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
BANKIN' ON THE GRAND at San Pedro's Little Fish Theatre. L to R: Sarah McKenna, Isaac Nippert. Steve McCrank, Photographer, Daily Breeze.
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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
FAMILY BAGGAGE at Virginia's Stage Door Productions. Standing L to R: Trip Lloyd, Eve Blackwell, Linda Nesbitt, Stephen Brown. Seated: Brandon Carr, Esther Servais. Gene Nesbitt, Director.
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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.
FRIENDSHIP 101 at the Parker Theatre in NYC. L to R: Rebecca Rose McCain, Erin Frederick, Heather Meagher.
Steven Barrett, Director.
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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
GETTING LUCKY at Denver's Dangerous Theatre. L to R: J. Edward Nelson and Brittany Lacour.
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.
GLO at SUNY College of Brockport Festival of Ten VII. Pictured: Emily Castiglia as Glo. Michael C. Krickmire, Director. Photo courtesy of Gary Musante.
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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
LEGACY at Sydney's Short+Sweet Festival. L to R: Ali Aitken, Philip McDonald. Larry Kelly, Director.
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Featured Actor Ron Hadley.
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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
THE MEMORY BOX at Lourdes University. L to R: Kelly Fandrey, Megan Carter. Danita Binkowski, Director.
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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
OUT FROM UNDER WITH MARY at Albuquerque's Vortex Theatre. L to R: Laura Mathis, Teddy Eggleston. Billy Trabaudo, Director.
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OUT FROM UNDER WITH MARY at San Pedro's Little Fish Theatre. L to R: Mary-Margaret Lewis, Holly Baker-Kreiswirth. James Rice, Director. Mickey Elliott, Photographer.
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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
PEOPLE LIKE US at Corner Cone. L to R: Jane Mowder and Kristina Kopf, winners of the Excellence-in-Cast award. Susan Gartner, Photographer.
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PEOPLE LIKE US at Baltimore's Fells Point Corner Theatre. L to R: Kate Shoemaker and Sophie Hinderberger. Joshua Shoemaker, Director.
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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
PICTURING MARE at Valley Repertory in Connecticut. L to R: Stephanie Maloney, Bruce Showalter. Janine Flood, Director.
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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.
TAKE TWO at SUNY College of Brockport Festival of Ten VI. L to R: Kevin Miner, Rachael Yoder. Francis X. Kuhn, Director.
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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.
THAT AFTERNOON at Mary Baldwin College in Virginia. L To R: Simone Williams, Anna Ferrandino. Alana Patrick, Director.
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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