This is Government

by Nina Kissinger

After a bomb threat places all congressional buildings on lockdown, three summer interns find themselves stuck in the one place no one has ever wanted to work overtime: the U.S. government. As the crisis unfolds and their snack supply runs out, they question what power, if any, they have in this increasingly unstable system. Nina Kissinger's dark comedy, THIS IS GOVERNMENT, grapples with the real-time...

After a bomb threat places all congressional buildings on lockdown, three summer interns find themselves stuck in the one place no one has ever wanted to work overtime: the U.S. government. As the crisis unfolds and their snack supply runs out, they question what power, if any, they have in this increasingly unstable system. Nina Kissinger's dark comedy, THIS IS GOVERNMENT, grapples with the real-time consequences of political disarray.

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This is Government

Recommended by

  • Sam Kebede: This is Government by Nina Kissinger
    “

    Incredible characters and a gripping story. Fun, contemporary, and has a lot of heart

    Incredible characters and a gripping story. Fun, contemporary, and has a lot of heart

    ”
  • Paige Esterly: This is Government by Nina Kissinger
    “

    Saw this at 59 E 59th after missing it at the Whale Watch Reading Series in January! First half made me laugh so hard I cried, second half made me deeply question the responsibilities a government has to its citizens. The best office comedy in any medium I've seen in years and years.

    Saw this at 59 E 59th after missing it at the Whale Watch Reading Series in January! First half made me laugh so hard I cried, second half made me deeply question the responsibilities a government has to its citizens. The best office comedy in any medium I've seen in years and years.

    ”
  • Kyler Taustin DePasquale: This is Government by Nina Kissinger
    “

    Quirky, relatable, and well defined characters. Masterfully paced. Brilliant wit woven in from start to tragic ending. Kissinger's THIS IS GOVERNMENT gives a glimpse of the real people behind the politicians we know and asks us all to ponder the definition of civil service.

    Quirky, relatable, and well defined characters. Masterfully paced. Brilliant wit woven in from start to tragic ending. Kissinger's THIS IS GOVERNMENT gives a glimpse of the real people behind the politicians we know and asks us all to ponder the definition of civil service.

    ”
View all 9 recommendations

Character Information

  • Emi
    Summer Intern. A recent college graduate. An optimist with an anxiety disorder.
    22
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Tip
    Summer Intern. A college student. An idealist who moonlights as a slam poet.
    21
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Kaz
    Staff Assistant and former intern. A realist because they’ve had to be.
    25
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Non-binary
  • Stevie
    Daily caller. Newly a pessimist.
    50s
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman

Development History

  • Reading, Whale Watch Reading Series, 2025
  • Workshop, Valdez Theatre Conference, 2024
  • Reading, National High School Institute Theatre Division, Northwestern University, 2023
  • Reading, Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts, 2023
  • Workshop, Agnes Nixon Playwriting Festival, Northwestern University, 2022

Production History

  • University, Wagner College Theatre, 2027
  • Professional, MOXIE Theatre, 2026
  • Professional, New Light Theater Project at 59E59, 2025
  • Professional, Pendragon Theatre, 2025

Awards

  • New Light New Voices Award
    New Light Theater Project
    Winner
    2025
  • Princess Grace Fellowship
    New Dramatists
    Semi-Finalist
    2025
  • Seven Devils Playwrights Conference
    Semi-Finalist
    2025
  • ScreenCraft Stage Play Competition
    Quarterfinalist
    2025
  • Stanley Drama Award
    Wagner College
    Winner
    2025
  • Morgan-Wixson Theatre New Works Festival
    Semi-Finalist
    2023
  • Ashland New Plays Festival
    Semi-Finalist
    2023
  • O’Neill National Playwrights Conference
    Semi-Finalist
    2023
  • Agnes Nixon Playwriting Festival
    Northwestern University
    Winner
    2022