Phone Friend by Jonathan Josephson

Returning to the light after descending to the depths of personal tragedy can be a dark, difficult chore… but, when a chance wrong number links two complete strangers in the middle of the night, their common humanity may help them survive their personal demons.
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Phone Friend

Recommended by

  • Bella Poynton:
    29 May. 2023
    “ A sweet, timely piece about the power of connection. With phone conversations becoming less and less common among the youngest generation, this play offers something unique and almost period in it's stylistic lens. It's a fantastic piece for actors and offers deep emotional range. Bravo! ”
  • Kris Thompson:
    17 Jan. 2022
    “ I happened upon Josephson's blog and was hoping to find his "If Only, a Tale From a Thursday" but perhaps not yet fully developed. I was rewarded, however, with this short which poignantly demonstrates the downright necessity we all have for human connection and personal growth. Lovely... ”
  • Evan Baughfman:
    26 Jul. 2021
    “ An interesting and lovely story about the power of connecting with strangers during difficult times. ”
View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

Ideally the actors will be relatively similar in age, +/- 10 years.

  • Traci
    20s-50s,
    Female
    A blogger
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Henry
    20s-50s,
    Male
    A lighting guy
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    The Alternative Theater Company
    ,
    2019
  • Reading
    ,
    "A Night in JJ's Shorts" - Force of Nature Productions
    ,
    2018

Production History

  • High School
    ,
    Niles North High School
    ,
    2024
  • Workshop
    ,
    Rebound Productions (London, UK)
    ,
    2024
  • Community Theater
    ,
    Fargo/Moorhead Community Theatre
    ,
    2022
  • Workshop
    ,
    Atlantic Acting School’s C2 One Act Play Festival
    ,
    2021
  • Community Theater
    ,
    Actors Studio of Newburyport
    ,
    2021
  • Professional
    ,
    The Alternative Theater Company (Off-Broadway Showcase)
    ,
    2019
  • Fringe
    ,
    Midtown International Theatre Festival
    ,
    2017
  • Professional
    ,
    Unknown Artists
    ,
    2017

Awards

Selection
,
Smith and Kraus Best 10 Minute Plays
,
2022
Winner
,
Short Play Festival
,
The Actors Studio of Newburyport
,
2021
Shortlist
,
Short+Sweet Dublin
,
2020
2nd Place Winner (Top 60 of 3,000+)
,
Smith and Kraus Best 10 Minute Plays
,
2019
Finalist
,
Altered Minds
,
The Alternative Theater Company
,
2019
Finalist
,
International 10 Minute Play Festival
,
Seoul Players
,
2018