←Recommendations of SO GAY

This is a powerful example of what theatre can be and can do beyond the traditional "buy a ticket and sit quietly in the dark while they do the show." This is wholly collaborative and educational, but also potentially life saving. I'm sad we need theatre like this play, but I am so glad playwrights like Deb Cole have the skill and vision to create it so we won't need it in the future!

Well-crafted short play examining the effects of LGBTQIA+ bullying. Astute questions, pinpoint examinations. Relatable characters. Guaranteed to provoke energetic conversation...and conversation is what's needed to keep this important issue in the light. Ms. Cole's writing is always spot-on, and this piece hits the mark perfectly.

Debra A. Cole's "SO GAY" is more than just a play; it's a powerful force for sparking vital conversations about LGBTQIA+ inclusion and the role of educators in addressing classroom harassment. Through a richly complex narrative, Cole prompts audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and consider alternative approaches. The play's message of inclusivity, empathy, and social responsibility resonates deeply and deserves to be shared widely across school districts, offering hope and inspiring positive change. Brava Deb proud to call you friend!!

The beauty of this play is that it is informative and powerful. It allows for those watching to reflect on their past actions and come to terms with how they, as grown adults, can foster a safer environment for the next generation in a straightforward way.

This is what theater is for...to raise questions, to spawn honest discussion, to make people think. This simple format could actually save lives, and what more can anyone ask of their writing?

I truly hope this play finds its way into the intended venue of middle and high school faculty in-service meetings. The scenario presented along with the facilitated discussion that Debra Cole includes needs to be shared in as many school districts as possible, particularly where legislation is attempting to stifle any mention LGBTQ+ issues. Debra Cole may be retired from the teaching profession, but she continues to provide us all with valuable lessons through her writing. How lucky we are!

Theatre of the Oppressed is a fantastic way to approach a lot of what is happening in the world today. "So Gay" by Debra A. Cole is a fine example of how. Having a show like this performed while I was in high school or middle school would have been a huge help! It's timely, well-researched, and gives a way for faculty to engage with stuff that happens to LGBTQIA+ youth every day. I hope this show makes its rounds with high schools around the country. Its message right now is a necessity.

“10 - 45 MINUTES”

Talk about an attention grabber.

One has to look at this in its component parts: the play, the lecture, and the discussion.

The discussion is poetic. “Allows for answers.” A world of unscripted discussion opens up! Necessary discussion with and between students AND teachers.

The lecture is instructional, informative, and powerful. It’s the engine of the piece repeatedly taking us though the play immersing the audience in a fictional scenario they experience as real.

The play… no heavyhanded afterschool special dialogue. Realistic characters in a tense minidrama that teaches as it grips.

Necessary theater.

A stunningly powerful piece that I believe could easily stand as an informative warning in schools to students and teachers alike. With there being so much violence in the world people do forget that words have an impact, especially on the young mind and that is what Deb has captured and allowed her audience to be a part of. Theatre, as well as being a means of entertainment, for me is always at its best when its a means of informing and provoking thought. Deb has done that to a high quality. Schools, I recommend you consider this piece!

When I was high school I got called the f word pretty much every day and back then I don't think most of them who used it really thought I was gay or homosexual, it was just the most hurtful thing that could use to embarrass me. This play tackles that on-going issue of the importance of understanding people from the very first grade all the way to graduation and beyond. So, so many battles to fight in so many towns, but it all begins there and change can occur if we encourage it with talks like these.