Bad Ideas for Bad Television Shows eScriptAvailable

Bad Ideas for Bad Television Shows by Don Zolidis

(13)
Productions (116)
Comedy
|
40 - 45 minutes
8 W, 6 M, 2 Any (14-53 actors possible: 8-40 W, 6-40 M)
Set: Minimal.

Two desperate NBC executives need a new prime time show and they need it now, so they've turned to the general viewing public for help. A ragtag collection of would-be producers show up in droves to submit ideas for the network's next big hit, pitching everything from a sitcom starring Jean-Paul Sartre to a singing competition in which the contestants are encouraged to sabotage each other. A zany, satirical take on the absurdity of contemporary entertainment that won't need a canned laugh track.

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Pricing Information

Min. Performance Fee* $60
Standard Edition $11.99
eScript Digital Edition $17.5
Stage Manager Edition $24.99
Archival Video License $75

*The per performance fee begins at $60. Your per performance fee will be provided during the ordering process.

eScript Digital editions when purchased as a retail item cannot be printed or downloaded. They are for reading on personal computer, or tablet devices (phones, iPads, Kobo, Sony, etc.). It can viewed on up to 5 individual devices. When an escript is purchased as part of a license, please email [email protected] to receive your printable PDF.


Playscripts is pleased to offer an Archival Video License for an additional $150 for full-length plays and $75 for one-act plays.

Media Gallery

Play Details

Two desperate NBC executives need a new prime time show and they need it now, so they've turned to the general viewing public for help. A ragtag collection of would-be producers show up in droves to submit ideas for the network's next big hit, pitching everything from a sitcom starring Jean-Paul Sartre to a singing competition in which the contestants are encouraged to sabotage each other. A zany, satirical take on the absurdity of contemporary entertainment that won't need a canned laugh track.

  • Comedy
  • |
  • 40 - 45 minutes
  • 8 W, 6 M, 2 Any (14-53 actors possible: 8-40 W, 6-40 M)
  • Set: Minimal.
  • Standard Edition ISBN: 978-1-62384-705-0

Production History

JAN 18, 2024 - JAN 19, 2024
South Hills Middle School
Bloomfield Hills, MI United States
 South Hills Middle School Bloomfield Hills, MI United States
DEC 05, 2023 - DEC 06, 2023
Brea Junior High Play Production
Brea, CA United States
 Brea Junior High Play Production Brea, CA United States
NOV 03, 2023 - NOV 04, 2023
St. Mary's Dominican High School
New Orleans, LA United States
 St. Mary's Dominican High School New Orleans, LA United States
JUN 13, 2023 - JUN 14, 2023
Drama Class
Dubai, AL United Arab Emirates
 Drama Class Dubai, AL United Arab Emirates
JUN 02, 2023 - JUN 02, 2023
Triangle Day School
Durham, NC United States
 Triangle Day School Durham, NC United States
MAY 11, 2023 - MAY 11, 2023
Bell Intermediate Drama
Garden Grove, CA United States
 Bell Intermediate Drama Garden Grove, CA United States
APR 14, 2023 - APR 14, 2023
Walsh Middle School
Round Rock, TX United States
 Walsh Middle School Round Rock, TX United States
MAR 01, 2023 - MAR 25, 2023
RSU 39, Caribou High School
Caribou, ME United States
 RSU 39, Caribou High School Caribou, ME United States
DEC 08, 2022 - DEC 08, 2022
Oswego East High School
Oswego, IL United States
 Oswego East High School Oswego, IL United States
NOV 10, 2022 - DEC 03, 2022
Oliver Middle School
Broken Arrow, OK United States
 Oliver Middle School Broken Arrow, OK United States
OCT 30, 2022 - NOV 20, 2022
Penns Valley Area Junior Senior High School
Spring Mills, PA United States
 Penns Valley Area Junior Senior High School Spring Mills, PA United States
OCT 11, 2022 - OCT 11, 2022
Cushing Middle School
Cushing, OK United States
 Cushing Middle School Cushing, OK United States
SEP 09, 2022 - SEP 10, 2022
Covenant Christian High School
Indianapolis, IN United States
 Covenant Christian High School Indianapolis, IN United States
MAY 19, 2022 - MAY 19, 2022
Falls Church High School
Falls Church, VA United States
 Falls Church High School Falls Church, VA United States
MAY 14, 2022 - MAY 14, 2022
Weatherford High School
Weatherford, TX United States
 Weatherford High School Weatherford, TX United States
FEB 16, 2022 - FEB 16, 2022
Smith Middle School Theatre
Cleburne, TX United States
 Smith Middle School Theatre Cleburne, TX United States
FEB 15, 2022 - FEB 15, 2022
Coppell Middle School North
Coppell, TX United States
 Coppell Middle School North Coppell, TX United States
DEC 10, 2021 - DEC 10, 2021
Thomas A. Blakelock High School
Oakville, ON Canada
 Thomas A. Blakelock High School Oakville, ON Canada
NOV 10, 2021 - NOV 12, 2021
St. Charles East High School
St. Charles, IL United States
 St. Charles East High School St. Charles, IL United States
MAY 21, 2021 - MAY 21, 2021
Pinecrest High School
Southern Pines, NC United States
 Pinecrest High School Southern Pines, NC United States
MAY 14, 2021 - MAY 16, 2021
North Hunterdon High School
Annandale, NJ United States
 North Hunterdon High School Annandale, NJ United States
APR 30, 2021 - MAY 01, 2021
Westridge Theatre
Overland Park, KS United States
 Westridge Theatre Overland Park, KS United States
APR 21, 2021 - APR 24, 2021
Arizona Conservatory For The Arts And Academics
Phoenix, AZ United States
 Arizona Conservatory For The Arts And Academics Phoenix, AZ United States
MAR 24, 2021 - MAR 26, 2021
Saint Ignatius, College, Riverview
Sydney, NSW Australia
 Saint Ignatius, College, Riverview Sydney, NSW Australia
MAR 14, 2021 - MAR 15, 2021
Manistee Area Public Schools
Manistee, MI United States
 Manistee Area Public Schools Manistee, MI United States
DEC 03, 2020 - DEC 04, 2020
Gray Middle School
Groveland, FL United States
 Gray Middle School Groveland, FL United States
NOV 21, 2020 - NOV 21, 2020
West Chester Rustin High School
West Chester, PA United States
 West Chester Rustin High School West Chester, PA United States
NOV 13, 2020 - NOV 13, 2020
Golden West High School
Visalia, CA United States
 Golden West High School Visalia, CA United States
NOV 06, 2020 - NOV 07, 2020
Los Altos High School
Los Altos, CA United States
 Los Altos High School Los Altos, CA United States
JUL 03, 2020 - JUL 03, 2020
Tricycle Theatre 4 Youth
Bentonville, AR United States
 Tricycle Theatre 4 Youth Bentonville, AR United States
MAY 14, 2020 - MAY 21, 2020
Penns Valley Area Junior Senior High School
Spring Mills, PA United States
 Penns Valley Area Junior Senior High School Spring Mills, PA United States
MAR 04, 2020 - MAR 04, 2020
The Bement School
DEERFIELD, MA United States
 The Bement School DEERFIELD, MA United States
JAN 30, 2020 - JAN 31, 2020
Elk Grove HighSchool
Elk Grove Vlg, IL United States
 Elk Grove HighSchool Elk Grove Vlg, IL United States
DEC 16, 2019 - DEC 16, 2019
Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School
Kelowna, BC Canada
 Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School Kelowna, BC Canada
NOV 06, 2019 - NOV 06, 2019
McLean Middle School
Fort Worth, TX United States
 McLean Middle School Fort Worth, TX United States
OCT 26, 2019 - OCT 26, 2019
Richmond Hill High School
Brunswick, GA United States
 Richmond Hill High School Brunswick, GA United States
JUL 19, 2019 - JUL 20, 2019
Beck Center For The Arts
Lakewood, OH United States
 Beck Center For The Arts Lakewood, OH United States
MAY 17, 2019 - MAY 18, 2019
Needham High School
Needham, MA United States
 Needham High School Needham, MA United States
MAY 16, 2019 - MAY 16, 2019
Oswego East High School
Oswego, IL United States
 Oswego East High School Oswego, IL United States
MAY 15, 2019 - MAY 15, 2019
Springfield Central High School
Springfield, MA United States
 Springfield Central High School Springfield, MA United States
MAY 14, 2019 - MAY 14, 2019
Washington Jr High
Bentonville, AR United States
 Washington Jr High Bentonville, AR United States
APR 12, 2019 - APR 12, 2019
Theater In The Park
Severna Park, MD United States
 Theater In The Park Severna Park, MD United States
MAR 25, 2019 - APR 01, 2019
Coppell Middle School West
Dallas, TX United States
 Coppell Middle School West Dallas, TX United States
MAR 15, 2019 - MAR 16, 2019
McCallie Middle School Theatre
Chattanooga, TN United States
 McCallie Middle School Theatre Chattanooga, TN United States
DEC 10, 2018 - DEC 21, 2018
Tex Hill Middle School
San Antonio, TX United States
 Tex Hill Middle School San Antonio, TX United States
DEC 08, 2018 - DEC 08, 2018
Canyon Middle School
New Braunfels, TX United States
 Canyon Middle School New Braunfels, TX United States
DEC 07, 2018 - DEC 07, 2018
Parkside Intermediate School
San Bruno, CA United States
 Parkside Intermediate School San Bruno, CA United States
NOV 30, 2018 - DEC 01, 2018
Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School
Atlanta, GA United States
 Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School Atlanta, GA United States
NOV 16, 2018 - NOV 17, 2018
Mark Twain Middle School
Alexandria, VA United States
 Mark Twain Middle School Alexandria, VA United States
NOV 14, 2018 - NOV 15, 2018
League City Intermediate
League City, TX United States
 League City Intermediate League City, TX United States
NOV 08, 2018 - NOV 10, 2018
Boston Latin School
Boston, MA United States
 Boston Latin School Boston, MA United States
NOV 08, 2018 - NOV 10, 2018
Urbana High School
Ijamsville, MD United States
 Urbana High School Ijamsville, MD United States
NOV 08, 2018 - NOV 17, 2018
Oliver Middle School
Broken Arrow, OK United States
 Oliver Middle School Broken Arrow, OK United States
JUN 22, 2018 - JUN 22, 2018
Topeka Civic Theatre
Topeka, KS United States
 Topeka Civic Theatre Topeka, KS United States
JUN 21, 2018 - JUN 23, 2018
London Youth Theatre Education
London, ON Canada
 London Youth Theatre Education London, ON Canada
MAY 31, 2018 - MAY 31, 2018
Four Points Middle School
Austin, TX United States
 Four Points Middle School Austin, TX United States
MAY 23, 2018 - MAY 23, 2018
Bell Drama
Garden Grove, CA United States
 Bell Drama Garden Grove, CA United States
MAY 22, 2018 - MAY 22, 2018
Beverly Hills High School
Beverly Hills, CA United States
 Beverly Hills High School Beverly Hills, CA United States
MAY 19, 2018 - MAY 19, 2018
Innovation Academy
Tyngsboro, MA United States
 Innovation Academy Tyngsboro, MA United States
MAY 10, 2018 - MAY 20, 2018
Lyons Middle/Senior High School
Lyons, CO United States
 Lyons Middle/Senior High School Lyons, CO United States
MAY 10, 2018 - MAY 11, 2018
Walnut Grove High School
Loganville, GA United States
 Walnut Grove High School Loganville, GA United States
APR 28, 2018 - APR 28, 2018
Delaware County Christian School
Newtown Square, PA United States
 Delaware County Christian School Newtown Square, PA United States
APR 23, 2018 - APR 23, 2018
Smithson Valley Middle School
Canyon Lake, TX United States
 Smithson Valley Middle School Canyon Lake, TX United States
APR 01, 2018 - JUN 01, 2018
Peetz School
Peetz, CO United States
 Peetz School Peetz, CO United States
MAR 20, 2018 - MAR 20, 2018
Simmons Middle School
Aurora, IL United States
 Simmons Middle School Aurora, IL United States
FEB 26, 2018 - MAR 02, 2018
St. Paul High School - Ottawa Catholic School Board
Ottawa, ON Canada
 St. Paul High School - Ottawa Catholic School Board Ottawa, ON Canada
FEB 23, 2018 - FEB 23, 2018
Walsh Middle School Theatre Arts
Round Rock, TX United States
 Walsh Middle School Theatre Arts Round Rock, TX United States
FEB 23, 2018 - FEB 24, 2018
Aelia Musical Playhouse
Fernandina Beach, FL United States
 Aelia Musical Playhouse Fernandina Beach, FL United States
FEB 20, 2018 - FEB 21, 2018
Drama Club
Arlington, TX United States
 Drama Club Arlington, TX United States
DEC 08, 2017 - DEC 08, 2017
Ozark Jr. High School
Ozark, MO United States
 Ozark Jr. High School Ozark, MO United States
NOV 17, 2017 - NOV 17, 2017
Scottsburg Middle School Drama Club
Scottsburg, IN United States
 Scottsburg Middle School Drama Club Scottsburg, IN United States
NOV 16, 2017 - NOV 16, 2017
Santa Fe High School
Alachua, FL United States
 Santa Fe High School Alachua, FL United States
NOV 03, 2017 - NOV 03, 2017
Broadway Bound
Chapel Hill, NC United States
 Broadway Bound Chapel Hill, NC United States
OCT 27, 2017 - OCT 28, 2017
Rock Island High School (Hurricane Harvey Benefit)
Rock Island, IL United States
 Rock Island High School (Hurricane Harvey Benefit) Rock Island, IL United States
OCT 19, 2017 - OCT 20, 2017
Morgantown High School
Morgantown, WV United States
 Morgantown High School Morgantown, WV United States
OCT 14, 2017 - OCT 14, 2017
Live Arts Theatre
Carrollton, GA United States
 Live Arts Theatre Carrollton, GA United States
OCT 06, 2017 - OCT 08, 2017
Live Arts Theatre
Norcross, GA United States
 Live Arts Theatre Norcross, GA United States
MAY 27, 2017 - MAY 27, 2017
Concordia International School Shanghai
Shanghai, China
 Concordia International School Shanghai Shanghai, China
MAY 20, 2017 - MAY 21, 2017
Wilson Middle School
Natick, MA United States
 Wilson Middle School Natick, MA United States
MAY 11, 2017 - MAY 13, 2017
From The Balcony Productions
Lancaster, CA United States
 From The Balcony Productions Lancaster, CA United States
MAY 01, 2017 - MAY 01, 2017
Fairhope High School
Fairhope, AL United States
 Fairhope High School Fairhope, AL United States
APR 06, 2017 - APR 06, 2017
Berkeley High School Drama
Moncks Corner, SC United States
 Berkeley High School Drama Moncks Corner, SC United States
APR 05, 2017 - APR 07, 2017
Shawnee Mission East
Prairie Village, KS United States
 Shawnee Mission East Prairie Village, KS United States
MAR 10, 2017 - MAR 11, 2017
Trinity High School
Trinity, NC United States
 Trinity High School Trinity, NC United States
FEB 16, 2017 - FEB 16, 2017
Union 32 High School
Montpelier, VT United States
 Union 32 High School Montpelier, VT United States
JAN 10, 2017 - JAN 10, 2017
Coppell MIddle School North
Coppell, TX United States
 Coppell MIddle School North Coppell, TX United States
DEC 07, 2016 - DEC 07, 2016
Imperial Middle School
La Habra, CA United States
 Imperial Middle School La Habra, CA United States
NOV 30, 2016 - DEC 02, 2016
Anderson Collegiate And Vocational Institute
Whitby, ON Canada
 Anderson Collegiate And Vocational Institute Whitby, ON Canada
NOV 09, 2016 - NOV 11, 2016
Webb Middle School
Coppell, TX United States
 Webb Middle School Coppell, TX United States
JUL 15, 2016 - JUL 16, 2016
Barrington Community Theatre
Barrington, RI United States
 Barrington Community Theatre Barrington, RI United States
JUN 17, 2016 - JUN 17, 2016
Bell Drama
Garden Grove, CA United States
 Bell Drama Garden Grove, CA United States
MAY 31, 2016 - MAY 31, 2016
Asheboro High School
Asheboro, NC United States
 Asheboro High School Asheboro, NC United States
MAY 07, 2016 - MAY 07, 2016
Theatre Lawrence Youth Education Program
Lawrence, KS United States
 Theatre Lawrence Youth Education Program Lawrence, KS United States
MAY 06, 2016 - MAY 06, 2016
Evansville Day School
Evansville, IN United States
 Evansville Day School Evansville, IN United States
MAY 03, 2016 - MAY 03, 2016
Pinecrest High School
Southern Pines, NC United States
 Pinecrest High School Southern Pines, NC United States
APR 29, 2016 - MAY 01, 2016
Grayslake Community High School D127
Grayslake, IL United States
 Grayslake Community High School D127 Grayslake, IL United States
APR 05, 2016 - APR 05, 2016
New Hanover County Schools
Wilmington, NC United States
 New Hanover County Schools Wilmington, NC United States
MAR 30, 2016 - MAR 30, 2016
Danny Jones Middle School
Mansfield, TX United States
 Danny Jones Middle School Mansfield, TX United States
MAR 02, 2016 - MAR 03, 2016
Los Alamitos USD
Los Alamitos, CA United States
 Los Alamitos USD Los Alamitos, CA United States
MAR 01, 2016 - APR 20, 2016
Alexandria High School
Alexandria, AL United States
 Alexandria High School Alexandria, AL United States
FEB 17, 2016 - FEB 19, 2016
Santa Fe Trail Middle School
Olathe, KS United States
 Santa Fe Trail Middle School Olathe, KS United States
JAN 14, 2016 - JAN 14, 2016
Msgr. John Pereyma CSS
Oshawa, ON Canada
 Msgr. John Pereyma CSS Oshawa, ON Canada
JAN 12, 2016 - FEB 01, 2016
Penns Valley Area Junior Senior High School
Spring Mills, PA United States
 Penns Valley Area Junior Senior High School Spring Mills, PA United States
JAN 12, 2016 - FEB 16, 2016
Bay Theatrix: Dover Bay Secondary
Nanaimo, BC Canada
 Bay Theatrix: Dover Bay Secondary Nanaimo, BC Canada
DEC 15, 2015 - DEC 15, 2015
Gretna Middle School
Gretna, NE United States
 Gretna Middle School Gretna, NE United States
DEC 13, 2015 - DEC 13, 2015
STHS Drama Club
Skidmore, TX United States
 STHS Drama Club Skidmore, TX United States
DEC 11, 2015 - DEC 11, 2015
Lockport High School
Lockport, NY United States
 Lockport High School Lockport, NY United States
NOV 19, 2015 - NOV 20, 2015
Haddonfield Middle School Drama Club
Haddonfield, NJ United States
 Haddonfield Middle School Drama Club Haddonfield, NJ United States
NOV 18, 2015 - NOV 20, 2015
St. Charles East High School
St. Charles, IL United States
 St. Charles East High School St. Charles, IL United States
NOV 16, 2015 - NOV 17, 2015
Canyon Ridge Middle School
Austin, TX United States
 Canyon Ridge Middle School Austin, TX United States
NOV 07, 2015 - NOV 07, 2015
South City Theatre
Pelham, AL United States
 South City Theatre Pelham, AL United States
NOV 06, 2015 - NOV 07, 2015
South City Theatre
Pelham, AL United States
 South City Theatre Pelham, AL United States
OCT 21, 2015 - OCT 22, 2015
Winchester Thurston School
Pittsburgh, PA United States
 Winchester Thurston School Pittsburgh, PA United States
OCT 08, 2015 - OCT 10, 2015
The Montgomery Academy
Montgomery, AL United States
 The Montgomery Academy Montgomery, AL United States
JUL 24, 2015 - JUL 25, 2015
Beck Center for the Arts Youth Theater
Lakewood, OH United States
 Beck Center for the Arts Youth Theater Lakewood, OH United States
MAR 12, 2015 - MAR 12, 2015
St. Mary Secondary School
Hamilton, ON Canada
 St. Mary Secondary School Hamilton, ON Canada
JAN 18, 2024 - JAN 19, 2024
South Hills Middle School
Bloomfield Hills, MI United States
 South Hills Middle School Bloomfield Hills, MI United States
No professional productions.

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