Facing the end of his life, Warren chooses to meet death on his own terms—a decision that affects his daughter, his lifelong friend, and a young waitress whose unexpected friendship has brought joy into his life.
Told with warmth, humour and emotional honesty, Warren is a tender one-act play about friendship, family, dignity, forgiveness, and finding meaning in the moments that remain.
Winner, Audience Favourite, 2024 Snap Shorts Short Play Festival, Port Perry ON, July 2024
Winner, Best Production, 2025 Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays, September 2025
Genre: Comedic Drama
Acts: 1
Run time: 30 minutes
Suitable for students 16+
Content notes: Contains references to terminal illness and cancer; medical assistance in dying (MAID); death and dying; grief and bereavement; discussion of cancer treatment and end-of-life decisions; some coarse language.
Cast size: 4 actors
Male roles: 2
Female roles: 2
Casting notes:
Warren – male, 70s;
Mike – male, 70s;
Trish – female, 25–35;
Connie – female, 30s.
The play is written for four actors with no doubling required. There are no specific racial or ethnic requirements for casting.
Keywords: One Act Play, One-Act Play, One Act Drama, Short Play, Canadian Play, Canadian Theatre, Canadian Playwright, Contemporary Drama, Small Cast Play, Four Character Play, Four Person Cast, Two Men Two Women, Senior Characters, Older Actors, Mature Actors, Aging, Seniors, Retirement, Retirement Home, End of Life, End-of-Life Choices, MAID, Medical Assistance in Dying, Assisted Dying, Death with Dignity, Terminal Illness, Cancer, Stage Four Cancer, Mortality, Death, Dying, Grief, Anticipatory Grief, Loss, Bereavement, Acceptance, Autonomy, Personal Choice, Dignity, Courage, Fear, Compassion, Forgiveness, Reconciliation, Family, Family Relationships, Father and Daughter, Father-Daughter Relationship, Parent and Adult Child, Grandfather, Grandson, Friendship, Lifelong Friendship, Male Friendship, Intergenerational Friendship, Unexpected Friendship, Human Connection, Love, Farewell, Saying Goodbye, Second Chances, Regret, Memories, Legacy, Generosity, Kindness, Hope, Faith, Religion, Priest, Spirituality, Humour, Comedy and Drama, Dramatic Comedy, Humour and Heartbreak, Emotional Drama, Character-Driven Drama, Intimate Drama, Heartwarming, Bittersweet, Poignant, Tender, Contemporary Issues, Social Issues, Healthcare, Nursing, Single Mother, Southern Ontario, Ontario, Canada, Café, Restaurant, Single Set, Simple Set, Minimal Set, Small Stage, Community Theatre, Festival Play, One Act Festival, Senior Theatre, Adult Audiences, Ensemble Play, Accessible Production, Low Production Requirements, 30 Minute Play, Award-Winning Play.
