Twelve Short Plays and One Long One

Teachers of the Theatre Arts will find this unique collection of twelve one-act plays ideally suited for classes in acting and directing. Most of the pieces are two-handers, some serious, some comedic. By design, the format is simple and flexible, allowing for effective classroom performances without sets or props, and with a minimum of stage business. Importantly, each play can also serve as the foundation for a variety of creative interpretations-an excellent starting point for classroom discussions and critiques. Beyond the classroom, the collection is a valuable resource for community theater and off-Broadway groups planning an evening of one-act plays. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when theaters went dark, there were live readings of each of these plays on Zoom. Filling the gap, this online medium attracted playwrights, actors and audiences worldwide, from Europe and North America-via South Africa-all the way to New Zealand. Melvyn Chase wrote these plays for readings on Zoom. As a special feature, this collection also includes Chase’s full-length drama, 'Home Bodies,' which had a live reading in Paris.