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 five 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. However, costumes sometimes reflect provocative trends in teen attire and may be tight fitting and revealing in nature. 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.
May 13 -15, 2008
A Play for Ages 13 & Up and Their Parents
Written by R.N. Sandberg
Commissioned by the McCarter Theatre, Princeton, NJ; Emily Mann, Artistic Director; Jeffery Woodward, Managing Director
Developed at the Bonderman Playwriting Workshop
Directed by Donna Inglima
Ron may be the perfect guy—he’s popular, good-looking, smart and funny. How can a shy kid like Teresa even talk to him? But when their paths cross and each gets caught doing something they shouldn’t, they
have to think about what they believe about themselves, about each other and about what they want. Can’t Believe It! is a comic drama drawn from the real lives of students, teachers and parents. It offers an opportunity for teens to learn about taking responsibility for their actions and the consequences of making poor or inappropriate decisions.
This play is frank in content and language. Parental discretion is advised.
