A comedy in two acts by John W. Otte
Elijah has a problem. Tonight is the finale of his group’s long-running tabletop campaign, and he has also promised to study for the English test with Emily, the girl he’s been failing to talk to all semester. His older brother Thomas, the group’s game master, has a solution: they’ll do both. Emily joins the table, the test review becomes the adventure, and the game world comes to life onstage. Over two acts, the campaign moves from Jane Austen drawing rooms through Gothic dread, Shakespearean mix-ups, Modernist fragmentation, and full Postmodern collapse. Along the way, six friends find out what their stories have been saying about them, and Elijah might finally say something to Emily.
At a glance
Genre: Comedy, two acts
Running time: approx. 120 minutes with intermission
Cast: Flexible, from 17 to 27+ actors
Audience: Suitable for all ages
Written: 2026
Casting
Roll for Meaning is written to fit casts of many sizes. The story plays out on two levels at once. At the table, six friends play the game. Downstage, their avatars live out the adventure, along with a cast of characters the players meet along the way. In smaller productions, avatar actors double as ensemble characters. In larger ones, every role can go to a different actor.
The Table
These actors are onstage for most of the show.
Thomas: The game master and Elijah’s older brother. He has planned every detail of tonight and does not appreciate improvisation. This is the play’s biggest line load and needs strong comic control.
Elijah: Earnest, flustered, and hopelessly obvious about Emily. He’s the romantic lead and has to play a lot of nerves honestly.
Emily: Smart, quick, and new to the game, but she won’t be new for long. She’s the romantic lead and needs confidence and warmth.
Jackson: The group’s loudest player, who has been asking to cast fireball for a very long time. Comic relief with more underneath than you’d expect.
Riley: The competent one who keeps the group on track. A straight-person role that needs dry timing.
Charlie: Quiet and watchful, and notices more than anyone gives Charlie credit for. A role for an actor who can command a scene with very little.
The Avatars
These are the players’ in-game characters. Roles call for physical comedy, period movement, and quick shifts between genres.
Xavius: Elijah’s avatar.
Cecily: Emily’s avatar.
Nettlelore: Jackson’s avatar.
Ortin: Riley’s avatar.
Gravlor: Charlie’s avatar.
The Ensemble
These characters live in the game world. Many can be doubled by avatar actors.
Boragir: The campaign’s original Big Bad Evil Guy.
Lady Darkmoor: Hostess of the Evernight Ball
Lord Pemberton: Apompous gentleman
Mrs. Galvaine: A whispering matron
Miss Ashford: A young woman of the county
Lord Aldric: A sinister man
Mr. Aldric: Lord Aldric’s flustered young son
The Butler:Servant of Darkwood Manor
The Maid:Servant of Darkwood Manor
The Figure in Black:The mystery of Darkwood Manor
Lord Fallowood: A suspicious nobleman
Hot-Headed Young Men: Retainers of the rival houses
Harland Steele: Host of the Modernist party
The Bartender: The most honest convesation you’ll have all night
Special Roles
The Dragon: A special puppet, operated by a number of actors, for the final confrontation.
Notes for Auditioners
Table actors are onstage almost continuously and carry the heaviest memorization.
Many of these roles are gender flexible and can be cast with genders other than what is described.
Depending on cast size, ensemble actors should expect to play more than one role, with costume changes.