Logline: An aspiring comedian performs her life story as a surreal stand-up routine to a faceless audience, finding humor in every heartbreak and the absurdity of life—until the final punchline lands: a diagnosis of terminal brain cancer.
Page Count: 14
Genre: Dramedy
Casting Breakdown:
MAE (Lead, early to mid 20): A self-deprecating, sardonic comedian who weaponizes humor to deflect vulnerability She’s equal parts charming and chaotic—both emotionally brittle and brutally funny. A survivor of childhood trauma, Mae uses comedy to deflect vulnerability. When diagnosed with terminal cancer, she spirals between denial, performance, and despair. She refuses to be seen as tragic, even if it costs her, her relationships. Her humor is dry, cutting, and dark—but there’s real pain underneath. The actor must balance razor-sharp wit with raw, unfiltered emotion. Think Fleabag meets Juno.
SONNY (Supporting Lead, early to mid 20s):Soft-eyed and golden-hearted, Sonny is Mae’s childhood best friend and emotional anchor. Goofy, warm, and loyal to a fault, he’s the only one who sees through Mae’s mask. He’s supportive to a fault, masking his own pain to take care of Mae. Beneath his affable exterior is a quiet sadness, as he’s in love with Mae but doesn’t know how to save someone who doesn’t want saving. Think Pauley Bleaker meets Tom Hansen. Actor must be able to balance levity with heartbreak.
BROWN (Supporting, middle aged): Clinical and monotone, Dr. Brown is a bleak absurdity in Mae’s life—so flat he’s almost comic relief himself. Unintentionally funny in his lack of tact, he represents the cruel randomness and bureaucracy of illness. A small but impactful role.
STRANGER (Any):Background character that compliments Mae after her show
SITCOM DAD (Middle aged): Voice heard from the TV
Locations:
INT. THEATER STAGE
INT. LIVING ROOM
EXT. PARKING LOT-EVENING
INT. COMEDY CLUB
INT. COMEDY CLUB – BACKSTAGE
EXT. COMEDY CLUB – BACK ALLEY
INT. MAE’S APARTMENT
INT. DOCTOR’S OFFICE
EXT. STREET
EXT. CITY STREET
Special FX:
N/A
Credit:
Written by Belle Motter
Contact Info:
N/A
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