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I've been writing plays since 2002, and around 2019 turned my attention to writing comedies for young actors. You'll find those here along with my other works. Depending on the play, you can contact either me or my publishers for rights or samples.
And please follow me on Instagram: @playsbyshanahan
I'd love to see and share pics of your productions!
And please follow me on Instagram: @playsbyshanahan
I'd love to see and share pics of your productions!
LOL comedies for young actors
In this play written specifically for timed theater competitions, your school is performing a cutting of Shakespeare's tragic tale even though the truck with all your set pieces and props is broken down somewhere on the highway, Romeo's throwing up backstage, and Juliet's a bit of a diva with a fear of ladders. But the show must go on, right?
This fast-paced, fourth-wall-shattering comedy winds its way through actual—but hilariously modified—scenes from the classic text, creating a blend of acting opportunities sure to impress adjudicators!
One act, under 40 minutes, flexible cast of 18+
Things are about to get weird at Picka Packa Pizza. Word is out in the spy community that super-spy Jamie Gold is picking up top secret documents in this run-down eatery. The problem is, Gold is a master of disguise and could be anyone! That won’t stop two teams of rival snoops from trying to make a name for themselves by getting the best of Jamie Gold! Their only clue is that instead of a password, the master spy will order the worst pizza ever.
One act, mostly flexible cast of 10, plus "bit" parts, about 1 hour
"I want you to know that this play has definitely been added into my rotation, and I will be performing it again in the future."—Jill Zschach, director, Lawrence E. Jones Middle School
Potato the pig just wants a friend—but doesn’t know what that word means. With help from his owner, Potato sets out to find a pal. It’s a seemingly simple quest that soon turns into a house full of scheming cats, overexcited dogs, a few friendly bears—and who invited the Singing Raccoons? Not Casey’s parents, that’s for sure! Underneath all the wackiness, A Friend for Potato is a look at what friendship means, and what it takes to be a good friend.
One act, flexible cast of 20, 40 minutes
Mama Bear is feeling bad about scaring off Goldilocks, and would like to apologize. But she has no idea how to find the girl—and is it even a good idea in the first place? A chance run-in with news reporter Chicken Little makes the quest to find Goldilocks a sensation in Fairy Tale Wood and beyond. A heartfelt comedy with lots of cameos from well-known fairy tale and nursery rhyme celebs!
One act in scenes, mostly flexible cast of 18, about 40 minutes
CONTACT ME FOR A SCRIPT
Cover art by Christopher Zibelli
Award-winning plays for community theaters
Bob's Date
Bob's Date
My most popular play, with more than 60 productions by small groups and high school programs.
Bob, who's not actually in the play, is going on his first date in two years. All of his manly inner attributes are gearing up for the event. When a love-at-first-sight moment wakes long-sleeping Emotion, she threatens to throw the night into chaos. But if the men weren't ready to handle Emotion, then they're certainly not prepared to take on the Memory of the woman who broke Bob's heart.
One act, 40 minutes, 5M 2W*
"The characters are all very powerful in their own way and blended together to make an outstanding ensemble."--Palmer Huff, Paradise Community Theater
"It floored me. The characters are so big and have such potential for amazing performances! "--Michael Gross, actor
"...an outstanding play! Cast members loved the play... I highly recommend it!"--Ellen Coryat, Creekside High School
*I wrote it for 5M, 2W, but it's been done with alternative casting many, many times!
Dinner for Several
Dinner for Several
All Carter wanted to do was make a nice dinner for a date. So how did he end up cooking for seven people, including his date, his ex, a guy with too many beepers, and the sweet old lady from downstairs? It's a night of love, laughter, longing—and more than a few secrets. A classic rom-com!
Originally written in 2004, this winner of the James Sunwall New Play Festival finds fresh life 20 years later as a loving look back at dating before the internet and social media stalking sucked the romance out of it.
Two acts, 3M 4W, two hours
"...quick, comic and perfectly plotted. A thinking person's Friends."--Sidney Homan, Acrosstown Rep
"...a laugh-filled take on singlehood and coupling."--Jim Dorman, Patriot Ledger
"Riotous and clever...an original show that will have you laughing and thinking all night long."--Tony Annicone, Little Rhody Theatre
One Before Forty
One Before Forty
Kevin Gable gave himself until 40 to find true love. With his deadline rapidly approaching,
the woman he's always waited for has walked into his life...why is that such a bad thing? And why does his alter ego try to ruin all his dates?
Two acts, 3M 2W, simple set, 90 minutes.
Recognized for outstanding performances, EMACT and AACT competitions, 2004.
This play need a strong actor in the lead. Kevin never leaves the stage and for most of the play has every other line.
Waiting for the
End of the World
Waiting for the
End of the World
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse gather in a park to usher in the start of Armageddon. But Famine's running late and isn't answering his cell phone. Should the other three kick off the end of the world anyway? What will happen if they do? Or do they need to wait for their fourth member to maintain proper symmetry? Well, at least there are chicken fingers...
One act, 2M 1W*, 30 minutes
AVAILABLE FROM ELDRIDGE PUBLISHING
*The author respectfully requests no alternative casting for the female role, if possible.
Owen and George Play Chess
Owen and George Play Chess
Owen and George are playing chess in a park when George announces that he could kill Owen. Right now.
A dark, quirky comedy.
One act, 2M (older actors), simple set, roughly 15 minutes.
Grievance
Grievance
Dennis Kavanaugh won the lottery and then was shot dead. Obviously, God is to blame, so it's time for a little head-to-head chat with Him. Drama.
One act, 2M or 1M 1W, simple set, 15 minutes.
Perfect pieces for 10-minute festivals
Please note: I don't ask for royalties from my 10-minute plays that are not with a publisher. I'd rather the money stayed with the theaters.
The Worst Possible Time for Writer's Block
The Worst Possible Time for Writer's Block
Peter is dying. All he wants to do is write one more poem. But the clock is ticking, and it doesn't help that a Minion of Death is in the corner, being a smartass. Will Peter find one last poem? Can his sister bargain with death for more time?
Flexible, written as 2M 1W, minimal set
"The moment I started reading it, I started laughing. It's simply perfect."--Mary Locker, Heartlande Theatre Co.
"...makes a major, if comedic, statement about perception and value and treasure versus trash."--Kathleen Kirby, Flint Journal
Hot Water
Hot Water
Jack and Rico haven't seen each other for about 26 years, mostly because Rico's been in prison...thanks to Jack. Now Rico shows up at Jack's seafood shack, looking for the lobster dinner he was promised all those years ago. A gripping short piece with a surprising turn.
2M 1W
Chosen for the Boston Theater Marathon, 2012
Brushstroke
Brushstroke
An artist is one brushstroke away from completing a brilliant painting. But he can't—or won't—take the final step. A drama.
Flexible cast of 2
Chosen for the Boston Theater Marathon, 2007.
Appeared in Smith & Kraus' Best 10-Minute Plays of 2007, Two Actors.
That Thing
That Thing
Carl remembers it. Linda does, too. Problem is, only one of them enjoyed it--and the other's never bothered to mention that they didn't.
1M 1W
Appeared in Smith & Kraus' Best 10-Minute Plays of 2008, Two Actors
"...age and sex, lovingly and wittily discussed!"--Larry Stark, Theater Mirror.
First Time for Everything
First Time for Everything
Ben and Dorie did it for the first time last night
--and their waitress knows it.
1M 3W
Appeared in Smith & Kraus' Best 10-Minute Plays of 2009, Two or More Actors
Voted audience favorite, Rapscallions Theatre Collective Salute UR Shorts 2008.
"Very funny, with a blackout ending that took me completely by surprise."--Mike Folie, playwright
Part of the Process
Part of the Process
It's time for the reading of a new playwright's first work! But once the director and actors get their hands on it, everything changes--in ways the playwright never anticipated. It's all just part of the process!
A fast-moving, tongue-in-cheek look at the world of theater.
Flexible cast of 6
The 10-Minute Play Guide
to Life
The 10-Minute Play Guide
to Life
If you've never been to a 10-minute play festival, you may not know that every problem
you may ever face in life can be resolved in
only . . . well, you know. Just follow this handy (fast-paced, funny) guide!
A public service announcement in short play form.
Dance in Venice
Dance in Venice
Every vacation has to end sometime, right? Rachel doesn't think so. Now all she needs to do is convince her husband to not return to their old life back home.
Still Life with Elephant
Still Life with Elephant
Problems don't go away if you ignore them—.you know, the proverbial "elephant in the room." Instead, they wait for you to get home. Hope you brought food.
This play requires a small set that can be trashed, with lots of breakable things.
Tall Order
Tall Order
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day—even moreso when it's New Years' Day and your menu choice will determine the outcome of your whole year.
A holiday-themed comedy.
Winner of the "The Charlie" Audience Choice Award, Acme Theater, 2008
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