Human Variable cover

Robert Joyce

A short story by Fullerton resident and California State University, Fullerton alumnus Robert Joyce is making the transition from the printed page to the stage. Joyce recently published his first book, The Human Variable, a collection of 10 short stories. One of the stories, “The Hunt,” has been adapted into a 10-minute play and selected for The Greenhouse: An Emerging Voices Festival, produced by AnyWay Production Company.

The play will be performed Sept. 12 and 13, 2026, at the Broadwater Black Box in Los Angeles. For Joyce, the festival represents an opportunity to see one of his published stories take on a new form—and reach an audience through live theater.

“The Hunt” is a dark comedy centered on Vlad, a centuries-old vampire who attends a modern speed-dating event looking for a new victim. His search does not go exactly as planned.

After several awkward encounters, Vlad meets Alessandra, a mysterious woman who initially appears to be the perfect target. As their interaction develops, however, Vlad discovers that he may have chosen someone far more dangerous than himself. Joyce adapted the play from the original short story, which is included in The Human Variable. He said his friend Anna Miles, a director and producer, provided valuable feedback and guidance during the adaptation process.

Adapting a story for the stage requires more than simply shortening the original material. A short story can rely on narration, description and a character’s internal thoughts, while a play must communicate much of that information through dialogue, action and performance.

“The Hunt” makes that transition particularly appropriate because its central premise—a vampire navigating the awkwardness of modern speed dating—provides an opportunity for the humor and tension to unfold through live interaction.

Joyce’s selection for the festival comes shortly after the publication of his first book. The Human Variable brings together 10 short stories, giving readers an introduction to Joyce’s fiction, while “The Hunt” now gives theater audiences an opportunity to experience his work in a different format.

The festival’s focus on emerging voices makes the production a notable step for a first-time author moving from independent publishing into theater production. For Fullerton, the production also adds another connection between the city’s literary community and the broader Los Angeles arts scene.

The Greenhouse: An Emerging Voices Festival
Produced by AnyWay Production Company

Sept. 12 and 13, 2026

The Broadwater Black Box
6322 Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90038

Joyce’s story will be one of the works presented during the festival, giving audiences an opportunity to see how a short piece of fiction can be transformed into a live, 10-minute theatrical production.

For Joyce, “The Hunt” marks a new stage in the life of his first book—from a story on the printed page to a performance before a live audience.