Tough

by Margot Connolly

The troubled teen boot camp, Crosswinds, sells itself to parents as a behavior modification program that will help their daughters straighten out. The girls who have been sent here, however, learn it is a place of ever changing rules, harsh punishments, and ever-increasing desperation. When they hear a rumor that the program will be shut down if a camper dies, the girls plan their escape - by whatever means...

The troubled teen boot camp, Crosswinds, sells itself to parents as a behavior modification program that will help their daughters straighten out. The girls who have been sent here, however, learn it is a place of ever changing rules, harsh punishments, and ever-increasing desperation. When they hear a rumor that the program will be shut down if a camper dies, the girls plan their escape - by whatever means necessary.

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Tough

Recommended by

  • Kate Busselle: Tough by Margot Connolly
    “

    This play is a wonderful work that features significant roles for college age women. For anyone who has seen shows like "Scared Straight" or heard about kids being sent away to wilderness camp to be "rehabilitated" into societal norms, this play highlights how flawed and damaging these programs can be. An excellent work for colleges and universities to produce!

    This play is a wonderful work that features significant roles for college age women. For anyone who has seen shows like "Scared Straight" or heard about kids being sent away to wilderness camp to be "rehabilitated" into societal norms, this play highlights how flawed and damaging these programs can be. An excellent work for colleges and universities to produce!

    ”
  • Eric Marlin: Tough by Margot Connolly
    “

    A staggering play that is unsentimental in its examination of the bonds between young women caught in an extreme set of circumstances, where cruelty and caring exist side by side. Despite its dark storytelling, it is never sensationalistic, and is always loving in how seriously it takes its characters.

    A staggering play that is unsentimental in its examination of the bonds between young women caught in an extreme set of circumstances, where cruelty and caring exist side by side. Despite its dark storytelling, it is never sensationalistic, and is always loving in how seriously it takes its characters.

    ”
  • Adam Szymkowicz: Tough by Margot Connolly
    “

    Really cool play.

    Really cool play.

    ”
Lorina: early twenties, female. Member of staff and former participant in the program.
Riley: between 14 and 17, female. New to the program. Quiet.
Maddy: between 14 and 17, female. Next newest, after Riley. A little naive.
Checa: between 14 and 17, female. In the program twenty two months. Simmering rebellion.
Stef: between 14 and 17, female. In the program fourteen months. Swears a lot.
Shan: between 14 and 17, female. In the program twelve months. Friends with Stef.
Mina: between 14 and 17, female. In the program twenty two months. Willing to do anything to rack up points - even turn on the others.

Development History

Production History

  • University, Emporia State University, 2025
  • University, American Academy of Dramatic Arts , 2019
  • University, University of Iowa, 2017

Awards

  • Jerome Fellowship
    Playwrights Center
    Finalist
    2018