A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

The Earth is Flat

Full-Length Play, Dramatic Comedy  /  3w, 4m

THE EARTH IS FLAT explores the universal awkwardness of the American college experience.

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    3w, 4m
  • Duration
    Duration
    90 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Romantic Comedy
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Teen (Age 14-18)

Details

Summary
A coming-of-age story set in Calhoun Hall, the play follows purple-haired Ethan as he takes his first tentative steps toward self-knowledge. Day one he meets his roommate Derek, who's popular, social, and seems to have it all together. Day two, Ethan's brother dies in an accident, sending Ethan back home to deal with his ambitious sister and his pill-addicted mother. While there, Derek and him write letters where Derek reveals he's become obsessed with conspiracy theories about the earth being flat. When Ethan returns to college, he and Derek share a kiss, but Derek isn't gay, and Ethan's embarrassment propels him further toward the theories and a Youtuber. Will they ever repair their friendship? Will college ever be "normal"?
Performing Groups
  • Time Period Contemporary
  • Duration 90 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Alcohol
    • Strong Language
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

“Almond is a writer of wit and courage –tackling the issues of theology, coming-of-age, and of course the “earth is flat” movement.” The Earth is Flat creates a space that blends the mundane and exciting life of college with the mystical. It slips between the life of the moment and whatever comes after. It’s clear, funny, and naturalistic. It doesn’t romanticize the college dorm life, or gloss over the struggles of middle class family life; the bonds are intense and come through with all the emotional twisty encounters of disappointment, discovery and love.”
- League of Cincinnati Theatre Reviews

“Almond has found a nice balance between humor, tragedy, and symbolism in the way he has crafted this play, a coming-of-age story with deep insight.”
- Kirk Sheppard, The Sappy Critic

ON BREAKING CHARACTER

From the Desk of Licensing: Collegiate Edition
Becca Schlossberg
April 23, 2019

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £55 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

Available Formats:

Authors

Todd Almond

Todd Almond is a composer, lyricist and playwright. For The Public Theater/Shakespeare in the Park, he wrote the music and lyrics for the Public Works production of The Tempest at the Delacorte Theater (a production in which he also starred as Ariel). His musicals include Gir ...
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