Issue-Oriented Plays for Teens & Their Parents
Theatre for a New Generation speaks to the needs of teenaged audiences who have begun to encounter the challenges and complexities of life. The plays are issue-oriented. They stimulate thought and constructive discussion. Within the vivid framework of a stage drama, they allow teenaged audience members a variety of fresh perspectives on such sometimes-problematic themes as friendship, loyalty, bullying, racism, sex and sexuality.
Some examples from past seasons include And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank, a multi-media play documenting the Holocaust experience of Anne Frank, her friends and family; The Good Times Are Killing Me, portraying the rupture of a friendship because of racism in a changing neighborhood in the 1960s and The Wrestling Season in which male and female members of a high school wrestling team are harmed by malicious rumors about their sexual identities.
Each play—a fully mounted production that may involve Youth Conservatory members—is presented for a limited number of performances over a single weekend. The content is typically similar to PG-rated or PG-13-rated films with occasional use of vulgar or profane language. There is no nudity. Violent scenes, disturbing behavior reflective of the teen experience, including bullying, identity issues, and self-destructive behavior, and frank discussions of issues such as sex, and alcohol or drug abuse may take place. The plays may portray teenagers struggling with these issues or engaging in harmful or self-destructive behavior.
The response to previous productions, on the part of teenagers and their parents, has been overwhelmingly positive. However, The Laguna Playhouse appreciates parental concern and therefore provides a clear understanding of potentially distributing content in advance through its promotional materials, on our website and at point of purchase. Written parental permission is additionally required for all young people participating in TNG plays as cast or crew.
THE SECRET LIFE OF GIRLS
March 9-11, 2010
By Linda Daugherty
Directed by Donna Inglima
An honest unflinching dramatization of teen-girl angst and the tumultuous, destructive world of girls’ bullying. Based upon interviews with girls on the giving and receiving end of bullying, the play highlights the impact of “cyberbullying,” the facilitation of mean-spirited behaviors through the use of cell phones, instant messaging, email and chat rooms.
This play is frank in content and language. Parental discretion is advised.
