Rushing by Danielle Mohlman

Russell and Mia meet minutes before the first football game of the season. He's the star running back, she plays the sousaphone in the university marching band. No one ever pictured them together. But they are. And in a weird way they're good for each other. Until they're not. Rushing explores the culture of violence, the fanaticism surrounding Division I sports, and rape on college campuses...
Russell and Mia meet minutes before the first football game of the season. He's the star running back, she plays the sousaphone in the university marching band. No one ever pictured them together. But they are. And in a weird way they're good for each other. Until they're not. Rushing explores the culture of violence, the fanaticism surrounding Division I sports, and rape on college campuses nationwide.

This play takes place in your town. The team is wearing your colors. And yes, there's a live marching band scoring this entire world.
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Rushing

Recommended by

  • Steven Strafford:
    27 Feb. 2021
    “ Looking at rape culture in a way that is harrowing, yes, but also entertaining, Mohlman addresses so many issues that shape our world today, but the play never feels pedantic. It is an exciting read with so much heightened theatricality that I wish I could see this play in person! a wonderful play. ”
  • Nick Malakhow:
    7 Nov. 2020
    “ This is a harrowing examination of rape culture on college campuses and in the world at large as well as the toxic celebrity of athletics. Mohlman makes clear and blistering connections between masculinity, competition, the fear of failure, and the perpetuation of sexual violence. The theatricality of marching band and football is used as a brilliant framing device--it makes me yearn to see this play fully realized on its feet. The large ensemble cast is well rounded and expandable too, making this ideal for college programs. Read, produce, and discuss this piece! ”
  • Anamaria Guerzon:
    2 Nov. 2020
    “ I saw this play at The Scratch's workshopped production, and it was one of the most effective deconstructions of rape culture on college campuses that I've ever seen.

    I was particularly moved by the way that Russell was constructed as your run of the mill love interest in the first half, before his image was torn down piece by piece by his actions, privilege, and the wall of financial interest protecting him in the second.

    This play is important, and I see a bright future ahead as it is further developed.

    Read it. ”
View all 8 recommendations

Character Information

This play cannot be produced if the cast is more than 50% white.

  • Russell Stovver
    20,
    Male
    running back, #1
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • "Tag" Ogden
    22,
    White
    ,
    Male
    quarterback, #21
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Michael Valerio
    18,
    Latinx
    ,
    Male
    place kicker, #17
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Tyler Shaw
    20,
    Male
    wide receiver, #81
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Brandon Cook
    21,
    Male
    defensive lineman, #50
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Nathan Henry
    19,
    Male
    linebacker, #53
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Dallas Johnson
    18,
    Male
    tight end, #44
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Andrew Young
    20,
    Male
    offensive lineman, #56
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Jonathan Davis
    19,
    Male
    safety, #7
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • C.J. Holiday
    20,
    Male
    cornerback, #29
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Jordan Moses
    18,
    Male
    defensive back, #8
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Mia
    18,
    Female
    tuba
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Alex
    18,
    Female
    clarinet
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Leila
    21,
    Female
    trumpet, section leader
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Jenny
    21,
    Female
    drum major
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Tess
    22,
    Female
    a nursing student
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • The Announcer
    White
    ,
    Male
    Booming and brash. He separates the somebodies from the nobodies.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Workshop
    ,
    The Scratch & Really Really Theatre Group
    ,
    2019
  • Workshop
    ,
    Umbrella Project
    ,
    2018