Founders, Keepers by Aurora Behlke

The nation is in crisis. Washington DC is burning and the government has assembled five 5th grade girls to rewrite the Constitution of the United States. Friendships form and break as these young women struggle with grief, power, and what it means to grow up in a broken democracy. Full script is available by request, just shoot me an email at aurorabehlke@gmail.com.
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Founders, Keepers

Recommended by

  • Ally Varitek:
    22 Sep. 2022
    “ I got to see Founders, Keepers on its feet at Echo Theatre in Dallas, Texas this past weekend. Its dialogue is full of visceral middle school nostalgia, true realizations in girlhood, and the found family that female friendships can bring. I would encourage people to keep giving this play a voice! ”
  • Rhiannon Ling:
    24 Apr. 2022
    “ "Founders, Keepers" is one to catch its audience beautifully off-guard. Lyrical and grounded, full of wit and empathy, alternating between the sharpest of bites and the deepest of laughs, Behlke has written a play of poignancy, query, and exploration. It is a must-read and a must-perform. ”
  • Arden Dickson:
    14 Mar. 2022
    “ Behlke's "Founders, Keepers" is marvelously clever, disarmingly poignant, and a fresh, vulnerable, hilarious ride from start to finish. A must-read for anyone and everyone. ”

Character Information

NOTE: all the young girls should be played by actors who have just earned their right to vote (around 17-20 years old).

  • Winnie
    11,
    Female
    BRACES. Has a lot to say but isn’t sure how to say it. Unapologetic when she can afford to be. Favorite animal: she is connected to horses on a spiritual level but is NOT a horse girl.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any actor of color
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Tabitha
    12 1/2,
    Female
    Prettiest. An unreliable voice of reason with serious confidence issues. She clings onto her friends for dear life. Favorite animal: dolphins and sharks.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any actor of color
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Gillian
    12,
    Female
    Has probably read Harry Potter 5 times. Hides her weirdness in order to stay “popular”. Favorite animal: foxes.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Nicole
    11,
    Female
    Class clown. Powerful, but extremely insecure. Really wanted her own youtube channel but her mom wouldn’t let her have one. She still pretends to make youtube videos in the bathroom mirror. Favorite animal: tigers and other big cats.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Imogen
    10,
    Female
    Wears the same cardigan every day. Hasn’t washed her hair today. Always tense because she carries a lot of grief in her little body. Favorite animal: betta fish.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Woman
    Old,
    Female
    Favorite animal: Animals are messy.
    played by the same actor playing Mysterious Woman.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Mysterious woman
    Come on, not THAT old,
    Female
    She hasn’t lost her love of sea creatures.
    Played by the same actor playing Woman.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Webster Conservatory
    ,
    2021

Production History

  • Community Theater
    ,
    Young Americans Theatre Company
    ,
    2022
  • Professional
    ,
    Echo Theatre, Dallas, TX
    ,
    2022

Awards

Semi-Finalist
,
Lanford Wilson New American Play Festival
,
2022
Winner
,
Big Shout Out 3
,
Echo Theatre
,
2022
Semi-Finalist
,
Lanford Wilson New American Play Festival
,
Southeast Missouri State University
,
2022
Finalist
,
Spotlight on Women Writing
,
Prism Theatre Co.
,
2021