# Make 'Em Laugh (Sitcom Length)

## Metadata

- Slug: make-em-laugh-sitcom-length
- Type: Short Play
- Genre: Comedy
- Acts: 1 act
- Duration: 20–40 minutes
- Cast:
  - Medium (7-14)
  - Large (15+)
- Cast Summary: 7-21 performers, any age or gender
- Technical Requirements: Flexible
- Suitable For:
  - Professional Theatre
  - Community Theatre
  - College/University
  - High School/Secondary
- Primary Image: https://content.uproartheatrics.com/meya8b7dw8j9c46sn3tyus2ofdtj

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## Authors

- By [Jason Odell Williams](https://www.uproartheatrics.com/md/authors/jason-odell-williams)

## Overview

Ah, the classic story of the budding writer who finds themselves trapped in an alternate sitcom multiverse. Tale as old as time. And told in only 30 minutes!
What do you get when you mix an homage to *Noises Off, Pleasantville,* and classic episodes of *Friends, Will & Grace* and *The Golden Girls*? You get MAKE ‘EM LAUGH! by Emmy nominee Jason Odell Williams. This fresh comedy explores what it means to find one's passion (all while figuring out how to escape being stuck inside the TV).
Time to brush up on your late night sitcoms, people.
Looking for the full, 75 minute version? [Here you go.](https://www.uproartheatrics.com/shows/make-em-laugh)

## Plot

After declaring that college would be a waste of time and money, and that their one-time dream to be a comedy writer is an impractical pipe-dream, a high school student gets trapped in an alternate sitcom multiverse and can’t find their way out. After some frustrating and hilarious encounters with the casts of shows that look a LOT like *Friends, Will & Grace,* and *The Golden Girls,* and getting some sage advice from legendary producer and godfather of sitcoms Norman Lear, they discover their true passion: writing comedy.

## Script Versions

**Standard:** the original masterpiece.
**TV-G Rating:** clean language and content.

## Cast

| Name | Description |
| ---- | ---- |
| A NOTE ON CASTING: | The play can be cast with anywhere from 7-21 performers. How roles are doubled, tripled or
even quadrupled is left to the creative team (for instance, Gran and Norman can be played by the same person, and it gives the play an extra layer of meaning). The ages, genders and races of the performers don't matter. They can be high school students, or college students, or in their 40s,
or senior citizens, or anything in between with any combination of all of the above. There even
are opportunities for cameos and surprise casting. If the cast size is in the smaller range which
means there is a lot of doubling and tripling, don't worry about trying to fool the audience or
make the characters changes backstage. Character/costume changes can happen in full view of
the audience and be done with a simple wig, prop, costume piece and the accent/attitude of the
new character. |
| PRESENT DAY | GRAN,
KID,
PROMPT 1,
PROMPT 2,
PROMPT 3,
SHADOWY FIGURE / NORMAN LEAR. |
| 1990'S SITCOM ABOUT SIX FRIENDS LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY | JIMMY,
MELISSA,
FRANKIE. |
| 1990'S SITCOM ABOUT A WOMAN WITH A GAY ROOMMATE IN NYC | CHASE,
JACQUES,
KATHLEEN. |
| 1980'S SITCOM ABOUT FOUR OLDER WOMEN LIVING TOGETHER IN FLORIDA | BLAIR,
RUTH,
SYLVIA. |
| CATCHPHRASE MASH-UPS FROM CLASSIC SITCOMS | CATCHPHRASE 1,
CATCHPHRASE 2,
CATCHPHRASE 3,
CATCHPHRASE 4,
CATCHPHRASE 5,
CATCHPHRASE 6. |

## Materials

### Available for additional fee:

| Name | Description |
| ---- | ----------- |
| 60-Minute Talkback with the Creator | A 60-minute Zoom/Google Meet with one or more of the show's creator(s). Licensees and guests can ask questions, share experiences, and hear about the artistic journey of the show and creative team. This can be scheduled before or after the performances. If we are unable to make scheduling work, the cost will be refunded. |
| Video Recording License | License to create an archival recording of the show that may be distributed to the cast and crew. This does not allow publicly posting the performance. |

## Production Images

| URL | Caption | Credit |
| --- | ------- | ------ |
| https://content.uproartheatrics.com/c30eardjn7ny0t8bbcjbvgwv8177 | West Delaware High School | Lori Kartman |
| https://content.uproartheatrics.com/cteqe3cen661kpmvd4hxeognbmab | West Delaware High School | Lori Kartman |
| https://content.uproartheatrics.com/ppjvbc3fyyfxjjumq93g756rcsmc | West Delaware High School | Lori Kartman |
| https://content.uproartheatrics.com/3aip2mnp9s6h84rgww2wcuybtido | West Delaware High School | Lori Kartman |
| https://content.uproartheatrics.com/blet7dvfoanekn9q17g7adl42a8r | West Delaware High School | Lori Kartman |
| https://content.uproartheatrics.com/f5sxmds3bc7mafop3segoxz35fa4 | West Delaware High School | Lori Kartman |
| https://content.uproartheatrics.com/pc9j5abvbu0ak0q96uww70act7gq | West Delaware High School | Lori Kartman |
| https://content.uproartheatrics.com/9v2sdeotj6wqlsye3dx7u4lw3kyt | West Delaware High School | Lori Kartman |

## Videos

- https://www.youtube.com/embed/HsrXrOVCSHQ

## Links

- [View HTML page](https://www.uproartheatrics.com/shows/make-em-laugh-sitcom-length)