←Recommendations of Closing Doors

One of the better pieces written about this harrowing topic

I think this so eloquently portrays the real trauma that both students and teachers undergo not only in true active shooter situations, but also with the "realistic" drills. The disconnect between the two characters due to their roles in the school is such a captivating dynamic to show how protocols falter in the face of true danger when what's most important is making an effort to keep your kids safe, but how that can be lost on those who aren't put as close to that situation.

Thank you for writing this.

I love this play I feel like it speaks about an issue that we don't really talk about a lot. It's difficult to convey the feelings of a teacher who is put in that position, and I still remember being told the protocol as a kid and wondering what would happen if I was in the bathroom if a situation like that arose.

I feel a connection to this play. As someone who went through these drills, it feels like something I can relate to, and it becomes more prevalent daily. The call-out against protocol and not making decisions is a powerful and beautiful critique of how bureaucratic society has made schools—forcing them to no longer be about the children but the administration.

Seriously, amazing job and thank you for writing this.

Extremely topical

It's no wonder Closing Doors has had so many productions and awards. It's one of the best short plays I ever read. Taut, timely, crackling dialogue, a sadly relatable situation, this is the best type of theatre. Audiences will be arguing over what the last line meant, and what they'd do in the situation. As a teacher I'm so grateful playwright John Minigan has committed to paper what we deal with every day in a chaotic and careless world.

In the UK our schools have fire drills, in Japan they have earthquake drills, it's sad to believe that there are such things as active shooter drills in any school. This desperate short play by Minigan looks at the conflict which must arise in such situations, where surely there are occasions where there is no right or wrong thing to do. Do you follow the rules or stand my your morals, a tough conflict well tackled. Excellent.

Are we responsible for protecting an individual or the group? Should a child be traumatized for the sake of a drill? What are the parameters of friendship in a crisis? These difficult questions are raised with great skill and a focus on the human dimension in Closing Doors. The difficult moral ambiguity facing those who face these questions is explored to shattering effect. This is an important piece and an effective piece of theatre.

A sobering look into the world of teaching, and the choice imposed on teachers of whether or not to keep a door closed at all costs during a shooting, even if it could save a child's life to let them in.

An incredibly complex examination of characters who both have good intentions and strong ideals. This play proposes powerful questions to its audience, and forces you to see things from multiple perspectives. A powerful read!!