Glenn Alterman
10 Minute Plays
COULDA-WOULDA-SHOULDA (1F, 2 M)
SYNOPSIS
Once again Yetta and Cy are having their morning argument about their son, Marty. This time it seems Marty has locked himself in his bedroom after his morning bath. As they argue we learn the reason Marty has locked himself in the bathroom, Their relationship with themselves and Marty reveal what this play is really about.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
CY- Yetta’s husband, Marty’s father
YETTA- Cy’s wife, Marty’s mother
MARTY- Yetta and Cy’s son
SETTING
A kitchen
BACKGROUND
Developed at Circle Rep Theater Company. Winner (twice) in The Three Genres Playwriting Competition.
PRODUCTIONS
Circle Rep,
Turnip Theater Festival (winner)
Workshop Theater Company
PUBLICATION
Published by Playscripts,
Published in THE THREE GENRES- THE WRITING OF POETRY, FICTION AND DRAMA (widely used Prentice Hall college textbook, 7th, 8th, and 9th, and 10th edition.)
“Alterman is doing in dramatic terms what PABLO PICASSO did in art”.
“The play is a brilliantly inventive mix of realistic and non-realistic elements”.
-Stephen Minot, Editor, Three Genres, The Writing of Literary Prose, Poems and Plays
THE PAIN IN THE POETRY (aka YOURS AND MINE) (1M 1F)
SYNOPSIS
While Pam is quietly knitting on her rocking chair, her husband Sheridan sheepishly enters the room. Slowly he confesses a secret to her- for quite a while he’s been writing a play. Pam is shocked. As they talk, Pam finally reveals a secret that she has that is equally disturbing to him.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
SHERIDAN- Meek.
PAM- Sheridan’s wife. A stronger personality.
SETTING
Anyplace, anytime, America.)
BACKGROUND
Developed at Circle Rep Theater.
PRODUCTIONS
South Street Players
Stray Katz Theater Company
Phoenix Theater Of New American Plays
Parish Players (Vermont)
Circle Rep Theater
Howmet Theater/ The Playhouse at White Lake
West Bank Café Downstairs Theater
The Turnip Festival (finalist),
The Workshop Theater Company,
Part of Curly Tales Short Play Festival- Pigs Do Fly Productions (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
WINNER- EDGEFEST 2020/ Birdhouse Theatre/Georgia
PUBLICATION
Published in “2009- THE BEST 10-MINUTE PLAYS FOR 2 OR THREE ACTORS” (Smith and Kraus)
Published by Playscripts
BENCHMARKS (1M 1F)
SYNOPSIS
Telly is sitting alone on a bench at a bus stop near a highway. She is lost in thought. Next to her is a half filled trash bag. After a few moments Ted enters. He is all smiles and good humor. He is carrying a trash bag too, but his is filled. He asks if he can join her, she agrees. Within moments the two start talking and sharing private parts of their lives. As the play progresses we see their relationship evolve into something very meaningful.
Glenn Alterman’s “Benchmarks” …Very, very impressive writing. …Extremely moving. …A beautiful play.
- Broadway Radio/ Michael Portantiere
“Just wanted you to know our Nantucket audiences 'loved" Benchmarks.
It’s really a great play.”
Christopher Kickham, Artistic Director, Nantucket Short Play Festival
"You've written an exquisite play, an "instant classic". I hope this play gets many, many productions"
- Steven Elwood, Producer
"A beautiful play; very moving"
- Terry Schreiber, Director, acting teacher
"Really loved your lovely play last night.
Both actors were dear and true and the writing carried me along and teased out my spiritual sensitivity. Splendid!"
- Rob McCaskill, Director, Acting Teacher
"Mr. Alterman, I was the woman who spoke to you on opening night of your play Benchmarks, about how powerful and touching your play was. Last Saturday I brought my friend to see it. She’s not in good health. We were both so moved by your play, I thought they were going to throw us out we cried and applauded so loud. That night for the first time in nearly a year my friend said she slept like a baby. Something in your play gave her some kind of peace- Thank you."
- Andrea Levenstein
"It was AMAZING! I'm startstruck that I know you Glenn Alterman! Your play was thought provoking, inspiring and witty. Huge congrats!”
-Andrea Sooch
"Very few plays have had an effect on me as your play, Benchmarks. It was provocative, touching, and I might even say profound. Thank you so very much!"
- Edna Livingston, audience member
“‘Kudos! ’ ...Glenn Alterman, who's play ‘Benchmarks'
was the standout of the evening for me.”
Cat Parker, Founder/Artistic Director at Articulate Theatre Company
CAST OF CHARACTERS
SHE (TELLY) She can seem a bit rough, always speaks her mind.
HE (TED) He is a kind, caring man
SCENE
A bench at a bus stop on a busy highway.
SETTING
A bus stop bench on a highway
BACKGROUND Co.
Developed at the Miramax Playwrights Group, The Workshop Theater Company, New Circle Theater Company
Production 8 Tens In Tucson Play Festival- Winding Road Theater
Production- New Circle Theater Company= The Inferno Project- Limbo
Production- T. Schreiber Shorts 2016, “Transitions”
Production- Short Play Festival, Paris, France- “Repere”
Production- Nantucket Short Play Festival
Production- Winding Road Theatre Co
Production AuthentiCity Theatre
Finalist- 3rd Annual Gary Garrison Playwriting Contest, Baumont Community Players
PUBLISHED/LICENSED BY HEUER PUBLISHING
DITMAS (1F 1M)
SYNOPSIS
Sharon has drunkenly fallen off her bar stool. She is rescued by Mel, who saw her as she fell to the ground. Sharon is immediately attracted to Mel. As they talk we learn a great deal about them and a connection that they both share.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
SHARON- Abit ballsy, somewhat drunk.
MEL- He’s the same age at SHARON. He wears glasses, may have some facial hair, is nice looking, soft spoken, a bit of a nerd.
SETTING
A rear table in a small bar, mid town, New York.
BACKGROUND
Developed at the Workshop Theater Company, Circle East Theater Company, Miramax Playwrights
PRODUCTIONS
Pick of the Vine 2018 (Little Fish theater Company)
Le Theatre de rue Grignon, Marseilles, France
AND (Artistic New Directions) An Eclectic Evening of Shorts X: Boxers and Shorts)
Nylon Fusion Theater Company
TRU Theatre Resources Unlimited (Fundraiser Production- made into a short film)
Village Playwrights "Gay Pride and Prejudice" festival (Staged reading)
Workshop Theatre Co.
PUBLICATION- HEUER PUBLISHING
Published in "THE BEST 10-MINUTE PLAYS OF 2017" (Smith and Kraus Publishers)
“Your beautiful play is unquestionably the best of the festival. The audiences love it! Standing ovations, Glenn! The theme of Ditmas, the casualties of bullying, and how we must rescue each other, resonates powerfully these days in France (and many other countries, I’m sure). Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to present this lovely play.--- Mathieu Duris, producer, Le Theatre de rue Grignon, Marseilles, France
“Really a lovely play. It is a smart, beautifully crafted two hander. Congrats on all the success.”
Tony Phelan-- Executive Producer (Director and Writer)- Grey’s Anatomy, Madame Secretary, Law and Order (Trial By Jury) and (Creator) of Doubt
“The two of them connect in an unexpected bittersweet way that leaves the audience touched and thoughtful”-Paul Myrvold’s Theater Notes
“
An instant classic, a gem. You say more in 10 pages than many playwrights say in an entire full length. Beautifully drawn characters."
Rick Howard, Literary manager, Dramaturge
SUNSET AT SANTORINI ((2 M, 2F)
It is sunset on the beautiful Greek island of Santorini. Two couples, who have just met, are enjoying cocktails and the beautiful view. Suddenly something totally unexpected occurs which will change their relationships forever.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
HARRY- 40's to 50's
SYLVIA- 40's to 50's
TIM- 30's to 40's
JANET- 30's to 40's Tim's wife
SETTING
A table at a cafe on Santorini with a lovely view
PUBLISHED/LICENSED by HEUER PUBLISHING
TIME WOUNDS ALL HEELS (AKA NOWHERE MAN) (2M)
SYNOPSIS
Tom and his boss Ted are sitting on a bench in a remote area of a park waiting for their “assignment”. As they pass the time talking, secrets are slowly revealed and they both come to realize the real reason that they’re there..
CAST OF CHARACTERS
TED A powerful man who speaks his mind. He has a caring, mentor-like relationship to TOM.
TOM A bit rough around the edges, he is a gentle man. He has a great deal of respect for TED.
(NOTE- TED should be at least 10 to 15 years older than TOM)
SETTING
A bench in a remote area of a park
BACKGROUND
Developed at The Miramax Playwrights Group and The Workshop Theater Company
Published in THE BEST 10-MINUTE PLAYS OF 2016 (Smith and Kraus)
PRODUCTION
Gallery Players, Brooklyn, NY
SECOND TIERS
SYNOPSIS
Jimmy and Robin, two gay, middle aged lovers own a bar in Key West Florida. Jimmy is upset. Robin is desperately trying to calm him down so that they can attend the Fantasy Fest celebration that’s about to begin in town. Soon we learn the reason for Jimmy’s unhappines. A former "very well known" lover is coming to town. As they talk we realize who these two really are.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Jimmy- A nice looking middle aged man
Robin- Jimmy’s nice looking gay lover
SETTING
A bar in Key West, Florida
BACKGROUND
Developed at the Miramax Playwright Group and The Workshop Theater Company.
PRODUCTION
Staged Reading (THIS IS WHERE I LIVE NOW) in The HEROES AND VILLAINS PLAY FESTIVAL at URBAN STAGES inNYC
The Workshop Theater Company, New York
PUBLICATION
Published in 2012 The BEST 10-MINUTE PLAYS FOR TWO OR THREE ACTORS (Smith and Kraus)
AFTER (aka AND THEN) (1M, 1 F)
SYNOPSIS
Terry's husband has recently died. She is at the funeral home. After the memorial she stops Tom in the lobby to tell him how moved she was by what he said at the memorial. As they talk they both realize they have a lot in common.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
HELEN- A bubbly middle aged lady
JOHN- A kind, gentle man in his 30's
SETTING
A hallway
DEVELOPMENT
Developed at the Miramax Playwrights Group and The Workshop Theater Company
PRODUCTION
***WINNER- Edgefest, Birdhouse Theatre
Village PLaywrights- Reinventing Family (Staged Reading)
Production at the Workshop Theater Company (Cold Snaps Play festival)
PUBLICATION
Published in 2011- Best 10-Minute Plays For 2 or 3 Actors (Smith and Kraus
Published/licensed by HEUER PUBLISHING
HOME THREE
SYNOPSIS
Gayle and her professor are on a coaching ZOOM session. They are discussing the Foxglove flower. as they talk we realise that they have a more intimate relationship. Before too long they are interrupted by someone who will change the session dramatically.
DEVELOPMENT
Developed for ZOOM productions at New Circle Theater Company.
PRODUCTIONS
New Circle Theater Company/7x7xZOOM PLAYS. (Staged reading) on Zoom
Production- Aurora Theater- Hong Kong- Covid and Cigarettes (3 month run on U-Tube)
Published/licensed by HEUER Publishers
CAST
GAYLE- mid 30's
JAYNE- late 40's to 50's
GLORIA- 60's
UNHEARD (2M)
SYNOPSIS
Sam is visiting his very ill father in a hospital. The two men are obviously uncomfortable with each other. But something happens during that visit that frees both of them, if only momentarily.
SETTING
A hospital room
DEVELOPMENT
Originally this was a scene from the play Solace, which was produced by Circle East. It was eventually turned into a 10-minute play.
Developed at The Workshop Theater
Developed at New Circle Theater Company
DEVELOPMENT
Originally this was a scene from the play Solace, which was produced by Circle East. It was eventually turned into a 10-minute play.
Developed at The Workshop Theater
Developed at New Circle Theater Company
Actors Theater of Santa Cruz
South Street Players
Lavonia Community Theatre
Rhino Theatre
New Circle Theatre Co
PUBLICATION
Published/licensed by HEUR PUBLISHING
SORRY DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN GOOD BYE-BYE (1 M 1 F)
SYNOPSIS
Sam has just revealed to Sue that he wants top end their long term relationship. Sue is enraged. She attempts to salvage their relationship , but Sam is resistant. Soon both of them take desperate measures to win the argument, and we discover the true nature of their relationship.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
SAM He is soft spoken, a bit timid, and sometimes stutters just a bit.
SUE is older than SAM. She is more assertive and not soft spoken.
SETTING:
The set consists of a room with 2 chairs next too each other. If you wish you can add a picture or two on the wall.
BACKGROUND
Developed at the New Circle Theater Co, Miramax Playwrights Group, The Workshop Theater Company
THE KINDNESS OF ENEMIES (1M 1F, or 2M, or 2F)
SYNOPSIS
1 and 2 met at a bar, had a few drinks, went back to 2’s place and had sex. The play begins after they’ve had sex and are talking about what each expected to happen next in their relationship. They realize that their expectations are very different (and subject to change).
CAST OF CHARACTERS
1 and 2
Can be played by two actors in their mid twenties up to their early 40’s. They should both be around the same age (give or take a few years). Casting of these roles can vary.
1 and 2 can be played by:
A male and a female actor--- In this case the female role should be played by 1 and the male role should by 2.
Two male actors. The director can decide who plays 1 and who plays 2
Two female actors. Again, the director can decide who play 1 and who plays 2.
SCENE
A dimly lit bedroom. Scenery wise, all that’s really needed is a bed.
SETTING
A bedroom
BACKGROUND
Developed at The Miramax Playwrights and Circle East
PRODUCTION
Schonfeld Theater, Berlin, Germany (Die Gute der Feinde)
Lama Theater Company, New York (Staged Reading)
GOIN’ ROUND ON ROCK SOLID GROUND (2M)
SYNOPSIS
Mort and Harry are waiting for a drug dealer to being drugs to them so they can sell them. As they wait they reminisce about their friendship and their families. Secrets are revealed that unsettles both of them= to the core.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
MORT- , Brooklyn guy mid 30's to 50's
HARRY- Brooklyn guy mid 30's to 50's
SETTING
A furnished basement in a home in Brooklyn. 2 chairs and a table are all that is required.
DEVELOPMENT
Developed at Circle Rep. Theater Company.
PRODUCTIONS
Circle Rep Theater Company
West Bank Cafe Theater.
Part of Down Dark, Deceptive, Streets, New York (Love Creek Productions)
Finalist: Actor’s Theater of Louisville, (Heideman)
"A powerful play about friendship, family and betrayal. The characters are well drawn. ...Funny, disturbing, and touching"
-Leona Hutchinson, Theater and Dance, Reviews
UNFAMILIAR FACES
SYNOPSIS
It is a cold winter night in an apartment in Greenwich Village in 1985. It’s 3 in the morning. Nat is awake looking out the living room window, lost in thought. Joe enters from the bedroom to ask him what’s wrong. As the two talk we discover the painful events that are keeping Nat up.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
NAT- in his 40’s or 50’s (perhaps a few years younger than JOE)
JOE- in his 40’s or 50’s
SETTING
An apartment on the 15th floor overlooking Christopher Street in New York City.
BACKGROUND
Developed at Circle Rep Theater, Workshop Theater
PRODUCTIONS
Production at Circle East (West Bank Café), Workshop Theater Company,
Winner, "Best Play" After Folsom Short Play Festival, Berlin, Germany, "Honorable Mention", Trinity Church Playwriting Competition
Finalist: Actor’s Theater of Louisville, Heideman playwriting competition. Performed at Circle Rep., Part of the Articulate Theater Company event, “Circling Back, A Celebration of Circle Rep” (Directed by Amy Saltz, Starring Jonathan Hadary, Lou Liberatore)
Christopher Hewitt Award, First runner up
Published by HEUER PUBLISHERS
"Glenn Alterman's play breaks your heart. ...You really care about these characters. ...Touching and funny."
-Leonard Neils, theater critic
ONCE IN A BLUE MOON (2M)
SYNOPSIS
Harold frequents truck stop rest areas to have sex with men. One night he meets Harold, a married man. The two reveal why they are both at the truck stop on this cold winter night and many other things about their lives.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
STEVEN A lonely man
HAROLD is younger than Steven,
DEVELOPMENT
Developed at Circle Rep Theater
PRODUCTIONS
Productions at Circle Rep (Lab Theater Company)
HERE Theater
West Bank Café Theater
Part of Down Dark, Deceptive Streets (Love Creek Productions)
Finalist, Actors Theater of Louisville (Heideman)
A DOUBT MY PLAY (5 actors, 1 F, 1M, 3 either)
SYNOPSIS
A playwrights group. The PLAYWRIGHT is seated in the center with his mouth duct taped as the sometimes harsh comments about his new play fly by. What's he thinking as they criticize his play. We go inside his mind to find out.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
PLAYWRIGHT male, any age
MODERATOR- female, at least 20 years older than the playwright
WRITERS 1, 2, and 3- male or female, any age
BACKGROUND
Originally developed at New Circle Theater Company and The Miramax Films Playwright Group
FIFTY, WITH MICKEY (1M, 1F)
SYNOPSIS
It’s Rob’s fiftieth birthday. He's decided to spend it with his partner at Disneyland. While sitting outside on the patio of his hotel room, alone, watching fireworks something terrifying happens that shakes him to the core. When his partner, Mike, comes out, he shares the frightening story
CAST OF CHARACTERS
ROB Fifty years old
MIKE Rob’s partner. Not quite fifty years old
SETTING
The patio of a hotel in Disneyland
BACKGROUND
Originally developed at Circle Rep Theater Company.
PRODUCTIONS
Primary Stages (The American Myth Project),
Circle Rep
West Bank Café Theater.
Published by HEUER PUBLISHING this year
LOVE ME, LOVE MY WORK (1M 1F)
SYNOPSIS
Jane is furious at Ned for telling their friend Sarah how much he hates her latest work. He denies this. As the two argue we realize the truth about what actually happened and their relationship.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
JANE- A strong woman.
NED- A loving, caring man
SETTING
A room with a chair
PRODUCTIONS
Barrington Theater Company (10X10 Play Festival) -2022
Gallery Players- 2022
DEVELOPMENT
Originally developed at the Miramax Playwrights and at The Workshop Theater
TENDER IS THE GYM (2M 1F)
SYNOPSIS
It is 4 A.M. Joe and John are working out in an all night gym. As the two men talk we learn why they are both really there at that time. Soon Trish joins them and we discover that they all have similar motives for being there at that hour.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
JOE- A writer
JOHN- A little older than Joe.
TRISH- Around the same age as Joe
SETTING
A small weight room at an all night gym
DEVELOPMENT
Originally developed at The Miramax Playwrights Group.
Later developed at the Workshop Theater Company
Published by Heuer Publishing
VISITS (2F 1M)
SYNOPSIS
Marge is very upset about her grandfathers health. Fran tries to comfort her as best she can. When grandpa arrives we notice that he seems totally fine. As the play progresses we discover the truth about the relationships of these three people.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
MARGE- can be in her 20’s or 30’s childlike, emotionally fragile
FRAN- can be in her 30’s to early 50’s very caring
GRANDPA- 50’s to 60's, robust, loving. Must be believable as MARGE’S grandfather
SETTING
A room with two chairs. Bright sunlight shines in through the window.
DEVELOPMENT
Originally developed at The Miramax Playwrights Group. Later developed at the Workshop Theater Company
Finalist- City Theatre of Independence Playwright Festival.
RED BIKE BIRTHDAY BOY (1F 1M)
SYNOPSIS
Mom and Pop are rushing around, getting ready for family to arrive for their son Gary’s Bar Mitzvah. Mom seems to be unusually anxious and Pop keeps trying to calm her down. When he can no longer deal with her hysteria, Pop reveals a secret that both of them know to be true and yet have been trying to deny.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
MOM can be played by an actress in her 40’s to late 50’s
POP can be played by an actor in his 40’s to late 50’s
SETTING
The kitchen of Mom and Pops home
DEVELOMENT
Developed at the Miramax Playwrights Group and the Workshop Theater Company
SUBWAY (one minute play)
Selected to be in Gi60 One Minute Play Festival
INSIDE (2M)
SYNOPSIS
Jacob and John are two extras on a movie set having a bite to eat. The subject of bitterness in life comes up. Both men tell their personal stories about how bitterness has played a crucial role in who they've become. As they reveal their life-changing stories they get to know each other in a way they had never imagined.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
JACOB a middle aged man
JOHN a middle aged man
SETTING
An small eating area
DEVELOPMENT
Developed at The Miramax Paywrights Group and at The Workshop Theater Company.
Gallery Players Production of AFTER (AND THEN) , starring fCarlos Angulo and Rachel Marcus. Directed by Blayze Teicher,
Michael Gnat and Dustye Winniford in The Workshop Theater production. Photographer: Ahvi Spindell
