Plays for Four Actors or People

These plays are written for four performers. There may be very minor parts for other characters, but there are four principle parts.

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)

The Price by Arthur Miller (2 Acts)

Victor, an almost fifty-year-old policeman, is in the attic of his deceased father’s brownstone. The building is being torn down, and the attic is full of furniture that needs to be sold. During the Great Depression, Victor gave up his academic aspirations to help support his parents. His brother, Walter, a successful surgeon who did little to help the family, also arrives to settle the estate. Also present are Esther, Victor’s wife, and Gregory, an antique dealer. They try to settle on a price for the contents of the attic.

No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre (1 Act)

A valet leads Garcin, Inez, and Estelle into a drawing room. They have all died and were expecting to be tortured. They talk about why they are there, telling the stories of what they have done.

Proof by David Auburn (2 Acts)

Catherine is alone on her birthday, and unmotivated in life. Her father, Robert, did some brilliant mathematical work in his twenties but later developed a mental illness. Hal is a former student of Robert’s who is now going through his notebooks.

Riders to the Sea by J. M. Synge (1 Act)

Maurya’s husband and five of her six sons have died at sea. Her remaining son, Bartley, plans to sail to the mainland to sell horses. Maurya and her daughters lives are infused with their Catholic beliefs and superstitions.

Seascape by Edward Albee (2 Acts)

An older couple nearing retirement, Nancy and Charlie, are at the beach. Nancy would like to travel and have adventures. Charlie wants to stay home. There’s some tension about their past, and they argue about how they should spend their time. Leslie and Sarah, human-sized lizards, approach the couple.