Significant Other Play Pdf 2021 Today
If you are looking for the script or background on Joshua Harmon's play Significant Other
, here is a breakdown of what the play covers and where you can find resources like the study guide and script snippets. What is the play about? Significant Other is a contemporary comedy-drama that follows Jordan Berman , a young gay man in New York City. Cloudinary The Core Conflict
: As Jordan's three best friends (Kiki, Vanessa, and Laura) get married one by one, he struggles with his own loneliness and the fear of being left behind.
: It explores the evolving nature of adult friendships, the pressure of "wedding season," and the search for romantic connection. Cloudinary Key Characters Jordan Berman significant other play pdf
: The protagonist, searching for love while supporting his friends through their milestones. The Friends
: Laura (the closest friend), Kiki (bold and unfiltered), and Vanessa (the cynical one). Helene Berman
: Jordan’s 80-year-old grandmother, who provides a different perspective on aging and companionship. Cloudinary PDF Resources & "Good Posts" If you are looking for the script or
If you need specific materials for a class or production, these are the most helpful official links: Official Study Guide Roundabout Theatre Company Upstage Guide
provides a full breakdown of the plot, character backstories, and interview with the playwright. Script Previews
: You can find script excerpts and monologue selections (specifically for characters like Kiki) on platforms like Performance Rights Production History
Production History
- World Premiere (2015): The play debuted at the Roundabout Theatre Company’s Black Box Theatre in New York.
- Broadway Transfer (2017): It moved to the Booth Theatre on Broadway, starring Gideon Glick (known for Spring Awakening and Spamalot) as Jordan.
- Regional Success: Following its New York run, the script became a favorite in regional theaters across the US and Australia due to its small cast size (4 men, 3 women, with men often doubling roles) and relatable themes.
Why the Script is in Demand (The PDF Search)
The search term "Significant Other play PDF" is popular among actors and students for several specific reasons:
- The Monologues: The play is a goldmine for audition material. Jordan delivers several high-stakes, emotional, and comedic monologues—particularly a climactic speech at Laura’s wedding—that are frequently performed in acting conservatories.
- Character Depth: It offers a rare leading role for a young, male actor who doesn't fit the "action hero" archetype. Jordan is flawed, whiny, loving, and deeply human.
- Contemporary Dialogue: Harmon’s writing captures the specific cadence of millennial/Gen-Z speech—fast-paced, anxious, and pop-culture laden—making it a staple for contemporary scene study classes.
Best prompt ideas (20 starter prompts)
- Their secret snack stash
- Go-to karaoke song
- Most likely to cry during romantic movies
- Their celebrity lookalike
- The strangest thing they’d buy impulsively
- Favorite childhood TV show
- Which pet name suits them best
- Worst habit they’ll deny having
- Dream travel destination
- How they’d spend a free Saturday
- Their hidden talent
- Guilty pleasure TV show or movie
- What they’d bring to a desert island
- First concert they attended
- Which fictional couple they’d be
- Their signature dance move
- One thing they’d never eat
- A skill they wish they had
- Weird thing they find romantic
- How they’d describe you in three words
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a brilliant "significant other play pdf" can fail if misused. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Using it as a weapon – Never pull out the PDF during a fight to "prove a point." That is manipulation, not play.
- Skipping consent – Do not pressure your partner into a spicy dare if they are visibly uncomfortable. The goal is connection, not coercion.
- Treating it like a checklist – Do not rush through prompts just to finish the PDF. Savor the pauses.
- Forgetting to update – A static PDF used every week will become stale. Add new pages or swap roles regularly.
How to play (simple step-by-step)
- Split into pairs. Each person sits back-to-back with their partner or across the table if they prefer to see reactions.
- One player draws a prompt card from the PDF deck (or reads aloud from the list). Prompts can be things like: “What’s their go-to karaoke song?”, “What embarrassing habit do they hide?”, or “Which fictional character is your partner?”
- On “3,” each partner writes the answer they think the other would give, then reveals simultaneously.
- Award a point for each matching answer (optional), or just play for laughs and storytelling.
- Rotate pairs or swap partners after a few rounds to mix dynamics.
- Add wildcards: have one round where answers must be sung, drawn, or acted out.
Paid (Premium) Resources
- Etsy: The best source for beautifully designed, niche PDFs. Search "couples playbook," "intimacy card game PDF," or "date night adventure." Read reviews and check previews. Typical price: $5–$15.
- The Gottman Institute Store: They offer digital downloads of their "Card Decks" app (not a PDF, but similar) and printable worksheets. These are gold-standard, research-backed.
- The And/Or Collection: Premium PDF-based card decks for connection, intimacy, and conversation.
What to Look for in a Quality PDF
| Feature | Why It Helps | |---------|----------------| | Clear purpose stated (e.g., “For emotional intimacy” or “For fun date nights”) | Sets expectations | | Non-judgmental language | Encourages openness | | Customizable prompts | Works for different relationship stages | | No pressure to share | Respects privacy | | Printable format | Easy to use offline |
What to Avoid
- Unsecured downloads: Never download a PDF from a pop-up ad or suspicious link. These can contain malware.
- Overly prescriptive scripts: Avoid any PDF that pressures you into sexual acts without negotiation.
- Grammar-filled, unprofessional layouts: If the author didn't care about spelling, they probably didn't care about psychological safety.