The Home for Retired Canadian Girlfriends by John Bavoso

10-MINUTE: What happens when the people we create to hide our true selves get to live lives of their own? Tiffany is about to find out… but she’s gotta get through a very enthusiastic Orientation Coordinator first.

"'The Home for Retired Canadian Girlfriends' by John Bavoso... is probably one of my favorites of the evening. Bavoso creates an imaginary world where imaginary...
10-MINUTE: What happens when the people we create to hide our true selves get to live lives of their own? Tiffany is about to find out… but she’s gotta get through a very enthusiastic Orientation Coordinator first.

"'The Home for Retired Canadian Girlfriends' by John Bavoso... is probably one of my favorites of the evening. Bavoso creates an imaginary world where imaginary girlfriends go when they are no longer needed. It’s relatable, current, and relevant with a solid script and concept." — Backstage Baltimore

"The ninth number of the evening titled 'The Home for Retired Canadian Girlfriends' by John Bavoso was, by far, the most clever work on the playbill... This play is a true gem." — MD Theatre Guide
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The Home for Retired Canadian Girlfriends

Recommended by

  • Emily Siegel:
    19 Jan. 2023
    “ The conceit is something I WISH I thought of before.The play observes the culture of "coming-out" and what happens to those who were used as pretend girlfriends when their partners were in the closet. There is real heart in the story and see lots of potential in the world-building of this imaginary home, how this community was brought together by a single purpose: to keep gay men safe from the world. The idea of a “rainbow ops squad” going after Republican politicians is just amazing. ”
  • John Busser:
    30 Oct. 2022
    “ John Bavoso has come up with a damn funny explanation for all those mystery girlfriends that seemingly disappear when someone comes out of the closet. The Canadian aspect of it is brilliant. But this play also points out that nobody should be defined by anyone else. That's smart writing and it's why I heartily recommend this play. ”
  • RICK PARK:
    17 Sep. 2022
    “ Great 10 minute play! I was loving it all and was totally jealous that I didn't think of the idea first!!!! Bravo! ”
View all 45 recommendations

Character Information

  • Rupert
    Any ,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    A man of any age and any race. Skilled typist, clipboard enthusiast, generally high on life.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Tiffany
    Early 20s,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    A woman in her early 20s, any race. Half-formed and searching.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Left Coast Theatre Company
    ,
    2023
  • Reading
    ,
    Rainy Day Artistic Collective
    ,
    2021
  • Reading
    ,
    Digital Dramatists
    ,
    2021
  • Reading
    ,
    Phoenix Tears Productions
    ,
    2020
  • Reading
    ,
    Short Play Podcast
    ,
    2019
  • Reading
    ,
    Midwest Dramatists Conference
    ,
    2019

Production History

  • Community Theater
    ,
    The Ridgefield Theater Barn
    ,
    2024
  • University
    ,
    University of South Carolina
    ,
    2023
  • Community Theater
    ,
    Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop
    ,
    2022
  • High School
    ,
    Ernest J. King High School
    ,
    2020
  • Professional
    ,
    Aux Dog Theatre Nob Hill
    ,
    2020
  • Professional
    ,
    CDC Theatre
    ,
    2020
  • Professional
    ,
    The Q Collective
    ,
    2019
  • Professional
    ,
    B3 Theater
    ,
    2019
  • Professional
    ,
    Fells Point Corner Theatre
    ,
    2019
  • Professional
    ,
    Cold Comfort Theater
    ,
    2019
  • Professional
    ,
    Arlington Friends of the Drama
    ,
    2019

Awards

Winner
,
Edge Fest 2020
,
Birdhouse Theatre
,
2020