STANDING ROOM ONLY
STANDING ROOM ONLY
Six Comedic Plays About Theatre
ISBN: 978-1-64479-010-6
Type: One Act
Genre: Comedy
Theme: Collection/Vignette
Duration: 60 minutes
Speaking Cast: 1-4 females, 1-4 males, 2-8 either (4-16 total cast)
Flexibility: doubling possible, gender flexible
SYNOPSIS: Welcome to the crazy world of the theatre! You won't believe the thoughts that go through an actress' head during an audition. Or imagine what happens when a gruff American voice coach tries to teach a British actor how to sound American. Looking at the theatre days of old, we find an aging acting couple having disagreements in the dressing room about each other's performances on stage. Then observe Shakespeare trying to tell his over-enthusiastic literary agent that he wants to drop her and fireworks break out. Emotions run high when two London charwoman are cleaning the stage of a West End theatre and one of then announces to the other that she giving up the theatre. Finally we take pity on a young playwright who sees his work destroyed by a flamboyant avant garde director. It's all and more than you can expect when you enter the insane asylum known as the theatre.
Theatre Woodstock
Woodstock, ON, Canada
Carroll High School
Dayton, OH
"Fun, smart and easy to produce. We used this script for an on location show in our community and one show at our local theatre. It was a huge success! The actors enjoyed the roles they played and it allowed for a ton of creativity to shine through."
By Ted McLauchlin - ProducerDirector - Theatre Woodstock
BEHIND THE CURTAIN: A Q&A with Thomas Hischak

What sparked the idea for this play?
It was originally written for two actor friends of mine to play all the characters (male and female) and show off their versatility.

If you had to describe this play in three words, what would they be?
Funny, touching, entertaining.

Which character was the most fun to write and why?
The crass American vocal coach Sam Kaufman in the second sketch. He is so down-to-earth to the point of being rude.

Is there a moment in the play you especially love seeing in rehearsal or performance?
The ending of Belles of the West End. I think it is rather touching and sad even.

What do actors seem to enjoy most about performing this show?
If you double or triple the roles, it gives actors a chance to illustrate their versatility.

What’s something directors should know before staging this play?
Do not let the set-up times for each sketch be too long. Keep the furniture simple and the play moving.

What was the biggest challenge in writing this play?
Writing broad characters yet allowing for some sincerity and realistic qualities

What do you hope audiences walk away feeling?
A variety of emotions, from laughter to a tearful reaction.

Just for fun: If this play came with a warning label, what would it say?
Expect the ridiculous and the sublime when you enter the world of the theatre!

Anything else you’d like to share with theatres considering this play?
Keep the plays moving!

Theatre Woodstock
Theatre Woodstock
Theatre Woodstock
Theatre Woodstock
Theatre Woodstock
Theatre Woodstock
Theatre Woodstock
Theatre Woodstock
Theatre Woodstock
MATERIALS & PERFORMANCES
Product Price Qty Total
Script
(Available in hard copy or digital download—choose at checkout)
$7.00 $0.00
Notebook Script
$12.75 $0.00
Performance Royalty
$60.00 $0.00
Limited Video Rights
$30.00 $0.00
Limited Streaming/Broadcast Rights
$30.00 $0.00
Extra Streams
$0.30 $0.00
Artwork Download
$30.00 $0.00
Add to Cart
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$0.00
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