Plays About Bureaucracy

These shows all relate to the challenges of navigating rules, regulations and other bureaucratic processes.

Put them together to create a production of any length to explore the many ways people handle the rules and formalities that may get in the way from their getting what they want.

Poster for Shelley Berman's "No Soap!" by Bob Canning, part of Senior Theatre Resource Center.

2 men, 3 women

19 minutes

Based on Shelley Berman’s legendary “Little Soaps,” and adapted with permission by Bob Canning, a masterclass in comedic escalation! A mundane hotel complaint explodes into a full-blown soap opera — literally.

cast of 4

8 minute comedy

Even if she's heard your excuses before, it's best to show sorrow and regret when appearing before Sacajawea during your defense in the Court of Women's Iniquities.
Book cover of "Feeble Fables: The Three Little Pigs" by Bob Naquin, published by ArtAge Publications.

1 man, 3 women, 1 either

10 minutes

It's not a brick house that flummoxes the big bad wolf in this modern version, it's the leash law!
ArtAge Publications Senior Theatre Resource Center.

Cast of 11-16

80-90 minutes

Three shows featuring the escapades of the pie ladies whose creative half-baked plans land them in deep water. Or Jail.
Book cover for Perplexing Polar Problems by Jack Coberly, published by ArtAge Publications.

3 men, 3 women, 2 either

10 minute comedy

Problems in Santa's Polar Kingdom have everyone in a titter! A short and easy play that you can pull together quickly.
Book cover titled "The Challenge of Bureaucracy" by Carole Glickfeld, featuring a blue and black des.

cast of 5

7 minute comedy

In search of her missing Social Security check, Finney navigates her way through one hilarious "helper" to another only to find red tape and an (in)definite answer. Short, easy, and never-fail!
Cover of "The Last Holdout" by Judd Lear Silverman, a senior theatre resource book.

1 man, 1 woman

10 minutes

Ivan rebels when Dorothy, an administrator, thinks she knows what's best for him. A sensitive show that highlights issues such as seniors not feeling that they are heard.

cast of 6-18

4, 10 minute shows

Feeble Fables is a series of folk tales, retold with a modern twist.

3 either

10 minute comedy

When a man returns a thermometer to the department store, confusion abounds! This is hilarious stuff!
Cover of "The Speeding Ticket" by Bob Naquin, published by ArtAge Publications.

1 woman, 2 either

15 minute comedy

A routine traffic stop turns into a master class in misdirection when a cheerful older woman talks a police officer straight out of his own ticket book.
Book cover of "On the RAC(K)" by Donald R. Fried, from ArtAge Publications.

2 men, 3 women

13 minutes

The members of the Resident’s Advisory Committee have trouble trying to accomplish anything at all. Part of the series, Senior Moments
Senior theatre resource cover with title "If You Can't Beat 'Em" by Annette Tringham.

2 men, 4 women

15 minute comedy

Kicked out of her book club, Judy Crayton has decided to form her own group called Civilian Rules Administration Police (C.R.A.P.)! This play is in Chatterton Country Club  
Cover of "The Bug Hunters" by Olga Sanderson, featuring bold colors and design.

cast of 5

10 minute comedy

The Fox sisters outfox two men pretending to be from the State Health Board.
Senior Theatre Resource Book Cover.

6 women, 3 either

25 minute comedy

The Pie Ladies pick up their rolling pins to make dozens of pies, and their own country. The first in The Pie Ladies Series
Seniors acting on stage with red curtains and a scenic backdrop.

1 man, 1 woman

8 minute comedy

When Harold, who is married to Maude, comes on to Gloria, who is married to Sam, Gloria comes up with a solution which gives him a strange idea.
At the Border - Bob Wilkins.

3 men, 3 women, 3 either

25 minute comedy

The Pettiburg Town Hall spans the Canadian-US border and has two mayors in an ongoing feud. International relations are rarely this hilarious.
Book cover for "Blame Game" by Linda LaRocque, featuring a green and purple design.

1 man, 1 woman

10 minute comedy

Working together, playing together, having a family together, this long time married couple knew each other well...or so they thought.
Book cover for The DMV or What's Your Sign? by Bruce Boeck.

2 women

5 minute comedy

Things at the DMV, Department of Motor Vehicles, aren't always easy. The life of an examiner can be difficult!
Cover of "The License" by Fred Sahner, a senior theatre resource guide.

cast of 4

10 minute comedy

An engaged couple's trip to the County office to get their marriage license sounds easy, but not with this County Clerk!
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