Overview

Synopsis

George Spelvin doesn’t know who he is. He thought he was an accountant, but he somehow wound up on a stage taking over for an actor who can’t go on. The problem is he has no idea what play he’s doing. Christopher Durang’s metatheatrical one-act comedy twists and turns through Shakespeare, Beckett, and Noel Coward, arriving at an ending that blurs the line between reality and theatre. The Actor’s Nightmare is often paired with Sister Mary Ignatious Explains It All For You in performance, with an ensemble of five actors performing roles in both plays.

Show Information

Book
Christopher Durang
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1981
Genres
Comedy
Settings
Contemporary, Simple/No Set
Time & Place
An empty stage. Present day.
Cast Size
small
Licensor
Dramatists Play Service
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult Characters, Small Cast

Context

Sorry, we currently do not have content for this section.

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

George Spelvin

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Meg

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Sarah Siddons

Ensemble

Female

Non-singer

Dame Ellen Terry

Ensemble

Female

Non-singer

Henry Irving

Ensemble

Male

Non-singer

Executioner

Ensemble

Male

Non-singer

Songs

Sorry, we currently do not have content for this section.

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

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

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

    Direct Address

    A performance technique where an actor speaks directly to the audience, breaking the fourth wall for dramatic or comedic effect.

    Ensemble

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

    Metatheatre

    A form of self-referential drama where the play draws attention to its own theatricality. This device challenges the audience’s suspension of disbelief and is used in Epic Theatre and postmodern works.

    Soliloquy

    A speech delivered by a character alone on stage, revealing inner thoughts or emotions to the audience. Common in Shakespearean plays.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.

Quote Analysis

Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.

Guide Written By:

Kevan Dunkelberg

Kevan Dunkelberg

Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright