10 Minute Plays (10-20 Minutes)
These plays can all be performed in under twenty minutes, and most are around ten minutes. See also:
At Liberty by Tennessee Williams (1 Act)
A middle-aged woman sits up at 2:30 in the morning. Her daughter, Gloria, comes home, escorted by a n ungentlemanly man. Gloria and her mother argue about the people she sees and her health. Gloria is back at her childhood home after her career as an actress has taken a down turn.
This play can be read in the preview of Tennessee Williams: One Act Plays. (53% in)
Alfred and Lily and Their Marvelous Tank in the Forest by Tara Meddaugh (1 Act)
Alfred and Lily, frogs, are a married couple. They live in a forest, but in a tank rather than a pond. They notice there isn’t much water in their tank. Alfred thinks it’s been two days since they were moved from the pond. They see an eagle fly overhead with something in its beak. Alfred is alarmed.
This play can be read in the preview of The Best New Ten Minute Plays, 2020. (45% in)
Amicable by Paige Steadman (1 Act)
Leda, a historian, and Wati, a genetic researcher, are married. They’re at the Marriage License and Divorce Certification Bureau. They clearly love each other but they’re applying for a divorce. They’re also going to be attending a wedding next month.
This play can be read in the preview of The Best New Ten Minute Plays, 2020. (66% in)
The Architecture of Desire by Brian Leahy Doyle (1 Act)
A young man struggles to write a monograph on Marcel Proust. His young wife is tired of hearing about it. They have a bitter argument that escalates. A couple’s therapist offers the audience a solution to these types of arguments and how to have a sensual relationship.
This play can be read in the preview of The Best New Ten Minute Plays, 2021. (18% in)
Sure Thing by David Ives (1 Act)
Betty is reading at a café when Bill approaches, asking if the chair opposite her is taken. She shuts down any interaction. The scene proceeds with multiple iterations of their conversation, as it continually gets reset when they hit a sticking point.
This play can be read in the preview of All in the Timing: Fourteen Plays. (25% in)
Poof! by Lynn Nottage
Samuel threatens his wife, Loureen. When she responds by cursing her husband, a remarkable thing happens—there’s a bright flash followed by a smoking mound of ash on the kitchen floor with Samuel’s glasses on top. Confused and shocked, she calls her friend Florence for help. They try to decide what to do.
Tea Party by Betty Keller (1 Scene)
Two elderly women, Alma and Hester, decide where they’re going to sit in their living room. They’re trying to arrange things for their unnamed expected guest. They discuss the refreshments they’ll offer and the story they’ll tell.
The Stronger by August Strindberg
Two women, both actresses, meet in a coffeehouse. Mrs. X comments on Miss Y being alone on Christmas Eve, and on her failed marriage. Mrs. X’s monologue continues, revealing their history and rivalry.
Workout by Wendy Wasserstein (1 Act)
A woman in athletic wear puts on music and starts leading an exercise class. While exercising, she urges her class on and talks about herself. She’s got a lot going on—with her work, husband, kids and hobbies. She seems to be living an exemplary and fulfilling life.
