CRY HAVOC understands how difficult it can be for college students to find complex, compelling, and challenging plays that feature characters their own age.
So we went back through our catalogue of the more than 450 plays that CRY HAVOC has developed over the past fourteen years and identified a selection of one-acts featuring exclusively characters who are in their teens and early twenties.
Some are funny, some are heart-wrenching, and some are both – but all share the raw, provocative, and humane character that is the hallmark of CRY HAVOC's work. And all are available ROYALTY-FREE for performance by university theater departments and student theater groups.
The plays can be performed alone, mixed-and-matched, or as part of a larger evening of one-acts. Or used in classes for scene study and director's projects.
Bake Sale by Jennifer Reichert download full text
An exploration of the economics of female sexuality and the choices women make in concert and as individuals - with baked goods. Based on a series of scientific articles. (6+m, 4f – comedy)
Forsaken by Kitt Lavoiedownload full text
As a former teenage bride is confronted by the youth she skipped, she and her husband struggle to find how they can possibly grow old together
(1m, 1f – drama)
Good Enough by Kitt Lavoiedownload full text
Shortly after meeting her devoutly Christian future in-laws over Thanksgiving dinner, a Jewish college student receives a late-night visit from her fiancé's younger sister, who is determined to prevent the marriage from taking place. (1m, 2f – drama)
Just Julian by Jennifer Reichertdownload full text
Prototypical awkward John Hughes hero, Julian, wins the heart of the all-American girl, Madison, on prom night. But just as the credits are about to roll on their happiness, Julian's long-suffering best friend, Nadine, tumbles through the window to declare her love. (2m, 2f – serio-comic)
Kat for Short by Kitt Lavoiedownload full text
Following the opening night of his first show, a young playwright is confronted by his longtime girlfriend about the coded messages contained in his play regarding the true nature of his relationship with her best friend. (1m, 2f, 1 flex. – drama)
The Median Line by Kitt Lavoiedownload full text
The story of a young man coming to terms with his promiscuous lifestyle and trying to find love, perhaps, with the girl next door… and the one he already shares a bed with. (2m, 4f – drama)
Not Entirely Platonic:Variations on a Confession
by Kitt Lavoie
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Is there a way to tell your girlfriend you are in love with her best friend without losing them both? And if you could take it back, would you? (1m, 2f – drama)
Party Girl by Kitt Lavoiedownload full text
A young lawyer arrives at his cousin's bachelor party to find his girlfriend, an Ivy League PhD student, working the party as an exotic dancer. How do you introduce your family to a girl they've had a lap dance from? Maybe you don't.
(1m, 2f – comedy)
[pwnd] by Kitt Lavoie download full text
There are certain things a guy doesn't do with his best friend's fiancée. Playstation and The Godfather are just the start. Game on. (2m, 1f – comedy)
Rising Seniors by Kitt Lavoie download full text
A hyper-achieving high school student’s streak of perfection is broken when her best friend and boyfriend are both accepted to a summer engineering program that did not let her in. (2f – comedy)
Then... by Cynthia Franks download full text
On a moon-lit prom night, Madelyn has big plans for her childhood sweetheart. But Rhet has bigger plans for them both.
(1m, 1f – drama)
Waist Deep by Jennifer Reichert download full text
After the show she wrote for was cancelled for a joke that offended the president, a young comedy writer hides out in the attic to avoid her conservative family.
(2f – serio-comic)
THE MUSEUM PLAYS – plays set in the great museums of New York City
(can be performed as an evening or separately)
Courbet: or Woman with a Parrot by Kitt Lavoie download full text
Three drama students confront their personal and artistic differences as they try to surreptitiously shoot a scene for a thesis film in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
(3f – serio-comic)
Dirty Birds by Jenny Kirlindownload full text
Months after she suffered amnesia in an accident, a young woman’s closest friend takes her to an exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum of Art with an unexpected surprise.
(3f – drama)
Vega by Jerzy Gwiazdowski download full text
A group of estranged friends meet at the American Museum of Natural History to hold a Love Funeral for the relationship that nearly ended one of their lives.
(1m, 2f – serio-comic)
THE FIVE BOROUGH PLAYS – plays set in each of the five boroughs of New York City
(can be performed as an evening or separately)
All the Way Here by Kitt Lavoie download full text
A year after his wife disappeared from their home in St. Paul, a young husband and his best friend appear at her door in New York City to uncover the reason that she left. Set in Staten Island.
(2m, 1f – drama)
Baby Giraffe by Katelin Wilcoxdownload full text
A pair of sisters come to blows on a trip to meet the woman who gave birth to one of them. Set in the Bronx.
(2f – drama)
Dead Man Walking by Ali Keller download full text
A man holds his brother's engagement ring hostage. Set in Manhattan.
(2m - serio-comic)
Deflection by Jenny Kirlin & Kitt Lavoie
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An internet start-up's company dodgeball team comes to blows when a pregnant team member reveals the identity of her baby's father, threatening their personal friendships and the future of the company. Set in Queens.
(1m, 2f – comedy)
Two Birds by Jerzy Gwiazdowski download full text
When a young couple meets for coffee after four months apart, they discover that they had very different understandings of the terms of their separation. Set in Brooklyn.
(1m, 1f – serio-comic)
Holiday Themed Ten Minute Plays
Carry Me On by Will Clarkdownload full text
A young math whiz tries to sneak out of his girlfriend's dorm the night before winter break.
(1m, 1f – drama)
Christmas for New Year's by Jennifer Reichert
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When a medical resident is forced to choose holiday coverage, his best friend hops the first train out of town. (1m, 1f – drama)
Color Blind by Will Clarkdownload full text
A young man wants his girlfriend to change (her sweater) for his parents. (1m, 1f – comedy)
The Earth You Created by Sydney Painter
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A pair of teenage friends face the eternal question - does the holiday have room for both church camp and a solstice party? (2f – comedy)
Hot Air by Katelin Wilcoxdownload full text
It's not easy being a 34 foot tall inflatable elf. (3 flex – comedy)
Invited by Jennifer Reichertdownload full text
An act of holiday generosity threatens the friendship of a pair of skating rink employees.
(1m, 1f – comedy)
The Most Wonderful Time by Jennifer Reichert
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College BFFs make plans to spend their Xmas together. (2f – comedy)
Winter Break by Kitt Lavoiedownload full text
What do you get for the boy who gave up everything?
(1m, 1f – drama)