Ideas for One Acts.

[mpd4165]

Posted: 8/6/09 at 9:21pm

So this is just me getting uber-prepared, but does anybody have any good ideas for one-acts? For the directing class I have to take (not for another year, but like I said, uber-prepared), we need a play that can run anywhere from 10-30 minutes. Any ideas of plays or anthologies I should look out for? Thanks!

[dramadude2]

Posted: 8/6/09 at 10:49pm

A grocery store fiasco!

[pinoyonbroadway]

Posted: 8/9/09 at 3:55am

Definitely look at David Ives' All In The Timing. It's a collection of one act plays written by him and many of them run between 10-30 minutes. Last year my college did six of them and they are pretty funny if they are executed right. From the collection, look at Sure Thing, Variations on the Death Of Trotsky, The Universal Language, or Words, Words, Words.

Also look at some things written by Christopher Durang if you get the chance.

[dramadude2]

Posted: 8/9/09 at 2:27pm

Oh dear... I thought you were writing them... I don't know where I got that idea from... sometimes I make things up. What about Ascension Day, or Bang, Bang. You're Dead?

[mpd4165]

Posted: 8/9/09 at 8:46pm

That's alright dramadude...I actually searched for a play called that...to my surprise I couldn't find it anywhere lol!

pinoyonbroadway-thanks so much for the suggestions, I should definitely look for that!

[Perfectly Marvelous]

Posted: 8/9/09 at 10:47pm

As much as I love David Ives, I've noticed that his stuff gets overdone when it comes to student directed one acts. But that's not saying you shouldn't look into him, as he is a great writer and incredibly funny.

Anyway, here's a few suggestions:

- The Kill and Cate Blanchett wants to be my friend on Facebook by Alex Broun

- The General of Hot Desire and A Day for Surprises by John Guare

- Hurry! by Bridget Carpenter
(I directed this play last year and it was well received; but if you do check into this one, make sure you have a great cast. It's one of those shows where a miscast actor can fudge up the entire thing).

Also, if you Google ten to 30 minute one act plays, you can find playwright's personal sites (which sometimes will exclude royality fees, depending on the person).

Good luck, and happy searching! :)

Updated On: 8/9/09 at 10:47 PM