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 girlfriends go when they are no longer...

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: The Home for Retired Canadian Girlfriends

    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.

    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: The Home for Retired Canadian Girlfriends

    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.

    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: The Home for Retired Canadian Girlfriends

    Great 10 minute play! I was loving it all and was totally jealous that I didn't think of the idea first!!!! Bravo!

    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
    A man of any age and any race. Skilled typist, clipboard enthusiast, generally high on life.
    Character Age
    Any
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Tiffany
    A woman in her early 20s, any race. Half-formed and searching.
    Character Age
    Early 20s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female

Development History

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

Production History

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

Awards

  • Edge Fest 2020
    Birdhouse Theatre
    Winner
    2020