Theatrefolk Featured Play: The Truth or Dare Sisterhood

Welcome to our Featured Play Spotlight. The Truth or Dare Sisterhood by Jeffrey Harr is a sharp, funny, and unexpectedly emotional coming-of-age play that tackles identity, friendship, and the beautiful mess of growing up. Through jelly bean dares, wet willies, and late-night confessions, this band of middle schoolers learns what it really means to show up for someone–and just how powerful it is when weird kids stick together.

Welcome to the wildest slumber party since the Great Guacamole Incident. When Serena and her tight-knit crew of thirteen-year-old misfits gather for a night of junk food, spooky stories, and sisterhood rituals, everything seems hilariously on track. That is, until Monarch shows up with a stuffed clown and more baggage than a carousel at JFK. Monarch isn’t just new to the group–they’re new to being themselves, and not everyone in the Sisterhood is ready for that.

Why did we publish this play?

We love this play for its combination of authenticity, humour, character depth simple staging, AND because it showcases all of these features in a middle school play. Yes, it has a smaller cast than many of the other middle school plays we offer, but we specifically chose this play to give students the opportunity to explore these bold characters: this play will give every actor in it a chance to shine. Did I mention how great the characters are? We could listen to Agatha and Raven talk all day long! A sincere, moving work with a clear message and a heartfelt voice.

Let's hear from the author!

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1. Why did you write this play?

I wrote this play because as a teacher, every day, I saw small groups of kids who were friends that had next to nothing in common, except that they were empathetic, caring individuals who simply accepted one another, warts and all. Honestly, it was one of the best parts of teaching--the daily affirmation that as cruel and intolerant the world can be to kids who are just trying to be themselves, there are safe spaces and support systems and FRIENDS, in every best sense of the word. These girls are quirky as all get out, but man are they good people. The kind of people I saw in my school and the kind of people I want to be around.

2. Describe the theme in one or two sentences?

Kindness is never wasted.

3. What's the most important visual for you in this play?

The most important visual in the play is near the end when the girls and their new friend, who's crying, are in the circle when Serena's big sister comes in, sees Monarch crying, and immediately goes to console them before getting in the circle. It doesn't matter that she's older, that it's her little sister's group, she's one of them, and her empathy compels her to be a part of the circle.

4. If you could give one piece of advice for those producing the play, what would it be?

Keep it light - it's a slumber party! Lean into the quirkiness, the comedy. It will make the impact of their support of Monarch at the end so much more powerful when the tone shifts.

5. Why is this play great for student performers?

This play is awesome for student performers because these characters are soooo fun to play. They're all so sweet and honest and authentically themselves that a young performer can really sink their teeth into them. And, I honestly believe that young people - especially theatre kids - get it. They are among the most empathetic, supportive people I've ever met.

6. Who is your favourite character in the play?

My favorite character is Agatha. Hands down. She is the Debby Downer, Eeyore of the group, but is so funny. It would be so much fun to play the kid who just happens to know every terrifyingly dark aspect of, well, everything - and is not afraid to tell you all about it.

7. What is your favourite line in the play?

My favourite line in the play is when Monarch explains their name to the group by reciting a haiku: "A caterpillar /. This deep in fall-- / Still not a butterfly"--then says, "I know I'm not a monarch, yet. But I hope to be."

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