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.
Average Producer Rating:
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
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.
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
Characters
5
2 Men, 3 Women, 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.
- Subgenres
- Character study
- Settings
- Present day
- Dress
- Contemporary costumes
- Audience
- Teen
- Features
- Mime Character study Movement-based
- 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.
Related Titles
Customer Comments
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!
Purchase Orders accepted from US and Canadian Schools.
Info for your purchasing department.
All others must pay at the time of ordering.
Not sure what you need to order? Check out our pricing and ordering guide.
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.
Stroke Static
by Lindsay Price
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