Staged Reading Archives - Rich Helms

Defining Moments (Monologue)

9 March 202625 February 2026 by Rich

Synopsis: In this autobiographical monologue, playwright Rich Helms reflects on the formative experiences that shaped his lifelong curiosity, ambition, and unconventional path. From an intellectually restless childhood obsessed with knowledge, through academic challenges and early breakthroughs in mathematics and computing, he charts the small but pivotal moments that quietly redirected his future.

Blending humour, insight, and personal history, Defining Moments explores how seemingly ordinary events — a librarian’s rule, a classroom challenge, a bold academic gamble, even a job interview — accumulate to define identity. The piece becomes a thoughtful meditation on curiosity, persistence, and the unpredictable moments that steer a life’s trajectory.

Recycled Revelations

25 February 202624 February 2026 by Rich

Synopsis: At a community rummage sale, Carol Phillips sells items collected by her late father to declutter her apartment. Much to her surprise — and delight — she is guided by his unseen presence. She enjoys interacting with a variety of shoppers who express interest in objects that hint at incidents in Carol’s family history and unresolved emotions.

Paul Jackson and his aging father, Richard, browse the items on her table. A handmade bird quilt becomes the focal point of surprising revelations. Struggling with memory loss from dementia, Richard claims he once owned the quilt, while from beyond, Carol’s deceased father insists that it was his. Past and present intersect, taking the audience on a trip through the human aspects of pride, regret, aging, and reconciliation.

In an expression of compassion for the difficulties Paul and Richard are facing, Carol gifts the quilt to Richard. She realizes it will provide some emotional comfort in his internally puzzling world. This encounter inspires an interesting connection between Carol and Paul, suggesting that they can help each other move forward with their lives.

Recycled Revelations mixes humour, tenderness, and subtle supernatural elements to explore memory loss, death and the continuing bonds between generations. The audience is reminded that even discarded objects can carry profound human meaning.

Dear Angie

27 February 202624 February 2026 by Rich

Synopsis: Angie Brown owns a small diner that provides no menus. She serves her customers using an unusual gift: on instinct alone, she knows exactly what food — and advice — each customer needs, usually before they ask. Regular patrons come for great food, but also for comfort, advice, and a feeling of being understood.

On a busy day, Angie brings dessert first to a young woman struggling with marriage tensions and helps her come up with a strategy to ease things at home. She provides a free meal to a homeless former restaurateur whose life unraveled after tragedy and is impressed with his discerning palate. Then the unthinkable happens — she serves a high-school student who reminds her of her late son, but for the first time, she cannot read his needs. This quiet young man’s presence unsettles her, but she takes his order graciously.

As their conversation unfolds, the stranger reveals that he is a messenger sent by Angie’s deceased son to guide the elderly woman toward her own transition from life. Tired and ready to face whatever fate is next, she makes sure to leave her beloved diner in capable and caring hands.

Sensitive and profound, Dear Angie celebrates compassion, generosity, acting on instinct, kindness, and the comforting idea that even death can be guided by love.

Footnote: I am currently working on a second act, Open All Night, which takes place twenty years later.