Wendy and the Neckbeards

Wendy - a 17 year old plus sized, body positive Instagram influencer - is having her life exploded by internet trolls - represented by a Chorus of Neckbeards. Jess discovers that her long term boyfriend Chad spends his time harassing young women on the internet to "blow off steam". From here, the two stories converge in an examination of the current era of internet harassment, toxic masculinity, and the cycle...

Wendy - a 17 year old plus sized, body positive Instagram influencer - is having her life exploded by internet trolls - represented by a Chorus of Neckbeards. Jess discovers that her long term boyfriend Chad spends his time harassing young women on the internet to "blow off steam". From here, the two stories converge in an examination of the current era of internet harassment, toxic masculinity, and the cycle of abuse towards women in America.

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Wendy and the Neckbeards

Recommended by

  • Asher Wyndham: Wendy and the Neckbeards

    This playwright goes to the cringiest places, exposing misogyny in spaces on and off the Internet, all while covering a lot of topics such as body image and positivity, and internet use by young adults. An ensemble play that should be a hit with colleges.

    This playwright goes to the cringiest places, exposing misogyny in spaces on and off the Internet, all while covering a lot of topics such as body image and positivity, and internet use by young adults. An ensemble play that should be a hit with colleges.

  • Daniel Prillaman: Wendy and the Neckbeards

    The men are not all right. Unfortunately for Wendy (and so many others), the only thing harder than being a man in the age of the internet is being a woman. KBQ's deep dive into the darkest forums of toxic masculinity is explosive, and an important reminder that behind every account (usually), is another human being. Now that's NO excuse for being shitty (or worse), but it shows how far social media has warped our ability to connect, as well as the misogyny that has existed since the beginning of time. A rallying cry in what feels an endless war.

    The men are not all right. Unfortunately for Wendy (and so many others), the only thing harder than being a man in the age of the internet is being a woman. KBQ's deep dive into the darkest forums of toxic masculinity is explosive, and an important reminder that behind every account (usually), is another human being. Now that's NO excuse for being shitty (or worse), but it shows how far social media has warped our ability to connect, as well as the misogyny that has existed since the beginning of time. A rallying cry in what feels an endless war.

  • Jillian Blevins: Wendy and the Neckbeards

    WENDY AND THE NECKBEARDS is a deceptively moving, metatheatrical thrill ride through some of the creepier corners of the internet. Along with her Greek chorus of neckbeards, Kari Bentley-Quinn guides us into the depths manosphere like Aristophanes took us to Hades in The Frogs, with just as much scathing social satire and fourth wall-breaking absurdist comedy.

    WATNB is perhaps the best theatrical treatment of the internet I’ve yet encountered, both in form and content. KBQ’s savvy and nuanced play explores the ways chronically-online misogyny infiltrates mainstream culture—“normal guys” aren...

    WENDY AND THE NECKBEARDS is a deceptively moving, metatheatrical thrill ride through some of the creepier corners of the internet. Along with her Greek chorus of neckbeards, Kari Bentley-Quinn guides us into the depths manosphere like Aristophanes took us to Hades in The Frogs, with just as much scathing social satire and fourth wall-breaking absurdist comedy.

    WATNB is perhaps the best theatrical treatment of the internet I’ve yet encountered, both in form and content. KBQ’s savvy and nuanced play explores the ways chronically-online misogyny infiltrates mainstream culture—“normal guys” aren’t immune, our “online selves” are still us.

View all 18 recommendations
WENDY - (F, 17) - Spunky, overweight, blond, All American Texas gal
BREE (F, Mid 20s) - Sarcastic, sassy, world weary, bartender.
CHAD (M, late 20s) - Alpha male type, rugged good looks, blue collar. White. Definitely white.
SHIH (M, 30s) - Chinese American stoner guy. Affable, unmotivated.
JESS (F, mid 20s) - Fed up girlfriend of Chad. Hard working, industrious, exhausted.
MAMA (F, late 30s/early 40s) - Big Texas mom of Wendy. A little trashy.
KARI (F, mid 30s) - Playwright. Redhead
NECKBEARD 1 (M, 20s to 40s)
NECKBEARD 2 (M, 20s to 40s)
NECKBEARD 3 (M, 20s to 40s)
NECKBEARD 4 (M, 20s to 40s)

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Theatre of NOTE, Year 2019
  • Type Reading, Organization The Room at New Georges, Year 2018
  • Type Reading, Organization Jimmy's 43, Year 2017

Production History

  • Type University, Organization Michigan State University , Year 2021
  • Type University, Organization Colby College, Year 2019

Awards

  • The Kilroys List
    The Kilroys
    Honorable Mention
    2019
  • PlayPenn
    Semi-Finalist
    2019
  • Jane Chambers Playwriting Award
    Honorable Mention
    2018
  • Bay Area Playwrights Festival
    Playwrights Foundation
    Semi-Finalist
    2018
  • The Relentless Award
    American Playwriting Foundation
    Honorable Mention
    2017
  • Writing Fellows Program
    The Playwrights Realm
    Finalist
    2017