One-Act Plays
BANKIN' ON THE GRAND
Comedy, 1M, 1F
The marriage of Buddy and M. Lou is put to the test as the couple awaits rescue on
the top of their mobile home during a flood.
"Perched in lawn chairs under a couple of umbrellas, the pair talk in backwoods
twang about what got them there, and their frequently hilarious exchange
somehow transcends pure stereotype." --Omaha World-Herald
Winner, TAG award, Best One-Act Play of Omaha's Theatre Season
Winner, Audience Favorite Award, Theatre Liminia, MN
Comedy, 1M, 1F
The marriage of Buddy and M. Lou is put to the test as the couple awaits rescue on
the top of their mobile home during a flood.
"Perched in lawn chairs under a couple of umbrellas, the pair talk in backwoods
twang about what got them there, and their frequently hilarious exchange
somehow transcends pure stereotype." --Omaha World-Herald
Winner, TAG award, Best One-Act Play of Omaha's Theatre Season
Winner, Audience Favorite Award, Theatre Liminia, MN
EXHIBITING GRACE
Drama, 2F
A conservative teacher attempts to convince a street-smart senior to attend summer
school and attain her diploma.
Drama, 2F
A conservative teacher attempts to convince a street-smart senior to attend summer
school and attain her diploma.
FAMILY BAGGAGE
Comedy, 3M, 3F, 1M or F
Despite their interfering parents, Terri and Joe endeavor to forge an honest connection
while waiting for their flight to depart.
Honorable Mention, Pittsburgh New Works Festival
Comedy, 3M, 3F, 1M or F
Despite their interfering parents, Terri and Joe endeavor to forge an honest connection
while waiting for their flight to depart.
Honorable Mention, Pittsburgh New Works Festival
FRIENDSHIP 101
Comedy, 4F
Marty’s struggle to write a play depicting female friendships leads to headlocks--
and new insights.
Comedy, 4F
Marty’s struggle to write a play depicting female friendships leads to headlocks--
and new insights.
GETTING LUCKY
Comedy, 1M, 1F
John’s plan to “get lucky” with his wife on their anniversary is sidetracked by a less than
energetic family pet.
"The best show of the whole evening, though, is Chris Shaw Swanson's
'Getting Lucky.'...The attempted cover-up is hilarious, but behind the
jokes is a knowing look at the challenges of being both parents and
lovers in a marriage." --Baltimore City Paper
Comedy, 1M, 1F
John’s plan to “get lucky” with his wife on their anniversary is sidetracked by a less than
energetic family pet.
"The best show of the whole evening, though, is Chris Shaw Swanson's
'Getting Lucky.'...The attempted cover-up is hilarious, but behind the
jokes is a knowing look at the challenges of being both parents and
lovers in a marriage." --Baltimore City Paper
GLO
Comedy/Drama, 3F
Trouble ensues when talkative grocery store clerk Glo holds up fast-track professional
Kristen in the check-out line.
Comedy/Drama, 3F
Trouble ensues when talkative grocery store clerk Glo holds up fast-track professional
Kristen in the check-out line.
THE GROWTH
Drama, 2F, 1M
Sue’s guilt-ridden trip to Florida for surgery leads to a mysterious encounter.
Published in The Best Ten-Minute Plays of 2008, 3 or More Actors (Smith & Kraus)
Drama, 2F, 1M
Sue’s guilt-ridden trip to Florida for surgery leads to a mysterious encounter.
Published in The Best Ten-Minute Plays of 2008, 3 or More Actors (Smith & Kraus)
LEGACY
Drama, 3F or 1F and 2M or 2F and 1M
A woman on death row struggles to compose her final words.
“…one of the (festival) highlights, blending as it does gallows
humour with astute observations about human selfishness and
mortality…Great script from Chris Shaw Swanson.” --AussieTheatre.com
"The most powerful play is ‘Legacy’…Heavy stuff, but wonderfully
arranged…” --Post Bulletin, MN
Drama, 3F or 1F and 2M or 2F and 1M
A woman on death row struggles to compose her final words.
“…one of the (festival) highlights, blending as it does gallows
humour with astute observations about human selfishness and
mortality…Great script from Chris Shaw Swanson.” --AussieTheatre.com
"The most powerful play is ‘Legacy’…Heavy stuff, but wonderfully
arranged…” --Post Bulletin, MN
THE MEMORY BOX
Drama, 2F
On a sizzling summer afternoon in the 1960s, friends Becky and Clare attempt to
“boy proof” a large box they dragged home from the neighborhood furniture store,
leading to a painful revelation which impacts them both.
3rd Place Winner, Lourdes University Drama Society Playwriting Competition, OH
Drama, 2F
On a sizzling summer afternoon in the 1960s, friends Becky and Clare attempt to
“boy proof” a large box they dragged home from the neighborhood furniture store,
leading to a painful revelation which impacts them both.
3rd Place Winner, Lourdes University Drama Society Playwriting Competition, OH
ORIENTATION DAY
Drama, 2M, 2F, 1M child, 1F child
In an effort to safeguard and mainstream their offspring, the Gray family parents
bring their children to a meeting with a covert organization capable of
reprogramming young minds.
Drama, 2M, 2F, 1M child, 1F child
In an effort to safeguard and mainstream their offspring, the Gray family parents
bring their children to a meeting with a covert organization capable of
reprogramming young minds.
OUT FROM UNDER WITH MARY
Drama, 2F
At an inner city methadone clinic for a drug test, suburban housewife Diane
discovers that there’s more to homeless multisyllabic-speaking Mary than meets
the ear…and eye.
"…the most incredible piece of theater
to be seen at the Vortex in ages.” --Daily Lobo, New Mexico
Winner, Best of Festival Award, Vortex Theatre, Albuquerque, NM
Winner, The Goshen Peace Play Prize
Drama, 2F
At an inner city methadone clinic for a drug test, suburban housewife Diane
discovers that there’s more to homeless multisyllabic-speaking Mary than meets
the ear…and eye.
"…the most incredible piece of theater
to be seen at the Vortex in ages.” --Daily Lobo, New Mexico
Winner, Best of Festival Award, Vortex Theatre, Albuquerque, NM
Winner, The Goshen Peace Play Prize
PEOPLE LIKE US
Comedy/Drama, 2F
Julie pursues friendship with her coworker Marion, convinced their boring jobs and
prosthetic body parts make them an ideal match.
“‘People’ is dramatic, penetrating…two misfits generating the
beginning of a meaningful relationship…” --The Daily Herald, WA
"The play really delves into the meat of a potential
relationship…” --DC Metro Theater Arts
“…a perfectly written character study…”
--Hancock County Courier, WV
Winner, Best Drama, Corner Cone Soft Serve Playhouse Contest, OH
2nd Place, Driftwood Players Playwriting Competition, WA
Comedy/Drama, 2F
Julie pursues friendship with her coworker Marion, convinced their boring jobs and
prosthetic body parts make them an ideal match.
“‘People’ is dramatic, penetrating…two misfits generating the
beginning of a meaningful relationship…” --The Daily Herald, WA
"The play really delves into the meat of a potential
relationship…” --DC Metro Theater Arts
“…a perfectly written character study…”
--Hancock County Courier, WV
Winner, Best Drama, Corner Cone Soft Serve Playhouse Contest, OH
2nd Place, Driftwood Players Playwriting Competition, WA
PICTURING MARE
Comedy/Drama, 1M, 1F
Melissa is surprised to learn that her recently widowed father is not living alone.
Finalist, Kingwood College’s Shorts Competition, TX
Comedy/Drama, 1M, 1F
Melissa is surprised to learn that her recently widowed father is not living alone.
Finalist, Kingwood College’s Shorts Competition, TX
RYAN'S LIST
Drama, 2F and 1M or 3F
A devoted mother attempts to shield her young son from hurt.
“(Festival) highlights include…a mother struggling with her conscience
over her son’s unpopularity…” --The News & Observer, NC
“Refreshing and highly recommended…” --The Independent Weekly, NC
Finalist, UMBC Play Competition, MD
Drama, 2F and 1M or 3F
A devoted mother attempts to shield her young son from hurt.
“(Festival) highlights include…a mother struggling with her conscience
over her son’s unpopularity…” --The News & Observer, NC
“Refreshing and highly recommended…” --The Independent Weekly, NC
Finalist, UMBC Play Competition, MD
TAKE TWO
Comedy, 1M, 1F
A young couple discovers that reconciliation can be tricky—especially when a prenup
is involved.
Comedy, 1M, 1F
A young couple discovers that reconciliation can be tricky—especially when a prenup
is involved.
THAT AFTERNOON
Drama, 2F
Julie and Janice share a college dorm room and little else until Julie
inadvertently interrupts Janice’s suicide attempt.
Drama, 2F
Julie and Janice share a college dorm room and little else until Julie
inadvertently interrupts Janice’s suicide attempt.
THE THING ABOUT TEX
Drama, 2F
A lively friendship between two high school girls takes a heartbreaking
turn, leaving a lasting impression on one of its participants.
“Chris Shaw Swanson’s excellent script…is…heart-rending…”
--Tampa Tribune
Best of Fest Award, The Women’s Festival of One-Act Plays, Plays-In-Progress
World Premiere Theatre, CA
Finalist, Nantucket Theatrical Productions’ Short Play Competition, MA
Drama, 2F
A lively friendship between two high school girls takes a heartbreaking
turn, leaving a lasting impression on one of its participants.
“Chris Shaw Swanson’s excellent script…is…heart-rending…”
--Tampa Tribune
Best of Fest Award, The Women’s Festival of One-Act Plays, Plays-In-Progress
World Premiere Theatre, CA
Finalist, Nantucket Theatrical Productions’ Short Play Competition, MA