Projects

The Fire in Me Website

Plays

  • Penumbra Osprey, Gullie, and Ric navigate their places in eternity at the mouth of the San Diego River. Characters: Osprey, Gullie, Ric. Full length based on one-act. Work-in-progress. Commission–The Old Globe Theatre, San Diego, CA. 2022.
  • Kasama Two one-act plays from San Diego’s Filipinx community. “The Fire in Me” and “Hand Under Hand.” College Production—Southwestern College, Chula Vista, CA. October 2021.
  • The TAG Project “Blank Tags,” “Tree Tag Part 1,” “The Tree,” and “Tree Tag Part 2.” Monologue/short scenes set in the San Diego River estuary. Lead playwright and Project Manager. Filmed and shared live via Zoom performance—Playwrights Project, San Diego, CA. Funded by an artist grant from the William Male Foundation and a Rising Arts Leaders of San Diego Virgil Yalong Quick Grant. August 2021.
  • “#BeBest” Prompt-based Valentine one-act, 2 characters, 5 pages. Honorable Mention—V Minute Valentines,Hey Playwright! San Diego, CA. 2021.

  • Saving Stories–“Scary Things” and “The Day Trip of My Life”. Monologues based on interviews with community members in isolation in rehabilitation centers and skilled nursing facilities. Contributing playwright. Online Filmed Monologues—New Village Arts Theatre, Carlsbad, CA. Funded by California Humanities. 2021. Union-Tribune article link.

  • “Penumbra” Osprey becomes a river god at the mouth of the San Diego River. Characters: Osprey, Gullie. One-act, 13 pages. Online Reading—Powers New Voices Festival Celebrating Community Voices, The Old Globe, San Diego, CA. 2021. Union-Tribune article link. KPBS story link.

  • “A Monument to Loss” A Japanese American woman reflects on her relationship to loss as she addresses a statue dedicated to victory in the center of her small town. Monologue, 4 pages. Live Streamed and On Demand Production—Monumental History, OnStage Playhouse, Chula Vista, CA. 2021.

  • “Veritas” Prompt-based Halloween one-act, 2 characters, 4 pages. Online Reading—5 Minute Frights,Hey Playwright! San Diego, CA. 2020.

  • “Dream Room/War Room” A writer and a lawyer share a workspace and must “make room for a new way of thinking”. One-act, 7 pages. Online Filmed Play—The Old Globe Living Room Play Workshop, San Diego, CA. 2020.

  • “Rain Forest” Suicide prevention play in Filipinx community, based on Question, Persuade, and Refer training. One-act, 2 characters, 8 pages. Online Reading—Scene & Heard: Staged Readings of prevention plays, SOULcial Workers, San Diego, CA. 2020.

  • “The Rainbow Unicorn” Lenora ventures out there and finds herself in a gay bar, where the patrons throw her an impromptu baby shower. A continuation scene for a Choose Your Own Adventure project. One-act, 5 characters, 8 pages. TBD—Blindspot Collective, San Diego, CA. 2020.

  • “Survival of the Fittest” In the final few weeks of high school distance learning, only two students remain in gym class. They each have personal reasons for staying as their Coach teaches them life lessons about the “Survival of the Fittest”. Characters: Ben, Jordan, Coach Blake. One-act, 16 pages. 2020. Online Reading—The Scripteasers, San Diego, CA. 2021.

  • Hand Under Hand Isolated and overwhelmed, Jenna struggles to be a caregiver for her sick aunt. Characters: Jenna, Manny, Marilyn, Mrs. Smith. One-Act with music by Emily Rutherford, 23 pages. Based on community interviews with Asian American caregivers. Staged Readings—Asian Story Theater. San Diego, CA. Sponsored by AARP. 2020. Union-Tribune article link. Inquirer article link.

  • “Pussycats” A stay-at-home dad keeps a secret from another. Characters: T.J., Ryan, Diego. One-act, 10 pages. Staged Reading—Powers New Voices Festival Celebrating Community Voices, The Old Globe,San Diego, CA. 2020.

  • “The Perfect Nanny” A career diplomat mistakenly hires a hippy to be nanny to her seventeen-year-old son. Characters: Petra, Peter, Harry. One-act, 10 pages. Production— That 24-Hour Thing, Logan Squared Productions, San Diego International Fringe Festival, San Diego, CA. 2019.

  • “Zest” A survivor moves beyond her past with the help of her personal superhero younger self. Characters: Zora, Lil Z, Essence of the Wormhole. One-act, 5 pages. 2019. Reading—The Scripteasers, San Diego, CA. 2020.

  • What Are You? An interview-based examination of hapa, multiple, and mixed-race identities. “Ceviche” and “Free the Ass!” Contributing playwright. Production—Asian Story Theater, San Diego, CA. 2019.

  • “The Hammer” A teenage girl pulls her superstar father into her doctor’s office for a frank discussion about love. Characters: Allison, The Hammer, Dr. Black. One-act, 9 pages. Production— That 24-Hour Thing, Logan Squared Productions, San Diego International Fringe Festival, San Diego, CA. 2018.

  • “The Perfect Note” A high school custodian discovers the secret hideout of a trans girl. Characters: Jordan, Jason. One-act, 5 pages. Reading—WordPlay Tuesdays, Diversionary Theatre and San Diego Playwrights, San Diego, CA. 2018.

  • The Conversation—A SWAN (Support Women Artists Now) Event. Contributing Playwright. Excerpt from The Fire in Me and “Ballistic”. Reading—Inner Mission Productions, San Diego, CA. 2017-2018.

  • “Every Second Monday, Odd Month” Joe parks on the wrong side of the street and finds himself on the wrong side of the law. In a near future where sugar is illegal and poetry is banned, he experiences the arbitrary nature of the criminal justice system firsthand. Characters: Joe, Officer D. Moore, Harold, Marie. One-act, 13 pages. Reading—The Scripteasers, San Diego, CA. 2019. Finalist—Out on a Limb: New Plays from America’s Finest City, Scripps Ranch Theatre, San Diego, CA. 2018

  • Cookies for Prisoners Church volunteer Margie visits convicted murderer Six in solitary confinement. The two explore prisons external and internal as they reconcile their pasts and negotiate the threat and promise of freedom. Characters: Margie, Six. Two acts, 66 pages. 2017. Reading—Pacific Playwrights Conference of San Diego, City College, San Diego, CA.

  • “Beauty Will Save the World” An undercover ICE agent investigates Jennifer’s Beauty Bar. Characters: Jennifer, Towel Boy, John. One-act, 8 pages. Production— That 24-Hour Thing, Logan Squared Productions, San Diego                               International Fringe Festival, San Diego, CA. 2017.

  • Out to Lunch Short plays written on the theme Out to Lunch. “Team Death” and “The Peytons”. Contributing Playwright. Workshop Production—New Play Café, San Diego International Fringe Festival, San Diego, CA. 2017.

  • Halo-Halo—Mixed Together Stories from San Diego’s Filipino American Community Short plays based on interviews and historical accounts from San Diego’s Filipino American community. “First Salute,” “House of the Philippines,” “Skinny Wrists,” (with Amanda Solomon Amorao) and “Testimony”. Contributing playwright. Production—Asian Story Theater, San Diego, CA. 2017.    

  • “Family Therapy Getaway” When a grandfather signs up his recently divorced daughter and his teenage grandson for a surprise family therapy getaway, they are given the task to keep their raw and fragile family together, and perform a song about it. Characters: Jessie, John, Alex. One-act, 7 pages. Reading and Honorable Mention—The Scripteasers “Script Tease of Short Plays” Competition, San Diego, CA. 2017.

  • “When We Were Lepers” A police officer encounters two lepers in an alley. They are all saved by the miracle of coffee. Characters: Officer Bentley, Miriam, Tirzah. One-act, 7 pages. Production—That 24-Hour Thing, Logan Squared Productions, San Diego International Fringe Festival, San Diego, CA. 2016.

  • “Wonder Singer and the Curse of the Deadly Box” Wonder Singer and her two superhero sidekicks pursue Walter the Lion Killer. Characters: Wonder Singer, Bombshell, Everywoman. One-act, 10 pages. Production— That 24-Hour Thing, Logan Squared Productions, San Diego International Fringe Festival, San Diego, CA. 2015.

  • Stories of the Sun Café Short plays based on interviews and historical accounts from the Japanese and Chinese communities of downtown San Diego. “Rebirth,” “Ten Cent Western,” “From Coffee to Nuts,” “Emma’s Neighborhood,” and “Keep Busy.” Contributing playwright.  Production—Asian Story Theater, San Diego, CA. 2015.

  • “Wild Adventure Tour—In 5-D!” Through a simulated adventure, sheltered Oliver discovers what it feels like to truly live. Characters: Oliver, Frank, Gaby, Anna, ICE Agent, Angry Citizen, Security Guard, Wife, Son (Some actors play multiple roles). One-act, 24 pages. Reading—The Scripteasers, San Diego, CA. 2016. Finalist—Out on a Limb: New Plays from America’s Finest City, Scripps Ranch Theatre, San Diego, CA. 2015.

  • Cookies for Prisoners (Earlier draft) Margie bakes cookies for prisoners and takes in stray people, but all bets are off when it comes to tolerating her own son. Characters: Margie, Larry, Jude, Jesus, Honey. Two Acts, 85 pages. Winner and Staged Reading—Playwrights in Process: New Play Festival, Cygnet Theatre in collaboration with Playwrights Project, San Diego, CA. 2014.

  • “Charles the Great” Charlie and Charley, two half-siblings and offspring of Charles the Great, battle over a coffee order on Casual Friday. Characters: Charlie, Charley. One-act, 4 pages. Workshop Production—Legends, New Play Café, San Diego, CA. 2014.

  • “#2” In a modern art museum, a daughter searches for connection with her late mother and a mysterious artwork entitled “#2”. Characters: Zoe, Hank, Spirit of Margaret. One-act, 7 pages. Production— That 24-Hour Thing, Logan Squared Productions, San Diego International Fringe Festival, San Diego, CA. 2014.

  • “Flight Lessons” Two mothers with opposing beliefs negotiate the turbulence of friendship through the relationship of their children. Characters: Faith, Danielle. One-act, 25 pages. Reading—The Scripteasers, San Diego, CA. 2016. Finalist—Out on a Limb: New Plays from America’s Finest City, Scripps Ranch Theatre, San Diego, CA. 2014.

  • North Star (Work in progress) A maritime musical with actors and puppets, based on “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. In collaboration with Andy Lowe and Jane Lui. Multiple characters. Two Acts, 58 pages. 2013.

  • “Do You Have Children?” A female playwright makes a choice about her life and career.  Character: Woman.  One-act monologue, 5 pages. Reading and Broadcast—WAVES OF FREEDOM, KNSJ public radio, San Diego, CA. 2013. Staged Reading—WE ARE THEATRE, Guerrilla Girls on Tour!, New York, NY. 2012.    

  •   “Center of Gravity” Under supervision of a strict yoga cop, two women try to find their center of gravity. Characters:  Isabel, Esmeralda, Shanti.  One-act, 12 pages. Production—Laugh Convention, San Diego City College and Bear Arts Foundation, San Diego, CA. 2011.

  • Bachelor Moon Upon the birth of her child, a councilman’s wife explores the reverberations of her relationship with her gay best friend who disappeared from her life.  Characters: Louise, Martin, Dude, Dr. Martin, Guy, Blue.  (Some doubling of roles.)  Two Acts, 71 pages. Production (Excerpt)—The Flip Side, MaArte Theatre Collective, San Diego, CA. 2018. Reading—Encinitas Theatre Consortium Playwrights Forum, Encinitas, CA. 2010. Production (One Act version)—New Perspective Festival, San Diego, CA. 2008.  Production (One Act version)—Seven.11 Convenience Theatre, Desipina & Company, New York, NY. 2007.

  • “Prospects” On the precipice of college graduation, a young man receives sound advice from a wise prospector.  Characters:  Younger Man, Older Man.  One-act, 7 pages. Production—Colorfest 24 Hour Play Festival, Bear Arts Foundation, San Diego, CA. 2010.

  • “The Language That Jesus Spoke” A young mixed-race woman finds hope despite a life void of celebration. Character: Carolina.  One-act Monologue, 28 pages. Reading—Scripteasers, San Diego, CA. 2014. Excerpt Read—WordPlay Tuesdays, Diversionary Theatre and Playwrights Project, San Diego, CA. 2014.Staged Reading—Out of the Kitchen & Into the Fire, Desipina & Company, New York, NY. 2009.

  • “Ballistic” A woman’s experience with men and their balls. Character: Woman.  One-act monologue, 10 pages. Staged Reading (Excerpt)—The Conversation, Inner Mission Productions, San Diego, CA. 2017. Production—Inner Views:  Asian American Voices, San Diego Community College District and San Diego Asian American Repertory Theatre, San Diego, CA. 2010. Production—Open Wound:  A Collection of Women Monologues, Center for Immigrant Resources and Community Arts (CIRCA), Chicago, IL. 2007.

  • “Meet the Family” A young Filipina American brings home a man to meet the family.  Fine food and spirits are served amidst accusations of crimes and conspiracy.  Characters: John, Mary, Belinda, Ray.  One-act, 36 pages. Production—The Fritz Blitz of New Plays by California Writers, The Fritz Theatre, San Diego, CA. 2006. Excerpt Performed–Short Acts, Center for Immigrant Resources and Community Arts (CIRCA), Chicago, IL. 2006.

  • “Playgroup” A new mom discovers the dues to be paid upon joining the Playgroup. Characters: Mom, Playgroup Captain #1, Playgroup Captain #2.  One-act, 7 pages. Production–2007 Impact Theater Winter One Act Festival, Impact Theater, New York, NY. Production–Personal Space: A Woman’s Body Writes, The Collective, San Diego, CA. 2006.

  • Botocan Based on the playwright’s mother’s memoirs.  A young woman must choose between serving her family and seeking vengeance during the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines.  Characters:  Mila, Fely, Mr. Tamura, Antonio, Gabriela, Boy Santos. Two Acts, 88 pages. Reading and Honorable Mention—The Scripteasers Playwriting Competition, San Diego, CA. 2006. Staged Reading—San Diego Asian American Repertory Theatre, San Diego, CA. 2005.

  • “Space Cadet” Kai despairs when Cousin moves into town wearing a space helmet.  When the space helmet lands on Kai, Kai soon learns the hard way–“How to Survive on a Hostile Planet”.  Characters:  Kai, Cousin, Jordan, Quinn, Space Alien #1, Space Alien #2, Parent.  One-act.  39 Pages. Touring Production–Carlsbad Playhouse, Carlsbad, CA. San Diego Actors Festival Kids’ Night Out, Actors Alliance, San Diego, CA. 2002. Staged Reading – Carlsbad Playhouse, Carlsbad, CA. 2002.

  • The Goddess of Flowers Filipina American Flora, struggling to find herself, is haunted by the myth of a mysterious flying man.  Characters:  Flora, Shay, Cora, Carina, Flying Man.  Two Acts, 83 pages. World Premiere Production—San Diego Asian American Repertory Theatre, San Diego, CA. 2002. Staged Readings–Carlsbad Playhouse, Carlsbad, CA, and San Diego, CA. 2001. Staged Reading–The Muse Theatre Ensemble, San Diego, CA. 1999. Scenes Read–TANGLAW:  Lighting the Arts (An Evening to Promote Filipino American Participation in the Arts), San Diego Asian American Repertory Theatre, San Diego, CA. 1999.

  • Grimace: Two Grimm Tales with a Twist Two one-act plays for young audiences.  “AND THERE THEY ARE STILL” and “THRUSH-BEARD”. Touring Production—Carlsbad Playhouse.  Included in Institute for Arts Education Focus Works.  Performed in local elementary schools. San Diego County, CA. 2001.

  • “Thrush-beard” An adaptation of the Grimm fairy tale “King Thrush-beard”.  A haughty princess learns a lesson in humility from the suitor she once humiliated.  Characters:  King, Princess, Thrush-beard.  One-act, 20 pages. Touring Production–Part of GRIMACE, Carlsbad Playhouse, San Diego County, CA. 2001. Production–San Diego Actors Festival Kids’ Night Out, Actors Alliance, San Diego, CA. 2001.

  • Hijacking the Mayflower Two mental hospital escapees and a mentally disturbed boy search for America as they hijack a bus to the Statue of Liberty.  Characters:  Lady Liberty, George Washington, Tom Jefferson, King George III, B. Ross. Five Acts, 100 pages. Staged Reading–The Muse San Diego Playwrights Festival, The Muse Theatre Ensemble, San Diego, CA. 2000.

  • Ushabti An elderly rich woman in Orange County tries to order an eternal slave from Egypt for her afterlife.  Instead, she is taken on a freedom ride through history. Characters:  Mary, Maria, Cyrus, Ushabti, Alexander.  Five acts, 82 pages. Production–The Sixth Annual Fritz Blitz, Fritz Theatre, San Diego, CA. 1999. Finalist–Fifth Annual Women at the Door Staged Reading Series, Famous Door Theatre Co., Chicago, IL. 1998.

  • “And There They Are Still” A continuation of the Grimm fairy tale “The Fisherman and His Wife”.  A timid fisherman is granted his greedy wife’s wish to become God.  Characters:  John, Ilsabill, Fish.  One-act, 23 pages. Touring Production–Part of GRIMACE, Carlsbad Playhouse, San Diego County, CA. 2001. Touring Production –Carlsbad Playhouse, San Diego County, CA. 2000. Performed in Carlsbad Library, local schools and San Diego Actors Festival Kids’ Night Out, Actors Alliance. Finalist–Nantucket Short Play Competition, 1999.  Staged Reading, Nantucket, MA. 2000. Production–Love Creek Annual Short Play Festival, New York, NY. 1997.

  • “Ours is Just Dirt” The racist Headmaster of an inner-city elementary school dominates the spirits and minds of his staff and students until they learn how to fight back.  Characters: Headmaster, Miss Eve, Chico, Spy, Tony.  One-act, 56 pages. Production–The Second Annual Fritz Blitz, Fritz Theatre, San Diego, CA. 1995.

  • “The Vessel” On an isolated island in the Philippines, a woman is tried for infidelity. Characters:  Father, Woman, Sister, Boy, Baby.  One-act, 18 pages. Staged Reading–East West Players, Los Angeles, CA. 1993.

  • “The Mirror” Two halves of a Filipina American girl struggle to reconcile their identity. Characters:  Flora, Carina.  One-act, 9 pages. 1993.

  • “Holes” Earlier draft of “The Mirror”.  Characters:  Flora, Carina.  One-act, 17 pages. Workshop Production–The City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, Los Angeles, CA. 1993.

  • “Windows” Basis for “Holes” and “The Mirror”.  A traditional Filipina American sister attempts to stop her unconventional younger sister from running away with a white sailor. Characters:  Flora, Carina.  One-act, 35 pages. Staged Reading–East West Players, Los Angeles, CA. 1993.

  • Filipinos in America Based on another script.  History of Filipino Americans in the United States, presented through drama, music, and dance.  24 characters, 17 pages. Production–Filipino American Educators Association, San Diego, CA. 1991.

        

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