There Are No Closets in My Classroom

by Nora Louise Syran

(A Monologue) A teacher stands before a disciplinary board as one of their students has declared they want to write like Virginia Woolf. -- "Who’s afraid of Virginia Woolf? Many people still are..."-Andrew Martineau

Published in 2023 by Smith & Kraus "WE/US: Monologues for Gender Minority Characters Anthology."
Voted one of the "Best of the Best" June 2024 by Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective's...

(A Monologue) A teacher stands before a disciplinary board as one of their students has declared they want to write like Virginia Woolf. -- "Who’s afraid of Virginia Woolf? Many people still are..."-Andrew Martineau

Published in 2023 by Smith & Kraus "WE/US: Monologues for Gender Minority Characters Anthology."
Voted one of the "Best of the Best" June 2024 by Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective's for their 369 Monologues and Short Play Festival pt 2.

read more
  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

There Are No Closets in My Classroom

Recommended by

  • Glenn Alterman: There Are No Closets in My Classroom by Nora Louise Syran
    “

    I loved Nora Louise Syran’s monologue There Are No Closets in My Classroom. It’s a powerful monologue that deals with the important issues of gender equality and coming to terms with one’s sexuality. That it’s about children dealing with these issues makes it even more significant. Syran’s writing is precise, moving and effective. An important piece!

    I loved Nora Louise Syran’s monologue There Are No Closets in My Classroom. It’s a powerful monologue that deals with the important issues of gender equality and coming to terms with one’s sexuality. That it’s about children dealing with these issues makes it even more significant. Syran’s writing is precise, moving and effective. An important piece!

    ”
  • James Binz: There Are No Closets in My Classroom by Nora Louise Syran
    “

    I decided to read this thinking that it might be about school shootings - pleasant surprise that it involves a different kind of closet. Nora Louise Syran uses her experience and the history to create a wonderful parable for us all. The mixing in of the young writer and the struggle to follow an influence like Virginia Woolf is genius. Great story and wonderful vocalization by a terrific character - This needs to be performed! 10/18/2024

    I decided to read this thinking that it might be about school shootings - pleasant surprise that it involves a different kind of closet. Nora Louise Syran uses her experience and the history to create a wonderful parable for us all. The mixing in of the young writer and the struggle to follow an influence like Virginia Woolf is genius. Great story and wonderful vocalization by a terrific character - This needs to be performed! 10/18/2024

    ”
  • John Busser: There Are No Closets in My Classroom by Nora Louise Syran
    “

    09.28.24 - I don't know how you could read this monologue and NOT be moved by the thoughts contained therein. As an adult, we are obligated to not only teach our youth, but to inspire them to be greater than they are, to face and overcome their fears, and to want to express themselves without regret. That this takes place in front of a disciplinary board tells us that we run the risk of failing our task. Because the powers that be are themselves afraid. Nora Louise Syran has struck a chord here.

    09.28.24 - I don't know how you could read this monologue and NOT be moved by the thoughts contained therein. As an adult, we are obligated to not only teach our youth, but to inspire them to be greater than they are, to face and overcome their fears, and to want to express themselves without regret. That this takes place in front of a disciplinary board tells us that we run the risk of failing our task. Because the powers that be are themselves afraid. Nora Louise Syran has struck a chord here.

    ”
View all 14 recommendations

Awards

  • Accepted for WE/US: Monologues for Gender Minority Characters Anthology, ed. Debbie Lamedman, Smith & Kraus,, 2023