Billy and the ADHD

by Mark Mulkerin

For a persuasive speech assignment, Billy prepares to deliver "Why I'm a weirdo and why you should like me anyway" to his classmates, but first he must work his way past his ADHD, anxiety, and sadness.

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Billy and the ADHD

Recommended by

Robert Weibezahl: Billy and the ADHD by Mark Mulkerin

“

A wholly original, extremely clever, and deeply heartfelt portrait of a teen coping with the ways ADHD has shaped him and continues to dictate his life. This ten-minute blend of comedy and angst is the best kind of instructive play: it never feels like it is lecturing even as it is informing and advocating. Billy speaks to and for the legions of "different" kids and all those who love them.

A wholly original, extremely clever, and deeply heartfelt portrait of a teen coping with the ways ADHD has shaped him and continues to dictate his life. This ten-minute blend of comedy and angst is the best kind of instructive play: it never feels like it is lecturing even as it is informing and advocating. Billy speaks to and for the legions of "different" kids and all those who love them.

”
Paul Donnelly: Billy and the ADHD by Mark Mulkerin

“

A moving portrait of one young man's life with ADHD and its accompanying anxiety and sadness. The three aspects of his experience are vividly drawn and Billy himself is a most sympathetic character. The ending shifts perspective in a most heartening way. Go Billy!

A moving portrait of one young man's life with ADHD and its accompanying anxiety and sadness. The three aspects of his experience are vividly drawn and Billy himself is a most sympathetic character. The ending shifts perspective in a most heartening way. Go Billy!

”
Lucy Wang: Billy and the ADHD by Mark Mulkerin

“

Gorgeous, powerful play about a teenager with ADHD struggling to find love, acceptance, and understanding. Mark began this highly inventive play in my class, and I am beaming with pride that I was part of this journey. This play definitely needs to be produced widely.

Gorgeous, powerful play about a teenager with ADHD struggling to find love, acceptance, and understanding. Mark began this highly inventive play in my class, and I am beaming with pride that I was part of this journey. This play definitely needs to be produced widely.

”

View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

Billy

a teen boy struggling with his ADHD and comorbidities

Character Age

a teen

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  Teens,
  
  20s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Man
ADHD

the personification of Billy's ADHD - constantly curious and on the go, but easily bored

Character Age

teens to 20s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  Teens,
  
  20s
Anxiety

the personification of Billy's anxiety - constantly on the lookout for danger so as to keep Billy safe

Character Age

teens to 20s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  Teens,
  
  20s
Sad

the personification of Billy's feeling which are mostly sad - contains wisdom earned from Billy's struggles, injuries, and isolation

Character Age

teens to 20s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  Teens,
  
  20s