1M,1F. One-Act (10 min), A snowman and a little girl discuss the afterlife in this existential Yuletide comedy.
*This stage play has been adapted into a short screenplay by the same name.
- Winner of Best Animated Short Screenplay Award from Georgia Shorts Film Festiva
l, 2024
- Winner of Best Drama Short Screenplay Award from DC After Dark
, 2024
- Winner of Critics' Choice Award
in Golden Sparrow International Film Festival
, 2021
- Winner of GottaGo!
Newsletter's "Favorite of the Evening" award
in 2009
- 2nd Place Winner in Dover Players 10-Minute Play Experience
, 2019
- Special Mention Award
in Gona Film Awards
, 2021
- Semi-Finalist in Near Nazareth Festival
, 2021
- Semi-Finalist in Play-Makers Spokane Hit & Run VII
in Spokane, WA, 2013
- Official Selection in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival
, 2021
- Official Selection in KinoDrome International Motion Picture & Screenplay Festival
, 2021
- Has been produced over 100 times
!
"[Michael] Shelton and Amanda Lynn Meyer team up nicely in
DEATH OF A SNOWMAN
, a poignant moment between a girl who has lost her mother and her snowman, who explains the circle of life in the coolest way possible." (Elizabeth Musgrave,
GottaGo.us
, 2009)
"Best of the bunch is Daniel Guyton’s
DEATH OF A SNOWMAN
, in which actor Michael Shelton gives the best performance I’ve seen from him (and I’ve seen some fine ones) as a snowman discussing life and death with a young girl (Amanda Lynn Meyer)." (Lou Harry,
Indianapolis Business Journal
, 2009)
"Nor is [the festival] all fluff. One short play has a little girl charmingly but profoundly discussing death and the after-life with a compassionate snow man, for example. (
DEATH OF A SNOWMAN
, by Daniel Guyton)." (Hope Baugh,
Indy Theatre Habit
, 2009)
"I read
DEATH OF A SNOWMAN
and it is absolutely beautiful. You had me laughing and crying throughout the play." (Geri Albrecht, Heuer Publishing, 2009)
"Stephen [Hunt] gives a freshly poignant interpretation to the older and wiser snowman that Xmas newcomer Claire Wilcher talks to about immortality... in
DEATH OF A SNOWMAN
, by Daniel Guyton... I felt as if my face were leaking, I cried so much during this piece, but I just let the tears fall and wiped them away as needed. I never got around to voting online, but Guyton’s
DEATH OF A SNOWMAN
is probably my favorite of all of the Phoenix Xmas pieces." (Hope Baugh,
Indy Theatre Habit
, 2010)
"What I love about it is that it transcends its visual gag and becomes a very moving and poignant piece about a child coping with death and ultimately about our purpose and the meaning of life.
[DEATH OF A SNOWMAN]
lifts our show to something beyond sight gags, puns and songs. That's why it's the second to the last play of the evening." (Bryan Fonseca, Phoenix Theatre, 2010)
"Daniel Guyton's
[DEATH OF A SNOWMAN]
presents a little girl (Claire Wilcher) in earnest dialogue with a huge snowman (Stephen Hunt) about death and the preciousness of life." (Jay Harvey,
IndyStar.com
, 2010)
"
DEATH OF A SNOWMAN
is a bittersweet little interlude between a motherless child and her come-to-life snowman. The theme is the fragility of life and the pain of loss... The play [features] the wonderful work of Indigo Colbert as Charlotte. So convincing is her performance as the sad, wistful child I cannot begin to guess at Colbert's actual age. Brava!" (John Quinn,
Encore Michigan
, 2011)
"The title says it all in
DEATH OF A SNOWMAN
(by Daniel Guyton, director Jackie Strez), in which young Charlotte (Indigo Colbert) considers the mortality of the snowman she created (Aaron Timlin), in a ponderous but ultimately touching scene. The play manages to stretch beyond its exceptional and hilarious costuming - Colbert’s little girl is contemplative without being precocious, and scene partner Timlin uses a vocal affectation that provides hilarity without hijacking the connection." (Carolyn Hayes,
The Rogue Critic
, 2011)
"
DEATH OF A SNOWMAN
by Daniel Guyton examines life, love and loss through a fanciful conversation between a young girl and the snowman she created in her backyard. Charlotte (the adorable Haley Pine) grieves the recent death of her mother and turns to her rather eloquent, if physically frosty, friend (charmingly played by Billy Flynn) for a frank and philosophical discussion of life’s biggest questions. Guyton’s piece suitably explores grief and remembrance by embracing optimism, adding a touch of humor, and championing the well-lived life." (Veronica Bruscini,
RhodeIsland.BroadwayWorld.com
, 2012)
"In
DEATH OF A SNOWMAN
, by Daniel Guyton, a little girl, Charlotte (Haley Pine), converses with said Snowman (Billy Flynn). She is concerned that he'll be "going away soon." Her mother, you see, has passed away, so she's wondering what he thinks about the afterlife. Charlotte asks him why people die and he retorts, "Why do people live?" It's a sweet little tale about learning acceptance and appreciation." (Bill Rodriguez,
The Boston Phoenix
, 2012)
"Our radio show has ended... It was a glorious three year run, broadcasting well over one hundred plays. Your play
DEATH OF A SNOWMAN
was one of our finest moments. Thank you... for all of your contributions." (Noah Fredericks, KYRS Radio, 2014)
"What if... a snowman could talk?
DEATH OF A SNOWMAN
is the story of a grieving little girl who has serious questions and no one to talk to — except her snowman. What follows is a poignant conversation she has with her older and wiser friend about humanity’s biggest questions about death and the preciousness and purpose of life. Rachel Funkhouser and Jordan Town portray Charlotte and Mr. Snowman." (Press Release,
The Fairfield Ledger
, 2016)
"A play for children and for the curious child in each of us that still asks those BIG questions on life and death. Surprisingly delightful despite the tough questions asked by the little girl. The Snowman's metaphysical monologues on existence, his answers that reflect on essence and purpose, all while knowing he'll end up a puddle by the end of the season, made me think of an old man on his deathbed. Simple story concept, a girl talking to a snowman, but complex in its character development through question-and-answer. Perfect for classroom, TYA festival, and competition." (Asher Wyndham, New Play Exchange, 2017)
"
I had the great pleasure of seeing Daniel Guyton play the Snowman in OnStage Atlanta's Merry Little Holiday Shorts 2019. It's a lovely play that offers a quiet meditation on death and keeping those who have passed in our hearts. Guyton creates two fully-realized and unforgettable characters. His deft touch with a gentle humor adds richness to this very moving play." (Peter Dakutis, New Play Exchange, 2020)
"Explaining death and life to a child is never easy, but in this charming and often gently humorous short play, Daniel Guyton does it so well that even a grown-up can understand it." (Philip Middleton Williams, New Play Exchange, 2020)
"Clever script. It’s quite good for a short. The curiosity of the child reflects questions we all have asked and continue to ask. The snowman is an appropriate symbol for a teacher. He is wise, listens and is witty, with an edgy sense of humor. The brief escape into imagination, projecting snowmen and angels, is clever as part of their communication. The script is short, well developed as the child questions life and death, essence, heaven and looks at solutions which lie within her as the snowman points out before the fade out. This, if made into a short film - animated, puppetry or with live actors, should be viewed with family. This is a subject that needs to be shared as the questions raised and philosophy given are not easily answered or understood. They should be talked about and this story, with its clean characterizations, dialogue and resolve with the little girl going into the house to hug and be hugged by her father, is a story to be watched together." (Anonymous Feedback from Kids First! Film Festival Respondent, 2021)
"
Saw this in 2011 at BoxFest Detroit when we shared the stage with our work. It's no wonder this has a long history of performances. Endearing and clever." (Len Cuthbert, New Play Exchange, 2020)
"An off-the-wall, silly play that also manages to be moving and thoughtful." (John Weagly, New Play Exchange, 2018)
"I recommend this play. We produced it in 2 different seasons!" (Bryan Fonseca, Phoenix Theatre, 2015)
"I loved it in the play slam [in Valdez, AK] and knew that someday I wanted my students to do it." (Jill Bess Neimeyer, East Anchorage High School, 2016)
"What better way to get us to consider our mortality than to use the tenuous existence of a snowman? Both funny and sweet,
DEATH OF A SNOWMAN
tackles some tough questions in only ten minutes. Well done." (Robert Lynn, New Play Exchange, 2018)
"
A simple conversation about life and death takes on complex issues when discussed by a little girl who lost her mother and a snowman who's days are numbered. Heartfelt and thought-provoking, this short piece gives the audience quite a lot to digest, but in a charming, easy manner that never sounds preachy. Well done."
(John Busser, New Play Exchange, 2020)
- Produced by Phoenix Theatre
in Indianapolis, IN, 2009
- Produced by Canberra Girls Grammar School
in ACT, Australia, 2010
- Produced by Elkins High School
in Missouri City, TX, 2010
- Produced by Phoenix Theatre
in Indianapolis, IN, 2010
- Produced by Archbishop Hoban High School
in Akron, OH, 2010
- Produced by Barley Sheaf Players
in Lionville, PA, 2011
- Produced at BoxFest Detroit Festival
in Detroit, MI, 2011
- Produced by Harbor Ridge Middle School
in Gig Harbor, WA, 2011
- Produced by American River College
of Sacramento, CA, 2011
- Produced by Deep Creek High School
in Chesapeake, VA, 2011
- Produced by Lake Michigan Catholic School
in Saint Joseph, MI, 2011
- Produced by Maclay School
in Tallahassee, FL, 2011
- Produced by Dancing Goat Theatre
in John's Creek, GA, 2011
- Produced at Black Box Theatre
in Cranston, RI, 2012
- Produced by Deubrook Area Schools
in White, SD, 2012
- Produced by San Jose Rep's Emerging Artists Lab
in San Jose, CA, 2012
- Produced as a Radio Drama by KYRS Radio (92.3fm)
in Spokane, WA, 2013
- Produced by Harbor Ridge Middle School
in Gig Harbor, WA, 2013
- Produced at Scituate High School
as part of SpringFest 2013 in Scituate, MA, 2013
- Produced by Harper College's Summer InZone Program
in Palatine, IL, 2013
- Produced by Neuqua Valley Theatre Department
in Naperville, IL, 2013
- Produced by Montgomery Central Middle School
in Cunngingham, TN, 2013
- Produced by Storm Lake High School
in Storm Lake, IA, 2013
- Produced by Suffolk County Community College
in Selden, NY, 2013
- Produced at Last Frontier Theatre Conference
in Valdez, AK, 2014
- Produced by East Anchorage High School
in Anchorage, AK, 2014
- Produced by Madrid High School
in Madrid, IA, 2014
- Produced by Mostly Harmless Productions
in Schenectady, NY, 2014
- Produced by Second Stage Studio
in Cumberland, RI, 2014
- Produced by Devil's Lake Public School
in Devil's Lake, ND, 2014
- Produced by Scribner Snyder Community Schools
in Scribner, NE, 2014
- Produced by Watford City Public Schools
in Watford, ND, 2014
- Produced by Callaway Public School
in Callaway, NE, 2014
- Produced by Rumson County Day School
in Oceanport, NJ, 2014
- Produced by Independent School District 881
in Maple Lake, MN, 2014
- Produced by Sioux Valley Schools
in Volga, SD, 2014
- Produced by Holy Names Speech Team
in Seattle, WA, 2014
- Produced by Lowery Freshman Center
in Allen, TX, 2014
- Produced by Plainfield North High School
in Plainfield, IL, 2014
- Produced on KPBX 91.1fm
as a Radio Drama in Spokane, WA, 2014
- Produced by Trinity High School
in Camp Hill, PA, 2015
- Produced by Vinita High School
in Vinita, OK, 2015
- Produced by Westbrook Walnut Grove High School
in Westbrook, MN, 2015
- Produced by Bridgeton High School
in Bridgeton, NJ, 2015
- Produced by Leyton High School
in Dalton, NE, 2015
- Produced by Manual High School
in Peoria, IL, 2015
- Produced by Woodland Middle School
in Taylor Mill, KY, 2015
- Produced by Eureka High School
in Eureka, IL, 2015
- Produced by Lone Jack High School Speech Team
in Lone Jack, MO, 2015
- Produced by Twin Cedars Community Schools
in Bussey, IA, 2015
- Produced by Liberal Eye Productions
as an animated film, 2015
- Produced by Wright Drama Club
in Wright, WY, 2015
- Produced by Star Valley High School
in Afton, WY, 2015
- Produced by Carpe Diem Innovative School
in Cincinnati, OH, 2015
- Produced by Lisbon Central School
in Lisbon, NY, 2015
- Produced by St. Roch Catholic School
in Indianapolis, IN, 2015
- Produced by Union High School
in Big Stone Gap, VA, 2015
- Produced by Riverdale High School
in Port Byron, IL, 2015
- Produced by South Sioux City High School
in South Sioux City, NE, 2015
- Produced by Stansbury High School
in Stansbury Park, UT, 2015
- Produced by Troy High School
in Troy, KS, 2015
- Produced by Midway Speech Team
in Inkster, ND, 2015
- Produced by Hobbs Municipal School
in Hobbs, NM, 2015
- Produced by Newnan High School
in Newnan, GA, 2016
- Produced by Herington High School
in Herington, KS, 2016
- Produced by Kansas City Christian School
in Prairie Village, KS, 2016
- Produced by Naperville Central High School
in Naperville, IL, 2016
- Produced by Marion High School
in Marion, KS, 2016
- Produced by Salyards Middle School
in Cypress, TX, 2016
- Produced by Stansbury High School
in Stansbury Park, UT, 2016
- Produced by Crete High School
in Crete, NE, 2016
- Produced by Fairfield High School
in Fairfield, IA, 2016
- Produced by Palatine High School
in Palatine, IL, 2016
- Produced by Brandon Valley High School
in Brandon Valley, SD, 2016
- Produced by Columbia High School
in Nampa, ID, 2016
- Produced by Windsor Senior High School
in Imperial, MO, 2016
- Produced by Maryville R-II School District
in Maryville, MO, 2016
- Produced by The Vanguard School
in Colorado Springs, CO, 2016
- Produced by Filer High School
in Filer, ID, 2016
- Produced by Nedrose High School
in Minot, ND, 2016
- Produced by Torrance High School
in Torrance, CA, 2016
- Staged Reading by East Anchorage High School
in Anchorage, AK, 2016
- Produced by Central High School
in Norwood Young America, MN, 2016
- Produced by Lisbon High School
in Lisbon, ND, 2016
- Produced by Living Word Lutheran School
in Jackson, WI, 2017
- Produced by Cardinal Gibbons High School
in Raleigh, NC, 2017
- Produced by McGregor High School
in McGregor, MN, 2017
- Produced by Mercy High School
in Omaha, NE, 2017
- Produced by Miles City Unified School District
in Miles City, MT, 2017
- Produced by Mid-Prairie Senior High School
in Wellman, IA, 2017
- Produced by Concordia High School
in Omaha, NE, 2017
- Produced by Mission Viejo High School
in Mission Viejo, CA, 2018
- Produced by Kenmare Public School
in Kenmare, ND, 2018
- Produced by Lloydminster Comprehensive High School
in Alberta, Canada, 2018
- Produced by Lawrence High School
in Lawrence, KS, 2018
- Produced by Evanston High School
in Evanston, WY, 2018
- Produced by Las Colinas Middle School
in Camarillo, CA, 2018
- Produced by East Lake High School
in El Paso, TX, 2018
- Produced by Moyers High School
in Moyers, OK, 2018
- Produced by Wayne High School
in Wayne, NE, 2018
- Produced by Colstrip High School
in Colstrip, MT, 2018
- Produced by Hampton High School
in Hampton, GA, 2018
- Produced by South Middle School
in Edinburgh, TX, 2018
- Produced by Tex Hill School
in San Antonio, TX, 2018
- Produced by Lewis Palmer Middle School
in Monument, CO, 2018
- Produced by Mt. Pleasant School
in Rolla, ND, 2018
- Produced by Oakes Public School
in Oakes, ND, 2019
- Produced by Shiloh Christian School
in Bismarck, ND, 2019
- Produced by Salina High Central
in Salina, KS, 2019
- Produced by Dover Players
in Olmsted, OH, 2019
- Produced by El Reno High School
in El Reno, OK, 2019
- Produced by Wellesley High School
in Wellesley, MA, 2019
- Produced by Onstage Atlanta
in Atlanta, GA, 2019
- Produced by Bremen High School
in Midlothian, IL, 2019
- Produced by Wellington High School
in Wellington, FL, 2019
- Produced at Grand Canyon University
in Phoenix, AZ, 2019
- Produced by Wichita Christian School
in Wichita, TX, 2020
- Produced by Metropolitan State University
of Denver, CO, 2020
- Produced by Mankato West Speech Team
in Mankato, MN, 2020
- Produced by Central Park Players
in Grand Haven, MI, 2020
- Produced by Central Valley Public School
in Buxton, ND, 2020
- Produced by Lincoln Christian High School
in Tulsa, OK, 2021
- Produced by White Pine Middle School
in Saginaw, MI, 2021
- Produced by Bucyrus Little Theatre
in Bucyrus, OH, 2021
- Produced by Hazen High School
in Hazen, ND, 2021
- Produced by Lansing Community College
in Lansing, MI, 2021
- Produced by Alcazar Theatre
in Carpinteria, CA, 2021
- Produced by Oakville Senior High School
in St. Louis, MO, 2021
- Produced by Borger Independent School District
in Borger, TX, 2021
- Produced by Marion Senior High School
in Marion, VA, 2021
- Produced by North East Independent School District
in San Antonio, TX, 2022
- Produced by Independent School District
in Hibbing, MN, 2022
- Produced by Southwest R-5 School District
in Washburn, MO, 2022
- Produced by Fair Grove Schools
in Fair Grove, MO, 2022
- Produced by Christ the King Cathedral School
in Lubbock, TX, 2022
- Produced by The Village School
in Houston, TX, 2022
- Produced by Banner County School
in Harrisburg, NE, 2023
- Produced by Independence High School
in Independence, KS, 2023
- Produced by North Border High School
in Walhalla, ND, 2023
- Produced by The Academy at Lincoln
in Greensboro, NC, 2023
- Produced by Plattsmouth Speech Team
in Plattsmouth, NE, 2023
- Produced by North Bend Central High Schoo
l in North Bend, NE, 2023
- Produced by Du Quoin High School
in Du Quoin, IL, 2023
- Produced by Bartlett High School
in Bartlett, IL, 2024
- Produced by Moreland Ridge Middle School
in Blue Spring, MO, 2024
- Produced by St. Joseph School
in Cottleville, MO, 2024
- Produced by Exeter-Milligan Public School
in Exeter, NE, 2024
- Produced by Harris Middle School
in San Antonion, TX, 2024
- Produced by West Fargo Public Schools
in Horace, ND, 2024
- Produced by St. Mary Preparatory School
in Orchard Lake, MI, 2024
- Produced by USD 489
in Hays, KS, 2024
- Produced by Gordon College
in Wenham, MA, 2024
- Produced by Grinnell College
in Grinnell, IA, 2024
- Produced by Galena High School
in Galena, IL, 2024
- Produced by Perkins County School
in Grant, NE, 2025
Review of DEATH OF A SNOWMAN
at Artists Exchange by Veronica Bruscini of BroadwayWorld. com
(2012)
Review of DEATH OF A SNOWMAN
at Boxfest Detroit by Carolyn Hayes of Rogue Critic
(2011)
Review of DEATH OF A SNOWMAN
at Phoenix Theatre by Lou Harry of Indianapolis Business Journal
(2010)
PR for publication of DEATH OF A SNOWMAN
by John Munford of Fayetteville Citizen
(2010)
Review of DEATH OF A SNOWMAN
at Phoenix Theatre by Lou Harry of The Indianapolis Business Journal
(2009)
Review of DEATH OF A SNOWMAN
at Phoenix Theatre by Elizabeth J Musgrave in GottaGo.us (2009)
PR for DEATH OF A SNOWMAN
at Phoenix Theatre on BroadwayWorld.com
(2009)
