Guarding

It’s the hottest day of the summer, but nine teenage lifeguards are stuck at work. Their pool is closing at the end of the season, and everyone's freaked about what comes next. Relationships get tested. What times is it? Nostalgia butts up against bodily fluids. Is it time to rotate? Everyone tries to figure out who was behind The Bad Thing That Happened. Seriously, you guys, what is going on with the clock?

Guarding honors the thankless task of keeping swimmers alive, and the people you come of age with—whether you want to or not. 

keywords: workplace comedy, teenage relationships, nostalgia, purgatory, party questions

Images from The Drama Studio production (2025)

Images from Holton-Arms School production (2022)

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Development
The Drama Studio (2025)
        Production
        directed by Patrick O'Konis

Holton-Arms School (2022)
       Production 
       directed by Elizabeth Zitelli

Virginia Commonwealth University (2025)
       Reading
       directed by Emily Mattison

Actors Theatre of Louisville (2019)
       workshop performance 
       directed by Emily Moler
       dramaturg: Susan Yassky
       stage manager: Annalise Fosnight

People's Improv Theatre NYC (2018)
       reading
       directed by Emily Moler

Audience Responses
"they are talking about nothing and I'm so engaged!" 
"a fitting tribute to pool culture"
"depth, without pushing" 
"absolutely charming"
"they're like Aaron Sorkin characters, but dumb"
"it was so nice to go to a play and *enjoy* myself!"
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