Scene Library
The scene library is a compilation of scenes from historic plays by women to be used exclusively by acting instructors and students.
Special thanks to Maria-Christina Oliveras and Jacqueline Knapp for their time and commitment.
Filters
Playwright
Play
Cast Size
Browse
Charlotte and Delia, now raising Charlotte's daughter Tina together, discuss a possible suitor. Has internal cuts.
About the Playwright
Zoe Akins
Zoe Akins (1886-1958) was a playwright, poet, critic and novelist. Born in the small town of Humansville, Missouri, she was encouraged to write by her father. Drawn to the theatre, she also briefly tried an acting career—but after a season of walk-ons, she decided to focus on writing. Her first play to be produced in New York was the verse drama The Magical City (1915), performed by the Washington Square Players. In 1919, Akins made her Broadway debut with Papa: An Amorality in Three Acts, whic…
View Profile
Charlotte threatens to take Tina and leave Delia's house and the two women argue over the motive behind Delia's kindness over the years.
About the Playwright
Zoe Akins
Zoe Akins (1886-1958) was a playwright, poet, critic and novelist. Born in the small town of Humansville, Missouri, she was encouraged to write by her father. Drawn to the theatre, she also briefly tried an acting career—but after a season of walk-ons, she decided to focus on writing. Her first play to be produced in New York was the verse drama The Magical City (1915), performed by the Washington Square Players. In 1919, Akins made her Broadway debut with Papa: An Amorality in Three Acts, whic…
View Profile
1965
(1W, 1M) The love, fun, and friction between Sidney and Iris is intense, as their mutual failures are aired – her acting and his night spot.
About the Playwright
Lorraine Hansberry
Lorraine Hansberry was born in Chicago’s Southside on May 19, 1930 to Nannie and Carl Hansberry. Her father, who worked in real estate and banking, was at the forefront of the fight for civil rights in the city of Chicago and rebelled against the “restrictive covenants” that prevented African Americans from living in certain all-white neighborhoods of the city. His fight led to his family taking a house in one of these neighborhoods and facing extreme violence in response. Later, he and the N…
View Profile
1965
(1W, 1M) Iris shares her insecurities about being an actress with Sidney.
About the Playwright
Lorraine Hansberry
Lorraine Hansberry was born in Chicago’s Southside on May 19, 1930 to Nannie and Carl Hansberry. Her father, who worked in real estate and banking, was at the forefront of the fight for civil rights in the city of Chicago and rebelled against the “restrictive covenants” that prevented African Americans from living in certain all-white neighborhoods of the city. His fight led to his family taking a house in one of these neighborhoods and facing extreme violence in response. Later, he and the N…
View Profile
1965
(1W, 1M) Sidney and Iris share the fantasy of living off the grid.
About the Playwright
Lorraine Hansberry
Lorraine Hansberry was born in Chicago’s Southside on May 19, 1930 to Nannie and Carl Hansberry. Her father, who worked in real estate and banking, was at the forefront of the fight for civil rights in the city of Chicago and rebelled against the “restrictive covenants” that prevented African Americans from living in certain all-white neighborhoods of the city. His fight led to his family taking a house in one of these neighborhoods and facing extreme violence in response. Later, he and the N…
View Profile
1965
(1W, 1M) In a show of independence, Iris goes to a party alone – letting Sidney know all is not well between them.
About the Playwright
Lorraine Hansberry
Lorraine Hansberry was born in Chicago’s Southside on May 19, 1930 to Nannie and Carl Hansberry. Her father, who worked in real estate and banking, was at the forefront of the fight for civil rights in the city of Chicago and rebelled against the “restrictive covenants” that prevented African Americans from living in certain all-white neighborhoods of the city. His fight led to his family taking a house in one of these neighborhoods and facing extreme violence in response. Later, he and the N…
View Profile
1965
(2M) Now that upstairs neighbor, David, has become a successful playwright, Sidney asks him to write a part for Iris, to help save his marriage. Desperate, Sidney compromises himself.
About the Playwright
Lorraine Hansberry
Lorraine Hansberry was born in Chicago’s Southside on May 19, 1930 to Nannie and Carl Hansberry. Her father, who worked in real estate and banking, was at the forefront of the fight for civil rights in the city of Chicago and rebelled against the “restrictive covenants” that prevented African Americans from living in certain all-white neighborhoods of the city. His fight led to his family taking a house in one of these neighborhoods and facing extreme violence in response. Later, he and the N…
View Profile
1965
(2M) Alton, African American, confronts Sidney about his sister-in-law Gloria, whom he has proposed to, being a prostitute.
About the Playwright
Lorraine Hansberry
Lorraine Hansberry was born in Chicago’s Southside on May 19, 1930 to Nannie and Carl Hansberry. Her father, who worked in real estate and banking, was at the forefront of the fight for civil rights in the city of Chicago and rebelled against the “restrictive covenants” that prevented African Americans from living in certain all-white neighborhoods of the city. His fight led to his family taking a house in one of these neighborhoods and facing extreme violence in response. Later, he and the N…
View Profile
