One-Act Plays
These one-act plays range in length from 10 to 45 minutes and many have won awards. Specific production details are included with each script. Visit our STORE for details on rates and licensing.
- CRIME NEW!
First produced in Naples, Florida by the Naples Players Published by Lazy Bee Scripts -to purchase, click here
- TIME TRAVEL CAFE
How do we go back and change the past- is it even possible? If you want to try, the Time Travel Cafe can help! Running time:10 minutes Set: Cafe 3 characters: 2 men - 20s, 40s, 1 woman- 20-40 This play was produced to sold out audiences at the Big Kitchen Cafe in San Diego by the New Play Cafe company. Starring actress Tiffany Tang just wrote her first book of poetry - congrats to Tiffany! - THE AFFIDAVIT
A desperate woman brings a cherished family heirloom to a pawnbroker to try and get money to rescue her father from Nazi-occupied Austria. Will she get the money? And at what cost? Fast-paced with a surprising end. (Most recent video here)
Running time: 15 minutes | Set: pawnshop 1940’s
2 characters: 1 man – 40s, 1 woman – 25-35
This play has won numerous awards including DFAS National 1-Act Playwriting contest (First Place) and Gassner Memorial One-Act Playwriting Competition (Honorable Mention). It is published in ONE-ACT PLAYS FOR ACTING STUDENTS edited by Norman A. Bert (Meriwether Publishing, Colorado). Production locations include New Zealand, Canada, Austria, San Diego- Gaslamp Quarter Players, Ashfield Community Theatre, and New York City - Actors Theater with David Moss and Shawn Licht.
Published by Lazy Bee Scripts -to purchase, click here - BLIND WOMAN’S BLUFF
An old blind woman puts a classified ad in the paper and a young man answers the ad - but is he there to buy or to rip her off? Quick, funny and a good showcase piece for actors. Since its first publication, BLIND WOMAN'S BLUFF has had numerous productions--one is here.
3rd Place Winner, DFAS National One-act Playwriting Contest
Published in PERSPECTIVES THREE (HB, Canada - 8th grade textbook) - Pioneer Drama Service - click here to purchase via their website.
Running time: 25 minutes | Set: living room, semi-rundown
2 characters: 1 man (early 20s) and 1 woman (late 60s)
Published by Pioneer Drama to purchase, click here - CURSE OF THE DUCHESS (monologue)
A duchess recounts how a curse changed her life. Touching- a tour de force for an older actress.
Running time: 15 minutes | Set: minimal - chair, table, lamp; lighting and sound effects very important
Character: the duchess - in her late 80s, very British
Winner, 2nd Place - DFAS National 1-Act Playwriting Contest
Produced by Five Flags Theatre, Dubuque, Iowa and televised by the Public Access Cable Channel Iowa
$8.00/script
- DAY OF ATONEMENT
Two women, lifelong friends, face Yom Kippur (the Jewish New Year also known as the Day of Atonement) with different ideas. A great showpiece for two older actresses. Click here for photos and production info.
Running time: 15 minutes | Set: kitchen, living area middle-class New York late 1970s
Characters: 2 women, both 60s, both with Polish accent
Produced in December 2006 at Swedenborg Hall, San Diego, CA
Winner, DFAS National One-Act Playwriting Contest (August 2006) and Finalist, Fritz Blitz Contest for One-Act Plays, San Diego, CA
$10.00/script
- DON’T YOU CRY FOR ME
The death of his father--and an unusual request in the will--leads a young man to deal with major issues in his life, and his family, in a very Southern finale. Strong language. This play is part of the TRANSFUSION trilogy (the other is OH, SUSANNAH). There is a discount if all three plays in the trilogy are purchased at the same time.
Running time: 35 minutes | Time: 1966, late summer evening of a very hot day, almost dusk
Set: sitting room in a gracoious house in a rural Atlanta suburb
Characters: 2 men, 2 women--all with Southern accents
Produced: The Seventh Annual Fritz Blitz of New Plays, San Diego, CA
Awarded Fritz Blitz of New Plays
$10.00/script - FINALE
A magician gives a performance with a surprising finale. Great piece for auditions and competitions.
This one-act was published with funds from a grant provided by the Dramatists Guild Fund.
Running time: 8-10 minutes | Time: the past | Set: bare stage
Characters: 1 man (mid 20s, strong Cockney accent)
First production: Swedenborg Hall, San Diego, 2008
$10.00/script - HORNET'S NEST (previously THE INTERVIEW)
Welcome to the Hornet's Nest - a radio talk show that can be very interesting - and dangerous. When Audrey Hornet hosts a political guest that used to be an old lover, anything can happen. And it does. Riveting suspense that build to an explosive climax - keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Strong language.
Running time: 45 minutes | Set: living room as talk show set | Characters: 2 men, 2 women
Finalist, 2nd Annual Robert R. Lehan Playwriting Awards, Westfield State College, Westfield, MASS
$10.00/script
- OH, SUSANNAH
Susannah returns from her husband's funeral to find a suitor at her doorstep. This play is part of the TRANSFUSION trilogy (the other is OH, SUSANNAH); there is a discount if all three plays in the trilogy are purchased at the same time.
Running time: 15 minutes | Set: Midwest middle-class living room
Characters: 1 man (Russian accent, 70s) and 1 woman (American, 70s)
This play was completed with funds from a COMBO-NEA Grant.
Produced: Vintage Theatre, San Diego, CA 1993
$ 10.00 script - SAVE A PLACE FOR ME
Running time: 15 minutes | Set: bus stop
Characters: 2 men, 2 women
This play was commissioned by the Aaronson Foundation.
$10.00/script - SCRIPTEASE
A well-known playwright is found dead at the reading of his newest play. Which of his 'friends' didn't like his latest literary offering? Mystery with a DEATHTRAP twist! Fast and funny with some good chances for stylist characterizations and staging.
Running time: 45 minutes | Set: modern living room
Characters: 5 men (30-s-50-s), 4 women (20-40's), lead female needs British accent
This was Janet's first full production at the Southwestern College in Chula Vista, CA. It was produced by Scripteasers in 1981, the well-known San Diego Writers-Actors group that has helped new playwrights for over 50 years. For more information, visit www.scripteasers.org.
$10.00/script - SWEEPSTAKESSweepstakes
Strong language.
Running time: 45 minutes | Set: semi-rundown apartment | Characters: 2 men (50s, 60s)
Winner, 1986 West Coast Ensemble Festival of One-Acts
Produced: Playbill Theatre, Los Angeles, CA in 1986 (extended run)
$10.00/script - THE WAITING ROOM (also available in full-length)
A Jewish family in Vienna, just before World War II, is faced with crucial decisions about taking the opportunity to leave--or stay behind with an aged and ill relative. Basic human questions about the value of life and importance of family are confronted. Poignant drama.
Running time: 45 minutes | Set: living room/dining room European, circa 1938 | Characters: 2 men (25-50), 3 women (25-75)
This play has won many awards, including the Gassner Memorial and the DFAS National Playwriting Contest. THE WAITING ROOM has been produced numerous times, from San Diego to New York. For details, please contact us.
$10.00/script