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Elana Gartner

ELANA GARTNER

  (1976 - )
Nationality:    USA
facebook     email:    Click here to contact     Website:    Click here

Literary Agent:    n/a

Among her other scripts, playwright Elana Gartner has written Daughter (PlayLab Selection, 2013 Great Plains Theatre Conference; Honorable Mention: Third Annual Ohio State Newark New Play Contest), Tag on Toe (Finalist: Little Fish Theatre's HElla Fresh Fish 3.0 Short Play Festival. Semi-finalist: Eden Prairie Players' 2012 Collection of One Acts) Cortex Kin (Finalist: Stone Soup Theatre's Double (XX) Fest 2.0; Semi-finalist: 2010 Drury University One-Act Playwriting Competition; Eden Prairie Players' 2012 Collection of One Acts), Pilar's Brother (Finalist: 2010 Met Life Nuestras Voces Playwriting Competition. Reading: Repertorio Espanol), Spinning (Production: Fabrefaction Theater Company. Awards: Winner of 2008 Fabrefaction Theater Company Playwriting Competition), Because of Beth (Production: The Workshop Theater, producer: Small Pond Entertainment.. Awards: third prize in the 2007-2008 Pen and Brush Playwriting contest. Finalist for the Open Book 2007 Playwriting Competition), and Ernie Evan (Production: Genesis Repertory Theater; Heights Players. Staged Reading: 6x10 Festival, producer: 4th Meal Productions). Two monologues from Ms. Gartner's plays Daughter and Because of Beth are due for publication in Contemporary Monologues for Young Women v.3 (Meriwether Publishing, Ltd.) in the Fall, 2013. Ms. Gartner founded the EMG Playwriting Workshop which has fostered a supportive community for playwrights since 2004 and joined a second playwriting group, Manhattan Oracles, in 2012. She helped to edit a second edition of "You Can Write A Play!" by Milton E. Polsky and she is a current board member for the International Centre for Women Playwrights. Ms. Gartner is a graduate of Oberlin College with a degree in Creative Writing and has been a member of the Dramatists Guild since 1999.

Research:    Member of the Dramatists Guild of America (as at 2015)

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below is a list of Elana Gartner's plays - click on a Play Title for more information

         Baby M         Because Of Beth         Cortex Kin         Daughter         Ernie Evan         Invisible Lines         Mind Games         Peanut Butter And Jelly         Pilar's Brother         Platonic         Spinning         Tag on Toe

Baby M

Synopsis:
as far as Marina knows, she grew up in an overprotective home and is trying desperately to find her freedom at college. But when she gets pregnant and is taken to the local clinic by her roommate, Sally, Marina meets Mary Beth, the woman who gave birth to her and who has been trying to find her for eighteen years. Inspired by the 1988 court case of Baby M.

Notes:
This is A 45 minute, 6 person Drama inspired by the 1988 court case of Baby M.

1st Produced:
The Cat, Oberlin, Oh     1997

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
-   

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Play/Drama

Parts:
Male:  2            Female:  4            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Because Of Beth

Synopsis:
When teenage Penny's long-missing Father doesn't recognize her at her mother's funeral, she risks her relationship with her irresponsible older sister to learn about him and possibly overturn the guardianship her mother chose. But, in her haste, Penny discovers how post-death experiences for the living can be treacherous when secrets are fresh, powerful and dangerous.

Notes:
Because of Beth received third prize in the 2007-2008 Pen and Brush Playwriting Contest and was a finalist in the Open Book 2007 Playwriting Competition. Casting for this script requires a female actor who can play a 15 year old.

1st Produced:
Workshop Theatre Company (Equity Showcase)     01 Jan 2008

Organisations:
Small Pond Entertainment

1st Published:
http://www.indietheaternow.com/Play/because-of-beth   

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Drama (full-length)

Parts:
Male:  2            Female:  2            Other:  1

Further Reference:
-

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Cortex Kin

Synopsis:
When Daniel takes a sick day and visits his brain, he discovers ornery housekeeper, Hank, already starting to clean the dust from months of neglect. Through their combative work and conversation, Daniel eventually starts to face the horrifying reasons behind his absence.

Notes:
This script runs about 40 minutes. Casting requires a 70 something female. Finalist: Stone Soup Theatre's Double (XX) Fest 2.0; Semi-finalist: 2010 Drury University One-Act Playwriting Competition; Eden Prairie Players' 2012 Collection of One Acts

1st Produced:
[reading] Dixon Place. New York, NY     03 Mar 2017

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
link for purchase is: http://elanagartner.com/store/store.php   

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Drama (one-act)

Parts:
Male:  1            Female:  1            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Daughter

Synopsis:
When sixteen year old Robyn's biological mother, Millie, contacts her on Facebook, Robyn tries to ignore her. A straight-A student with her hopes set on Harvard, Robyn has been happy with her adoptive parents and adoptive brother; she has not wanted to find her biological parents. But Millie is persistent and finally tells her why: she needs a bone marrow transplant within a week or she will have to go into an experimental trial program. Robyn embarks on an uncomfortably fast investigation about Millie and her origins, often keeping secrets and ignoring responsibilities to do so. When Robyn concludes that she wants to get tested to be a match, she must convince her adoptive parents and possibly face the reality that Millie could die without her help.

Notes:
Daughter was a PlayLab Selection for the 2013 Great Plains Theatre Conference and received an Honorable Mention from the Third Annual Ohio State Newark New Play Contest. A monologue from the script is due for publication in Contemporary Monologues for Young Women v.3 (Meriwether Publishing, Ltd.) in the Fall, 2013.

1st Produced:
Reading For The Playlab At The Great Plains Theatre Conference     27 May 2013

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
link for purchase is: http://elanagartner.com/store/store.php   

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Drama (full-length)

Parts:
Male:  2            Female:  4            Other:  Casting includes one 12 year old boy and two 16 year old girls.

Further Reference:
-

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Ernie Evan

Synopsis:
Sixty seven year old sailor ernie evan is frightened when his long-dead mother visits him in a dream and tells him that he must marry in order to have a woman on the ship.

Notes:
This is A 10 minute, 1 person Dramatic monologue. It is in the process of being lengthened. This has Also been produced At Genesis Repertory theater. "ernie evan" was performed in February, 2008, NYC At 4th Meal Productions' 6x10 Festival.

1st Produced:
Heights Players, Brooklyn, NY     2001

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
link for purchase is: http://elanagartner.com/store/store.php   

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Dramatic monologue Ten Min

Parts:
Male:  1            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Invisible Lines

Synopsis:
Combining Drama, dance, film and music, Invisible Lines, sets out to demonstrate the similarities and differences between international cultures in daily life.

Notes:
This is 20+ person multi-media performance piece. It runs 70-80 minutes.

1st Produced:
The Conservatory, Oberlin, Oh     1998

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
-   

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Multi-media collaboration Piece

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  large cast

Further Reference:
-

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Mind Games

Synopsis:
Pressured by her new friends, Carla decides to do acid for the first time. But when she starts seeing people in her life that she has been hiding from, Carla stumbles out into the street to escape them. Her night becomes wild and confusing as she encounters street bum, Pedro, and tries to figure out what she really wants.

Notes:
This is A 45 minute, 8 character Drama.

1st Produced:
Saint Ann's Playwriting Festival     1994

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
-   

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Play/Drama

Parts:
Male:  4            Female:  4            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Peanut Butter And Jelly

Synopsis:
Catholic Opal and rebel Becca have been friends since they were eleven. Becca is the only one who Opal can confide in about being a lesbian. Opal is the only one who knows how to help Becca's self-esteem. Over twenty years, their close friendship endures disowning, pregnancy and job changes. But with Opal living across the country, Becca feels her absence, especially when Becca's brother commits suicide while serving in the army.

Notes:
This is A 60 minute, 2 person Drama. It can be played with eight Actresses, playing the two characters At four different times in their lives. This has Also been produced At the Cat in Oberlin, OH And At the Dramatists Guild in New York, NY.

1st Produced:
Pulse Ensemble Theater, NY, NY     1999

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
-   

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Play/Drama

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  2            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Pilar's Brother

Synopsis:
Julian's mother has returned to Chile to care for his dying grandmother, leaving obedient Julian to juggle his temporary responsibility for his mentally-ill sister, his studies, his job and his American lifestyle: the one that his family knows about and the closeted gay and aspiring actor lifestyle that they don't. Set in 1968 Brooklyn and in a strong Chilean immigrant and Catholic family, this story explores the choices that Julian has to make when a big opportunity arises and the volatile sister that complicates them. Inspired by a true story.

Notes:
Casting for this script requires two female Hispanic (preferably Chilean) actors and one male Hispanic (preferably Chilean) actor. One of those female actresses must also be able to play a 17 year old with a mental illness. Pilar's Brother was a finalist for the 2010 Met Life Nuestras Voces Playwriting Competition and, as a result, received a directed reading at Repertorio Espanol.

1st Produced:
-    

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
link for purchase is: http://elanagartner.com/store/store.php   

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Drama (full-length)

Parts:
Male:  2            Female:  2            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Platonic

Synopsis:
Sisters Gloria and allison were brought up like family with Sam. their mothers were best friends and their Father had been there for Sam when his own Father died. But when Sam shows up for an unexpected visit, Gloria's pre-teen crush for Sam starts becoming apparent. allison is surprised by her own jealousy but more surprised by the reason for Sam's visit.

Notes:
This is A 45 minute, 8 character Drama.

1st Produced:
Saint Ann's Playwriting Festival     1993

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
-   

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
romantic comedy Comedy

Parts:
Male:  2            Female:  6            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Spinning

Synopsis:
When life-time best friends and current roommates, Casey and Jack, spontaneously sleep together, their conflicting reactions to it cause their relationship and worlds to start unraveling. Shocked by the revelation of a long-kept secret and without a best friend to confide in for the first time, Casey and Jack's raw emotions become unmanageable. even their other roommate, Diana, a snarky ex-con, can't ignore the imploding friendship, no matter how hard she tries. Hurt and angry, Casey makes an uncharacteristic decision to move out immediately, sending Jack into a frantic whirlwind. Jack puts his DJ career in jeopardy at a critical moment as he begins to engage in an onslaught of reckless attempts not to lose Casey. as an anguished Casey tries to start over in a new apartment, she is humiliated when Jack hits rock bottom at her housewarming party. It takes the intervention of Casey's new roommate, Laurie, to help Jack realize that he may destroy his relationship with Casey for good unless he faces the truth about his feelings for his closest and oldest friend. a searing and heart-wrenching Drama, "Spinning" exposes what even lifetime best friends don't know about each other.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Atlanta, Ga At Fabrefaction Theater Company     2008

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
-   

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
120 min Play/Drama

Parts:
Male:  2            Female:  5            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Tag on Toe

Synopsis:
While discussing the birth of their colleague's son, Kay is rattled when her co-worker, Annabel, shares her unorthodox reasons to have a child.

Notes:
Tag on Toe was a finalist for Little Fish Theatre's HElla Fresh Fish 3.0 Short Play Festival and a semi-finalist for Eden Prairie Players' 2012 Collection of One Acts.

1st Produced:
-    

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
link for purchase is: http://elanagartner.com/store/store.php   

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Drama (Ten-minute)

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  2            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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