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Clinically Un-Depressed
Clinically Un-Depressed — A Contemporary Comedy Play Script That Sparks Laughter, Connection, and Reflection
Audiences don’t just love this play—they bring others to experience it.
“This is the play the world needs right now. There's a reason this is the only play we've ever done twice.”
— John Daniels, Jr., Director of Playhouse Smithville
Clinically Un-Depressed is a funny, character-driven dramatic comedy that avoids preachy messaging while landing emotional punches. It’s ideal for directors seeking a two-act play script with a flexible medium cast and strong ensemble roles.
The story follows Cole Black, a boy with a rare neurological he’s incapable of sadness or anger. Told through the eyes of grizzled Vietnam veteran Millard Anderson, Cole’s presence quietly transforms an entire neighborhood. The school bully softens. The uptight girl opens up. The grumpy old man finds meaning. And a father locked in cycles of emotional abuse faces the quiet challenge of a son who simply won’t respond the way he's used to.
At its core, this contemporary comedy play is about the ripple effect of emotional honesty. Audiences leave laughing—and looking at their place in the world a little differently.
If this sounds like the kind of story your community needs, don’t overthink logistics. Let’s talk. Getting it in front of people is what matters most—and we will make that happen.
Audiences don’t just love this play—they bring others to experience it.
“This is the play the world needs right now. There's a reason this is the only play we've ever done twice.”
— John Daniels, Jr., Director of Playhouse Smithville
Clinically Un-Depressed is a funny, character-driven dramatic comedy that avoids preachy messaging while landing emotional punches. It’s ideal for directors seeking a two-act play script with a flexible medium cast and strong ensemble roles.
The story follows Cole Black, a boy with a rare neurological he’s incapable of sadness or anger. Told through the eyes of grizzled Vietnam veteran Millard Anderson, Cole’s presence quietly transforms an entire neighborhood. The school bully softens. The uptight girl opens up. The grumpy old man finds meaning. And a father locked in cycles of emotional abuse faces the quiet challenge of a son who simply won’t respond the way he's used to.
At its core, this contemporary comedy play is about the ripple effect of emotional honesty. Audiences leave laughing—and looking at their place in the world a little differently.
If this sounds like the kind of story your community needs, don’t overthink logistics. Let’s talk. Getting it in front of people is what matters most—and we will make that happen.
- GenresPlays
81 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 2021
About the author
Will Holcomb
10 books51 followersAuthor and playwright Will Holcomb captivates audiences with heartfelt stories exploring questions about real life human connection, individual authenticity, and the possibility of how our lives can be transformed by our interactions.
Will didn't start out as a writer -- but he had ideas that wouldn't stop so he started pouring them into words, and ended up with best-selling and critically-acclaimed works. Before he began writing at age 45, Will taught elementary school -- and then went back to college, where he earned his Master’s degree in Computer Science and became a software engineer.
His play, The Puzzler, won the Audience Acclaim Award at TexFest2023, and his other play, Clinically Un-Depressed, continually performs sold-out shows to audiences who repeatedly rave about the show as they laugh through their tears.
Part I of The Infinite Jeff won the Gold Medal in the 2023 Global Book Awards, and is ranked as #1 bestseller in Spiritual Fiction on Goodreads.
Will grew up in northern Michigan (Cheboygan, to be exact) before moving to Texas and landing in Smithville, Texas -- where he now lives with his wife and enjoys time with his 6 children and 4 granddaughters.
Throughout his life, Will enjoyed many interests and hobbies — including building houses, rebuilding cars, building furniture, riding his motorcycle, traveling and exploring new places, and many other things. Will is also on the library board, plays racquetball whenever he can, and also put out an album with an organization he started called “Songs of Smithville”.
Thank you for joining Will on this journey!
Will didn't start out as a writer -- but he had ideas that wouldn't stop so he started pouring them into words, and ended up with best-selling and critically-acclaimed works. Before he began writing at age 45, Will taught elementary school -- and then went back to college, where he earned his Master’s degree in Computer Science and became a software engineer.
His play, The Puzzler, won the Audience Acclaim Award at TexFest2023, and his other play, Clinically Un-Depressed, continually performs sold-out shows to audiences who repeatedly rave about the show as they laugh through their tears.
Part I of The Infinite Jeff won the Gold Medal in the 2023 Global Book Awards, and is ranked as #1 bestseller in Spiritual Fiction on Goodreads.
Will grew up in northern Michigan (Cheboygan, to be exact) before moving to Texas and landing in Smithville, Texas -- where he now lives with his wife and enjoys time with his 6 children and 4 granddaughters.
Throughout his life, Will enjoyed many interests and hobbies — including building houses, rebuilding cars, building furniture, riding his motorcycle, traveling and exploring new places, and many other things. Will is also on the library board, plays racquetball whenever he can, and also put out an album with an organization he started called “Songs of Smithville”.
Thank you for joining Will on this journey!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 10, 2017
Having seen numerous productions over the years, this is the most original, refreshing and delightful story I have seen in a long, long time. Very nicely woven from start to finish, this message is impacting and literally life changing...in the best way possible. YES! There is a viable option to all the chaos and harm so commonplace in the living experience. I give it ten stars but Goodreads allows the five.
September 29, 2018
I really love this story. It does a great job of including a lot of emotions and engrossing your imagination.
November 23, 2024
Clinically Un-Depressed by Will Holcomb is a modern gem that captivated both me and my students. The play introduces a fascinating premise: what happens when someone who cannot experience anger or sadness challenges those around him to reflect on their actions and emotions? The result is a deeply original and inspiring story that resonates with readers of all ages.
My middle school students were easily drawn to the characters, especially the stereotypical grouchy old man who hilariously yells at kids to stay off his lawn. The relatable humor and heartfelt message sparked lively discussions and made the play a joy to experience. They eagerly volunteered to read parts aloud and remained engrossed during independent reading sessions. The opportunity to virtually chat with the author after finishing the play was a very special treat for the kids, as it enriched their understanding and appreciation of the story even further.
Personally, I couldn’t put this play down. From the moment it arrived, I was hooked and finished it in one sitting. Its thought-provoking themes and engaging dialogue make it a fantastic choice for the classroom or a book club. I would love to see it performed on stage, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any local theater seeking a modern and impactful play to share with their audience.
This play is truly a delight
My middle school students were easily drawn to the characters, especially the stereotypical grouchy old man who hilariously yells at kids to stay off his lawn. The relatable humor and heartfelt message sparked lively discussions and made the play a joy to experience. They eagerly volunteered to read parts aloud and remained engrossed during independent reading sessions. The opportunity to virtually chat with the author after finishing the play was a very special treat for the kids, as it enriched their understanding and appreciation of the story even further.
Personally, I couldn’t put this play down. From the moment it arrived, I was hooked and finished it in one sitting. Its thought-provoking themes and engaging dialogue make it a fantastic choice for the classroom or a book club. I would love to see it performed on stage, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any local theater seeking a modern and impactful play to share with their audience.
This play is truly a delight
September 2, 2020
When I first read the synopsis of this book, I thought, "Wow! But wouldn't you want to go through pain? Wouldn't it make things worse?" And so when he asked his dad to show him what angry looks like, I wasn't very surprised. But the thing that amazed me was that Cole responded differently to every type of fear that he encountered, which made the relationships turn around in the best ways. He changed his father, he changed the neighbor... I just looove it!
September 4, 2017
I read this play only because I was looking for anything by this author. I honestly think it was the sweetest book I have ever read! It took a little bit to get used to reading it in "play format", but it is so worth it! I went between tears and awe! Another must read!!
July 19, 2025
FREAKING AMAZING!!!
This play was so well-written and so deep that I couldn’t put it down!!! The characters were brilliant!!! Highly recommend!!
This play was so well-written and so deep that I couldn’t put it down!!! The characters were brilliant!!! Highly recommend!!
March 15, 2025
A. I Laughed
B. I cried
I absolutely adored this❤️
B. I cried
I absolutely adored this❤️
January 19, 2019
Creates a thoughtful alternative for dealing with challenging incidents. Very good .
January 21, 2026
I had the privilege of directing a small scene from this play, and that experience alone speaks to the writing's strength. The dialogue is sharp, layered, and emotionally grounded in a way that translates powerfully from page to performance, something that ultimately carried the project to several film festivals.
On the page, the work reflects a strong command of character and tension, with themes that feel intimate, lived-in, and human rather than theatrical for its own sake. There’s a confidence in the writing that trusts the audience to lean in, and that restraint is what makes it resonate.
As both a reader and a director, it’s clear this is material that invites interpretation and rewards close attention. I’m grateful for the opportunity to engage with the work creatively and highly recommend it.
On the page, the work reflects a strong command of character and tension, with themes that feel intimate, lived-in, and human rather than theatrical for its own sake. There’s a confidence in the writing that trusts the audience to lean in, and that restraint is what makes it resonate.
As both a reader and a director, it’s clear this is material that invites interpretation and rewards close attention. I’m grateful for the opportunity to engage with the work creatively and highly recommend it.
November 11, 2019
I was blown away by this play. It is a life changing piece of work.
February 1, 2024
This is a play script. The writing is remedial, but the ending is lovely.
May 27, 2026
I had the opportunity the direct this show this year (West Coast premier I believe!) and had such a wonderful experience diving into this script and producing a wonderful play. I had originally read it amongst several other scripts during a summer camping trip and it stood out to me so much I finished it in one sitting. This is a story that people need to hear, especially with emotionally tense climate of the world.
Your actions and REactions are choices you make every day. The anger toward your unknown neighbor, the bitterness you feel at perceived rejection or loss - those are choices you make. You can chose joy and to be happy and see things from a different perspective, you are not stuck in the way the world made you. I think that is an important lesson that a lot of people can learn from.
A story filled with hope and laughter, Clinically UnDepressed is a beautiful script that deserves to be read and seen, and I hope to see more productions out there in the future!
As a bonus, Will is an incredibly kind human who was active with communications throughout the entire rehearsal process, and was able to provide insight or answers to any questions or difficulties we might have had - very cool to have the author involved in our production and he even made a point to travel out of state to see our show!
Thank you!
Your actions and REactions are choices you make every day. The anger toward your unknown neighbor, the bitterness you feel at perceived rejection or loss - those are choices you make. You can chose joy and to be happy and see things from a different perspective, you are not stuck in the way the world made you. I think that is an important lesson that a lot of people can learn from.
A story filled with hope and laughter, Clinically UnDepressed is a beautiful script that deserves to be read and seen, and I hope to see more productions out there in the future!
As a bonus, Will is an incredibly kind human who was active with communications throughout the entire rehearsal process, and was able to provide insight or answers to any questions or difficulties we might have had - very cool to have the author involved in our production and he even made a point to travel out of state to see our show!
Thank you!
July 10, 2017
Clinically Un-Depressed as been a journey for me. When I started writing it, I showed it to john daniels, jr., a good friend of mine who owns and directs Playhouse Smithville. I was surprised when he said, "Will, I want to produce the show." He asked me if I wanted to direct it or him. I have no experience with directing and I have acted in many shows where john was the director. After I watched him at the first rehearsal, and watched the depth he started pulling out of the play, I was glad he was willing to direct. Over three crazy weeks of rehearsals, updated scripts almost every night, an awful dress rehearsal, the cast wowed the audience. The nearly full house gave them a standing ovation. Word spread and we sold out every show after that.
Almost two years later, john wanted to do Clinically Un-Depressed again. We got over ninety percent of the original cast back, extremely excited to reacquaint themselves with the alter egos they grew to love in the first run. Each night, at the opening of the show, john would tell the audience, "With eighty-four productions in our seven seasons, this is the only show we have done twice. This is the most requested and talked about show I have ever done." The cast was amazing as they became their roles, living them on stage, instead of playing them on stage. The laughter and tears of the audience every night, the standing ovations, the talks after the show, made this experience something the cast, john and I, will never forget.
A year later, with mostly the same cast, we performed at Bastrop Opera House in Bastrop, Texas. The first two shows were attended by a modest number of people filling a little less than half the seats. But the next two weekends sold out. At the last show, the executive director introduced the show and asked how many people had seen it before. Over half the audience raised their hands. Some had seen it five times. This unknown show was Bastrop Opera House's highest grossing show for the 2017-2018 season.
Almost two years later, john wanted to do Clinically Un-Depressed again. We got over ninety percent of the original cast back, extremely excited to reacquaint themselves with the alter egos they grew to love in the first run. Each night, at the opening of the show, john would tell the audience, "With eighty-four productions in our seven seasons, this is the only show we have done twice. This is the most requested and talked about show I have ever done." The cast was amazing as they became their roles, living them on stage, instead of playing them on stage. The laughter and tears of the audience every night, the standing ovations, the talks after the show, made this experience something the cast, john and I, will never forget.
A year later, with mostly the same cast, we performed at Bastrop Opera House in Bastrop, Texas. The first two shows were attended by a modest number of people filling a little less than half the seats. But the next two weekends sold out. At the last show, the executive director introduced the show and asked how many people had seen it before. Over half the audience raised their hands. Some had seen it five times. This unknown show was Bastrop Opera House's highest grossing show for the 2017-2018 season.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews