Image: Cast of The Final Rose by Stefanie R. Austin, Sock & Buskin Theatre Company, 2024

86'ed by Stefanie R. Austin

Synopsis: It’s Valentine’s Day at “Don’s Steakhouse”, a local fine dining restaurant, where the steaks are rare and the stakes are high! Not only is it the busiest night of the year, but a very important guest will be arriving soon, and things must be perfect. As the maître d’ works to keep the restaurant running smoothly, staff keep disappearing for smoke breaks and gossip, someone is stealing tips, and one server thinks the restaurant is her own personal performance space.  And who keeps setting off those firecrackers?! Threats are made, lovers quarrel, and tensions build, leading one person to resort to cold-blooded murder.  As if by fate, an Inspector shows up right on time to help crack the case.
Cast: 7-10 (3 m, 3 f, 1-4 any*) *flexible [3 parts are very minor]
Setting: Fine dining restaurant on Valentine's Day (modifiable), present day. Two sets - Front of house and trash room.
Holiday: YES; Valentine's Day (but can be adapted to other times of year)
Special notes: N/A

Cutthroat Christmas by Kari Williamson & Stefanie R. Austin

Synopsis: It's the annual Christmas party for Kringle, the gift-giving app company. In addition to the usual festivities - including an ugly sweater contest - the boss is retiring and is expected to name his successor at the party. What should be a merry and joyful evening is tainted by desperation, disloyalty, and....murder. Who's been nice and who's been naughty? Thankfully, one of Santa's elves is here to help solve the mystery.
Cast: 9-12 (3m, 4 f, 1-3 any*, 1-2 child any*) *flexible
Setting: Company Christmas party, present day, December. Unit set.
Holiday: YES; Christmas
Special notes: This script includes a live performance of the song, "Santa Baby" by Eartha Kitt, which is copywritten. Separate licensing is required and is the responsibility of the production company.

Cutthroat Christmas: Deadly Deals by Kari Williamson & Stefanie R. Austin

Synopsis: The employees of Kringle are back for more holiday antics and mayhem in this sequel to Cutthroat Christmas. A permanent CEO has still not been named since the murderous outcome of their last holiday party and the competition remains as cutthroat as ever. Will the CEO be Michael, former nepotism-hire trying to prove himself, or Greg, salesman and nice-guy-turned-jerk with a flair for the dramatic? And can we get through the night without another murder? Featuring some of your favorite characters from the last show plus memorable new ones, you'll be laughing nonstop in this wacky sequel. And if you missed the original, don't worry - we'll summarize it all for you and you won't miss a beat! Join us as a potential investor at the Kringle holiday party, where anything can - and probably will - happen.
Cast: 15-20+ (4+m*, 8-11+ f*, 0-2 any*, 3 child any, plus a children's choir) *flexible
Setting: Company Christmas party, present day, December. Unit set.
Holiday: YES; Christmas
Special notes: This script includes live performances of copywritten songs (recommended songs are in the script), in addition to public domain Christmas jingles. Separate licensing is required and is the responsibility of the production company.

The Final Rose by Stefanie R. Austin 

Synopsis: In the season finale of "The Catch" - taped in front of a live studio audience - the handsome and charming Brad must choose to propose to either Kelly, the southern "girl from next door," or Miranda, the stunning but vain socialite from a wealthy family. As Brad struggles with the decision, the show is faced with violent threats, affairs abound, and secrets are discovered. At the end of the evening, Brad must had out the final rose...assuming we make it that far.
Cast: 9-12 (3 m, 5-6 f, 0-2 any*, 0-2 child*) *flexible
Setting: The set of the season finale of The Catch, a dating show. Present day. Unit set.
Holiday: NO, but good for Valentine's Day
Special notes: Several versions of this script are available for those wishing to eliminate one of the adult roles, eliminate one of the child roles, and/or change a child role to an adult role. The preview includes the original script with all characters as originally written and produced, which includes 2 child roles.

Murder in the HOA by Stefanie R. Austin and Kari Williamson

Synopsis: Welcome to Whispering Pines, the picture-perfect neighborhood of your dreams...or nightmares. Quarreling neighbors, pet disputes, and rising rebellions are just the start of the evening. Join us at the annual homeowner's meeting where the HOA Board resolves to end all the conflict...one way or the other.
Cast: 9-11 (1 m, 4 f, 4 any, 0-2 child*) *flexible [1 role is very minor; child roles are optional]
Setting: Annual homeowners meeting, present day, July (modifiable). Simple, unit set.
Holiday: NO, but best done in spring or summer
Special notes:
- Two versions of this script are available to allow flexibility of genders in casting of two of the minor roles.
- There is an interactive element to this script, which asks audience members to repeat a particular phrase whenever said by a certain character.

Sin-ergy by Stefanie R. Austin

Synopsis: Much is at stake at Synergy, Corp.’s third annual L.E.A.D.E.R.S. conference, but it seems like nothing is going right. Bounced checks, canceled speakers, missing swag bags, a sewage leak…and a dead body. They do say that solving murder is great for team building.
Cast: 8 (4 m, 4 f)
Setting: Corporate conference, present day. Unit set (bare stage possible.)
Holiday: NO
Special notes: N/A

The Witching Hour by Kari Williamson & Nate Schierman

Synopsis: It’s Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts. The holiday has brought customers into the Spirited Healing Center, but the owners have been struggling financially for months. The Grimore sisters, once very magical witches, have lost their touch and the consequences are angry customers, difficult choices, and the ultimate sacrifice. Will their past come back to haunt them? Will they find a way to keep their business open, or will desperation and disloyalty tear them apart forever? Thankfully, with a little magic, anything is possible.
Cast: 9-11 (4 m, 5-7 f*) *doubling possible
Setting: Reception area and back room of The Spirited Healing Center in Salem, MA. Present Day.
Holiday: YES; Halloween
Special notes: N/A