Directing Project Proposal Form: Director’s Name:

Title Author Genre Pg # Cast size Publisher Royalty for each performance
Anti- Jeff Comedy, 8 2 (1M,1F) Heuer Publishing $30
Depressa Weisman Drama
nts
Synopsis:1 Production Challenges:2 Appeal3:

A depressed college student and a
happy-go-lucky clothing store clerk
share their half-empty, or half-full,
points of view in the waiting room of a
therapist’s office.
Set in the waiting room of a therapist’s office. The script itself comes off as cheesy,
Setting doesn’t seem too hard to pull off in a so I really want to turn it into
normal room. Casting is the part that I’m most something that comes off as more
worried about due to covid concerns. wholesome and serious.

Production Photo: (if Link to Publisher Page (if applicable): Link to Online Text (if available):
available)
https://www.hitplays.com/default.aspx?pg=sd https://www.hitplays.com/hp/Scripts/Samples/Antidepressa
&st=ANTI-DEPRESSANTS&p=1664 nts=033109.pdf

1
Publishers will often provide a short summary of the story. It is sufficient to copy their synopsis. On occasion, you will find a synopsis as
part of a book binding, or insert. If you are unable to find a synopsis of your script, please craft your own.
2
Describe any challenges inherent in the text. This could relate to casting (e.g. demographic limitations), setting, genre, special needs, etc.
3
Describe your interest in the script. What do you find appealing about it, and what motivates you to produce the script?
 ANTI-
DEPRESSANTS
By
Jeff Weisman
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 ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
TEN-MINUTE PLAY

By Jeff Weisman
Copyright © MMVIII by
All Rights Reserved
Heuer Publishing LLC, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

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 ANTI-DEPRESSANTS

ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
By Jeff Weisman

CAST OF CHARACTERS
(ONE MAN, ONE WOMAN)

JAMES ...................... Male. Age early 20s. Depressed student.

MONICA .................. Female. Age mid 20s. Clothing store clerk.

Production History:
Anti-depressants premiered at the University of Iowa’s 8 x 10 Festival,
February 2008.

-2-
 BY JEFF WEISMAN

SETTING:
Waiting room at a therapist‘s office. A barebones waiting room. A
few chairs, an old table, a small window. There are no decorations
or anything with much life or color. The entrance door is offstage
at stage right, and the patient room is offstage at stage left.

AT RISE:
JAMES sits in one of the chairs. He is reading, but is distraught by
the weather as he periodically glances out the window. He has a
grey bike helmet on the seat next to him, and holds a coffee cup.
MONICA enters through the door at stage right wearing
headphones. She wears brighter colored clothes, carries a coffee
cup and seems generally carefree.

MONICA: Hello. (JAMES glances up at her, and then immediately

retreats back to his book. After some loud rustling, she settles
into a chair opposite JAMES. She pulls out a camera, and
starts looking through pictures. She makes a broad range of
exaggerated and slightly obnoxious reactions to each photo.
JAMES looks up from his book at her.) Oh . . . sorry. (No
response. Pause.) My friend Susie had this wild party . . .
anyways . . . I’m sorry.

JAMES sips his coffee.

MONICA: Oh . . . a Starbucks fan too, I see. I probably just pulled

in as you pulled out.
JAMES: I doubt it. I rode my bicycle . . . except, now it’s raining.
MONICA: Don’t you just love the rain?
JAMES: What’s to love?
MONICA: It’s just pretty . . . a beautiful imperfection.
JAMES: I mean, it’s cold and wet. I’d rather it were eighty
degrees and sunny.
MONICA: That’s no fun. That’s like . . . being hopped up on a
bunch of anti-depressants.
JAMES: I guess . . . but what’s wrong with that?

-3-
 ANTI-DEPRESSANTS

MONICA: Oh, right. Therapist’s office. (Laughs.) Is that why

you’re here?
JAMES: Excuse me?
MONICA: Are you actually depressed, or do you . . . you know . .
.
JAMES: What?
MONICA: Just like to party. Wink, wink.
JAMES: I’m not sure I follow.
MONICA: Here, let me show you. (She puts an exaggerated
frown on her face, slouches in the chair, and says in a dead-
pan voice.) I don’t know where my life is going, doctor. I need
something more than just anti-depressants . . . well, I guess
maybe they will make me feel better.
JAMES: You mean you’re here for the drugs?
MONICA: Duh . . . why else?
JAMES: Actual uncertainty, depression, loneliness, the pressure
to succeed, confusion, lack of interests or hobbies . . . the
feeling that you have no place in the wor -
MONICA: Hey, you’re a pro at this. They’ll probably just hand you
the keys to the pharmacy.
JAMES: Except, I don’t want all those pills for recreational use.
MONICA: Can’t knock it till you try it. (Beat.) So which one of
those is the reason you’re here?
JAMES: I don’t know . . . all of them.
MONICA: (Pause.) Would you mind if I came and sat next to you?
JAMES: You may want to keep your distance, my parents say it’s
contagious when I act “this way.”
MONICA: (While rising to sit next to him.) Honey, please. Who
doesn’t get grief from their ‘rents? What are you drinking there
anyways?
JAMES: Coffee. Black coffee.
MONICA: How boring. Here, try this.
JAMES: That’s OK -
MONICA: It’s a quadruple iced caramel machiatto with an extra
pump of syrup.
JAMES: I don’t deserve anything sweet.

-4-
 BY JEFF WEISMAN

MONICA: What is your deal, buzz-kill? Everybody deserves

something sweet.
JAMES: It’s quite alright. Why is your drink in that cup anyway?
Don’t they usually put the iced drinks in the clear cups?
MONICA: (Laughs.) It’s a really funny story. Want to hear it?
JAMES: Why not?
MONICA: OK, so I was in this women rape and self-defense
seminar for work.
JAMES: OK . . .
MONICA: And one of the sections was about improvising with
what you have as weapons. Well, coffee was one of the things.
Are you following?
JAMES: Yeah, I’m with you so far.
MONICA: OK, well about a week after the seminar, I am walking
down the street, drinking my machiatto and I feel somebody
grab my shoulder.
JAMES: Oh jeez . . .
MONICA: So without thinking, I turn and throw my coffee in his
face!
JAMES: Jesus.
MONICA: I know.
JAMES: So you burned him pretty badly then?
MONICA: No, I only drink iced coffee. See, I thought it was the
acidity in the coffee that would eat away at his flesh.
JAMES: (Pause.) Hmmm, so what happened?
MONICA: He got wet and then stole my wallet. So now, I keep my
iced coffee in a hot cup. I play the part to perfection. Here,
watch. (She picks up the cup, fumbles it between her hands
like it is scalding. She hesitates before taking a baby sip, as if it
is too hot.) See?
JAMES: That is . . . actually . . .

JAMES lets out a slight laugh.

MONICA: (Announcing.) He does laugh, ladies and gentlemen!

(She laughs with him. Pause.) So are you in school still?

-5-
 ANTI-DEPRESSANTS

JAMES: My last year, yeah.

MONICA: What’s your major? It’s not psychology, I hope.
JAMES: English, actually.
MONICA: Oh mine, too. Well, it was, graduated in ‘03.
JAMES: What do you do now?
MONICA: I work at J. Crew. The one in the mall.
JAMES: Oh. Well. That’s . . . you kn -
MONICA: Relax, I like it. Stress-free environment, discounts on
clothing, new people everyday, and it gives me time to party.
JAMES: Do you find it fulfilling?
MONICA: Hmm . . . that fulfilling word is a tricky one. Be more
specific.
JAMES: Does it, I don’t know . . . make your life worth living?
MONICA: I think so, yeah. It’s not a grind day in and day out like
most jobs . . . life should be fun.
JAMES: What about leaving your mark, or changing the world, or
anything like that?
MONICA: Doesn’t interest me.
JAMES: Isn‘t that a bit selfish?
MONICA: Eh, I’m fine with that. The world was screwed up when
I got here, so I’ll just leave it that way. I was raised not to
tamper with things that weren’t mine.
JAMES: I was raised to be financially wealthy . . .
MONICA: Shouldn’t you be studying business or pre-med?
JAMES: I was pre-med, actually.
MONICA: Oh. What happened?
JAMES: I wasn’t happy, so I changed it.
MONICA: Yet, here you are. (Laughs by herself. Pause.) Sorry.
JAMES: It’s OK. The English classes don’t feel . . . ay . . . how do
I
. . . right. They don’t feel right.
MONICA: You don’t enjoy them?
JAMES: No, it’s not that. In fact, I like them.
MONICA: Well, that’s good then.
JAMES: No, it’s not. I should be working hard, disciplining myself,
feeling stressed, and thinking about my future.

-6-
 BY JEFF WEISMAN

MONICA: That sounds miserable.

JAMES: Exactly. And the problem is . . . I’m not getting that.
MONICA: Why would you want to be miserable?
JAMES: To get a good job, why else?
MONICA: Let me get this straight . . . you are miserable . . .
because you don’t feel miserable?
JAMES: (Pause.) I guess I . . . never . . .
MONICA: (Laughs.) Well, at least you can re-distribute the
therapist fund into something a little more exotic!
JAMES: God, what is wrong with me? Am I stupid . . . I really
need to get my life togeth -
MONICA: Stop it! You are doing it again. Just . . . find something
every single day that makes you stop and think “ahhh, life is
good.”
JAMES: Yeah. But . . .
MONICA: Hey, look at me. I’m a retail clothing store cashier, but
check out this smile. (She exaggerates her smile, and points at
it. He involuntarily smiles back. Offstage voice.) Monica, we’re
ready for you!
MONICA: Well, I have to go get my drugs, but listen, I want you to
come out with some of my friends and I.
JAMES: Why? Not to be rude or anything, but why would you
want me . . .
MONICA: You’re easy to talk to. Plus, you could really use it.
JAMES: Nah . . . I don’t know if . . .
MONICA: I won’t take no for an answer. Here (She takes the
sleeve of her coffee cup off and writes her number on it.) I’m
Monica.
JAMES: Hi. James.
MONICA: Call me this weekend, James . . . seriously.
JAMES: OK.
MONICA: Alright, time to get the game face on. (She frowns,
hunches over, and gives out a whimper as she heads toward
stage left. She stops.) Oh, hold this. It’ll take away from my
character. (He takes the coffee from her. She exits in her
“depressed” character.)

-7-
 ANTI-DEPRESSANTS

JAMES places her drink down, puts his bike helmet on. He
reaches for his black coffee. Right before it reaches his lips, he
stops, puts it down, and picks up the machiatto instead. He slowly
raises it to his lips, and sips it. He closes his eyes and takes a
euphoric deep breath. The lights fade.

THE END

-8-
NOTES:
 An -depressants by Jeff Weisman
Copyright © MMVIII by Jeff Weisman

SETTING: 
Waiting room at a therapist’s o fice. A barebones waiting room. A few chairs, an old table, a small window. 
ere are no decorations or anything with much life or color. e entrance door is o fstage at stage right, and 
the patient room is o fstage at stage le t. 
 
AT RISE: 
JAMES sits in one of the chairs. He is reading, but is distraught by the weather as he periodically glances out 

the window. He has a grey bike helmet on the seat next to him, and holds a co fee cup. MONICA enters 
through the door at stage right wearing headphones. She wears brighter colored clothes, carries a co fee cup 

and seems generally carefree. 

 

MONICA: Hello. (JAMES glances up at her, and then immediately retreats back to his book. A ter some 
loud rustling, she settles into a chair opposite JAMES. She pulls out a camera, and starts looking 

through pictures. She makes a broad range of exaggerated and slightly obnoxious reactions to each 
photo. JAMES looks up from his book at her.) Oh… sorry. (No response. Pause.) My friend Susie 
had this wild party… anyways… I’m sorry. 
 
JAMES sips his co fee. 

MONICA: Oh… a Starbucks fan too, I see. I probably just pulled in as you pulled out. 
JAMES: I doubt it. I rode my bicycle… except, now it’s raining. 

MONICA: Don’t you just love the rain? 

JAMES: What’s to love? 

MONICA: It’s just pretty… a beautiful imperfection. 

JAMES: I mean, it's cold and wet. I’d rather it were eighty degrees and sunny. 

MONICA: at’s no fun. at’s like… being hopped up on a bunch of anti-depressants. 

JAMES: I guess… but what’s wrong with that? 

-3-
 An -depressants by Jeff Weisman
Copyright © MMVIII by Jeff Weisman

MONICA: Oh, right. erapist’s o fice. (Laughs) Is that why you’re here? 
JAMES: Excuse me? 

MONICA: Are you actually depressed, or do you… you know…  

JAMES: What? 

MONICA: Just like to party. Wink, wink. 

JAMES: I’m not sure I follow. 

MONICA: Here, let me show you. (She puts an exaggerated frown on her face, slouches in chair, and says 
in a dead-pan voice.) I don’t know where my life is going, doctor. I need something more 
than just anti-depressants… well, I guess maybe they will make me feel better. 
JAMES: You mean you’re here for the drugs? 
MONICA: Duh… why else? 
JAMES: Actual uncertainty, depression, loneliness, the pressure to succeed, confusion, lack of 
interests or hobbies… the feeling that you have no place in the wor- 
MONICA: Hey, you’re a pro at this. ey’ll probably just hand you the keys to the pharmacy. 

JAMES: Except, I don’t want all those pills for recreational use. 
MONICA: Can’t knock it till you try it. (Beat) So which one of those is the reason you’re here? 

JAMES: I don’t know… all of them. 

MONICA: (Pause) Would you mind if I came and sat next to you? 

JAMES: You may want to keep your distance, my parents say it’s contagious when I act “this 

way.” 
MONICA: (While rising to sit next to him) Honey, please. Who doesn’t get grief from their ‘rents? 

What are you drinking there anyways? 

JAMES: Co fee. Black co fee. 

MONICA: How boring. Here, try this. 

JAMES: at’s OK- 

MONICA: It’s a quadruple iced caramel macchiato with an extra pump of syrup. 

JAMES: I don’t deserve anything sweet. 

-4-
 An -depressants by Jeff Weisman
Copyright © MMVIII by Jeff Weisman

MONICA: What is your deal, buzz-kill? Everybody deserves something sweet. 

JAMES: It’s quite alright. Why is your drink in that cup anyway? Don’t they usually put the iced 

drinks in clear cups? 

MONICA: (Laughs) It’s a really funny story. Want to hear it? 

JAMES: Why not? 

MONICA: OK, so I was in this women rape and self-defense seminar for work. 

JAMES: Ok…  
MONICA: And one of the sections was about improvising with what you have as weapons. Well, 
co fee was one of those things. Are you following? 
JAMES: Yeah, I’m with you so far. 
MONICA: OK, well about a week a ter the seminar, I am walking down the street, drinking my 
macchiato and I feel somebody grab my shoulder. 
JAMES: Oh jeez…  
MONICA: So without thinking, I turn and throw my co fee in his face! 

JAMES: Jesus. 
MONICA: I know. 

JAMES: So you burned him pretty badly then? 

MONICA: No, I only drink iced co fee. See, I thought it was the acidity in the co fee that would 

eat away at his lesh. 

JAMES: (Pause) Hmmm, so what happened? 

MONICA: He got wet and then stole my wallet. So now, I keep my iced co fee in a hot cup. I play 

the part to perfection. Here, watch. (She picks up the cup, fumbles it between her hands like it is 
scalding. She hesitates before taking a baby sip, as if it is too hot.) See? 

JAMES: at is… actually... 

 

JAMES lets out a silent laugh. 

MONICA: (Announcing) He does laugh, ladies and gentlemen! (She laughs with him. Pause.) So are 

-5-
 An -depressants by Jeff Weisman
Copyright © MMVIII by Jeff Weisman

you in school still? 

JAMES: My last year, yeah. 

MONICA: What’s your major? It’s not psychology, I hope. 

JAMES: English, actually. 

MONICA: Oh mine, too. Well, it was, graduated in ‘03. 

JAMES: What do you do now? 
MONICA: I work at J. Crew. e one in the mall. 

JAMES: Oh. Well. at’s… you kno- 

MONICA: Relax, I like it. Stress-free environment, discounts on clothing, new people everyday, 
and it gives me time to party. 
JAMES: Do you find it fulfilling? 

MONICA: Hmm… that fulfilling word is a tricky one. Be more specific. 

JAMES: Does it, I don’t know… make your life worth living? 
MONICA: I think so, yeah. It’s not a grind day in and day out like most jobs… life should be fun. 

JAMES: What about leaving your mark, or changing the world, or anything like that? 
MONICA: Doesn’t interest me. 
JAMES: Isn’t that a bit selfish? 
MONICA: Eh, I’m fine with that. e world was screwed up when I got here, so I’ll just leave it 

that way. I was raised not to tamper with things that weren’t mine. 
JAMES: I was raised to be financially wealthy…  
MONICA: Shouldn't you be studying business or pre-med? 
JAMES: I was pre-med, actually. 
MONICA: Oh. What happened? 
JAMES: I wasn’t happy, so I changed it. 
MONICA: Yet, here you are. (Laughs by herself. Pause.) Sorry. 
JAMES: It’s OK. e English class don’t feel… ay… how do I… right. ey don’t feel right. 

MONICA: You don’t enjoy them? 

-6-
 An -depressants by Jeff Weisman
Copyright © MMVIII by Jeff Weisman

JAMES: No, it’s not that. In fact, I like them. 

MONICA: Well, that’s good then. 

JAMES: No, it’s not. I should be working hard, disciplining myself, feeling stressed, and 
thinking about my future. 
MONICA: at sounds miserable. 
JAMES: Exactly. And the problem is… I’m not getting that. 

MONICA: Why would you want to be miserable. 

JAMES: To get a good job, why else? 
MONICA: Let me get this straight… you are miserable… because you don’t feel miserable? 

JAMES: (Pause.) I guess I… never…  

MONICA: (Laughs) Well, at least you can re-distribute the therapist fund into something a little 
more exotic! 
JAMES: God, what is wrong with me? Am I stupid… I really need to get my life togeth- 

MONICA: Stop it! You are doing it again. Just… find something every single day that makes you 
stop and think “ahhh, life is good.” 
JAMES: Yeah. But…  

MONICA: Hey, look at me. I’m a retail clothing store cashier, but check out this smile. (She 
exaggerates her smile, and points at it. He involuntarily smiles back. O fstage voice: “Monica, 
we’re ready for you!) Well, I have to go get my drugs, but listen, I want you to come out 
with some of my friends and I. 
JAMES: Why? Not to be rude or anything, but why would you want me…  
MONICA: You’re easy to talk to. Plus, you could really use it. 
JAMES: Nah… I don’t know if... 
MONICA: I won’t take no for an answer. Here (She takes the sleeve of her co fee cup o f and she writes 
her number on it.) I’m Monica. 
JAMES: Hi. James. 
MONICA: Call me this weekend, James… seriously. 

-7-
 An -depressants by Jeff Weisman
Copyright © MMVIII by Jeff Weisman

JAMES: OK. 
MONICA: Alright, time to get the game face on. (She frowns, hunches over, and gives out a whimper 
as she heads toward stage le t. She stops.) Oh, hold this. It’ll take away from my character. (He 
takes the co fee from her. She exits in her “depressed” character.) 

 
JAMES places her drink down, puts his bike helmet on. He reaches for his black co fee. Right before it reaches 
his lips, he stops, puts it down, and picks up the macchiato instead. He slowly raises it to his lips, and sips it. 

He closes his eyes and takes a euphoric deep breath. e lights fade. 
 

THE END 

-8-
Research Summary: Anti-Depressants, Teresa Quiroz

The two juxtaposing viewpoints of a typical Gen Z kid are reflected in this show

about Monica, a happy-go-lucky party girl, and James, a depressed college student, who

meet in the waiting room of a therapist’s office. Anti-Depressants by Jeff Weisman is a

comedic look at the glass half-full/half-empty expression.

Jeff Weisman graduated from the University of Iowa's Theatre program in 2008,

with an emphasis in playwriting. After a short stint in Los Angeles, Jeff has returned to

Chicago to become a stout competitor in an underground wrestling league. When he isn't

matching grit with humans, he employs his wit to challenge the teachings of Scientology.

Anti-Depressants is the only show I could find written by him.

Although the publisher’s website gives a list of past productions of Anti-

Depressants, I could only find video evidence of one performance on YouTube. This

video was very recent and seemed to be some type of UIL duet submission video. To

combat Covid restrictions, the two participants recorded their parts separately and then

spliced the clips together for the video. They both sat on plain black chairs in front of a
black curtain. This seems like a UIL requirement rather than a personal decision.

Although this spliced video performance gives me some ideas about putting on a scene

with covid restrictions, the monotone location and set for UIL regulations gives me little

help scenic-wise.

The genre of this play is comedy, with a hint of drama. The script itself comes off

as cheesy, which I want to combat by making the show a little more serious, since it’s

talking about a pretty heavy topic. However, I also don’t want people to take the show

too seriously since it’s supposed to be comedic as well. So basically, I want to find a

happy medium where people aren’t cringing from the cheesiness of the show, but they

also don’t take too seriously what these characters are saying about mental health. I think

the overall message of the show would be: No matter how dull or amazing our life it, we

should always strive to be happy. That way, it’s not necessarily giving mental health

advice and is just giving a generic life advice.

When you think of a waiting room for any doctor’s office, you think of tons of

boring magazines, bright green fake plants, and uncomfortable plastic chairs. These are
all characteristics I want to include in my production of Anti-Depressants. As for colors, I

really want to project the characters’ outlooks on life onto them. So James would be

wearing monotone, grey-scale clothing because of his bleak outlook on life. On the other

hand, Monica’s dressed like a Tik Tok influencer. I think she has the personality of one

and can get away with wearing nice clothes because she works at a mall. I also want to

put pieces of art on the wall behind them that also symbolizes the message of the play.

I like the idea of subliminal messaging, so I would take images like these and

create a therapist office style poster around them to fit the vibe of the setting. I want two

posters, one to represent Monica and one to represent James, but I think I want them to sit

behind each other’s posters, as a sign that change is coming once they interact with each

other.

Because of Covid, things are still going to work differently this year, but that

won’t stop us from creating art. With Anti-Depressants, I want to create a light-hearted

feeling while accepting the message that we should always strive for happiness in life,
minus most of the cheesiness. I look forward to working with everyone to put on this

short play.
Text Analysis and Production Approach: NAME: Teresa Quiroz
Includes material adapted from:
INTRODUCTION TO PLAY ANALYSIS, by Pritner and Walters
FROM PAGE TO STAGE, by Rosemary Ingham
CHANGING DIRECTION, by Lenore DeKoven

The following document is to be submitted as part of “The PLAN” deadline, and will also be part of
your final promptbook and portfolio submissions.

Script Title and Author: Anti Depressants by Jeff Weisman

I. GIVEN CIRCUMSTANCES
A. Time: Modern day. Occurs during the day since they’re at a therapist’s office. Both
characters are in their 20s, so they’re both in a detrimental stage in their life
where they worry about the future.
B. Place: Takes place in the waiting room of a therapist’s office. Both characters want
antidepressants, but for different reasons.

II. CHARACTERS
A. Protagonist: Though both characters talk to each other equally, I think James is the
protagonist because the ending eludes to possible change in his character.
B. Antagonist: Life. James is depressed and anxious about his future.
B. In addition to the Protagonist and Antagonist, who do you see as the major characters? List
them below. Are they more likely to support the Protagonist or the Antagonist?
Alternatively, do they fall somewhere in between the Protagonist and Antagonist?
Monica supports the protagonist.
C. What are the important relationships among the major characters?
Monica is the person who nudges James into the right direction by the end of the
show.

III. THE WORLD OF THE PLAY

A. What are the play’s most important attitudes regarding the following. Note that if you see
no direct references to these categories, they are still a part of the world of the play.
Thus, comment on the degree to which you see these categories influencing the play.
1. Religion: No discrimination
2. Government/Politics: Capitalism, the American Dream
3. Race/Class/Gender: No discrimination
4. Family/Friendship/Relationships: Companionship is a source of happiness.
5. Education: A means to financial success
6. Morality/Ethical conduct: Do what you have to do to make your short life
worthwhile.
B. Which of the above categories affects the play/major characters the most?
Morality/Ethical conduct and Education
Playscript Analysis 2

IV. DRAMATIC STRUCTURE

A. Opening Stasis: James sits in the waiting room of a therapist’s office.
B. Intrusion/Inciting Incident/Point of Attack: Monica makes a remark about
antidepressants. (pg 3)
C. Crisis/Reversal/Peripeteia: Monica makes James realize the absurdity of his view on
life. (pg 7)
D. Climax: Monica gives James her number and invites him to hang out with her
friends. (pg 7)
E. Final Stasis: James takes a sip of Monica’s sugary coffee instead of his black
coffee, insinuating his outlook on life is starting to change.

V. STYLE, CONTRACT, AND APPROACH

A. What is the “throughline” of the play? (The main idea or statement that the director wants
to communicate to the audience or have the viewers thinking about as they leave the
theatre, expressed specifically and concisely in a sentence or two and developed in the
journey of the narrative?)
No matter how dull our life, we should always strive to be happy.
B. What was the overall mood of the play? Mostly serious/dramatic? Comic? Tragic?
Comic but also serious.
C. What you think is most important in the play—core to the experience of it?
I think that learning from the bigger picture of the play rather than look too deep
into it is the key to understanding the message.
D. How is the script presented in terms of style and feel?
Comes across as cheesy and simple.
E. Are any of the production elements abstracted (heightened, stylized, distorted) in any way?
1. If so, which ones?
2. How are they abstracted?
F. What is the apparent effect of the abstraction?
G. Are there any “conventions” that provide clues about the style of production, our contract
with the audience, or a possible production approach. E.g. a writer who calls for mimed use
of props creates a different “convention” than one who calls for full realism.
No
H. Central idea/theme: Life, Happiness, Depression
I. How do you see the play symbolically or metaphorically, with emphasis on “seeing” the
play. In other words, are there symbols or metaphors that might influence the visual
aesthetic of the play?
I see a juxtaposition of colors of the two characters. One grey scale and one
colorful, matching their outlooks on life.
J. Using the symbols and metaphors you’ve identified, create a graphic image/metaphor or
controlling image/metaphor:
A bottle of pills
K. Statement of production approach:
True to script
Playscript Analysis 3
 Anti-depressants by Jeff Weisman

1. Lights up
1
2 2. J sits in chair stage left
2 3
3. M NTR thru door SR When M opens door, SQ of soft
rain, drifts as door closes

4
4. M walks to seat a couple chairs
away from J and sits

5
5. J sips from coffee
 Anti-depressants by Jeff Weisman

1. M X to chair next to J and sits

1
 Anti-depressants by Jeff Weisman

1. M takes sip of coffee pretending

1
it’s hot

2. M raises arms as if announcing to

2
the world
Anti-depressants by Jeff Weisman

Actor freestyle/ no specific blocking

 Anti-depressants by Jeff Weisman

1. M exaggerates a smile and points

1
2 to it
2. SL Door opens: voice cue/unseen
actor

3 3. M writes her number on coffee

sleeve
 Anti-depressants by Jeff Weisman

1. M stands, X SL, then stops

2. J coffee from M, M exits thru door
1
22 SL
3. J plays with the coffee cups
3
before deciding to drink M’s coffee
4 4. LIGHTS FADE OUT.
MASTER CUE SHEET • TLU DRAMATIC MEDIA No. ____ of ____

PLAY: DATE:
Anti-Depressants
Cue no. Page Act/Scene Cue (line, action) Count Instructions/Description

1 3 1 Lights Up Quick fade in

2 8 1 Lights Out J attempts to drink from his

cup before deciding to drink
from M’s. He drinks and
then smiles. Wait for
director’s cue if need be.
DRAM 235/335 Resource Report NAME: Teresa Q. SHOW TITLE: Anti-depressants
INSERT ADDITIONAL ROWS AS NEEDED BELOW. ALSO, CONSIDER CREATING SEPARATE REPORTS FOR EACH KEY RESOURCE.

Pg Qty WARDROBE ITEM STOCK? PURCHASE? PRICE Notes

# (#)
3 1 Bike helmet Y N

3 1 Bright Clothes Y N

1 Purse/bag Y N

Pg Qty PROPERTIES ITEM STOCK? PURCHASE? PRICE Notes

# (#)
3 1 Book Y N

3 1 Headphones Y N

3 2 Coffee Cups Y N

3 1 Cell phone Y N

3-4 Magazines N Y For coffee table

7 1 Pen/sharpie Y N

Pg Qty SPECIAL FX ITEM STOCK? PURCHASE? PRICE Notes

# (#)
1 Lighting Y N
ROLE NAME PHONE # EMAIL COMMENTS
MONICA
Meagan Kotara makotara@tlu.edu Bubbly, expressive voice
Josilin Brietzke jebrietzke@tlu.edu Didn't feel vibrant
Alyx Weekend, recording
Ty Edwards Not quite there

JAMES
Matt Martinez matmartinez@tlu.edu Deep voice, sorrow-filled
Erol Morgan samorgan@tlu.edu Captures emotional tone of character
Josilin Brietzke jebrietzke@tlu.edu A better choice, but lacked emotion
Ty Edwards
DRAM 235/335 Company Contact List NAME: Teresa Quiroz SHOW TITLE: Anti-Depressants
# Role/Title Talent Personal Contact Agent/Alternate Contact Notes

1 Monica Meagan Kotara (210) 632-1380 makotara@tlu.edu Schedule in messages

2 James Matthew Martinez (512)988-3335 matmartinez@tlu.edu Schedule in email

DRAM 235/335 Production Schedule NAME: Teresa Q. SHOW TITLE: Anti-depressants
INSERT CELL ROWS AS NEEDED TO EXPAND

Time Scen Int/Ex Day/Nig Shot Location Characters Equip./Special Needs

SHOOT eDAY
# 1 (INSERT
t ht Descriptions/Summary
DAY, DATE)
TBD INT Day Full show Weston Center Monica, James Camera, lighting, folding
lobby chairs, magazines, coffee
cups,
cups small table

SHOOT DAY 2 (INSERT DAY, DATE)

 TLU DRAMATIC MEDIA: COSTUME CHARACTER:

RENDERING: LS RENDERING: MCU MEASUREMENTS

HAT SIZE:

DRESS SIZE:

SHIRT SIZE:

NECK:

XS S M L XL XXL XXL

NOTES: WAIST:

• Simple hoodie with pants combo

• Plain shoes as well
• Dark tones ACCESSORIES: book, bike
helmet

PANT LENGTH:

SHOE SIZE:
 TLU DRAMATIC MEDIA: COSTUME CHARACTER:

RENDERING: LS RENDERING: MCU MEASUREMENTS

HAT SIZE:

DRESS SIZE:

SHIRT SIZE:

NECK:

XS S M L XL XXL XXL

NOTES: WAIST:

• A modern cottagecore approach dress

• Flower print
• The “no makeup” makeup look ACCESSORIES: tote bag
filled with junk, cellphone

PANT LENGTH:

SHOE SIZE:
 TLUDramatic Media’s XpressFest.21 presents...

Showtimes: Ticket Info:

Friday April 16th, 2021 Ticket Price: $3 per person

6:00pm @ The CAST
Where: Visit
https://www.tludramaticmedia.com/
Saturday April 17th, 2021
to purchase tickets
6:00pm @ The CAST
 TLU Dramatic Media’s XpressFest.21 presents...

The two contrasting viewpoints of a typical Gen Z kid are reflected in

this show about Monica, a happy-go-lucky party girl, and James, a
depressed 20-year-old, who meet in the waiting room of a therapist;s
office. Anti-depressants by Jeff Weisman is a comedic look at the
glass half-full/ half-empty expression.

The 21st annual XpressFest showcases original student plays,

movies, and class projects. Join the student artists of
TheatreXpress for this culmination of their annual work,
Friday April 16th, 2021
6:00pm @ The CAST including senior capstone projects.

Saturday April 17th, 2021 Viewer discretion advised: may contain mature subject
6:00pm @ The CAST matter and language.

Anti-depressants is produced by special arrangement with Heuer Publishing LLC.

 Cast For more shows, visit: XpressFest.com

Monica …………………………………………………………..Meagan Kotara For more information on TLU’s Dramatic Media, visit:
James ……………………………………………………………..Matt Martinez https://www.tludramaticmedia.com/

Directed By:
Teresa Quiroz