[working title: STRAW POLL]

The diverse board of Springfield’s yearly Pride celebration is just putting the final touches on planning three days before Pride when a video drops on social media of their Grand Marshal--the city’s first gay politician--putting down Black Lives Matter protesters. The video ignites a heated conversation in the boardroom about who Pride is for, intersectional queer activism, and whether there can or should be...

The diverse board of Springfield’s yearly Pride celebration is just putting the final touches on planning three days before Pride when a video drops on social media of their Grand Marshal--the city’s first gay politician--putting down Black Lives Matter protesters. The video ignites a heated conversation in the boardroom about who Pride is for, intersectional queer activism, and whether there can or should be any consensus or unity in the fight for queer liberation.

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[working title: STRAW POLL]

Recommended by

  • Danielle Wirsansky: [working title: STRAW POLL]

    Straw Poll is a timely, thought-provoking play that explores the complexities of intersectional activism within the queer community. With sharp dialogue and compelling characters, it dives into the tough questions about unity, compromise, and the cost of doing what’s “right.” A must-see for Pride communities.

    Straw Poll is a timely, thought-provoking play that explores the complexities of intersectional activism within the queer community. With sharp dialogue and compelling characters, it dives into the tough questions about unity, compromise, and the cost of doing what’s “right.” A must-see for Pride communities.

  • Shaun Leisher: [working title: STRAW POLL]

    What an incredible play that could not be more relevant. A play about people that want to get along and hear each other's perspectives but refuse to actually listen. The way this play explores the idea of compromise and how money can muddy one's desiree to do the "right thing" is so fascinating. I think the way Malakhow balances the full group scenes with two character moments is brilliant. This play needs to get produced all over but especially in town's that have Pride celebrations.

    What an incredible play that could not be more relevant. A play about people that want to get along and hear each other's perspectives but refuse to actually listen. The way this play explores the idea of compromise and how money can muddy one's desiree to do the "right thing" is so fascinating. I think the way Malakhow balances the full group scenes with two character moments is brilliant. This play needs to get produced all over but especially in town's that have Pride celebrations.

  • Marty Strenczewilk: [working title: STRAW POLL]

    Nick's writing overall is incredibly strong, with fascinating characters tackling interesting challenges across well built story structure. I was lucky enough to hear this play in particular throughout the development process, as a part of the same writers group. Nick has crafted a deeply resonate story that will connect with audiences through the common shared experience of being othered at some point in many people's life. I can't wait to see this play on stage in full production.

    Nick's writing overall is incredibly strong, with fascinating characters tackling interesting challenges across well built story structure. I was lucky enough to hear this play in particular throughout the development process, as a part of the same writers group. Nick has crafted a deeply resonate story that will connect with audiences through the common shared experience of being othered at some point in many people's life. I can't wait to see this play on stage in full production.

Character Information

All of the characters listed below are queer in some way.
  • KATE
    Newly elected board president. Lawyer is her “real life secret identity.” Has been on the board for six years. Drafts contracts for everything, co-heads fundraising with Ben, and heads up finances. Firm and pragmatic, maybe at the expense of some interpersonal intelligence.
    Character Age
    50s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Cis female
  • KENDALL
    they/them or she/her, Black, femme or AFAB nonbinary or cis female; queer. Newest board member (just started seven months ago) and the org’s media coordinator. Juggling multiple jobs and “grad studenting” to get their PhD. Kate is sponsoring them as a board member to bring new perspectives onto the board. While they speak their mind, they’re nervous and anxious every second of doing so. Written with they/them pronouns, but adjust based on casting within the parameters above.
    Character Age
    mid 20s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    African American/Black
    Character Gender Identity
    Non-binary -- assigned female at birth,
    Cis female
  • ANDREW
    Brought onto the board by Kate, whose kids he teaches. Co-volunteer coordinator and coordinator of youth outreach. Has been on the board for four years. His fees are also partially subsidized by Kate. Reserved and careful.
    Character Age
    Late 30s-early 40s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    African American/Black
    Character Gender Identity
    Cis male
  • THERESA
    A professor of women’s studies and film. Co-volunteer coordinator for Pride. Fourth year on the board. At times, willing to push and be dogged in meetings, but in the end can be cautious with votes.
    Character Age
    50s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Trans woman
  • MARTIN
    Computer programmer working at Google and contributes tech support, website and online customer interface management, and knowledge to the board. Second year on the board. Timid.
    Character Age
    Mid-late 20s
    Character Gender Identity
    Cis male
  • BEN
    Heads up entertainment due to his ownership of a Lucky’s, a bar that is a social hub of LGBTQ Springfield, and helps Kate with fundraising due to his connections with older gay men. Eight years on the board. Was not voted board president in the recent election after his two year term was up. A lot of bark…maybe just a little bite.
    Character Age
    50s-60s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Cis male

Development History

  • Type Commission, Organization Island City Stage, Year 2021

Awards