Playful People Productions is seeking teens and young adults (ages 13-26) for their spring production of She Kills Monsters, a high-octane dramatic comedy by Qui Nguyen. No prior performing experience is necessary. Video auditions are being accepted through April 20, and the show performs June 30—July 2, 2023 at Historic Hoover Theatre in San Jose. To register, or more information on Playful People and their programs, visit
https://www.playfulpeople.org or call (408) 878-5362.
She Kills Monsters, which premiered in 2011, follows Agnes Evans as she comes to terms with the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. Never close with her sister, the adult Agnes tries to understand Tilly by learning about, and then playing, the role-playing game her sister loved. As Agnes moves between reality and the fantasy RPG, she will navigate homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, 90s pop culture — and discover Tilly's own, unspoken exploration of her sexuality. A heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all, She Kills Monsters will be directed by Sara Tavernise.
She Kills Monsters was a welcome addition to the theatrical landscape in its treatment of both ethnicity and race. Nguyen intentionally wrote the characters in a way that allowed for actors of any race to be cast into every role. And while the play deals with LGBTQ characters and the difficulties of coming out to family, those characters are well-rounded, complex, and fulfill goals unrelated to their sexuality. Following a 2013 award by the American Alliance for Theater and Education, the play has been staged over 800 times, mostly by high schools and colleges.
In response to requests by schools, Nguyen wrote a version of the play, dubbed She Kills Monsters:Young Adventurers Edition, that included less profanity and also changed Agnes into a high school cheerleader. Later, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nguyen wrote a version designed to be performed online, called She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms; changes included changing the climactic battle, as well as setting the entire play in 2020 and changing the pop culture references accordingly.
Playful People Productions was first founded in 2010 as a positive, inclusive, family-focused theatre company, and has operated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit since 2017. While initially providing classes, camps, and shows for kids, the company has grown to offer similar classes for adults, and stages multi-generational performances where family members can perform together.
Playful People Productions aims to create an inclusive environment where all feel welcome, and where creative impulses are encouraged by experienced Bay Area artists. The organization follows proven child education techniques; continually works to ensure the safety of all participants, volunteers, and staff; and regularly gives families the opportunity to share the exhilarating experience of performing together. During the nonprofit's tenure, they have enjoyed frequent instances of children performing on stage with siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents — and have also welcomed adults who wish to perform but find local theater auditions and rehearsals do not fit their needs.
WHAT: Playful People Productions is seeking teens and young adults
(ages 13-26) for their spring production of She Kills Monsters, a
high-octane dramatic comedy by Qui Nguyen. No prior performing experience is necessary.
WHEN: Registration is currently open.
Video auditions are being accepted through April 20, and the show performs June 30—July 2, 2023.
WHERE: Historic Hoover Theatre
1635 Park Avenue, San Jose CA 95126
DETAILS: To register for auditions, visit
https://playfulpeople.org, email
office@playfulpeople.org or call (408) 878-5362.
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