"All through middle school I felt like I was invisible," Cathy says as she begins her episode of loneliness. "I've got a secret...I'm a virgin...is that so terrible?" asks Stephany. "Do you want to know my secret?" asks Ryan—"I am in love. Madly, truly, deeply in love—with a girl who doesn't even know I'm alive."

"Who am I? I'm an artist, a musician, a dreamer, a thinker, a lover. My passion runs deep..." "Who am I? An awkward child in a large sports-oriented school..." "Mom, Dad...I'm gay." "Every night before I go to sleep I look out my window and wonder how many families are as screwed up as mine." Other scenes include social diseases, pregnancy, incest, co-dependency, and suicide.

Secrets was created by KT Curran and The SOURCE Teen Theatre of Southwest Florida, Inc. in Sarasota, Florida. The play was written to shine a light on the hidden questions and feelings that grow into the secrets teenagers have regarding their sexuality. Fear, shame, and ignorance leave many young people feeling isolated, not knowing where to turn, afraid to ask for the help and attention they need. It is hoped that this play will show that in listening and talking about our secrets, we will find that we are not alone and that we are better off if we reach out for help and understanding. Each character or pair of characters has an episode dealing with a typical teen secret. Each episode may be presented alone as a brief skit or playlet with 1 to 4 characters.

Secrets is about secrets—the hidden thoughts and anxieties of teenagers which often determine the course of their lives. The message of this play is that secrets must be revealed—tell somebody. Most adults can't handle their own problems alone; how can we expect inexperienced, immature young people to handle theirs? Tell somebody. Get help.

Secrets can be done with a cast as small as eight or, as The SOURCE Teen Theatre did, with a cast of twenty-eight. It is important to add original or contemporary music to assist in the transitions between the scenes. The setting can be as simple as a bare stage and a few boxes, or it can be quite complex with various levels, platforms, and moving pieces. The play appears in its original form. If you feel that any of the material is not appropriate for your production, you have the playwrights' permission to delete entire scenes that are unacceptable for a particular audience. You may present one, two, or any combination of the scenes. You may not, however, delete parts or portions of scenes. (Please call the publisher for special royalty quotes when omitting scenes.)

One act; Set, bare (or elaborate) stage representing various places around the school and home; Time, now.

"The play moves quickly, never pushing the message too hard, yet making the point clearly and powerfully."—Stage Directions.

See also: Awareness Plays for Young Adults