Logline: It’s just a kiss between two actors, what could possibly go wrong?

Character bios:
Wren (AFAB, 20-25, queer): Is a through and through theater lover, wants more than
anything to be an actor, but doesn’t want to live completely in the clouds of realistic
careers, so is studying to be an educator to have as a back up plan. Wren is
somewhat gender queer (perhaps-) enjoys performing as any and all characters in
theater, not limited to gender. It works out since she has a somewhat androgynous
look, which also ruffles up some insecurities due to judgement from peers in the
past (people now are great but there’s always that nagging feeling that they aren’t
adequate based on that). Wren tries her best to get everyone to like her, almost a
social chameleon, being able to mold herself to fit the different situations, ultimately
not getting too close to people but the version everyone sees is loved.

Ellie (F. 20-25, bisexual): Is a bit of a girly girl. A performer since she stepped out of
the womb, she does whatever it takes to wear a pretty costume. Singing lessons.
dancing lessons, nose stuffed into scripts. She is the epitome of theater. It’s always
hard to know what Ellie is thinking, she’s not the most chatty person, and quiet (yes
the epitome of a theater kid but not in the bursting into song way, but the super
nerdy way, she only sings when it’s necessary) She’s somewhat obsessive, but is
beloved by the directors, stage managers, and the techies. Theater gives her a sense
of purpose, if she doesn’t have this what does she have? She has a tendency to put all
of her eggs into one basket, which ultimately makes it more difficult for her if things
don’t go her way.

Relationship between Wren and Ellie: Wren and Ellie have been in the same
theatre troupe for about two-three years now. When they came in, they started to
audition for the same parts- Rosalind specifically started their rivalry (It went to Ellie)
which then was exacerbated when Wren was cast as Lady Macbeth and Ellie was
cast as one of the witches. (Yes, it’s totally balanced. It’s literally just envy and because
they’re both equally talented.) Yes. They are attracted to each other. They’re
intimidated by each other. They’re envious.

Jess (F. 25-30s): A member of The Shakes-Shifters, has been involved for about
five-ish years; she holds some resentment towards Ellie and Wren because since they
both came in she has been cast in parts that are smaller than what she was used to
before. But, working with Ellie in As You Like It, she became rather fond of Ellie, and
they quickly became friends. In the most recent productions, she has played multiple
characters that have been killed off. She really likes acting, but she is also quite
dedicated to her day job as the manager of a craft store. She’s artsy, not in the cool
alt girl way, but more like an elementary school art teacher.

Carly (F. 23-30s): She’s been a part of The Shakes-Shifters for about starting relatively
young with the group. She really liked Ellie when they first met, getting pretty close.
She’s currently in Grad school to get her masters in high school english education.
She loves theater and is mostly doing Shakes-Shifters to get a better idea of how she
wants to teach Shakespeare to her future ninth grade students (if all goes according
to plan, obviously.) She doesn’t restrict herself when it comes to what parts she
auditions for. She just wants an opportunity to perfect her craft. She was drawn to
Ellie and Jess because of the pep in their step and especially because of Ellie’s
determination. It also helps test her patience when it comes to helping them.

Tyler (M. mid 20s-early 30s): Out of everyone in the Shakes-Shifters, Tyler definitely
has his head on the straightest. He works as a bank teller in a smaller town bank, but
he’s super good with the customers. But The Shakes-Shifters is a good outlet. It feels
low-stakes enough and it satiates the desire of being an actor. It’s just a hobby. He
takes it seriously but not as seriously as the rest of the group. He was given the
opportunity to play Macbeth in the last production. He was able to get close to Wren
in this time, and has a little bit of an older brother vibe. He just wants to form
connections and have some fun with a part time acting gig.

Gary (M. 30s-40s, Gay): The genius and director behind Shakes-Shifters. He’s in his
late 30s, early 40s and began the group after quitting The Stage Whispers after he
wasn’t picked to be Lear in King Lear. He finished the production of King Lear, left
the small cast gathering go on and on about how he was built for bigger and better
things, he didn’t deserve to be sidelined every production. Gary had dreamed of
being a big star, letting his ego get in the way and ultimately, it pushed people away.
After about a year or so of not getting any sort of big break, he created a new theater
group which has been funded by his grandfather (he split the will between Gary and
his wife) He’s determined to make it in one way or another, and this is his second
wind and second chance.

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