Stroke Static by Lindsay Price - Theatrefolk

Funhouse by Lindsay Price looks at the bulled, the bully, and the bystander through mostly non-verbal vignettes. Life for the bullied is like a funhouse, but the funhouse is anything but fun. An excellent catalyst for conversations around bullying. Click to learn more...

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Stroke Static

Recommended for High Schools

Stroke Static

by Lindsay Price

The heartbreaking look at dementia from the inside. The struggle between real and fantasy. Past and present. An award-winning theatrical experience.

 About 30 minutes

Times given are approximate and do not include intermissions/scene changes/breaks

 5
2 M | 3 W, Easily Expandable

Simple Set

 28 pages

Drama Character Study Experimental Form

Average Producer Rating:

Reviews from Past Producers

An intensely challenging character piece.

Russ is an eighty-three year-old man in a nursing home struggling with multi-infarct dementia. But in his mind he sees himself as a boy of eighteen, and thus is played by a young actor.

Russ wrestles with reality versus fantasy, and past versus present as he struggles to understand where he is and what is happening to him.

The ensemble plays a variety of real and imaginary characters in Russ’ mind. A heartbreaking look at what goes on in the mind of someone who can’t communicate.

5 Characters
2 M, 3 W, Easily Expandable

Characters in this play are currently identified as male or female. Directors are welcome to assign any gender (binary or non-binary) to any character and modify pronouns accordingly.

Russ [M] 157 lines
Imagines himself as much younger. Takes a journey through his memories.
Ruthie [W] 63 lines
Ross’ old flame.
Bill [M] 43 lines
Ross’ old friend.
Megan [W] 77 lines
Ross’ granddaughter.
Carmel [W] 44 lines
Ross’ orderly.

Awards and Accolades

  • Listowel District Secondary School 2007 Sears Drama Festival Outstanding Production
  • Outstanding Production, 2008 Sears Drama Festival, Niagara District
  • Bolder Creek HS, 2008 Northern Arizona Acting Festival, Superior ranking at the regional level and Best Ensemble at the State level
  • Washington and Lee High School won first place in the 2009 Region A Theatre Festival

Customer Feedback

I just wanted to write you and let you know how much we enjoyed working on "Stroke Static" this year. Several years ago I wanted to use this script for my competitive readers theatre, but the students I had at that time just didn't "get it".

When I was at the STAM State convention this fall, I went to one of Lindsay Price's workshops. It brought back to memory that unique script. This year I have mature, amazing students and I again brought it out. And this year it clicked.

We placed first at the Big 8 Readers Tournament, first at our MSHSAA District tournament, and this past weekend we place 2nd at the MO State Tournament. But winning was only the gravy.

Every so often you find a script that challenges the actors, so much so that they are better performers for life. This is one of those scripts. And I know that many of the audience members will have a lasting memory of this lovely script. I just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time with the show!

Marilyn Mann - Monett High School Theatre Director

Subgenres
Character study

Settings
Present day

Dress
Contemporary costumes

Audience
Teen

Features
Mime Character study Movement-based SEL

Set
Simple set

Cautions
Strong language

Themes
Death Illness/Health Love Memory Parenting/Family Disability Relationships Individuality Obedience Self-image

Other uses
Competition Monologues Audition material Scene work

Awards & Accolades
Plays with Awards & Accolades

Prop List

Bathrobe, Shot glasses, Box, Shaving paraphenelia

Production Photos

Multimedia

Lindsay Price talks with the Boulder Creek High School cast.
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Royalty fees apply to all performances whether or not admission is charged. Any performance in front of an audience (e.g. an invited dress rehearsal) is considered a performance for royalty purposes.

Exemption details for scenes and monologues for competition.

Related Titles

We accept orders worldwide using the following payment methods:
Purchase Orders accepted from US and Canadian Schools.
Info for your purchasing department.

A vignette play is a collection of short scenes on a theme. You'll love working with the variety and flexibility of the scenes. Your actors will love the fast pace and fun characters.

There's more. Every Theatrefolk vignette play holds the unexpected. A showcase monologue. A dramatic moment. A change in form. A left turn.

Ideal for classwork, competitions, and more!

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