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The Polar Bear Society convenes virtually with three teens who live in different parts of the country but share one thing in common: a mental health diagnosis. Moxie, Treble, and Gravity tackle typical coming-of-age challenges, with the added complexity of a chronic mental health condition. Gravity worries she’s not worthy of being loved, Moxie wrestles with family relationships, and Treble struggles with day-to-day ups and downs. The three unlikely friends work through their diagnosis together in this compassionate and often funny play about finding humor, friendship, hope–and maybe even love–in times of adversity.
Runtime: 90 minutes
Cast: 2 F, 1 M
Development History: American Stage’s 21st Century Voices New Play Festival 2021; Athena Project Plays-In-Progress 2022, Athena Project Read & Rant 2022
Hannah has a plan: help her mothers bury the hatchet while finding the perfect wedding gown. The problem: her strong-willed mom has a bone to pick and her traditionalist stepmom risks getting caught in the crossfire. Throw Hannah’s soon-to-be in-laws into the mix and it’s safe to say that finding a dress will be the least of her worries. In fact, it soon becomes clear that Hannah’s mom, Kristy, is determined to stop this wedding. Not only does she think Hannah is too young, but she doesn’t want her daughter giving up her ambitions for a life of servitude. As it turns out, Hannah’s stepmom, Beth, has a secret of her own. Her marriage to Hannah’s father is on the brink of divorce, leading her into a midlife crisis. Soon, even Beth is doubting whether she should support Hannah’s—or any woman’s—decision to marry.
Runtime: 90 minutes
Cast: 5 Female
Development History/Awards:
Pear Theatre Full Production 2021, Pear Theatre Developmental Reading 2019, Finalist Lights Up Festival at City Lights Theatre