The setting is an abandoned mall turned into a homeless shelter. Pieces of leftover memories of the long forgotten mall remain such as broken signs, dusty products, and leftover machines or tools. To the left, several units are used for the female sleeping rooms.  To the right, several units are used for the male sleeping rooms. In the center, there are couches and seats where everyone congregates. Upstairs the romantics go to find a private spot for hanky panky. 

Quincy. A homeless man (mid 60s) who owns the abandoned mall property. He lives in the abandoned Dillards by himself. The entrance to his space is mostly barricaded and he rarely comes to talk to anyone. He gets a small social security check every month and uses most of it to help the shelter.

Wendy.  Once homeless, then hired by Quincy to run/direct the homeless shelter. (in her late 60s) She lives in the abandoned Macys and sometimes has guests. The entrance to her space is mostly barricaded, but she joins the congregation area more frequently to check on the shelter and delegate.  She also gets a small social security check every month and works for Quincy as the Director to earn her space. 

Ethan.  A middle-aged man (mid 40s) rescued from the insane asylum. He has PTSD and suicidal tendencies, but since joining the shelter has stopped burning and cutting himself. He is Wendy's assistant when he's having a "normal" day. Sometimes he sleeps in the male section and sometimes he sleeps outside if the weather is kind. 

Roshelle.  (late 40s) The first female to join the shelter. Though she was never hospitalized, no one can understand her because the stories that she tells are so random and disconnected. She seems possessed by many demons, but they try not to talk about that. 

Todd.  A retired actor (mid 50s) who suffered from Terretz Syndrome, but most people didn't believe he had an illness. He was medicated for many years, and recently lost his job and became homeless. Wendy accepted his application for shelter residency and he sleeps in the male section. He has some money, but it's rare and inconsistent. He claims he still gets paid royalties for his theatrical contributions.

Yara. (late 20s or early 30s) She was in and out of jail for prostitution and theft. Her last probation officer gave her Wendy's application and Yara was accepted. She sleeps in the female section, but is the most willing to go upstairs. Wendy warns everyone that she is an undiagnosed Kleptomaniac.

Paulo.  (mid 30s) He mostly rambles in Latin phrases, but can speak English when he feels threatened or insecure. Though he's not assigned to do any specific task, he is constantly cleaning as if he's the designated janitor. He sleeps in the men's section and calls any who go upstairs "loco".

Ayja. A middle-aged (late 40s or early 50s) woman also rescued from the Insane Asylum. She has created her own language (which most people claim they don't understand) but she will attempt to speak any language. She also uses sign language and makes up new words. She was diagnosed with many psych issues, but is very pleasant when the environment in kind and calm. She always has money, but she never tells anyone how or how much. 

Freddie.  A young runaway (late teens) who Quincy found sleeping outside. He's the youngest member of the shelter. He doesn't speak much and sleeps in the men's section. He's a gifted artist with many surprising talents.

Heather.  (late 50s) The oldest of the women's section, she was too young and controversial for admittance into the "old folks" residence. She helps Wendy and Quincy whenever she can, is mostly kind to everyone, but suffers from insomnia which is why she is the only one who has a key to the unit which was once the Hallmark store. She collects a small social security check also, but doesn't spend it well, as she's always trying to start some kind of project that will make the shelter better or bring in more money.

Jes.  (early 40s) He was a junkie and drug dealer. He was released from prison and had nowhere to go. His application was accepted and he became a member of the shelter. He likes to tell anyone his stories about his "glory days" when he was rockin and rollin and high. He's willing to go upstairs, if someone has party favors he's interested in.

Louise.  (mid 50s) She tried to kill herself a few times. She was also rescued from the Insane Asylum. She claims that the movie "Thelma and Louise" was based on her life and that Hollywood never paid her or gave her credit. Wendy thinks she's an undiagnosed schizophrenic. The Insane Asylum diagnosed her with Bipolar Disorder.  

The curtain opens. On the stage we see Wendy sitting with all of the shelter members in the congregation room (where most of the play takes place). Every Monday, Wendy goes over the shelter rules, and delegates tasks. They share coffee and snacks together and discuss the weekend and their ideas for the rest of the week. Wendy reminds them that she will meet with them again on Thursday for their big weekly dinner. 

This is meant to be a horror story/play based on realistic characters trying to survive after life has been very cruel. Quincy and Wendy represent humane compassion and hope. The members of the shelter will be seen as monsters or broken people. While they do not frighten Quincy or Wendy, the audience is most likely going to be scared or disturbed by their behaviors.

Horrific Humans

A Play in Three Parts

The setting is an abandoned mall turned into a homeless shelter. Pieces of leftover memories of the long forgotten mall remain such as broken signs, dusty products, and leftover machines or tools. To the left, several units are used for the female sleeping rooms.  To the right, several units are used for the male sleeping rooms. In the center, there are couches and seats where everyone congregates. Upstairs the romantics go to find a private spot for hanky panky. 



Horrific Humans

A Play in Three Parts

About the Creator

Shanon Angermeyer Norman

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