Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you use humor for such serious topics?
I have spent most of my adult life working as a community educator for rape crisis centers and domestic violence programs (see Bio). I found that some audiences get defensive when presented with these topics - this defensiveness can be sidestepped when I use funny voices and costumes to cover the same ground.
How long does the play last?
I've performed excerpts of 10 minutes or less - have also had it last 2 1/2 hours with an intermission. We can figure out what length is appropriate for your audience, and what topics you'd like me to cover in the performance. Most performances are about an hour and a half, with time for questions.
Who are your characters?
Icons of masculinity that have distinctive voices. Most common ones are Rocky Balboa, Sean Connery's James Bond and Austin Powers. Others include Keanu Reeves, Mel Gibson (with his original Australian accent), Kermit the Frog and Elmo. I also have a second play, "Men's Monologues Against Violence" that features real men and boys who have taken specific steps to stop gender-based violence.
Why haven't you updated your characters? The kids at my school don't know who Rocky is.
Actually, they do! You just think they don't. Young people know who these characters are even if they haven't seen the films. Plus, just giving this information using funny voices and costumes will still do the trick of reducing audience defensiveness.
I've been looking for more recent examples of iconic masculinity, that have distinctive voices. I've had many suggestions for new characters these past ten years ("You HAVE to have characters in your play from Dawson's Creek! That show will always be popular!"). But I haven't found many that are both iconic and have a distinctive voice.
What about male victims?
Men can be victims of both domestic and sexual violence. I have worked with victims of all genders, when I worked in shelters and rape crisis centers. It happens to heterosexual men, and it happens in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. But mostly it happens to women and girls at the hands of men, and most of the time my gender remains silent. So I tend to focus on men's violence against women, and on my gender's responsibility to raise our voices until this particular form of violence is a thing of the past.
Why are all your human characters white?
Mostly, I think white actors portraying characters of color is racist. Not everyone agrees with me, and I've seen some examples where I think that's not the case. I'm also hoping that others will write shows like mine, featuring characters of color.
How much do you charge for "Voices of Men" performances?
I prefer to discuss fees over the phone - please give me a call at the number below and we'll talk. I usually charge by the day, not by the performance, talk or training.
(More FAQs to come - this page is still under construction...)
I have spent most of my adult life working as a community educator for rape crisis centers and domestic violence programs (see Bio). I found that some audiences get defensive when presented with these topics - this defensiveness can be sidestepped when I use funny voices and costumes to cover the same ground.
How long does the play last?
I've performed excerpts of 10 minutes or less - have also had it last 2 1/2 hours with an intermission. We can figure out what length is appropriate for your audience, and what topics you'd like me to cover in the performance. Most performances are about an hour and a half, with time for questions.
Who are your characters?
Icons of masculinity that have distinctive voices. Most common ones are Rocky Balboa, Sean Connery's James Bond and Austin Powers. Others include Keanu Reeves, Mel Gibson (with his original Australian accent), Kermit the Frog and Elmo. I also have a second play, "Men's Monologues Against Violence" that features real men and boys who have taken specific steps to stop gender-based violence.
Why haven't you updated your characters? The kids at my school don't know who Rocky is.
Actually, they do! You just think they don't. Young people know who these characters are even if they haven't seen the films. Plus, just giving this information using funny voices and costumes will still do the trick of reducing audience defensiveness.
I've been looking for more recent examples of iconic masculinity, that have distinctive voices. I've had many suggestions for new characters these past ten years ("You HAVE to have characters in your play from Dawson's Creek! That show will always be popular!"). But I haven't found many that are both iconic and have a distinctive voice.
What about male victims?
Men can be victims of both domestic and sexual violence. I have worked with victims of all genders, when I worked in shelters and rape crisis centers. It happens to heterosexual men, and it happens in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. But mostly it happens to women and girls at the hands of men, and most of the time my gender remains silent. So I tend to focus on men's violence against women, and on my gender's responsibility to raise our voices until this particular form of violence is a thing of the past.
Why are all your human characters white?
Mostly, I think white actors portraying characters of color is racist. Not everyone agrees with me, and I've seen some examples where I think that's not the case. I'm also hoping that others will write shows like mine, featuring characters of color.
How much do you charge for "Voices of Men" performances?
I prefer to discuss fees over the phone - please give me a call at the number below and we'll talk. I usually charge by the day, not by the performance, talk or training.
(More FAQs to come - this page is still under construction...)
