE: A mom helps her son get ready for the big school dance.

    Written in Spokane, Wash., the evening of June 11, 2021, for the 24-Hour Theatre Project at The Sauk Theatre in Jonesville, Michigan.

    Directed by Josh Lightner, starring Meaghan Bryant and Noah Honeywell.

    The theme was "Friends are the family we choose for ourselves."
  • Morning Wood
    TEN-MINUTE: Roo's roommates Zoey and Sophia join her for scheming in the woods.
  • Neighborhood Watch
    TEN-MINUTE: Bears Umberto and Gustav see Goldilocks breaking into their neighbors' home.

    Performed as part of the East/West Playfest in Westford, Connecticut and Mitford, Connecticut in July 2019.

    Selected for the Stillwater Short Play Festival in Stillwater, OK, in March 2020. Received Audience Favorite Award.
  • Nibble
    TEN-MINUTE: It's Cody's 18th birthday. Desiree, Oona and Iola offer him a present.
  • Nine Boys on the Beach
    TEN-MINUTE: Nine young men come upon a goddess on a beach.

    Part of the BOYS AND GIRLS ON THE BEACH evening of short plays.

    Script calls for nudity, an intimacy coordinator is strongly advised.
  • OMG, VBEG
    TEN-MINUTE: God and the Devil text each other.
  • The One That Got Away
    TEN-MINUTE: Malcolm asks Rae to marry him.

    Written November 11, 2020, as part of a personal challenge to write a 10-page play each day in November 2020.
  • Operation Keep the Kitten Alive
    TEN-MINUTE: Lifelong friends Seabone and Ogden are high schoolers recovering from recent appendectomies. Bad things happen when they're bored. Zelda Zwieback is tasked with keeping them occupied and from popping their stitches.

    Written and performed as part of Stage Left Theater's 24-hour play festival, Left Overs, in Spokane, Wash. As part of the festival, writers were required to use...
    TEN-MINUTE: Lifelong friends Seabone and Ogden are high schoolers recovering from recent appendectomies. Bad things happen when they're bored. Zelda Zwieback is tasked with keeping them occupied and from popping their stitches.

    Written and performed as part of Stage Left Theater's 24-hour play festival, Left Overs, in Spokane, Wash. As part of the festival, writers were required to use a particular prop; in this instance, a ceramic kitten.

    Directed by Jessica Rempel. Starred Ezra Way as Seabone, Jacob Carruthers as Ogden and Joni Elizabeth as Zelda. Edited to add: I have to say, total credit for Zelda's history as a thumb wrestler came from Joni. When I asked the performers their comfort zones, and if they had any special abilities, Joni - independent of anything - proceeded to tell me how she had been a champion thumb wrestler in school, so good her thumb had its own name: Hank. It was a gift.
  • Paper Chains
    Izzy asks Morris to the dance. For four high school/YA performers.
  • Pepper Pirates for Life!
    YA- TEN-MINUTE: Madison, Emma and Aria are eating spicy hot things in rapidly increasing degrees of hotness.

    Then Aria pulls out the ghost peppers.

    Selected for Playwrights' Playground Festival, Stage Left Theatre, Spokane, WA, October 2018.
  • The Playground
    TEN-MINUTE: A young man wrestles an angel and devil.

    Written Nov. 8, 2020, as part of a personal challenge to write a 10-page play per day in November 2020.
  • Post-Apocalyptic Brunch
    TEN-MINUTE: Four survivors of the great war gather for a final act before dawn.

    Originally written in response to a prompt for the New Wave Theatre Collective.
  • Prehistoric Bird
    TEN-MINUTE: Puppets Bernie and Earl visit their friend Prehistoric Bird.
  • Putting Up With Mistletoe
    YA Holiday TEN-MINUTE: Teens Ivy and Hoagie have been tasked with hanging up holiday decorations for the notorious neighborhood Christmas party.

    Written Aug. 20, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself to write a 10-page play each day for the month of August 2019.

    Performed as part of Curiosity Theatre's No Room at the Airbnb: Modern Holiday Tales" in Grand...
    YA Holiday TEN-MINUTE: Teens Ivy and Hoagie have been tasked with hanging up holiday decorations for the notorious neighborhood Christmas party.

    Written Aug. 20, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself to write a 10-page play each day for the month of August 2019.

    Performed as part of Curiosity Theatre's No Room at the Airbnb: Modern Holiday Tales" in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in December 2019.

    Performed as part of Dover Little Theatre's Winter Holiday One-Act Festival in Dover, N.J. in December 2019.
  • The Quail
    TEN-MINUTE: Before they move to Rhode Island, Jillian and Nolan spend one last weekend at Quail Rock. Selected for Northwest Ten Festival in Eugene, Oregon, in March 2018.
  • The Quick Brown Fox Jumps Over the Lazy Dog
    TEN-MINUTE: A quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog ... but why?
  • Quit Delivering Heart-Shaped Pizza to the Bears
    TEN-MINUTE: This particular zoo has a particularly strict rule. Rules were made to be broken.

    Written the evening of April 12, 2024 for the Sauk Theatre's 24-Hour Play Project in Jonesville,
    Michigan.
    Cast members were Henry Beier, Abby Brownlee, Ruth Brownlee, Everly Cousino, Alessa
    Howard and Silas Hutchinson.
    Directed by Andy Anderson
    The theme was...
    TEN-MINUTE: This particular zoo has a particularly strict rule. Rules were made to be broken.

    Written the evening of April 12, 2024 for the Sauk Theatre's 24-Hour Play Project in Jonesville,
    Michigan.
    Cast members were Henry Beier, Abby Brownlee, Ruth Brownlee, Everly Cousino, Alessa
    Howard and Silas Hutchinson.
    Directed by Andy Anderson
    The theme was "Happy Holidays." I received "Valentine's Day" as the holiday to write about.
  • The Raft
    TEN-MINUTE: Killroy can't sleep. Dakota's got this.
  • Romeo & Juliet & Velociraptors
    TEN-MINUTE: Newly married in secret, Romeo and Juliet have a new problem.

    Just like William Shakespeare always intended.
  • Round Yon Virgin
    TEN-MINUTE: Elise has an unusual request for Santa Claus on behalf of her older brother, Grayson.
  • Salad Bar
    TEN-MINUTE, LARGE YOUTH CAST: Various plant-eating dinosaurs in the Cretaceous Period compete for food.

    Written in reply to a request for a 10-minute play for 20 student performers with roles of equal sizes.

    The title comes from playwright Scott Mullen. I loved his suggestion.
  • Sarsaparilla
    TEN-MINUTE OR SO: Zephyr and Zoey are actors performing a steamy love scene.
  • Sebastian and Chloe
    TEN-MINUTE: After their 50th wedding anniversary, Sebastian and Chloe find out the truth about how they met.
    Selected for the Spokane Civic Theatre Playwrights Forum Festival in June 2018.
  • Second Kisses
    TEN-MINUTE: It's Ian's eighteenth birthday. He and Portia can't seem to stop kissing about it.
  • Selfies & Ladybugs
    TEN-MINUTE: Ramona and Dolores are both trying to get the perfect selfie together.

    Written in an hour for the Nugget Fringe Festival in Grass Valley, CA; January 26, 2019.

    The prompt we received was "Authenticity."

    I had NO idea what I was going to write about, but the prompt e-mail included the word "Selkies," referring to the Celtic mythology...
    TEN-MINUTE: Ramona and Dolores are both trying to get the perfect selfie together.

    Written in an hour for the Nugget Fringe Festival in Grass Valley, CA; January 26, 2019.

    The prompt we received was "Authenticity."

    I had NO idea what I was going to write about, but the prompt e-mail included the word "Selkies," referring to the Celtic mythology about seals coming ashore, shedding their pelts and dancing on the sand.

    My brain READ "Selkie," but started thinking about "selfies," I think. I was also thinking about the concept that people are living their "best lives" on social media, which tapped into the authenticity prompt.

    And my brother (my hero) Steven is an entomologist, so that's where THAT came from.
  • Seven Minutes in Heaven
    TEN-MINUTE: Jordan McMint wants to be Charlie Donner's first kiss during a game at a party. Charlie's saving his first kiss for Caitlin. Unstoppable force meets immovable object in a closet. Part of the "First Kisses" evening of short plays.

    Selected for the Red Eye 10s International Play Festival, produced on the same day in Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, Colorado, three sites...
    TEN-MINUTE: Jordan McMint wants to be Charlie Donner's first kiss during a game at a party. Charlie's saving his first kiss for Caitlin. Unstoppable force meets immovable object in a closet. Part of the "First Kisses" evening of short plays.

    Selected for the Red Eye 10s International Play Festival, produced on the same day in Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, Colorado, three sites in California, Florida, Ireland and Japan Sept. 30, 2017. Dates for Texas and Germany TBD!
  • Sex & Spiders
    TEN-MINUTE: Waldo and Elaine are getting romantical, when they realize they're not alone.
  • Siren's Last Call
    TEN-MINUTE-ISH: Three women drink in a bar after a long, long, long day.
  • Sit Here For the Present: An Appreciation of Beverly Cleary
    TEN-MINUTE: Five performers talk about their favorite books written by Beverly Cleary, author of the Ramona Quimby series. Written for the 365 Women a Year Project.
  • Sitting at Home on the Couch, Watching TV in Our Underwear
    TEN-MINUTEISH: Urchin, Rylie and Zilpha wait for Mike to get home from a long day at work.
  • Skeletons
    TEN-MINUTE: Two skeletons have escaped for the day and found their way to an all-you-can eat pizza buffet.
  • The Sky, The Sky
    TEN-MINUTE: A young couple pauses in the middle of nowhere for a romantic interlude.

    CONTENT WARNING: Play includes sexual simulation. An intimacy coordinator is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
  • The Sky's the Limit
    TEN-MINUTE: Designed for online/Zoom/HopIn performances.

    A loyal deputy chases an escaped killer out of a falling airplane on a dark and stormy night.

    Written Aug. 28, 2020, for Play in About a Day, a 24-hour-play festival, produced Aug. 29 by Honestly Speaking, Inc. Directed by K'lah Morgan, starring Monica Catherine and Giselle Muise.
  • The Smooch
    TEN-MINUTE: Bobby and Angel have been dating a while. Bobby's waiting. Angel's getting impatient.

    Written November 24, 2020, as part of a personal challenge to write a 10-page play each day in November 2020.

    CONTENT WARNING: Sexual content, implied sexual assault
  • So, You've Decided to Fall in Love With Matthew Weaver
    TEN-MINUTE: Ava just wants to sit in her favorite spot in her favorite coffeeshop and read her favorite book.
    She certainly doesn't want to fall in love with Matthew Weaver, whoever the hell he is.
  • Solicited
    TEN-MINUTE: Sam has never sent an X-rated picture before. Best friend Hayden volunteers to be the first recipient.

    Written Nov. 3, 2020, as part of a personal challenge to write a 10-page play each day for the month of November 2020.
  • Son of a Sunrise
    TEN-MINUTE: Four boys visit the village prostitute.
  • Spots
    TEN-MINUTE: Two giraffes are brought on board Noah's Ark, two by two.

    This play was inspired by a Tweet by @earthdistance on Twitter, listing the Top Ten Bible characters: Number two was "Unnamed female giraffe (Ark)"

    https://twitter.com/earthdistance/status/1019498153018580992
  • Squash Coffee
    TEN-MINUTE-PLUS: On the eve of a big occasion, Josh asks the most important people in his life for their blessing.

    Written for the 24-Hour Theatre Project, Sept. 15, 2023, for the Sauk Theatre in Jonesville,
    Michigan.
    Directed by Andy Anderson.
    Performers were Josh Lightner, Alessa Howard, Kaylee McCoy, Aimie Smith and Kiralyn
    Brakel Nelson.
    Theme was "...
    TEN-MINUTE-PLUS: On the eve of a big occasion, Josh asks the most important people in his life for their blessing.

    Written for the 24-Hour Theatre Project, Sept. 15, 2023, for the Sauk Theatre in Jonesville,
    Michigan.
    Directed by Andy Anderson.
    Performers were Josh Lightner, Alessa Howard, Kaylee McCoy, Aimie Smith and Kiralyn
    Brakel Nelson.
    Theme was "Life is like the seasons, always changing." I was given the Summer Into Fall slot
  • Straddle
    TEN-MINUTE: Pierce visits his older brother in college during a party.

    Written Aug. 6, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to write a 10-page play each day in August 2019.
  • Structural Integrity
    TEN-MINUTE: Two contractors discuss their progress with the homeowner.
  • The Sweet Smell of a Lavender Field After It Rains
    TEN-MINUTE: George and Martha spend a quiet evening at home.

    One of 14 (!) short plays read as part of a "Matthew Weaver Special Showcase" July 20-22, 2018 at Ignite! Community Theatre in Spokane Valley, Wash.
  • Ten Boys on the Beach
    TEN-MINUTE: Ten boys are sent to war on the beach.

    A sibling to THE BOY ON THE BEACH, TWO BOYS ON THE BEACH, THREE BOYS ON THE BEACH, THREE GIRLS ON THE BEACH (work in progress), FOUR BOYS ON THE BEACH and FIVE BOYS ON THE BEACH.
  • Three Boys on the Beach
    TEN-PLUS-MINUTE: LGBTQ+ version of TWO BOYS ON THE BEACH, in which the character of Wrigley is a young woman.

    Written upon a suggestion from a playwright whose words and work I greatly admire.
  • Three Girls on the Beach
    TEN-MINUTE: A boy stumbles upon an erotic encounter on the beach.

    Part of the BOY ON THE BEACH series, with THE BOY ON THE BEACH, TWO BOYS ON THE BEACH/THREE BOYS ON THE BEACH, FOUR BOYS ON THE BEACH, FIVE BOYS ON THE BEACH and TEN BOYS ON THE BEACH.
  • Tinsel
    TEN-MINUTE: Fred and Varna's kids have decided they're going to spend Christmas skiing in Vail.

    Whoopee!
  • The Tragedie of Rockford and Almira and the Cat - a Comedie
    TEN-MINUTE: Rockford and Almira, two mice, come upon a mousetrap.

    A Shakespearean mouse play. Because ... well, why not?

    Performed as part of Tree City Playhouse 2019 Festival of New Plays in Sylvania, OH, in May 2019.
  • The Treehouse
    TEN-MINUTE-ISH: The Adventurers see what all they can see from their new old, abandoned treehouse.

    Written Aug. 1, 2019, as part of a personal challenge to myself to write 31 ten-page (at least!) plays each day for 31 days in the month of August 2019.
  • True Love's Kiss
    TEN-MINUTE: Performed by Liberty Lake Community Theatre as part of New Works Festival, March 2017, in Liberty Lake, Wash..
    Performed by Mad Lab Theatre as part of Theatre Roulette festival, May 2016, in Columbus, Ohio.

    One of 14 (!) short plays read as part of a "Matthew Weaver Special Showcase" July 20-22, 2018 at Ignite! Community Theatre in Spokane Valley, Wash.
    ...
    TEN-MINUTE: Performed by Liberty Lake Community Theatre as part of New Works Festival, March 2017, in Liberty Lake, Wash..
    Performed by Mad Lab Theatre as part of Theatre Roulette festival, May 2016, in Columbus, Ohio.

    One of 14 (!) short plays read as part of a "Matthew Weaver Special Showcase" July 20-22, 2018 at Ignite! Community Theatre in Spokane Valley, Wash.

    Wicked witch Prunetoria has cast a spell on Princess Honeysuckle. Only true love's kiss will wake her up. But there's a catch ...

    It's up to Prince Darling, Prince Dashing and Prince Ruggedly Handsome to ride to Honeysuckle's rescue.

    Meanwhile, on the horizon, another princess is making her way to the castle ...
  • Toasted Marshmallow Mocha
    Our Hero orders a toasted marshmallow mocha at a coffee shop.

    Selected for production in the Hive Collective's The Ten Show in Provo, Utah in fall of 2019. Directed by Jacom Clarkson.
  • Two Boys on the Beach
    TEN-MINUTE-PLUS: Two boys play on the beach while their sitter watches them.

    Written Aug. 18, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself to write a 10-page play (at least!) each day for the month of August 2019.

    Published by Fleas on the Dog, an online publication, Issue 8, March 5, 2021. (In the same issue is one of my favorite plays by one of my favorite playwrights, BEHIND...
    TEN-MINUTE-PLUS: Two boys play on the beach while their sitter watches them.

    Written Aug. 18, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself to write a 10-page play (at least!) each day for the month of August 2019.

    Published by Fleas on the Dog, an online publication, Issue 8, March 5, 2021. (In the same issue is one of my favorite plays by one of my favorite playwrights, BEHIND THE SHED by Giselle Muise, also available on New Play Exchange.)

    LGBTQ+ version: THREE BOYS ON THE BEACH
  • Two Old Men Arguing in the Park Whilst Feeding Pigeons
    TEN-MINUTE: JJ and Arthur argue in the park whilst feeding pigeons.


    SPOILER:
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    Inspired by a January 2018 post on the Official Playwrights of Facebook page where playwright Rand Higbee observed that he had seen many...
    TEN-MINUTE: JJ and Arthur argue in the park whilst feeding pigeons.


    SPOILER:
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    Inspired by a January 2018 post on the Official Playwrights of Facebook page where playwright Rand Higbee observed that he had seen many entries in a 10-minute play contest where the most common last or second to last line was "I'm pregnant."

    SOME SMART-ALECK PLAYWRIGHT posted at the time that this gave him a killer ending for his play about two grumpy old men arguing in the park (another common theme in theater). All right, it was me. I was the smart aleck.
  • Two Young Men on the Beach
    TEN-MINUTE: Jack and Lucky from "Two Boys/Three Boys on the Beach" return to the beach years later and face the fallout from the events of that play.

    Part of the BOYS AND GIRLS ON THE BEACH collection of plays.

    CW: Discussions of child sexual abuse
  • Under an Iguana Moon
    TEN-MINUTE: Written and performed in 24 hours as part of Stage Left Theater's Left Overs Festival in Spokane, Wash., in March 2015. Directed by Juan Mas, starring Aubrey Shimek Davis and Jordan Lannen.

    Avery and Zoey both find Iggy, a stuffed iguana, for the important little girls in their lives, but there's only one. And neither woman is going to let him go.
  • The Unforgivable Sin of Falling In Love With You
    TEN-MINUTE: Portia and Nathaniel bump into each other by the light of a bonfire.
  • The Unkissed
    TEN-MINUTE: Laurie asks Zachary if several rumors about him are true.

    Written Aug. 13, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to write 31 ten-minute plays in 31 days in August 2019.
  • Untitled Stageplay
    TEN-MINUTE: A stageplay seeks meaning, and to bring meaning to an audience.

    Written April 21, 2019 as part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, NINJAS, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.

    The prompt I gave myself was "Untitled Stageplay." Clearly, the concept ran away from me.
  • Utopia Found
    TEN-MINUTE: The angel Uriel welcomes two travelers home.

    Selected for 2019 New Works Festival, Britches and Hose Theatre Company, Fairfax, VA. January 2019.
  • The Vampire Cesario
    TEN-MINUTE: Victoria decides to find out for herself what all the villagers are whispering about.
  • Variations on a First Kiss
    TEN-MINUTE: Received Audience Favorite Comedy, Exit 7 Players Theater Short Play Contest in Ludlow, Mass., February 2016.
    Performed as part of Mad Lab Theatre's Theatre Roulette Festival in Columbus, Ohio, May 2016.

    One of 14 (!) short plays read as part of a "Matthew Weaver Special Showcase" July 20-22, 2018 at Ignite! Community Theatre in Spokane Valley, Wash.
    ...
    TEN-MINUTE: Received Audience Favorite Comedy, Exit 7 Players Theater Short Play Contest in Ludlow, Mass., February 2016.
    Performed as part of Mad Lab Theatre's Theatre Roulette Festival in Columbus, Ohio, May 2016.

    One of 14 (!) short plays read as part of a "Matthew Weaver Special Showcase" July 20-22, 2018 at Ignite! Community Theatre in Spokane Valley, Wash.

    Azalea finds out Christopher has never had his first kiss. He proceeds to imagine the many, many ways it could go wrong.
  • The Veil
    TEN-MINUTE: Warren sits in a bar on Rhona's big day.
  • Vellichor
    TEN-MINUTE: Vonnie browses at her local used bookstore.
  • Velociraptors in the Garden
    "Downton Abbey" meets "Jurassic Park."

    A ten-minute comedy. Absolutely no redeeming value whatsoever.

    Performed April 2018 as part of Cupcake Lady Productions' Another Taste of Rotten Theatre in Brooklyn, NY.
  • View From the Reef
    TEN-MINUTE: Cauliflower corals Collie and Coral have never left the coral reef. Why would they? But a chance encounter with a deep sea diver has them questioning the future.

    Originally written for the Saving Endangered Species international playwriting contest in 2015.

    My challenge to myself was to write about an invertebrate, and ultimately to try to write the most moving play...
    TEN-MINUTE: Cauliflower corals Collie and Coral have never left the coral reef. Why would they? But a chance encounter with a deep sea diver has them questioning the future.

    Originally written for the Saving Endangered Species international playwriting contest in 2015.

    My challenge to myself was to write about an invertebrate, and ultimately to try to write the most moving play about cauliflower coral possible.

    One of 14 (!) short plays read as part of a "Matthew Weaver Special Showcase" July 20-22, 2018 at Ignite! Community Theatre in Spokane Valley, Wash.

    Performed as part of Harper College's InZone Program, "Stars of the Stage," in Palatine, Ill., in June 2018.
  • Violet Mustard-Brimley, Will You Please Be My First Kiss Please? (If You Should So Choose)
    TEN-MINUTE PLAY: Vlogger Violet Mustard-Brimley is about to embark on the Blue Kiss No. 35 Challenge! Buy her merch-merch!

    Selected for 2019 Rockford New Play Festival in September 2019, in Rockford, Illinois.
  • The Virgins
    TEN-MINUTE-ISH: Two newlyweds knock on the door of the experienced couple in the hotel, seeking advice.

    Written Nov. 12, 2020, as part of a personal challenge to write a 10-page play a day in November 2020.
  • Wake Us For Flight 2373
    TEN-MINUTE-ISH: An attractive young couple sleeps on the floor of an airport, with a sign saying "WAKE US FOR FLIGHT 2373."

    Married couple Vicky and Lionel come upon them.
  • We Should Talk
    TEN-MINUTE: A couple comes to an end.
  • What Scares an Evil Clown?
    TEN-MINUTE: Two evil clowns bump into each other while luring small children to their deaths.

    Written Aug. 4, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to write a 10-page play each day in the month of August 2019.

    Produced as part of Memoriam Development's Nightshade horror anthology, December 2020.
  • When Elephants Fly
    TEN-MINUTE: Three teenage friends gather for one last picnic before heading off to their future. Some classic picnic pests show up.

    Written May 6, 2022 for The 24-Hour Theatre Project, The Sauk Theatre, Jonesville, Michigan.
    Performers are Emmalynn Ambrose, Stella McCourry, Ashlynn Moore and Esther Yokell.

    Directed by Tim Ambrose.

    Theme is "Impossible...
    TEN-MINUTE: Three teenage friends gather for one last picnic before heading off to their future. Some classic picnic pests show up.

    Written May 6, 2022 for The 24-Hour Theatre Project, The Sauk Theatre, Jonesville, Michigan.
    Performers are Emmalynn Ambrose, Stella McCourry, Ashlynn Moore and Esther Yokell.

    Directed by Tim Ambrose.

    Theme is "Impossible things are happening every day."
  • Whispers in the Woods
    TEN-MINUTE: Sylvie and her daughter Henrietta are on the run. Sylvie brings her daughter back to the woods.

    Written Aug. 23, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself to write a 10-page play each day in August 2019, for a festival using Bigfoot as a prompt.

    Selected for Mystic Vision Players's Kicking & Swearing Festival in Rahway, NJ, in January-February 2020
  • The Wifebeater in 5C (for Zoom)
    TEN-MINUTE: Three neighbors in the same building are having their usual dinner when they hear sounds of domestic violence coming from the next room.

    Written the weekend of Feb. 13,2021, for Places! the virtual play festival produced by Theatre Unmasked, produced Feb. 20, 2021. Directed by Emily Grimany, starring Sonia Bhatia, Olivia Loucks and Meredith Jones.
  • Willy's Mom Gets in the Car
    Willy sits in a car outside his school. His mom gets in the car.

    Selected for Smith & Kraus' 2021 Best Ten-Minute Play anthology.

    Produced as part of the Town and Gown Theatre's Stillwater Short Play Festival in Stillwater, OK, in May 2019.

    Selected for the Spokane Civic Theatre's Playwrights Forum Festival in June 2020.
  • Windows, Windows, Trees
    TEN-MINUTE: Sam and Elisa keep each other company during chemotherapy.

    Title prompt by Emily Hageman.

    Produced as part of Sauk Shorts, The Sauk Theatre, April 29-May 2, 2021, in Jonesville Michigan,
  • Witch, Heart, Paper
    TEN-MINUTE: Tristan just wants to make copies for his beloved Blue Lavender. Three witches have other ideas.

    Originally written as a submission for The Impostors Theatre's Footholds program. The requirement was to incorporate a three-foot stack of red construction paper as a prop.
  • Write Your Name Upon My Heart
    TEN-MINUTE: Joshua asks Gretchen to sign his heart.

    Written Aug. 2, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself to write a 10-page play (longhand!) each day in August 2019.

    Selected for Sauk Shorts 2020, at the Sauk Theatre in Jonesville, Michigan.
  • Wonder Woman Vs. the Boys' Bathroom
    TEN-MINUTE: Wonder Woman responds to a call of distress from a boys' bathroom in a school.

    Inspired by Emily Hageman and her Batman plays.

    Written Nov. 29, 2020, as part of my personal challenge to write a 10-page play each day in November 2020.
  • Word Puzzle
    TEN-MINUTE PLAY: A beleaguered group of strangers must save humanity by coming up with the five-letter word of the day.
  • X is for Xylophone
    TEN-MINUTE: Wealthy Xanthia and Xander live in the "X" house on a popular children's TV show, Alphabet Train. They're used to not being used very often. X is the 23rd most used letter, after all.
    But the Alphabet Train hasn't stopped by their mansion in six weeks, leaving Xanthia and Xander to suspect they've been ex-iled from the rest of the alphabet.
  • You Can't Kiss Me But I Can Kiss You
    TEN-MINUTE: Vanessa has rules for Cody.
  • 'zel's Tower
    TEN-MINUTE: Zel and an unnamed boy revisit a site of past trauma, sometime after happily ever after.
  • Zoning Ordinances
    TEN-MINUTE: A witch wants to switch her lot from forestry to residential, but there's so much paperwork involved!
  • Zoom Sock Monkey Chaos Meeting
    TEN-MINUTE: A play for Zoom. Four sock monkeys check in during the early days of overthrowing the human species.
  • Zucchini
    TEN-MINUTE, YA: It's 7 a.m. on a school day, and Logan and Barrett have zucchini harvesting duty in the high
    school greenhouse.

    Written Aug. 10, 2019, during a writing session alongside fellow playwright Tristen Canfield (THE WINDOW, PERSPECTIVE and SLICE OF LIFE - go read her stuff now!) as part of my personal challenge to myself to write 31 plays in 31 days during August 2019.
  • 1,001 Flavors
    FIVE-MINUTES OR LESS: Character A is just sitting there, innocently, when Character B appears and offers to sell many exotic flavors of ice cream.

    Written April 25, 2019, as part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, NINJAS, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019. The prompt we received was "Out of ice cream," by Kip Stolberg.
  • Atmosphere
    SHORT: Nothing much. Holly and Jennifer are just hanging out at the edge of the earth's atmosphere.

    Written April 9, 2019, as part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, NINJAS, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.
  • Blue Frogs
    SHORT: Ah, spring! When a young frog's fancy turns to thoughts of ...
  • Cacophony
    SHORT: Many performers on stage search for answers. Very experimental.
  • The Clearing
    FIVE-MINUTE PLUS: Three mothers in the woods come upon a crucifixion.
  • Confidence Boost
    TEN-MINUTE OR LESS: Ivy helps neighbor Houle tie his tie before a big date.

    One of 14 (!) short plays read as part of a "Matthew Weaver Special Showcase" July 20-22, 2018 at Ignite! Community Theatre in Spokane Valley, Wash.
  • Eoteltsim
    ONE-MINUTE: Barney introduces his younger brother and his fiancee to each other at a Christmas party. But they've already met ...
  • Erotica for People Who Really, Really Like Flour
    FIVE-MINUTE-ISH: Humphrey and Lucy make a mess.

    Written May 10, 2020, as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to May 15, 2020.
  • Grandmother's Ring
    FIVE-MINUTE: Holly and Stanley are glad to have Stanley's grandmother's approval before their wedding day.

    Selected for Kansas City Horror Play Festival in Kansas City, Missouri, in October 2018.
  • The Jogger
    ONE-MINUTE-PLUS: A young woman purchases lemonade from a youth's lemonade stand.
  • Kissing Benji
    FIVE-MINUTE: A group of women sitting nearby ask Benji a question ...
  • Lemons & Licorice
    FIVE-MINUTE: A couple ponders a new combination of flavors never before explored.
  • The Life and Times of Emily Cratchit
    SHORT PLAY: A whirlwind look at the life of Emily Cratchit, from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

    Written May 7, 2020 as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to May 15, 2020. ( I think this one ran a tad over.)
  • New Mistakes
    FIVE-MINUTE: Selected for Cone Man Running Productions' Five-Minute Mile Play Festival November 2016 in Houston, Texas.

    One of 14 (!) short plays read as part of a "Matthew Weaver Special Showcase" July 20-22, 2018 at Ignite! Community Theatre in Spokane Valley, Wash.

    Wally and Sam are two lonely hearts giving love a second chance. They're meeting in person for...
    FIVE-MINUTE: Selected for Cone Man Running Productions' Five-Minute Mile Play Festival November 2016 in Houston, Texas.

    One of 14 (!) short plays read as part of a "Matthew Weaver Special Showcase" July 20-22, 2018 at Ignite! Community Theatre in Spokane Valley, Wash.

    Wally and Sam are two lonely hearts giving love a second chance. They're meeting in person for the first time. Via text, Wally sends Sam a suggestion ...

    Part of the "First Kisses" evening of one-acts.
  • The Rarest Book in the Rare Book Room at Powell's Bookstore
    FIVE-MINUTE: Sisters Zenley and Olive sneak into the rare book room at Powell's Bookstore in Portland, Oregon.

    Written Oct. 23, 2019, after a trip to the rare book room at Powell's Bookstore in Portland, Oregon.
  • Reading Xinran
    FIVE-MINUTE: Brooke is reading Sky Burial, by Xue Xinran, at Mortimer's recommendation.

    I, too, read Sky Burial and thoroughly enjoyed it. For this play, I wanted to write something that captured both my enthusiasm for the book and a general enthusiasm for books, reading and sharing books with a fellow book enthusiast.
  • Rugburn
    FIVE TO TEN-MINUTE-ISH: An evil clown asks young Cole for a simple favor: A genuine smile.

    Selected for production as part of the Memoriam Theatre's Nightshade anthology of horror in DeKalb, Illinois, in July 2018.

    Backstory: In college I got the chance to write a paper about evil clowns for a Monsters in Literature/Film class. (Thanks, The Joker and Stephen King!) Years...
    FIVE TO TEN-MINUTE-ISH: An evil clown asks young Cole for a simple favor: A genuine smile.

    Selected for production as part of the Memoriam Theatre's Nightshade anthology of horror in DeKalb, Illinois, in July 2018.

    Backstory: In college I got the chance to write a paper about evil clowns for a Monsters in Literature/Film class. (Thanks, The Joker and Stephen King!) Years later, a competition put out requests for scripts that reflect and ponder on the nature of certain monsters. My monster of choice was immediate, and I got to put my research to good use.
  • Two Tomatoes Attend an Evening at the Theatre
    SHORT: Tomatoes Zelba and Jerry attend an evening at the theatre, to be performed by actor Lazlo Charlton.

    Written May 15, 2020, as a bonus in response to a prompt from fellow playwright Scott Mullen, upon the completion of a personal challenge with Scott (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to May 15, 2020.
  • The Woodpecker and the Witch
    FIVE-MINUTE: During a passionate interlude, B bids A tell stories from their childhood.
  • ___________ ( a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE:

    Written May 8, 2020, as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to May 15, 2020.
  • 19 Excellent Reasons to Date Matthew Weaver (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: Playwright Matthew Weaver outlines 19 EXCELLENT reasons for dating him.

    Written Feb. 10, 2020, as part of my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT, DINO KID, FUCK BUDDY and EARTHWORM KID, among many others) to write a monologue at least one page in length each day for 29 days during the month of February 2020.

    ...
    MONOLOGUE: Playwright Matthew Weaver outlines 19 EXCELLENT reasons for dating him.

    Written Feb. 10, 2020, as part of my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT, DINO KID, FUCK BUDDY and EARTHWORM KID, among many others) to write a monologue at least one page in length each day for 29 days during the month of February 2020.

    Performed April 25, 2020, as part of An Evening of Zoom Shorts, produced by Kara Emily Krantz and performed by Vivian Eliza Nichols.
  • 19 Words (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A performer speaks 19 words.
  • 40 Questions (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A performer has 40 questions ...

    Performed by Miranda Jonte (THE SHARK PLAY, ST. FRANCIS, GREASEMONKEY, ALL IN A WHITE TRASH PIE) Aug. 22, 2020, as part of Back Porch Theatre.
  • 100 Hail Marys (a monologue about contrition)
    MONOLOGUE: A performer performs an act of penance.

    Written March 13, 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play each day from March 12 through May 1, 2021.
  • A Hole (monologue)
    MONOLOGUE/ONE-MINUTE: A speaker addresses someone they aren't in touch with any more.
  • A Sudden Sense of Melancholy (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: Performer has had a good day.
  • A White Male Playwright Responds to Annie Baker's THE FLICK
    MONOLOGUE: M., watches a production of Annie Baker's play THE FLICK.

    A 365 Women a Year project.

    Written May 9, 2020, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-page play a day for two months in 2020.
  • Alistair Eats Alone
    TEN-MINUTE MONOLOGUE: Alistair Caulfield dines in a restaurant full of couples, talking to himself. A monologue.

    Performed in Self to Selfie; San Francisco, CA. February 2018.
  • Alligator (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A 15-foot alligator crosses a golf course.

    Written Feb. 13, 2020, as part of my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT, DINO KID and EARTHWORM KID, among many others) to write a monologue at least one page in length each day for 29 days during the month of February 2020.
  • Baby's Breath (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A baby says their first word.

    Written for any performer, but the playwright would welcome use of an actual infant, in which case no need to stick to the script. :)
  • The Back of the Mona Lisa
    MONOLOGUE: The back of the world's most famous painting tells her side of the story.

    Performed by Miranda Jonte, Back Porch Theatre Productions, November 2020
  • Because I'm Not in Love With You (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: Irene's had a few. She's flirting with the cute bartender. But ... why has Irene had a few?

    Written Feb. 22, 2020, as part of my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT, DINO KID and EARTHWORM KID, among many others) to write a monologue at least one page in length each day for 29 days during the month of February 2020....
    MONOLOGUE: Irene's had a few. She's flirting with the cute bartender. But ... why has Irene had a few?

    Written Feb. 22, 2020, as part of my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT, DINO KID and EARTHWORM KID, among many others) to write a monologue at least one page in length each day for 29 days during the month of February 2020.

    Produced as part of Masterpiece Monologues, Stage Left Theatre, Spokane, WA, October 2020.

    Performed by Miranda Jonte's Back Porch Theatre, Oct. 12, 2020.
  • Birdseed (a found monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: Actual excerpts from actual reviews of actual birdseed on Amazon.

    Inspired by a January 16, 2020 Tweet by Simon C. Holland: "One minute you are young and cool, maybe even a little dangerous, and the next minute you are reading amazon reviews for birdseed."

    And inspired by the found monologues of Ruben Carbajal, including 20 QUESTIONS, A CRAIGSLIST PLAY and...
    MONOLOGUE: Actual excerpts from actual reviews of actual birdseed on Amazon.

    Inspired by a January 16, 2020 Tweet by Simon C. Holland: "One minute you are young and cool, maybe even a little dangerous, and the next minute you are reading amazon reviews for birdseed."

    And inspired by the found monologues of Ruben Carbajal, including 20 QUESTIONS, A CRAIGSLIST PLAY and FORGIVE ME COSMO, FOR I HAVE SINNED.
  • Bobby Quince Enters Adulthood
    MONOLOGUE: Bobby Quince has his first experience with adulthood. Performed by a young woman.
  • Bridget in the Pool (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: Emmett's friend Bridget has been partying. He's brought her home safe and sound.

    Then Bridget gets in the pool.

    Emmett can't swim.

    Written Feb. 13, 2019, as part of a monthlong challenge to write a monologue each day in February 2019, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham.

    Prompt came from Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK...
    MONOLOGUE: Emmett's friend Bridget has been partying. He's brought her home safe and sound.

    Then Bridget gets in the pool.

    Emmett can't swim.

    Written Feb. 13, 2019, as part of a monthlong challenge to write a monologue each day in February 2019, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham.

    Prompt came from Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 172 PUSH-UPS), who suggested "Guy trying to get the courage to jump in a swimming pool."
  • Cheryl Bear is Reading All of My Plays on the New Play Exchange ( a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A playwright discovers someone is reading all of his plays.
  • Chocolate Cereal Vampire (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A vampire wants to suck ... your chocolatey cereal?

    Written April 17, 2020, as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to May 15, 2020.

    An homage to Count Chocula, the General Mills cereal. I wanted to explore a possible origin story for a similar character.
  • Confession of a Modern Soap Opera Bride
    MONOLOGUE: Zinnia, a soap opera actress, reflects on all the wedding dresses she's worn on the day of yet another TV wedding.

    Performed as part of the Fast & Furious one-minute play festival at Stage Left Theatre in Spokane, WA in March 2019; directed by Kearney Jordan
  • Confessions of a Third-Place Potato Peeling Contest Champion
    YOUTH MONOLOGUE: Andi, or Andy, practices for the potato peeling contest. Prize money!

    Written Feb. 8, 2020, as part of my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT, DINO KID and EARTHWORM KID, among many others) to write a monologue at least one page in length each day for 29 days during the month of February 2020.

    Selected for a...
    YOUTH MONOLOGUE: Andi, or Andy, practices for the potato peeling contest. Prize money!

    Written Feb. 8, 2020, as part of my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT, DINO KID and EARTHWORM KID, among many others) to write a monologue at least one page in length each day for 29 days during the month of February 2020.

    Selected for a reading July 4, 2020 for Scratching the Servers by The UnDisposables theater in London, England. Directed by Polly Nayler, starring Grace Hussey-Burd.
  • Crucifix (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: The crucifix at the heart of a church listens to the cries of parishioners.
  • Enter a Writer (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A writer must write.

    Inspired by an interview with Young Jean Lee, where she advises that it's important that writers let themselves write badly: "My biggest advice for young writers is to give yourself room to play around and change your mind and write badly and just experiment with stuff, as opposed to sitting down and trying to write a really good first draft. I think that...
    MONOLOGUE: A writer must write.

    Inspired by an interview with Young Jean Lee, where she advises that it's important that writers let themselves write badly: "My biggest advice for young writers is to give yourself room to play around and change your mind and write badly and just experiment with stuff, as opposed to sitting down and trying to write a really good first draft. I think that all of the wild vision and creativity come from just having freedom to do whatever you want and not have something in your mind like, 'This is what it’s supposed to be like.'"

    Source: https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/young-jean-lee-interview-playwright-were-gonna-die-advice-70017/?fbclid=IwAR1GAO84cfqG590oVasUnWVZGlJuRvZAlZQaQ3WaUuqEX1LBKriZriVIvI0

    Written Feb. 17, 2020, as part of my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT, DINO KID, FUCK BUDDY and EARTHWORM KID, among many others) to write a monologue at least one page in length each day for 29 days during the month of February 2020.
  • Enter Bruce, Dragging His Mother-in-Law's Body
    MONOLOGUE: Bruce enters the stage, dragging the dead body of his mother-in-law. A monologue, written for the NYC Playwright's Write a Monologue For Me program in September 2017.

    Performed as part of Mind the Gap Theatre's Housebound program, April 2020.

    Produced as part of Masterpiece Monologues, Stage Left Theatre, Spokane, WA, October 2020.
  • Extra Anchovies (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: Bryce, a pizza delivery person, is back on West Hyacinth Lane, looking for a particular address.

    Written Feb. 28, 2019, successfully concluding a month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham, to write a monologue each day in the month of February 2019.
  • Fart (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A fart takes to the stage.

    Written Feb. 16, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham, to write a monologue a day during the month of February 2019.
  • Fruity Cereal Mummy (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A mummy is cursed to walk the earth looking for its lost love ... and promote a children's cereal.

    An homage to Yummy Mummy, the occasional General Mills Halloween cereal. I wanted to explore a possible origin story for a similar character.

    Written Feb. 15, 2020, as part of my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT...
    MONOLOGUE: A mummy is cursed to walk the earth looking for its lost love ... and promote a children's cereal.

    An homage to Yummy Mummy, the occasional General Mills Halloween cereal. I wanted to explore a possible origin story for a similar character.

    Written Feb. 15, 2020, as part of my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT, DINO KID and EARTHWORM KID, among many others) to write a monologue at least one page in length each day for 29 days during the month of February 2020.
  • Fruity Cereal Wolf (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A werewolf craves fruity breakfast cereal.

    An homage to Fruit Brute, the occasional General Mills Halloween cereal. I wanted to explore a possible origin story for a similar character.

    Written Feb. 9, 2020, as part of my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT, DINO KID and EARTHWORM KID, among many others) to write a...
    MONOLOGUE: A werewolf craves fruity breakfast cereal.

    An homage to Fruit Brute, the occasional General Mills Halloween cereal. I wanted to explore a possible origin story for a similar character.

    Written Feb. 9, 2020, as part of my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT, DINO KID and EARTHWORM KID, among many others) to write a monologue at least one page in length each day for 29 days during the month of February 2020.
  • Godspeed (a YA monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A YA performer reassures worried parents during the coronavirus pandemic and quarantine.

    Written Monday, March 23, 2020, as part of my personal goal to write a one-minute(ish) short play each day from March 15 to April 30, 2020. Selected to be part of the Living Room Monologues project at The Sauk Theatre in Jonesville, Michigan and performed March 27, 2020, starring Trevor Wagler, directed by Trinity Bird.
  • The Gospel According to the Snake (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: The events of the Book of Genesis from the serpent's perspective.

    Performed Oct. 4, 2019, by the author, during Terrain 12, an art festival in Spokane, Wash., one of five readers representing the Drop In & Write Group at Spark Central in Kendall Yards in Spokane. The group meets at 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday evenings ... come in and drop in and write!

    https://spark-...
    MONOLOGUE: The events of the Book of Genesis from the serpent's perspective.

    Performed Oct. 4, 2019, by the author, during Terrain 12, an art festival in Spokane, Wash., one of five readers representing the Drop In & Write Group at Spark Central in Kendall Yards in Spokane. The group meets at 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday evenings ... come in and drop in and write!

    https://spark-central.org/events/drop-in-and-write-1-dkwky-zch77-md64g-w3rjj-p8gpc-m6zxy-5gm7k-yrkh6-w4kht-frrp6-d6ljy-acg2h-sr6g8-dymaa-p7gf8-ekfj2-f6cfj-7rym8-drmmt-85msb-grccz
  • The Grim Reaper Tries Speed Dating (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: The Grim Reaper tries speed-dating

    Written Feb,. 23, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham, to write a monologue each day for the month of February 2019.

    Performed as part of Mind the Gap Theatre's Housebound program, April 2020.
  • Guy Slips in the Shower (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A guy, perhaps named Guy, has fallen in the shower.


    Wrote Feb. 6, 2019 as part of my challenge to myself to write a monologue a day for the month of February, 2019, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndam.

  • Haunted House (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: Any performer stands in a haunted house.

    Written Feb. 17, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham, to write a monologue each day for the month of February 2019.

    Performed as part of Gi60 in Brooklyn, NY, in June 2019.
  • Hyrax Kid
    YOUTH MONOLOGUE: An homage of sorts to Asher Wyndham and his ___ Kid series, with more than a dash of my own Walla Walla sweet onion play, ONION ODE.

    A young performer gives a report on "official spokesanimal" the hyrax, a small mammal with a surprising relative or two.
  • I, Corn Dog
    MONOLOGUE: A corn dog experiences a crisis of faith.

    Written April 11, 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play each day in March and April 2021.
  • I, Grilled Cheese (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A lunch of grilled cheese and tomato soup - from the POV of one of the slices of bread.

    Written February 16, 2020, as part of my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT, DINO KID, FUCK BUDDY and EARTHWORM KID, among many others) to write a monologue at least one page in length each day for 29 days during the month of February 2020.
  • Jesus at 3 Weeks (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: The Virgin Mary rocks her child, who will not stop crying.

    Written Feb. 18, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham, to write a monologue each day in the month of February 2019.

    Part of the "Jesus at 10" evening of short plays.
  • Jesus at 10 (a monologue for youth)
    YOUTH MONOLOGUE: We are greeted by a 10-year-old working in their father's shop.

    Written Feb. 12, 2019, as part of my monthlong challenge to myself to write a monologue each day for the month of February 2019. Inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham.

    Part of the "Jesus at 10" evening of short plays.
  • The Joy of Now (a YA monologue for a trio)
    MONOLOGUE FOR THREE PEOPLE: The three Joys find joy in the midst of a quarantine.

    Performed April 26, 2020, as part of the Sauk Theatre's LIVING ROOM MONOLOGUES series, directed by Trinity Bird, starring Emmy Ambrose, Josie Henvey and Stella McCourry.
  • Kissing Miss Kelly Was Wrong and I Shouldn't Have Done It (a YA monologue)
    YA monologue: Dylan carries out their punishment - and explains.

    Written April 2, 2020, as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to April 30, 2020.
  • Lazarus Rises (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: Lazarus tells all.

    Written February 20, 2020, as part of my personal challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham, to write a monologue a day each day in February 2020.
  • The Magazines (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A mother and her young son visit the library.

    Written February 1, 2020, as part of my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT, DINO KID and EARTHWORM KID, among many others) to write a monologue at least one page in length each day for 29 days during the month of February 2020.
  • Marshmallow Ghost (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A ghostly breakfast cereal mascot contemplates limbo and sin.

    Written April 18, 2020, as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to May 15, 2020.

    An homage to Boo Berry, the occasional General Mills Halloween cereal. I wanted to explore a possible origin story for a similar character.
  • Matthew (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A performer gives Matthew permission to kiss her.

    Written Feb. 19, 2020, as part of my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT, DINO KID, FUCK BUDDY and EARTHWORM KID, among many others) to write a monologue at least one page in length each day for 29 days during the month of February 2020.
  • Matthew Weaver Sends a Message on an Online Dating Site (monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: The playwright sends a message on an online dating site.

    Written March 29, 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play each day in March to May 2021.
  • The Moment (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: Tyler was just sitting there, watching one of those "Bachelor" type shows on the couch with a friend ...

    TWO HUNDREDTH PLAY ON NEW PLAY EXCHANGE!!!!!!

    Written Feb. 7, 2020, as part of my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT, DINO KID, FUCK BUDDY and EARTHWORM KID, among many others) to write a monologue at...
    MONOLOGUE: Tyler was just sitting there, watching one of those "Bachelor" type shows on the couch with a friend ...

    TWO HUNDREDTH PLAY ON NEW PLAY EXCHANGE!!!!!!

    Written Feb. 7, 2020, as part of my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT, DINO KID, FUCK BUDDY and EARTHWORM KID, among many others) to write a monologue at least one page in length each day for 29 days during the month of February 2020.
  • Monologue for a Burning Bush
    MONOLOGUE: A bush recalls that one time it was on fire.

    Written April 16, 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play each day in March and April 2021.
  • My Lover Murdered Me Here in This House, and Now I'm In Love With You (a monologue for a ghost)
    MONOLOGUE: A ghost pledges devotion to the wife of a couple who now live in the house where she died.

    Written Feb. 29, 2020, concluding my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT, DINO KID, FUCK BUDDY and EARTHWORM KID, among many others) to write a monologue at least one page in length each day for 29 days during the month of February 2020.
  • Nacho Chip Kid (a monologue for youth)
    MONOLOGUE, KIND OF: Someone is a little too fond of Samuel Beckett.

    Written Feb. 25, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham, to write a monologue each day for the month of February 2019.
  • Odelia Savannah Tucker, Dog Food Taster (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: Odelia Savannah Tucker is living her dream job. But she has a new vision. Will you help her?

    Written Feb. 15, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself to write a monologue each day for the month of February 2019, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham.

    In more ways than one. For today, Asher and I swapped title prompts for our monologues. He gave me ODELIA...
    MONOLOGUE: Odelia Savannah Tucker is living her dream job. But she has a new vision. Will you help her?

    Written Feb. 15, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself to write a monologue each day for the month of February 2019, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham.

    In more ways than one. For today, Asher and I swapped title prompts for our monologues. He gave me ODELIA SAVANNAH TUCKER, DOG FOOD TASTER and I gave him ...
  • Onion Ode
    YOUTH MONOLOGUE: A young performer, dressed as a Walla Walla sweet onion, delivers a report on the vegetable, produced in a specific region in Washington State.


    Revised spring of 2018.

    Selected for Northwest Ten Festival, Eugene, OR; March 2019.

    GLOWING review from the Eugene Weekly newspaper, by Dan Buckwalter: https://www.eugeneweekly.com/2019/03/07/got-10-...
    YOUTH MONOLOGUE: A young performer, dressed as a Walla Walla sweet onion, delivers a report on the vegetable, produced in a specific region in Washington State.


    Revised spring of 2018.

    Selected for Northwest Ten Festival, Eugene, OR; March 2019.

    GLOWING review from the Eugene Weekly newspaper, by Dan Buckwalter: https://www.eugeneweekly.com/2019/03/07/got-10-minutes/

    "The show stealer, Onion Ode, is a spirited tribute to the Walla Walla sweet onion, courtesy of playwright Matthew Weaver, director Kari Boldon Welch and the Walla Walla sweet onion herself (dressed for the part, too), actress Hannah Oristano.

    Oristano steps onto the stage dressed as the sweet yellow onion complete with green stems on her head. She’s a middle schooler giving a book report on the Walla Walla sweet onion.

    Breathlessly, Oristano launches into the history of the sweet onion and Walla Walla’s prideful place as the land of the sweet onion. She dives into food preparation for the sweet onion (sautéed in butter and plopped on top of hamburgers is my favorite) and mocks other vegetables (including, correctly, beets).

    Her report is a witty, educational tip of the cap to Walla Walla, population 31,731, tucked away in southeast Washington.

    Weaver, the playwright whose work this year makes a second consecutive appearance at OCT’s NW10, comes by his knowledge of the Walla Walla sweet onion honestly.

    A native of Spokane, Weaver is a reporter for Capital Press, an agriculture newspaper serving the Pacific Northwest. I would bet he’s stepped inside the annual Sweet Onion Festival in Walla Walla more than once."
  • Les Pamplemousses (a monologue in 12 courses)
    MONOLOGUE/ONE-MAN SHOW: A young man lost his virginity last night. This morning, he takes the woman out to breakfast at one of the fanciest restaurants in the United States for a 12-course meal.

    Written Feb. 4, 2019, as part of my challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham, to write a monologue each day for the entire month.
  • [Performer's Name] Reads the Phone Book
    MONOLOGUE: A performer reads the phone book.

    Written Feb. 27, 2020, as part of my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT, DINO KID and EARTHWORM KID, among many others) to write a monologue at least one page in length each day for 29 days during the month of February 2020.

    Performed by Thom Nolan as part of a digital trio of...
    MONOLOGUE: A performer reads the phone book.

    Written Feb. 27, 2020, as part of my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT, DINO KID and EARTHWORM KID, among many others) to write a monologue at least one page in length each day for 29 days during the month of February 2020.

    Performed by Thom Nolan as part of a digital trio of monologues produced by the North Street Playhouse in Onancock, Virginia, in October 2020.
  • Reach Out (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: Guy tries to connect with his friends.

    Written Feb. 19, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham, to write a monologue each day for the month of February 2019.
  • Reanimated Strawberry Corpse (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A reanimated figure contemplates life after death.

    Written May 2, 2020, as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to May 15, 2020.

    An homage to Frankenberry, the occasional General Mills Halloween cereal. I wanted to explore a possible origin story for a similar character.
  • The Shower (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: Zara recalls a recent shower with a young lover.
  • Single and Ready to Jingle (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: It's hard to date. It's hard to date online. But it's especially hard when you're an elf at the North Pole working in Santa's workshop.

    Written the morning of Feb. 8, 2019 as part of my challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham, to write a monologue a day for the month of February 2019.
  • Smackeroo
    A monologue, narrated by the first kiss shared by a couple. Selected for Monologue-A-Looza February 2018 in Hollywood, CA.
  • Sprig (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A performer witnesses a sprig falling.

    Written April 18, 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play each day in March and April 2021.
  • Taking His Virginity (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A young woman talks about being a young man's first time.

    Written Feb. 3, 2019, as part of a personal challenge to myself - inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham - to write a monologue a day for the entire month of February 2019.
  • Thought of You, Hope You're Well, No Need to Write Back (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE

    Written April 4, 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play each day in March to May 2021.
  • Time & Space (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: You have asked for time and space.

    Written April 23, 2020, as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to May 15, 2020.
  • Two Lips (a monologue for a woman's lips)
    MONOLOGUE: The brain and heart have decided, and the lips deliver the message.

    Written April 13, 2020, as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to May 15, 2020.
  • Undead Zombie Caramel Apple Goth Girl (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: An undead zombie Goth girl reflects on corporations and marshmallow history.

    An homage to Carmella Creeper, the brand-new General Mills Halloween cereal, who made her
    debut in the fall of 2023.

    This play plays well with CHOCOLATE CEREAL VAMPIRE, REANIMATED STRAWBERRY CORPSE, MARSHMALLOW GHOST, FRUITY CEREAL WOLF and FRUITY CEREAL MUMMY.
  • The Unrelenting Cruelty of Candy Corn
    MONOLOGUE: A candy corn unveils diabolical plans for global domination. The scary thing is, it could actually work ...

    Selected for Halloween Monologue-A-Looza at Samuel French Hollywood Bookstore in Hollywood, CA, in October 2018.
  • Useful (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: Zane fixes the toilet of the love of his life.

    Written Feb. 14, 2020, as part of my month-long challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham (CHEESE ADDICT, DINO KID, FUCK BUDDY and EARTHWORM KID, among many others) to write a monologue at least one page in length each day for 29 days during the month of February 2020.
  • Weaver Dreams (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: She wakes up besides her lover from a dream, and calls Matthew Weaver to tell him about it.
  • Weaver's Wake (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: Maaaaaaaaybe the playwright took a course in the writings of James Joyce in college ...
  • Welcome to the Matthew Weaver Playwriting Museum (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A friendly curator shows us around a museum devoted to the beloved, if oddly obscure, playwright behind such works as A NEW PLAY BY MATTHEW WEAVER, ANOTHER PLAY BY MATTHEW WEAVER and HELP! I'M TRAPPED IN A MONOLOGUE WRITTEN BY MATTHEW WEAVER.

    Written Aug. 19, 2019, as part of my monthly challenge to write a 10-page play (on brightly neon-colored index cards!) each day for the...
    MONOLOGUE: A friendly curator shows us around a museum devoted to the beloved, if oddly obscure, playwright behind such works as A NEW PLAY BY MATTHEW WEAVER, ANOTHER PLAY BY MATTHEW WEAVER and HELP! I'M TRAPPED IN A MONOLOGUE WRITTEN BY MATTHEW WEAVER.

    Written Aug. 19, 2019, as part of my monthly challenge to write a 10-page play (on brightly neon-colored index cards!) each day for the month of August 2019.

    *shrug*

    Sometimes they come out weird.
  • The Woman and the Spoon (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: Woman comes into church, brandishing a big metal spoon.

    Published by Cascadia Rising Review magazine, June 2019.

    Produced as part of Masterpiece Monologues, Stage Left Theatre, Spokane, WA, October 2020.

    Written Feb. 2, 2019, as part of a personal writing challenge to myself - inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham - to write a monologue a day during...
    MONOLOGUE: Woman comes into church, brandishing a big metal spoon.

    Published by Cascadia Rising Review magazine, June 2019.

    Produced as part of Masterpiece Monologues, Stage Left Theatre, Spokane, WA, October 2020.

    Written Feb. 2, 2019, as part of a personal writing challenge to myself - inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham - to write a monologue a day during the month of February 2019.

    Sitting in church one time, our priest told us during his homily about a woman he knew who would come into church and shake a large metal spoon up at Jesus on the cross. The priest joked about staying away from her because he was afraid she'd be struck by lightning, but I loved the story. I understood where she was coming from.
  • The Woman Behind/In Front of Me in the 15 Items or Less Line at Wal-Mart (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A woman asks if she can get in front of you in line. She just has the one item.

    Written Feb. 1, 2019, as a personal challenge to myself - inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham - to write a monologue a day for the month of February 2019. This one is based on a true event.
  • X-Ray Fish Tells All (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: X-Ray Fish tells all.

    Written March 28, 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play each day in March and April 2021.
  • Yes (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A woman shares many different ways of saying Yes.
  • Your Hand on My Cheek (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: For any performer.

    Written Feb. 11, 2019, as part of my personal challenge to myself to write a monologue per day, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham.
  • Zacchaeus (a monologue)
    MONOLOGUE: A tax collector has a change of heart.

    Written Feb. 21, 2020, as part of a personal challenge to myself, inspired by the monologues of Asher Wyndham, to write a monologue each day for the month of February 2020.
  • #CoupleGoals
    ONE-MINUTE: Wally makes an unusual request of Lois - in bed.
  • 1st Shot (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: A patient gets his first COVID vaccination shot.

    Written in May 2021 as part of a challenge to write a one-minute play each day.
  • 5 Ws (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE-ISH: Walter and Wendy demonstrate the 5 Ws of kissing.

    Written April 7, 2019, as part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.
  • 19 Excellent Reasons NOT to Date Matthew Weaver
    ONE-MINUTE PLAY: Three women present the definitive list of reasons.
  • A Blank Stage
    ONE-MINUTE: A blank stage.

    Our characters have more important things to do.
  • A Lot A Lot (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Myron and Irma are out for a walk.
  • Air Hugs (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Marshall and Julie are reunited after a long separation.

    Written April 22, 2020, as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to May 15, 2020.
  • All This Play Is Is Kissing (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Enter A and Z, passionately kissing.

    Written May 15, 2020, concluding a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to May 15, 2020.
  • Anarchy (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: A student answers the question: What does anarchy mean to me?

    Written for and produced Nov. 2, 2020, for Live From the Anarchist Jurisdiction, the one-minute play festival produced by 1MPF and Dramatists Guild.
  • Animal Kingdom (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE PLAY: All the animals of the world gather outside a house in a city.

    Published October 2019 in Cascadia Rising Review magazine.

    Unproduceble.

    Produced as part of Fast & Furious one-minute play festival in Spokane, WA in March 2020.

    "It is my goal to write at least one unproduceable play every year." - Emma Goldman-Sherman (...
    ONE-MINUTE PLAY: All the animals of the world gather outside a house in a city.

    Published October 2019 in Cascadia Rising Review magazine.

    Unproduceble.

    Produced as part of Fast & Furious one-minute play festival in Spokane, WA in March 2020.

    "It is my goal to write at least one unproduceable play every year." - Emma Goldman-Sherman (playwright of FUKT, WHORTICULTURE, TOILET PAPER and DATE NIGHT?)

    Written as part of a monthlong challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.

    The prompt I gave Scott was that the play had to have at least one hundred individual characters.
  • Apricots (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Etta and Charlie are on their first date.

    Written May 6, 2020, as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to May 15, 2020.
  • Bacon & Pig (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Chloe rescues a friend.

    PLAYWRIGHT'S NOTE: I was reading an April 10, 2011 interview with Karen Green, the widow of David Foster Wallace, in the Observer, and she recalled that she and the five-year-old son of a friend had been working on machines, and one of the machines was a recreating a pig from bacon machine.
  • Based on a True Story (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: A handsome playwright checks the expiration date on the eggs at the grocery store.
  • BBQ (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Two brothers sit down to eat hamburgers.

    Written April 3, 2019, as part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.

    Scott gave us the prompt that the play had to involve potato chips.
  • Beyond the Pail (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Two kidnapping victims plot to escape their captor.

    Written April 23, 2019, as part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, NINJAS, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.

    Scott's prompt for me today was: A bucket.
  • Boo, Hiss! (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: A blank stage. Enter a ghost and a snake.

    Written March 20, 2020, as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to May 15, 2020.
  • Boop! (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE PLAY: Maggie tempts fate.

    Written April 2021, as part of a two-month personal challenge to write a one-minute play each day.
  • The Bruise (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Two exes are reunited.

    Written April 22, 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play each day in March and April 2021.
  • Cheese & Crackers (YA one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE FOR TEENS: Abigail has just given blood. Malcolm spreads cheese on her crackers for her.
  • Child A & Child B (a one-minute play for youth)
    YOUTH ONE-MINUTE: Child A is sad. Child B has their back.

    Written in the wee hours for April 27, 2019, part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, NINJAS, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.
  • Chimes (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE PLAY: Two performers cannot hear each other, or themselves think.

    Inspired by a prompt offered by the Samuel French Off Off Broadway Festival's Twitter account. The prompt was "Write any three-line play involving wind."
  • Confession (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE PLAY.

    Written April 16, 2019, as part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, NINJAS, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.
  • Crayons (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Frankie uses crayons to share the news of the day.

    Written April 11, 2019, as part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.
  • The Cup (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: A father and son watch a plastic cup blow around in traffic.
  • Cursed Verse Cento (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Two secret lovers meet in public.

    Playwright's note: Inspired by a prompt on Twitter from Adrian Dallas Frandle, aka @adrianf, dated April 13, 2022:

    https://twitter.com/adrianf/status/1514219931969241095

    "today is the 13th, so made up a thing and called it a 'Cursed Verse Cento' of 13 lines comprised from the 13th line from the 13th...
    ONE-MINUTE: Two secret lovers meet in public.

    Playwright's note: Inspired by a prompt on Twitter from Adrian Dallas Frandle, aka @adrianf, dated April 13, 2022:

    https://twitter.com/adrianf/status/1514219931969241095

    "today is the 13th, so made up a thing and called it a 'Cursed Verse Cento' of 13 lines comprised from the 13th line from the 13th page of random books of poetry I own."


    Books:

    1. Simon Pure, by Julian F. Thompson
    2. The New Neighbor, by Ray Garton
    3. Winnie the Pooh, by A.A. Milne
    4. Igby Goes Down screenplay, by Burr Steers
    5. Life at These Speeds, by Jeremy Jackson
    6. Red Hook Road, by Ayelet Waldman
    7. The Student Body, by Jane Harvard
    8. Kafka on the Shore, by Haruki Murakami
    9. Boy Toy, by Barry Lyga
    10. The Unthinkable Thoughts of Jacob Green, by Joshua Braff
    11. Ten Days in the Hills, by Jane Smiley
    12. In the Path of Falling Objects, by Andrew Smith
    13. The Catholic Youth Bible
  • Debt (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Gretchen owes Liz money. Every day she can't pay, the debt gets a little higher.

    Written April 18, 2019, as part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, NINJAS, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.

    Used a Tweet by Stephen Gregg (@playwrightnow) on Twitter as a prompt: "Easy way to raise...
    ONE-MINUTE: Gretchen owes Liz money. Every day she can't pay, the debt gets a little higher.

    Written April 18, 2019, as part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, NINJAS, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.

    Used a Tweet by Stephen Gregg (@playwrightnow) on Twitter as a prompt: "Easy way to raise the stakes of a scene. Take a private conflict and give it an audience."
  • Earth People (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: A star child and mother wonder where the Earth people went.

    Produced as part of Gi60 one-minute play festival, December 2020.

    Written April 30, 2020, as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS, DORM PARTY) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to May 15, 2020.
  • Erotica for the Dinosaur Lover's Soul (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE-ISH: Maya and Rex are on a bad date.

    Written April 30, 2021, concluding a month and a half-long personal challenge to write a one-minute play each day.
  • Erotica for the Erotica Lover's Soul
    ONE-MINUTE: A passionate pair of lovers enjoys a steamy night in ... reading.

    Written March 23, 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play each day from March 2021 to May 2021.
  • Erotica for People Separated by Time and Space (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE.

    Written April 14, 2019, as part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.
  • Erotica for People Smashed Together in Cramped, Uncomfortable Spaces (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: A young man and young woman read erotica from a cramped, uncomfortable place to one another.

    Written April 28, 2019, as part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, NINJAS, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.
  • Erotica for Two People Trapped on the Same Couch (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Two performers are trapped on the same couch.
  • Good Books (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: A young couple reads together.
  • Humanity (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Two characters wait to cross the street.

    Written March 20, 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play per day from March 12 through May 1, 2021.
  • I Love You I Love You I Love You I Love You I Love You I Love You I Love You I Love You I Love You I Love You I Love You I Love You I Love You I Love You I Love You I Love You I Love You I Love You I Love You
    ONE-MINUTE: Marco summons up all his courage.

    Written March 16, 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play each day from March 12 through May 1, 2021.
  • I Was a Frog Once (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: The king tells his granddaughter a secret.

    Written March 31, 2020, as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to May 15, 2020.
  • Infinite Possibilities (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE PLAY: A tenant pays the rent while everything is still possible.

    Written in April 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-page play each day for two months.
  • It Will Be OK (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Meg and Drew lie in bed together while the world burns all around them.

    Written March 13, 2020, in reply to the One-Minute Play Festival's Coronavirus Play Project.
  • Laxative Effect
    ONE-MINUTE TO TWO-MINUTE; When you gotta go, you gotta go.

    Written March 18, 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play (ish) each day from March to May 2021.
  • Life & Death & PB&J
    ONE-MINUTE: Someone makes a sandwich.

    Written April 1, 2019 (I got too excited and didn't want to lose the momentum) as part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.

    The prompt I gave Scott was that a character needed to eat a sandwich.
  • Lucky Socks (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Lefty and Righty get pulled out of retirement for one last big job.

    Selected for the Gi60 2021 festival in October 2021.
  • Lucy, What Did You Do? (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Myron witnesses a murder.

    Written April 26, 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play each day in March to April 2021.

    Selected for the Gi60 U.S. festival in October 2021.
  • Matthew and the Muses (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Three muses torment a hapless writer.

    Written May 3, 2020, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play each day from March 15 to May 15, 2020. This was my 50th monologue (!!!!) as part of the challenge.
  • The Nest
    ONE-MINUTE PLAY: Holly is watching TV at home when a strange woman bursts in.

    The Twitter account Bay Area Bird Box Camera 3 (@birdboxcamera3) on March 21, 2022 posted a video clip of a bird sitting in their nest when another bird tried to enter the box and the bird fought it off. The entire clip lasted 1 minute 25 seconds, the attack maybe 20 seconds of that, and the whole entire thing struck me...
    ONE-MINUTE PLAY: Holly is watching TV at home when a strange woman bursts in.

    The Twitter account Bay Area Bird Box Camera 3 (@birdboxcamera3) on March 21, 2022 posted a video clip of a bird sitting in their nest when another bird tried to enter the box and the bird fought it off. The entire clip lasted 1 minute 25 seconds, the attack maybe 20 seconds of that, and the whole entire thing struck me as this lovely, terrible short horror film.

    The Tweet: "[2022-03-21 at 10:40:15 AM]
    This is an automated upload from when motion was detected by the nest box camera. The motion was detected at 10:40 AM on March 21, 2022."

    https://twitter.com/birdboxcamera3/status/1505963113320837125
  • Pickle Jar (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Two characters enter, holding a pickle jar.

    Written April 19, 2019, as part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, NINJAS, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.
  • Pin the Tail (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Gretchen blindfolds Bobby for a game of Pin the Tail on the Donkey.

    Written April 4, 2019, as part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.
  • The Pistachio Muffin (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Emma dares Marcus to steal a muffin.

    Written April 9, 2020, as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to April 30, 2020.
  • Pteranodons (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Two pteranodons plot global domination.

    Written March 15, 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play each day in March and April 2021.
  • Quite
    One-minute play. Uses only words that begin with the letter "Q" for dialogue.

    Performed in January 2016 during the Fast and Furious one-minute play festival at Stage Left Theater in Spokane, Wash.
  • Ratites (a one-minute-ish play)
    ONE-MINUTE PLUS: Vanessa informs Murray: Her heart is a flightless bird.

    Written May 11, 2020, as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to May 15, 2020.
  • The Roof (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Two hopeless romantics shout from the rooftops.

    Written March 16, 2020 as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day for a month.
  • Six Boys on the Beach
    ONE-MINUTE: Six boys watch over an older girl on a towel on the beach.

    Written May 12, 2020, as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to May 15, 2020.
  • The Skunk (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE MONOLOGUE: Violet is teaching her kindergarten class when a chime signals an active shooter on school grounds.

    Written April 8, 2019, as part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.

    This is inspired by a second-hand story I heard about a local lockdown...
    ONE-MINUTE MONOLOGUE: Violet is teaching her kindergarten class when a chime signals an active shooter on school grounds.

    Written April 8, 2019, as part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.

    This is inspired by a second-hand story I heard about a local lockdown situation. The young children of a friend of an acquaintance excitedly told their daddy later that day that a skunk had been on the school grounds.

    Performed as part of Gi60 in Brooklyn, NY, in June 2019.
  • Skywriting (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Myles has a big question for Cindy on a picnic.

    Written April 27, 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play from March to April 2021.
  • Spokane Beauty (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE-ISH: A farmer shows a woman an heirloom apple variety from the 1890s, called Spokane Beauty, which leads to a whirlwind look at life in a single day in Spokane, WA.

    Written April 29, 2019, in Spokane, WA (naturally), as part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, NINJAS, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.
  • Teddy and Veronica Have a Secret (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Teddy and Veronica have a secret.

    Written March 15, 2020 as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day for a month.
  • Trevor Never Never Ever
    SHORT: Trevor Never has never ever.
  • Unicorn Cupcakes (one-minute)
    ONE-MINUTE: Penelope and Utica are supposed to be having cupcakes.

    Written April 17, 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play each day in March and April 2021.
  • Very Gentle Werewolves
    ONE-MINUTE: Four werewolves gather in the middle of the forest on the night of a full moon.

    Written March 27, 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play each day from March to May 2021.

    Inspired by a Tweet by The Brothers Riedell on Twitter: "two gentle werewolves under the moon are looking for new recruits" and written in memory of Beverly Cleary,...
    ONE-MINUTE: Four werewolves gather in the middle of the forest on the night of a full moon.

    Written March 27, 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play each day from March to May 2021.

    Inspired by a Tweet by The Brothers Riedell on Twitter: "two gentle werewolves under the moon are looking for new recruits" and written in memory of Beverly Cleary, who died March 25, 2021, at the age of 104.
  • Waffle Squarf (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE-ISH: May and Betty eat at Waffle Squarf.

    Written April 7, 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play in March and April 2021.

    Inspired by an April 6, 2021 Tweet by @degeneratejail: https://twitter.com/degeneratejail/status/1379496007126241284
  • Vive (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: An older performer happens across a younger performer, kneeling in protest.
  • Wanna Make Out?
    ONE-MINUTE: A girl asks the question, but a guy has trouble with public displays of affection.
  • Want
    ONE-MINUTE: Wendy delivers a speech.

    Uses only words that begin with W for dialogue.

    Part of the AND SOMETIMES Y evening of very short plays in alphabetical order.

    Reading, The Players Follies Play Reading Festival; Sarasota, FL; October 2018
  • Why? (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: A daughter learns heartbreak.

    Written March 25, 2020, as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to May 15, 2020.
  • The Wish
    ONE-MINUTE: Colton makes a familiar birthday wish as Lydia looks on.

    A one-minute play. Originally performed January 2017 as part of Stage Left Theater's Fast and Furious festival in Spokane. Wash.

    Selected for Gi60 U.S. festival in June 2018 in New York.
  • Wolf & Pig (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: A wolf visits a pig in the hospital.

    Written March 22, 2020, as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to May 15, 2020.

    Produced Feb. 27, 2021, as part of Fast & Furious one-minute play festival at Stage Left Theater in Spokane, Wash., held virtually.
  • The Word
    ONE-MINUTE: Fred and Ruth wait for word.

    One-minute play, performed by Stage Left Theatre, Spokane, Wash., in February 2018.
  • Wry (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Jordan observes Riley trying to be more wry.

    Written April 6, 2019, as part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.
  • X
    ONE-MINUTE: A very short play only using words that begin with the letter X for dialogue.

    Xerxes comes upon the mysterious Mr. X in a park, looking to make a sale. But Xerxes has his own agenda ...

    Part of the "And Sometimes Y" evening of very short plays in alphabetical order.
  • Yellow Cardinal (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Tad and Jackie are wandering a field, looking for the rare, one in a million yellow cardinal.

    Written April 2, 2019, as part of a month-long challenge with playwright Scott Mullen (THE PEEK, 172 PUSH-UPS, SANDBOX, ABSORBENCY) to write a one-minute play each day in April 2019.
  • Your Move, Sprinkles (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Chess maestro Yakov swore he would never return until he found a worthy opponent.
  • The Zarf (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Two people who share a past briefly reconnect at a coffee shop.

    A ZARF is the sleeve that goes on a hot drink.
  • The Zebra (one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Esther just missed it!
  • The Zipper (a one-minute play)
    ONE-MINUTE: Joy embarks on a nameless encounter.

    Written April 12, 2020, as part of a personal challenge with Scott Mullen (NINJAS, THE PEEK, 173 PUSH-UPS) to write a one-minute play a day from March 15 to May 15, 2020.
  • Zowie
    ONE-MINUTE: Jasmine and Martin share their first kiss.

    Written April 5, 2021, as part of a personal challenge to write a one-minute play each day in March and April 2021.