Brian Cern
he/him/his
Hugo, MN
Writer/Actor/Director/Educator
Biography

Brian Cern is a Twin Cities based actor and playwright, whose work has won numerous awards and contests throughout North America. A member of the Dramatists Guild, he received his training at Cardinal Stritch University, where his theatre and writing studies lead him to a deep appreciation for the stories that unite us in the human condition. As parables, his work has been called “imaginative,” “beautifully soulful,” and “thought-provoking.” Of all the credits to his name, however, it is “Teaching Artist” for local children’s theaters that he treasures the most. He lives in suburban St. Paul, Minnesota, with his wife and son.

Plays

by Brian Cern

A true story about a marriage being put through the wringer as they try to register their child of summer camp.

Cast:
1 Woman- Believable as a mother of a ten year old. 1 Man- Believable as a father of a ten year old
by Brian Cern

A young playwright receives a lesson the about the cruel business of theatre when they visit their friend, the Artistic Director of the local community theatre. The play explores the delicate balance between art and commerce in an honest, albeit comedic, manner.

Cast:
Sam - Either - Late 20's - The Artistic Director of the local community theatre Alex - Either - Early 30's - An aspiring playwrigh
by Brian Cern

A satire about gun control in America today, a family is overjoyed to discover that their daughter has made the ultimate patriotic sacrifice.

Cast:
Father - A White Man Mother - A White Woman Brother - A White Kid
by Brian Cern

A multi-decade spanning drama, "Her Love, Endures" follows two friends, from their meeting in high school, throughout the rest of their lives. Wedding, births, and deaths... all the moments that form a life. It is a celebration of friendship.

Cast:
Sandy Williams - Teen/Adult/Senior - Female Joe Ostrowski - Teen/Adult/Senior - Male Carrie Ostrowski - Teen/30's - Female Pete Ostrowski - Teen/30's - Male Laura - 30's - Female Mike Nyquist - Adult - Male Maggie Ostrowski - Adult - Female Dr Morgan - Adult - Female Priest 1 Priest 2
by Brian Cern

Sometimes, the new gods need to be reminded about what happened to the old gods.

Cast:
1 Man 1 Either
by Brian Cern

Sometimes, being awarded a scholarship is not the start of the adventure you were hoping for.

Cast:
Any Gender, Any Ethnicity - Ages 20, 46, an 54
by Brian Cern

In order to keep the romance alive, Christopher is searching for a one night stand.
But, will his wife approve?

Cast:
Female - age 44 Male - age 48 Server
by Brian Cern

An old man and a child soldier encounter each other the plains of Africa and discuss their differing approaches to life and love.

Cast:
2M - Abdelkerim (14) - A child soldier in the local militia. Pete (71) - An expatriated American, quietly living out his final years on the plains of Africa.
by Brian Cern

It's the type of story that would begin "The fog rolled in thick off the bay," if only I could tell stories, and if you weren't in front of your computer, searching for a new script to read. It's a tale of detectives, of murders, of actors jockeying for fame. A tale inspired by the old radio stories, the ones that stick in your head like a bad pop song

Cast:
2w - 3M Men - late 20's, 40's, 60's Women - early 20's, 50
by Brian Cern

Two roomates, freshly out of college, debate their place in a social media driven world. One wants nothing to do with it, the other wants to make it work for him.   

Cast:
Chris - 22, M - Just starting his first post-college job, strait-laced and hard working. Jason - 22, M - Taking his time, after graduation, to find his place in the world.
by Brian Cern

When the universe can’t seem to make up its mind, it turns to Chris to give it a push and show it the way forward. But at what price?

Cast:
CHRIS: M/ Mid-to-Late Twenties/ A parent, out of their element, but coping. MR JONES: F/ Ageless/ Authority figure. Very Supportive, can be overly friendly. Suit, tie, and in charge.* *Although female, the name is to remain as Mr Jones. Think of “Mr” as a title, rather than a descriptor.
by Brian Cern

After a lifetime of pain, an impossible woman from out of a legend demands to have her voice heard, over that of her more famous family.

Cast:
LUCREZIA “LU” COLLODI Female/Adult- Somewhat bitter, almost sad, and she has been through enough. Clothing serves as armor, must wear gloves. MATT MADUSKA Male/Adult- Young academic, somewhat excitable. Is aware of the fact that he can be naive. As armored as she is, he is as soft.

Successes

My play, Beautifully So, will receive its world premiere production this May, at Key City Public Theatre in Port Townsend, Washington. 

My plays, Scholarship and Strings, will be produced this February at Totino-Grace High School (Fridley, MN)

My play, Beautifully So, has been named a finalist in the Paris Players (Thetford, VT)  Annual Ten Minute Play Festival.

My play, Beautifully So, has been adapted for radio and will be airing in Queensland, Australia, this August.

My play, A Savanna Story, has been named a finalist in the Minnesota Shorts Play Festival.