Script File

Manic

After a car accident gives her a traumatic brain injury, struggling poet Ivy discovers she has multiple personalities. As her different selves fight for control, Ivy learns the importance of self-love and acceptance. "Manic" is a darkly comedic exploration of identity and trauma.

  • Allison Dayne
    Writer
    MADLY
  • Project Type:
    Screenplay
  • First-time Screenwriter:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Writer Biography - Allison Dayne

Allison Dayne is a legally blind non-binary writer hailing from Eagle, Idaho. They received their undergraduate degree from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah, and their MFA from Savannah College of Art and Design in writing and performance. Allison's passion for writing led them to complete the Second City Comedy Studies Program in Chicago.

Allison's unique perspective and commitment to truthful storytelling are evident in their work, which strives to bring the private into the public sphere. Their critically acclaimed original play, Unrequited, won the Critics Choice Award at several Fringe Festivals, and their feature Division was written during their writers residency at the Atelier Alumni Savannah College of Art & Design.

Allison's talents also extend to the film industry, where they wrote and directed an LGBTQ modern version of Anton Chekhov's The Seagull, which earned accolades from prestigious film festivals such as Shockfest, LA Femme International Film Festival, and American Filmatic Arts Awards. They recently wrapped up a short film, which stars Stephen McKinley Henderson, Austin Pendleton, and Veanne Cox, and is currently in post-production.

As the artistic director for Leading Ladies, a non-profit organization that empowers womxn and supports social justice causes, Allison writes plays and casts womxn on stage, with proceeds going to non-profits such as rape recovery centers, domestic violence centers, and suicide hotlines.

Overall, Allison Dayne is a talented writer, director, and artist who strives to bring private stories into the public sphere in a truthful way. Their unique perspective as a legally blind non-binary individual adds depth and complexity to their work, making it both captivating and thought-provoking.

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Writer Statement

As the writer of the TV show Manic, I was inspired by my own personal journey of overcoming adversity after being hit by a semi-truck, losing most of my sight and being diagnosed with split-personality.
This experience forced me to relearn basic functions, and the recovery process was a grueling one, both physically and mentally. But it also provided me with a unique perspective on the complex nature of human beings, and the ways in which we are all struggling to find our place in the world.

Comedy has always been an important tool for healing and coping, and it was especially important to me during my recovery process. Laughter has the power to bring people together, and it can help us to confront difficult emotions and situations with a lighter heart. That's why I knew that I wanted to infuse Manic with humor, even as we explore some of the darker and more challenging aspects of mental health and self-acceptance.

For me, writing stories about the complex nature of people is essential. We all have a story to tell, and it's through sharing our stories that we can connect with others and find a sense of belonging. With Manic, I wanted to create a show that would resonate with today's audiences, who are more open and accepting of mental health issues than ever before. This is a story about learning to accept yourself and finding the courage to be true to who you are, even when the world around you is trying to push you in a different direction.

Ultimately, I believe that Manic is a story that speaks to the human experience in a powerful way. It's a show that encourages us to look beyond our differences and embrace our shared struggles, to find hope and healing in the face of adversity. And it's my hope that viewers will see themselves reflected in the characters, and that they will find comfort, inspiration, and a sense of community as they follow the journey of this group of misfits on their quest for self-discovery and acceptance.