Overview

Synopsis

A dark New England beach is the singular setting for Christopher Shinn’s language-driven one-act. Troubled lovers Ed and Dora find themselves trying to repair the shattered remnants of a relationship, and their own lives, until a sudden tragedy changes everything. Clocking in at just over half an hour, The Coming World is a short but high-octane journey with an underlying tension that never quite unwinds. It’s an ideal fit for theatres looking for a play suited for mature audiences that can be produced with minimal set and prop needs.

Show Information

Book
Christopher Shinn
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Mature Audiences (M)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
2001
Genres
Drama
Settings
Contemporary, Simple/No Set
Time & Place
A beach on the New England coast, summer 2001.
Cast Size
small
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Licensor
Dramatists Play Service
Ideal For
Ensemble Cast, Mature Audiences, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult Characters

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Dora

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Ty

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Ed

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    Ensemble

    A group of performers who function as a unit in a production rather than as individuals with leading roles.

    One-Act

    A short play presented in a single act without intermission, ideal for festivals, student productions, or concise storytelling.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Kevan Dunkelberg

Kevan Dunkelberg

Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright