Play Finder List
27 Wagons Full of Cotton
Tennessee Williams
Mississippi, USA
A cotton gin owner's wife faces manipulation and seduction from a rival.
1940s
Drama
TONE
Dark, tense
THEMES
Exploitation, revenge, isolation
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs
KEY CHARACTERS
Jake (M, 40s), Flora (F, 30s), Silva (M, 30s)
3 Plays: The Father, Miss Julie, Easter
August Strindberg
Sweden
A set of plays exploring societal issues and interpersonal struggles.
1880s-1890s
Drama
TONE
Tragic
THEMES
Power dynamics, class, family
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Multiple (M/F, various)
5th of July
Lanford Wilson
Lebanon, Missouri, USA
A disabled Vietnam vet and his friends confront their disillusionments.
1970s
Drama
TONE
Bittersweet
THEMES
War trauma, identity, sexuality
SCENE TYPES
Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Ken (M, 30s), Gwen (F, 30s), John (M, 30s)
6 Rms Riv Vu
Bob Randall
New York City apartment
Two married strangers connect after getting locked in an apartment.
Contemporary
Comedy
TONE
Romantic
THEMES
Infidelity, loneliness
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs
KEY CHARACTERS
Paul (M, 30s), Anne (F, 30s)
A Day in the Death of Joe Egg
Peter Nichols
England
A couple struggles with the challenges of raising a disabled child.
1960s
Drama
TONE
Dark comedy
THEMES
Coping with illness, relationships
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Bri (M, 30s-40s), Sheila (F, 30s-40s)
A Doll's House
Henrik Ibsen
Norway
A woman confronts societal expectations as she reevaluates her marriage.
1870s
Tragedy
TONE
Dramatic
THEMES
Gender roles, independence
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Nora (F, 20s-30s), Torvald (M, 30s), Kristine (F, 30s-40s)
A Dream Play
August Strindberg
Sweden
A divine figure explores the struggles and pain of human existence.
Early 20th century
Expressionist
TONE
Surreal
THEMES
Human suffering, spiritual journey
SCENE TYPES
Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Agnes (F, 20s-30s), Lawyer (M, 30s), Officer (M, 30s)
A Hatful of Rain
Michael V. Gazzo
New York City
A veteran's struggle with addiction strains his family relationships.
1950s
Drama
TONE
Intense
THEMES
Addiction, family loyalty
SCENE TYPES
Two Men, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Johnny (M, 20s), Celia (F, 20s), Polo (M, 20s-30s)
A Lie of the Mind
Sam Shepard
Western U.S., Montana
A violent relationship forces a family to confront past and present traumas.
Contemporary
Drama
TONE
Dark, raw
THEMES
Trauma, identity, family dysfunction
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Beth (F, 20s-30s), Jake (M, 20s-30s), Frankie (M, 20s-30s)
A Life in the Theatre
David Mamet
A theatre stage
The dynamics of an older and younger actor evolve on and off the stage.
Contemporary
Comedy-Drama
TONE
Bittersweet
THEMES
Mentorship, artistry, aging
SCENE TYPES
Two Men
KEY CHARACTERS
Robert (M, 40s-50s), John (M, 20s-30s)
A Lonely Impulse of Delight
John Patrick Shanley
New York City
A man and woman experience a brief, intense romantic connection.
Contemporary
Drama
TONE
Poetic
THEMES
Romance, fleeting connection
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs
KEY CHARACTERS
Man (M, 30s-40s), Woman (F, 30s-40s)
A Loss of Roses
William Inge
Midwestern U.S.
A young man's life is altered by his attraction to a traveling actress.
1930s
Drama
TONE
Melancholic
THEMES
Dreams vs. reality, coming of age
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Lila (F, 20s-30s), Kenny (M, late teens)
A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur
Tennessee Williams
St. Louis, Missouri
Women navigate friendship and personal dreams in a small St. Louis apartment.
1930s
Comedy
TONE
Light, tender
THEMES
Friendship, loneliness
SCENE TYPES
Two Women, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Dorothea (F, 30s), Bodey (F, 30s), Helena (F, 20s-30s)
A Map of the World
David Hare
England
A journalist uncovers harsh truths in post-war England.
1970s
Drama
TONE
Thoughtful
THEMES
Morality, politics, journalism
SCENE TYPES
Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Stephen (M, 40s), Anna (F, 30s), Ellen (F, 30s-40s)
A Month in the Country
Ivan Turgenev
Russian countryside
A woman becomes infatuated with her young son's tutor.
1840s
Drama
TONE
Reflective
THEMES
Unrequited love, social class
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Natalya (F, 30s), Rakitin (M, 30s), Belyaev (M, 20s)
A Moon for the Misbegotten
Eugene O'Neill
Connecticut farmland
A woman attempts to save a man from his destructive habits.
1920s
Drama
TONE
Tragic
THEMES
Redemption, family, forgiveness
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs
KEY CHARACTERS
Josie (F, 30s), Jim (M, 30s-40s)
A Phoenix Too Frequent
Christopher Fry
A tomb
A woman mourning her husband meets a charming soldier.
Ancient Rome
Comedy
TONE
Witty
THEMES
Death, love, humor
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Dynamene (F, 20s), Tegeus (M, 20s-30s)
A Sea of White Horses
Peter Dee
Coastal location
Characters confront emotional loss by the sea.
Contemporary
Drama
TONE
Somber
THEMES
Loss, introspection
SCENE TYPES
Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Information limited
A Soldier's Play
Charles Fuller
Louisiana army base
A black officer investigates a murder within his unit during WWII.
1944
Drama
TONE
Tense
THEMES
Racism, justice, military life
SCENE TYPES
Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Waters (M, 40s), Davenport (M, 30s), Cobb (M, 20s)
A Stone Carver
William Mastrosimone
Rural America
A son returns to convince his father to leave their family home, now condemned.
Contemporary
Drama
TONE
Reflective
THEMES
Family legacy, reconciliation
SCENE TYPES
Two Men
KEY CHARACTERS
Agostino (M, 60s), Raff (M, 30s)
A Streetcar Named Desire
Tennessee Williams
New Orleans, Louisiana
A Southern belle faces her demons as she moves in with her sister.
1940s
Tragedy
TONE
Dark, tragic
THEMES
Desire, mental illness, power
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Blanche (F, 30s-40s), Stanley (M, 30s), Stella (F, 20s-30s)
A Woman of No Importance
Oscar Wilde
England
A young man’s parentage threatens his ambitions in high society.
Late 19th century
Comedy
TONE
Witty
THEMES
Morality, class, social hypocrisy
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Mrs. Arbuthnot (F, 40s), Gerald (M, 20s), Lord Illingworth (M, 50s)
After the Fall
Arthur Miller
New York, USA
A man reflects on his life and failed relationships amidst personal guilt.
20th century
Drama
TONE
Intense
THEMES
Guilt, love, self-examination
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Quentin (M, 40s), Maggie (F, 30s)
Agnes of God
John Pielmeier
Convent
A psychiatrist investigates a young nun’s involvement in a mysterious birth.
Contemporary
Mystery
TONE
Dark, mysterious
THEMES
Faith, innocence, mental health
SCENE TYPES
Two Women, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Agnes (F, 20s), Dr. Livingstone (F, 40s), Mother Miriam (F, 60s)
All God’s Chillun Got Wings
Eugene O'Neill
Urban America
An interracial couple struggles with societal and internal conflicts.
1920s
Drama
TONE
Tense
THEMES
Race, marriage, self-identity
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs
KEY CHARACTERS
Jim (M, 30s-40s), Ella (F, 30s)
Am I Blue
Beth Henley
New Orleans, Louisiana
Two teenagers bond over their insecurities and isolation.
Contemporary
Comedy
TONE
Quirky
THEMES
Adolescence, loneliness
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs
KEY CHARACTERS
John Polk (M, teens), Ashbe (F, teens)
American Blues
Various Authors
USA
A collection of plays reflecting the struggles and resilience of Americans.
20th century
Drama
TONE
Gritty
THEMES
American identity, hardship
SCENE TYPES
Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Various
An Enemy of the People
Henrik Ibsen
Norway
A doctor exposes a contaminated water system, clashing with the town.
1880s
Drama
TONE
Dramatic
THEMES
Integrity, public good, corruption
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Dr. Stockmann (M, 40s), Peter Stockmann (M, 50s)
An Ideal Husband
Oscar Wilde
London, England
A politician’s past comes to light, threatening his marriage and career.
1890s
Comedy
TONE
Witty
THEMES
Secrets, honor, hypocrisy
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Sir Robert Chiltern (M, 40s), Lady Chiltern (F, 30s), Lord Goring (M, 40s)
An Incident at the Standish Arms
William Inge
Hotel room
A couple examines their relationship in a moment of vulnerability.
Contemporary
Drama
TONE
Melancholic
THEMES
Unfulfilled dreams, love, regret
SCENE TYPES
Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Andy (M, 40s), Millie (F, 30s-40s)
An Italian American Reconciliation
John Patrick Shanley
New York City
A man tries to win back his ex-wife amidst family dynamics and culture.
Contemporary
Comedy
TONE
Romantic
THEMES
Love, cultural identity, reconciliation
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs
KEY CHARACTERS
Huey (M, 30s), Teresa (F, 30s), Janice (F, 30s)
And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little
Paul Zindel
New York City
Three sisters confront past traumas and family issues over a dinner.
1960s
Drama
TONE
Dark, tragic
THEMES
Family dysfunction, mental health
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Catherine (F, 30s-40s), Ceil (F, 30s-40s), Anna (F, 30s-40s)
And a Nightingale Sang
C. P. Taylor
Newcastle, England
A family faces love and loss during WWII in England.
WWII era
Drama
TONE
Warm-hearted
THEMES
Love, war, resilience
SCENE TYPES
Two Women, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Helen (F, 30s), George (M, 30s), Joyce (F, 30s)
Angels in America: Millennium Approaches
Tony Kushner
New York City
Friends and lovers face the AIDS crisis and personal revelations.
1980s
Drama
TONE
Intense
THEMES
AIDS, identity, spirituality
SCENE TYPES
Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Prior (M, 30s), Louis (M, 30s), Harper (F, 30s)
Anna Christie
Eugene O'Neill
Coastal America
A former prostitute reconnects with her estranged father.
1910s
Drama
TONE
Gritty
THEMES
Redemption, family, forgiveness
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Anna (F, 20s), Chris (M, 50s), Mat Burke (M, 30s)
Apocalyptic Butterflies
Wendy MacLeod
Midwest, USA
A family experiences strange events and transformations.
Contemporary
Dark Comedy
TONE
Surreal
THEMES
Loss, rebirth, transformation
SCENE TYPES
Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Hank (M, 30s), Wanda (F, 30s), Dylan (M, teens)
Arms and the Man
Bernard Shaw
Balkans
A Swiss mercenary and a young woman challenge ideals of love and war.
Late 19th century
Comedy
TONE
Satirical
THEMES
Love, war, idealism
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Bluntschli (M, 30s), Raina (F, 20s), Sergius (M, 30s)
As Bees in Honey Drown
Douglas Carter Beane
New York City
A young writer is seduced by a con artist who promises him fame.
Contemporary
Comedy
TONE
Satirical
THEMES
Fame, deception, ambition
SCENE TYPES
Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Alexa (F, 30s), Evan (M, 20s)
As Is
William M. Hoffman
New York City
A man with AIDS reconnects with his ex-lover, exploring love and death.
1980s
Drama
TONE
Poignant
THEMES
Love, AIDS, acceptance
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Rich (M, 30s), Saul (M, 30s)
As You Like It
William Shakespeare
Forest of Arden
Disguises and mistaken identities abound in a pastoral love story.
1600s
Comedy
TONE
Lighthearted
THEMES
Identity, love, freedom
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Rosalind (F, 20s), Orlando (M, 20s), Celia (F, 20s)
Ashes to Ashes
Harold Pinter
Unspecified
A woman recalls memories that hint at violence and tragedy.
Contemporary
Drama
TONE
Dark
THEMES
Trauma, memory, guilt
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs
KEY CHARACTERS
Devlin (M, 40s), Rebecca (F, 30s)
Aven'U Boys
Frank Pugliese
New York City
Friends navigate life and loyalty amidst tough urban realities.
Contemporary
Drama
TONE
Gritty
THEMES
Friendship, ambition, identity
SCENE TYPES
Two Men
KEY CHARACTERS
Vinny (M, 20s), Joe (M, 20s), Ralph (M, 20s)
Awake and Sing
Clifford Odets
New York, USA
A Jewish family copes with poverty and dreams of a better life.
1930s
Drama
TONE
Bittersweet
THEMES
Family, struggle, hope
SCENE TYPES
Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Ralph (M, 20s), Bessie (F, 40s), Moe (M, 30s)
Bad Habits
Terrence McNally
Rehabilitation Center
Two one-act plays exploring quirks of therapy and patients.
1970s
Comedy
TONE
Satirical
THEMES
Therapy, relationships, humor
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Benson (M, 40s), Harry (M, 30s), Ruth (F, 30s)
Balm in Gilead; Ludlow Fair; Home Free!
Lanford Wilson
Diner in NYC
Vignettes of misfits and hopefuls in a rundown city diner.
1960s
Drama
TONE
Raw
THEMES
Urban life, disillusionment
SCENE TYPES
Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Joe (M, 20s), Darlene (F, 20s), Dopey (M, 30s)
Bash
Neil LaBute
Various
A series of confessions exploring disturbing choices and consequences.
Contemporary
Drama
TONE
Dark
THEMES
Morality, violence, guilt
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Man (M, 30s), Woman (F, 30s)
Battle of Angels
Tennessee Williams
Southern USA
A drifter and local women clash with societal norms and desires.
Early 20th century
Drama
TONE
Tragic
THEMES
Passion, religion, repression
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs
KEY CHARACTERS
Val (M, 20s), Myra (F, 30s), Vee (F, 30s)
Bedrooms
Joseph Bologna & Renee Taylor
Multiple bedrooms
A series of comedic vignettes exploring relationships and intimacy.
Contemporary
Comedy
TONE
Humorous
THEMES
Marriage, love, misunderstandings
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs, Group Scenes
KEY CHARACTERS
Multiple couples (M/F, various)
Before Breakfast
Eugene O'Neill
New York City
A woman confronts her crumbling marriage and financial ruin.
20th century
Drama
TONE
Dark
THEMES
Despair, marriage, betrayal
SCENE TYPES
Mixed Pairs
KEY CHARACTERS
Mrs. Rowland (F, 30s)
Beggars in the House of Plenty
John Patrick Shanley
New York City
A man returns home to confront his troubled family past.
1950s
Drama
TONE
Intense
THEMES
Family dysfunction, forgiveness
SCENE TYPES
Two Men
KEY CHARACTERS
Johnny (M, 30s), Bunny (F, 40s), Georgie (M, 20s)