Bipoc

Diversity and representation in the drama classroom is imperative for students and teachers alike. BIPOC Voices & Perspectives: Monologue Resource is an incredible collection of original monologues written by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) students that shares their perspectives, their stories and their voices. These monologues written for students by students each include close reading questions for analysis and discussion, as well as performance permissions. Topics range from race, identity, BLM, home, addiction, family, friendship, pride, joy, hope, and so many more. Plus, we’ve included tips on how to use this resource in your classroom, as well as how to encourage your students to share their own voice! Enjoy the monologues in this collection. We are amazed at the quality, the variety, and the insight of these pieces. These are voices that don’t often end up in monologue books. It’s time they did.

Our 2020-2021 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Panel shares some thoughts on using BIPOC material (like the monologues in the BIPOC Voices and Perspectives Monologue Resource) in the classroom. And if you’re not, consider the reasons why. What’s stopping you? How can you overcome those obstacles? 1. Do your research.Do your dramaturgy. If you’re going to use BIPOC material, take care of those characters and those who write from that perspective. Research the background. Research unfamiliar words, phrases, and events. Know what you’re talking about before you talk about it. 2. Ask for help.Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Be okay with not knowing all the answers. Come from a place of honesty. If you’re uncomfortable working with BIPOC material, bring someone in to talk to your students. Reach out to others. 3. Be student centred.Be a student-centred teacher. The era of the “sage on the stage” is over. Give students agency in what they learn and how they learn it. If you teach a community of students that differs from your own, that community should have a focus in your curriculum. For example, perhaps you usually invite theatre professionals in to talk to your students. Make space for a BIPOC stage manager, director, designer, or actor. 4. Be open minded.Some people are uptight when it comes to conversations about race. Many people are afraid of their own stereotypes and preconceived notions. But the worst thing you can do is ignore the identities of your students. Don’t be afraid to take on bilingual material because you don’t speak the language. Actively model anti-racist behaviour and be open to deprogramming yourself in that regard. Start from a place of truth. Acknowledge when you make a mistake. Address how you can get past these obstacles. Everyone’s stories are important. Sit back. Listen. Don’t bring negative energy. Ask for help. Be human, open, and honest.

Recently we called out to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) student writers to share their voices and perspectives through their original monologue submissions. We were thrilled with the incredible response we had to our call-out and so thankful to all who shared their work with us. Congratulations to the following student playwrights whose monologues have been chosen for publication in a Theatrefolk resource book to be released later this year. You Do You by Tatyana Miller But hey, that’s my opinion by Kendrick Jackson My Culture by Yiming Low The Truth Behind Blackness by Shameka Samuel Ambiguity by Malia Strayhand Conclusions, Solutions and Whatever In Between by Charlize Ga OKAY? by Eryn George Dear Diary… by Pavani Mishra Indian’s Prayer by Kaiya Mongrain See Me by Czarien Jones Young Black Boy by Nashaun Bates Dancing Queen by Victoria Huerta Do I scare you yet? by Bex Gilbert Home by Isabella Stallworth Bittersweet by Keyla Morales The Lights by Mirann Mangino Mom by Arya Hanumara identity by Linda Gist Wash Day by Alexandria Radford To be American by Yunseo Chung The Gift by Ken Kanyiri Njoroge Eyes by Elijah Powell My Hijab by Nabeeha Mohammed Clone Sister by Sophia Cecilia Misel Only Half by Bella Cintron N.E.R.D. by Armand Walton Everything’s Ok by Kadence Cross You Did it for Me by Cynthia Tinschmidt Leal Their Faces by Lanice Tuck Questions by Avariella Duran COLOR ME BROWN by Mia Joelle Baillie I Can Explain… by Perri Patterson Peace Entry: More Than Dream by Tunmise Adebowale My Identity by Rachel Wyatt Congratulations to all participating student playwrights and be sure to keep checking our site for the launch of our BIPOC student monologue collection resource. **UPDATE: You can learn more and order a this monologue collection here.**

Are you looking for Black playwrights, plays to produce, plays to study, or inspiring quotes to use in your classroom? Look within our BIPOC resources.