Daniel Guyton



death of a Snowman





This page features information on the play "Death of a Snowman" by Daniel Guyton. There is also a short animated film with the same name. First, you will see images related to the play. Below that are reviews and other details.

To purchase a copy, please click either of the first two images.



Death of a Snowman



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 Festival, 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)

  1. Produced by Phoenix Theatre in Indianapolis, IN, 2009
  2. Produced by Canberra Girls Grammar School in ACT, Australia, 2010
  3. Produced by Elkins High School in Missouri City, TX, 2010
  4. Produced by Phoenix Theatre in Indianapolis, IN, 2010
  5. Produced by Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, OH, 2010
  6. Produced by Barley Sheaf Players in Lionville, PA, 2011
  7. Produced at BoxFest Detroit Festival in Detroit, MI, 2011
  8. Produced by Harbor Ridge Middle School in Gig Harbor, WA, 2011
  9. Produced by American River College of Sacramento, CA, 2011
  10. Produced by Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, VA, 2011
  11. Produced by Lake Michigan Catholic School in Saint Joseph, MI, 2011
  12. Produced by Maclay School in Tallahassee, FL, 2011
  13. Produced by Dancing Goat Theatre in John's Creek, GA, 2011
  14. Produced at Black Box Theatre in Cranston, RI, 2012
  15. Produced by Deubrook Area Schools in White, SD, 2012
  16. Produced by San Jose Rep's Emerging Artists Lab in San Jose, CA, 2012
  17. Produced as a Radio Drama by KYRS Radio (92.3fm) in Spokane, WA, 2013
  18. Produced by Harbor Ridge Middle School in Gig Harbor, WA, 2013
  19. Produced at Scituate High School as part of SpringFest 2013 in Scituate, MA, 2013
  20. Produced by Harper College's Summer InZone Program in Palatine, IL, 2013
  21. Produced by Neuqua Valley Theatre Department in Naperville, IL, 2013
  22. Produced by Montgomery Central Middle School in Cunngingham, TN, 2013
  23. Produced by Storm Lake High School in Storm Lake, IA, 2013
  24. Produced by Suffolk County Community College in Selden, NY, 2013
  25. Produced at Last Frontier Theatre Conference in Valdez, AK, 2014
  26. Produced by East Anchorage High School in Anchorage, AK, 2014
  27. Produced by Madrid High School in Madrid, IA, 2014
  28. Produced by Mostly Harmless Productions in Schenectady, NY, 2014
  29. Produced by Second Stage Studio in Cumberland, RI, 2014
  30. Produced by Devil's Lake Public School in Devil's Lake, ND, 2014
  31. Produced by Scribner Snyder Community Schools in Scribner, NE, 2014
  32. Produced by Watford City Public Schools in Watford, ND, 2014
  33. Produced by Callaway Public School in Callaway, NE, 2014
  34. Produced by Rumson County Day School in Oceanport, NJ, 2014
  35. Produced by Independent School District 881 in Maple Lake, MN, 2014
  36. Produced by Sioux Valley Schools in Volga, SD, 2014
  37. Produced by Holy Names Speech Team in Seattle, WA, 2014
  38. Produced by Lowery Freshman Center in Allen, TX, 2014
  39. Produced by Plainfield North High School in Plainfield, IL, 2014
  40. Produced on KPBX 91.1fm as a Radio Drama in Spokane, WA, 2014
  41. Produced by Trinity High School in Camp Hill, PA, 2015
  42. Produced by Vinita High School in Vinita, OK, 2015
  43. Produced by Westbrook Walnut Grove High School in Westbrook, MN, 2015
  44. Produced by Bridgeton High School in Bridgeton, NJ, 2015
  45. Produced by Leyton High School in Dalton, NE, 2015
  46. Produced by Manual High School in Peoria, IL, 2015
  47. Produced by Woodland Middle School in Taylor Mill, KY, 2015
  48. Produced by Eureka High School in Eureka, IL, 2015
  49. Produced by Lone Jack High School Speech Team in Lone Jack, MO, 2015
  50. Produced by Twin Cedars Community Schools in Bussey, IA, 2015
  51. Produced by Liberal Eye Productions as an animated film, 2015
  52. Produced by Wright Drama Club in Wright, WY, 2015
  53. Produced by Star Valley High School in Afton, WY, 2015
  54. Produced by Carpe Diem Innovative School in Cincinnati, OH, 2015
  55. Produced by Lisbon Central School in Lisbon, NY, 2015
  56. Produced by St. Roch Catholic School in Indianapolis, IN, 2015
  57. Produced by Union High School in Big Stone Gap, VA, 2015
  58. Produced by Riverdale High School in Port Byron, IL, 2015
  59. Produced by South Sioux City High School in South Sioux City, NE, 2015
  60. Produced by Stansbury High School in Stansbury Park, UT, 2015
  61. Produced by Troy High School in Troy, KS, 2015
  62. Produced by Midway Speech Team in Inkster, ND, 2015
  63. Produced by Hobbs Municipal School in Hobbs, NM, 2015
  64. Produced by Newnan High School in Newnan, GA, 2016
  65. Produced by Herington High School in Herington, KS, 2016
  66. Produced by Kansas City Christian School in Prairie Village, KS, 2016
  67. Produced by Naperville Central High School in Naperville, IL, 2016
  68. Produced by Marion High School in Marion, KS, 2016
  69. Produced by Salyards Middle School in Cypress, TX, 2016
  70. Produced by Stansbury High School in Stansbury Park, UT, 2016
  71. Produced by Crete High School in Crete, NE, 2016
  72. Produced by Fairfield High School in Fairfield, IA, 2016
  73. Produced by Palatine High School in Palatine, IL, 2016
  74. Produced by Brandon Valley High School in Brandon Valley, SD, 2016
  75. Produced by Columbia High School in Nampa, ID, 2016
  76. Produced by Windsor Senior High School in Imperial, MO, 2016
  77. Produced by Maryville R-II School District in Maryville, MO, 2016
  78. Produced by The Vanguard School in Colorado Springs, CO, 2016
  79. Produced by Filer High School in Filer, ID, 2016
  80. Produced by Nedrose High School in Minot, ND, 2016
  81. Produced by Torrance High School in Torrance, CA, 2016
  82. Staged Reading by East Anchorage High School in Anchorage, AK, 2016
  83. Produced by Central High School in Norwood Young America, MN, 2016
  84. Produced by Lisbon High School in Lisbon, ND, 2016
  85. Produced by Living Word Lutheran School in Jackson, WI, 2017
  86. Produced by Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, NC, 2017
  87. Produced by McGregor High School in McGregor, MN, 2017
  88. Produced by Mercy High School in Omaha, NE, 2017
  89. Produced by Miles City Unified School District in Miles City, MT, 2017
  90. Produced by Mid-Prairie Senior High School in Wellman, IA, 2017
  91. Produced by Concordia High School in Omaha, NE, 2017
  92. Produced by Mission Viejo High School in Mission Viejo, CA, 2018
  93. Produced by Kenmare Public School in Kenmare, ND, 2018
  94. Produced by Lloydminster Comprehensive High School in Alberta, Canada, 2018
  95. Produced by Lawrence High School in Lawrence, KS, 2018
  96. Produced by Evanston High School in Evanston, WY, 2018
  97. Produced by Las Colinas Middle School in Camarillo, CA, 2018
  98. Produced by East Lake High School in El Paso, TX, 2018
  99. Produced by Moyers High School in Moyers, OK, 2018
  100. Produced by Wayne High School in Wayne, NE, 2018
  101. Produced by Colstrip High School in Colstrip, MT, 2018
  102. Produced by Hampton High School in Hampton, GA, 2018
  103. Produced by South Middle School in Edinburgh, TX, 2018
  104. Produced by Tex Hill School in San Antonio, TX, 2018
  105. Produced by Lewis Palmer Middle School in Monument, CO, 2018
  106. Produced by Mt. Pleasant School in Rolla, ND, 2018
  107. Produced by Oakes Public School in Oakes, ND, 2019
  108. Produced by Shiloh Christian School in Bismarck, ND, 2019
  109. Produced by Salina High Central in Salina, KS, 2019
  110. Produced by Dover Players in Olmsted, OH, 2019
  111. Produced by El Reno High School in El Reno, OK, 2019
  112. Produced by Wellesley High School in Wellesley, MA, 2019
  113. Produced by Onstage Atlanta in Atlanta, GA, 2019
  114. Produced by Bremen High School in Midlothian, IL, 2019
  115. Produced by Wellington High School in Wellington, FL, 2019
  116. Produced at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ, 2019
  117. Produced by Wichita Christian School in Wichita, TX, 2020
  118. Produced by Metropolitan State University of Denver, CO, 2020
  119. Produced by Mankato West Speech Team in Mankato, MN, 2020
  120. Produced by Central Park Players in Grand Haven, MI, 2020
  121. Produced by Central Valley Public School in Buxton, ND, 2020
  122. Produced by Lincoln Christian High School in Tulsa, OK, 2021
  123. Produced by White Pine Middle School in Saginaw, MI, 2021
  124. Produced by Bucyrus Little Theatre in Bucyrus, OH, 2021
  125. Produced by Hazen High School in Hazen, ND, 2021
  126. Produced by Lansing Community College in Lansing, MI, 2021
  127. Produced by Alcazar Theatre in Carpinteria, CA, 2021
  128. Produced by Oakville Senior High School in St. Louis, MO, 2021
  129. Produced by Borger Independent School District in Borger, TX, 2021
  130. Produced by Marion Senior High School in Marion, VA, 2021
  131. Produced by North East Independent School District in San Antonio, TX, 2022
  132. Produced by Independent School District in Hibbing, MN, 2022
  133. Produced by Southwest R-5 School District in Washburn, MO, 2022
  134. Produced by Fair Grove Schools in Fair Grove, MO, 2022
  135. Produced by Christ the King Cathedral School in Lubbock, TX, 2022
  136. Produced by The Village School in Houston, TX, 2022
  137. Produced by Banner County School in Harrisburg, NE, 2023
  138. Produced by Independence High School in Independence, KS, 2023
  139. Produced by North Border High School in Walhalla, ND, 2023
  140. Produced by The Academy at Lincoln in Greensboro, NC, 2023
  141. Produced by Plattsmouth Speech Team in Plattsmouth, NE, 2023
  142. Produced by North Bend Central High School in North Bend, NE, 2023
  143. Produced by Du Quoin High School in Du Quoin, IL, 2023
  144. Produced by Bartlett High School in Bartlett, IL, 2024
  145. Produced by Moreland Ridge Middle School in Blue Spring, MO, 2024
  146. Produced by St. Joseph School in Cottleville, MO, 2024
  147. Produced by Exeter-Milligan Public School in Exeter, NE, 2024
  148. Produced by Harris Middle School in San Antonion, TX, 2024
  149. Produced by West Fargo Public Schools in Horace, ND, 2024
  150. Produced by St. Mary Preparatory School in Orchard Lake, MI, 2024​
  151. Produced by USD 489 in Hays, KS, 2024
  152. Produced by Gordon College in Wenham, MA, 2024
  153. Produced by Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA, 2024
  154. Produced by Galena High School in Galena, IL, 2024

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)







Daniel Guyton