Content Guidance

2024-25 Season Content Guidance

SENIOR CLASS

Language: shit, bitch, hell, queer, damn, dammit, cunty, deadass, “massa,” hustler, “neo-negro,” “gutter winch,” ratchet, gagged, pimp, cocaine, British slang: “what the devil,” idiot, “monkey brand” from the play Pygmalion but has the connotation of a racial slur in today’s society

Violence: 

Adult Behavior: References to drugs, drinking underage, being roofied, cocaine, alcohol

Sexual Content: A variety of sexual identities are portrayed. Brief stage kiss. Brief references to sexual assault, egg donation, having multiple partners, teen pregnancy, mild sexual innuendos

Other: Themes of racial stereotypes, cultural appropriation, racism, classism, slavery

If this were a film it would be rated PG-13 

KIM'S CONVENIENCE

Language: shit, “pimping the Jesus now,” damn, ass, fuck, bitched, “ladda mercy.” 

Violence: Depiction of physical grappling. References to conflict, slavery, violence/death over stealing, parents passing, and child corporal punishment.

Adult Behavior: References to stealing and marriage/divorce.

Sexual Content: References to kissing.

Other: References to racism and racial stereotypes, gentrification, rehab, religion, and queerness.

If this were a film it would be rated PG-13 for strong language and intense conversations.

A Synetic Theater production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

Language: n/a

Violence: Two comedic fights, involving slapstick and magic.

Sexual Content: 4 characters comedically strip down to their underwear during the course of a fight. Simulated crotch grab during a fight for comedic effect.

Adult Behavior: Two men fight over one woman, leading to the aforementioned fights.

Other: One scene involving a nightmare in which a snake threatens one of the female characters.

If this were a film it would be rated PG for some adult moments.

Previous 2024-25 Shows

EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND

Language: hell, damnationm, damn, s.o.b. – “son of a bitch,” Negro, Christ on the mountain, bullshitters, godforsaken, for God’s sake, pissing.

Violence: References to death, war/combat, casualties, shooting/bombing, racial violence, conquering, concentration camps, holding a hostage, beating someone up, and domestic corporal punishment. There is a joke about a politician hanging himself. 

Adult Behavior: References to smoking, drinking, marriage, and “flipping the bird.”

Sexual Content: n/a

Other: Discussions about political parties and belief systems around American government from the POV of President Eisenhower. References to religion, racial discrimination, politics, government corruption, colonialism, name-calling, and a brief reference to undernourishment. Mention of loss from that of a parent and that of a child through sickness. 

If this were a film, it would be rated PG for discussions of war violence and use of strong language.

DISNEY'S FROZEN

Language: n/a

Violence: Magical violence, mentions of killing, brief moments of physical assault.

Adult Behavior: Depiction of kissing, mentions of alcohol and drinking, mention of nudity.

Sexual Content: n/a

Other: References to death and killing. Depictions of depression, fear, and isolation.

If this were a film, it would be rated PG, like the film version, for themes that can be dark for some children.

Q: Can I bring my toddler to see Disney’s Frozen?
A: While we recommend the show for ages 4 and up, we also understand children younger than that will be very excited to see Disney’s Frozen. We trust parents to make their own decisions about whether their child is ready to see a full-length musical, but ask that you keep the following in mind:

• All patrons must have a ticket to be admitted to the theatre. There is no “lap-sitter” ticket.
• Disney’s Frozen runs approximately two hours and fifteen minutes with an intermission. Please be sure your child will be able to sit for the entire production. 
• We want everyone to have a great time, so enthusiastic reactions to what’s happening on stage are always welcome. However, behavior that is distracting or disruptive to other patrons may result in being asked to leave the theatre. No refunds will be provided if you leave a performance early or cannot attend. 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A GHOST STORY OF CHRISTMAS

Synopsis: Ebenezer Scrooge lives a dismal life without family, friends, or a love for anything but money. One Christmas Eve, he is visited by the ghost of his former business partner and then three spirits urging him to examine the state of his past, present, and future life. Based on the classic story by Charles Dickens.

Language: This production is a one-man show using the original text of Dickens' short story. The Victorian-era language may take some getting-used-to for younger audience members. The word “ass” is used in reference to a donkey. There is a lot of discussion surrounding death, including the death of the protagonist and a child.

Adult Behavior: Smoking, Drinking, and Gambling: Mention of beer, punch, and wine.

Sexual Content: None.

Violence: None.

For which audiences: Ages 11+ 

If this were a film: It would be rated G, although because of the format and Victorian language we recommend it for ages 11 and up. View Frequently Asked Questions about this production.

WAITRESS

Language: shit, holy shit, ass, dumbass, damn, bullshit, hell, dammit, piss drunk, vagina, goddammit, goddamn,  “sweet thang,” friggin, getting laid, boobies, jerk, sex, asshole, condom, hussy, “sexual dynamo,” multi-orgasmic, drugs.

Violence: Depiction of an abusive relationship between Jenna and Earl. It is alluded to in a flashback sequence that Jenna’s parents were also in an abusive relationship. Domestic abuse, physical aggression, manipulative and controlling behavior, and references to fearing for her own life when it comes to leaving her relationship. References to death/loss of life and threatening of self-harm. 

If you or someone you love needs help, call or text the National Domestic Violence Hot Line at 800-799-7233.

Adult Behavior: Depiction of cheating, marital affairs, drinking and drunkenness. References to alcoholism, marriage, divorce, a restraining order, pregnancy, and conversations about female breasts and spotting. 

Sexual Content: Depiction of heavy kissing, touching, and displays of intimacy. Sex is simulated onstage between 3 couples with references to spanking, riding, and cumming in the same sequence. Sexual innuendos are made throughout the show mostly in the form of cheeky pie names and recipes. References to protected and unprotected sex, sperm and ejaculatory dysfunction, female ovaries, and stalking. 

Other: References to not wanting a child and an inference to abortion as an option. There is a stereotypical “old man” character trope who makes harsh comments about the past women he has been with. There are references to loss of job, jabs about a woman putting on weight, and using drugs in the scope of medical surgery. 

If this were a film, it would be rated PG-13 for sexual and mature content.

SLEEPOVA

Language: damn, bitch, son of a bitch, rapist, cunt, fuck, shit, oloshi,  bastards, omo ale, bludclart, bullshit, clusterfuck, Jesus, God, Jesu Christi, Blood of Jesus, “wastegirl,” temptress, pussy, cheap-ass, satanist, orgy, “wretched demon,” babe, seance, “bare girls.”

A note from the author, “...young people swear, maybe not in front of you but they do. I wanted to write a play about a bunch of girls who resist respectfully which is often forced and projected onto black girls. These are characters pushing back against having their language policed.” – Matilda Feyisayo Ibini

Violence: References to death, drowning, sexual assault, homophobia, LGBT+ conversion therapy, beating, bullying, and being murdered by serial killers and white boyfriends. Threats about acts of violence are made from a parent to a child for being queer and to an ex-girlfriend. There is a reference to self-harm in the form of pinching.

Adult Behavior: Underage drinking and drunkenness, consuming a “tablet,” and using the middle finger. 

Sexual Content: Depiction of a same-sex kiss onstage. Frank discussions of sexual content take place but aren’t depicted. These discussions include dating and marriage, kissing, sex, masturbation, an orgy, being fingered, touching each other, and the male gaze. Discussions of puberty with references to menstruation, a female bush, and at one point the girls jokingly describe what a penis looks like. There are mentions of sex trafficking, and a rape alarm and what it is used for.

Phrases like “popping your cherry” and “using protection” are used in the opening of the play. These phrases rely on the knowledge of their sexual context but are used in a humourous context to describe unrelated content. 

Other: Depiction of Sickle Cell Crisis and chronic illness with reference to the physical and mental toll long-term illnesses take on the individual and their loved ones. Discussions of ageism, ableism, chronic illness and medical treatment, disability, religion and brainwashing, slavery, loss of parents, grief/bereavement, bullying (fat-shaming and name calling), and illegally pirating videos. Additional references to charms/incantations are made throughout the show such as performing curses and spells with the mention of using an animal as a blood sacrifice.

If this were a film, it would be rated PG-13 for strong language and crude sexual references of the kind that most teenagers make outside the presence of adults. 

2025-26 Season Content Guidance

RED PITCH

Language: Bum, bum-licking, bloodclaat (Jamaican slang word), crud, piss, shit, fuck, dickhead (Note: the stronger languge appears only in one scene)

Violence: Reference to a previous physical fight; depiction of a play fight; depiction of a physical altercation resulting in injury, including a nosebleed

Sexual Content: References to teenage boys having romantic interest in teenage girls 

Adult Behavior: References to underage drinking at a party;  references to smoking 

Other: Brief moment of flashing lights meant to represent camera flashes. The play features many conversations about gentrification and characters losing their homes/having to move. There is a nearly constant sound of construction underscoring the play, in addition to sounds of and references to protests. References to caring for an elderly grandparent with memory loss.

If this were a film, it would be rated PG-13 for brief strong language, violence, and intense conversations

HELLO, DOLLY!

Language:  Damn, hell, damnation, “what the devil,” dammit, hoochie coochie (the name of a dance, used for comedic effect)

Violence: Reference to a rumor of one character poisoning her husband (this is false and played for comedic effect); Characters get into a comedic, stylized scuffle that results in them being arrested

Sexual Content: Much discussion about matchmaking and marriage, flirtation, slow dancing, onstage kissing

Adult Behavior: Depictions of adults drinking alcohol (wine/champagne)

Other: References to the death of a spouse; themes of grief and remarriage after the death of a spouse; references to smoking; brief loud sounds (tomato cans exploding)

If this were a film, it would be rated PG.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A GHOST STORY OF CHRISTMAS

Synopsis: Ebenezer Scrooge lives a dismal life without family, friends, or a love for anything but money. One Christmas Eve, he is visited by the ghost of his former business partner and then three spirits urging him to examine the state of his past, present, and future life. Based on the classic story by Charles Dickens.

Language: This production is a one-man show using the original text of Dickens' short story. The Victorian-era language may take some getting-used-to for younger audience members. The word “ass” is used in reference to a donkey. There is a lot of discussion surrounding death, including the death of the protagonist and a child.

Adult Behavior: Depictions and references to Smoking, Drinking, and Gambling: Mention of beer, punch, and wine

Sexual Content: None

Violence: None

For which audiences: Ages 11+ 

If this were a film, it would be rated G, although because of the format and Victorian language we recommend it for ages 11 and up. View Frequently Asked Questions about this production.

LITTLE MISS PERFECT

Language: "for the love of God", "Betch", damn, shit, God, oh my God, asshole, d-slur for lesbian women

Violence: None

Sexual Content: Depiction of two teenage girls having crush on each other; Two teenage girls kiss; Two teenagers make out; Reference to a character writing a "steamy" fantasy story (no specifics given)

Adult Behavior: Depiction of underage teenagers drinking alcohol and being drunk at a party; Depiction of teenagers smoking marijuana; Depiction of a video of underage teenagers drinking at a party

Other: Depiction of blackmail; Discussion of internalized homophobia;Depiction of and references to a character being in foster care; Depiction of anxiety; Discussion of neurodivergence and masking; Discussion of death of a parent from cancer; References to a parent undergoing chemotherapy; Depiction of racism in a predominantly white institution; Depiction of microaggressions; Discussion of a queer character staying in the closet; Depiction of religious character's homophobia

If this were a film, it would be rated PG-13 for strong language and mature themes.

APPROPRIATE

Language: characters use derogatory epithets against a Jewish person; n-word; fuck, fuckup, Bumblefuck; frickin; cunt; idiot; hell; heck; bullshit, shit, shitshow, shitty; goddamn, Jesus, God; crap; dick; genitals; dopefiend; asshole; bitch; lynch; slave, enslave; discussions of characters’ mental health and “being crazy”

Violence: a prop photo album onstage is supposed to have pictures of lynchings (prop will not have real photos); onstage grappling and hair pulling; onstage punch; vandalism

Sexual Content: a character masturbates on stage while watching gay porn (audience hears the sound of the video but does not see it); jokes about cousins having a crush on each other; reference to statutory rape and teen pregnancy

Adult Behavior: depiction of drunkenness; allusions to characters’ past substance abuse, addiction, and drug dealing; depiction of pregnancy; a character gives middle finger onstage

Other: references and allusions to racism and racial violence; a character unknowingly dons a Klan hood; Anti-Semitism; jokes about suicide; references to pedophilia and child molestation; frank discussions of whether a relative is or is not racist; references to slavery and a cemetery for enslaved people; references to hoarding; mention of a teenager dying due to fentanyl overdose; mention of a student selling intimate items over the internet; discussion of characters’ mental health and depression; allusions to ghosts, spirits, rituals, and spells; depictions of grieving a parent/grandparent, estate sales; discussion of siblings dying and family estrangement; discussions of loans, financial issues, layoffs; allusions to smallpox blankets and pogroms; depiction of a home falling into disrepair, references to cicadas and cicadas peeing

If this were a film, it would be rated R for strong language and sexual content.

I AND YOU: THE MUSICAL

Language: fuck, fucking, fucked up; shit, shitty, bullshit; crap, crappy; damn; goddamn, hell, Jesus, OhGod, OhMyGod; sex, sexy, sexting, sexty; gay; shut up; son-of-a-bitch

Violence: None

Sexual Content: characters discuss the sensual imagery and sexual allusions, innuendos, and homoeroticism in Walt Whitman’s poetry; characters discuss and tease each other on efforts to date in high school; onstage kiss

Adult Behavior: NA

Other: death of a teenager; depictions of teens dealing with mental health and trauma; allusions to ghosts or spirits; one of the characters has a chronic disease and is hospitalized; 

If this were a film, it would be rated PG-13 for strong language and mature themes.

CARLA HALL - PLEASE UNDERESTIMATE ME

Language: Freakin', oh my God, bullshit, fuck, for God's sake, Goddamn, ass

Violence: Reference to protagonist’s babysitter being beaten up in her house

Sexual Content: Protagonist has over-the-top comical "flirtatious" segment with the kitchen stove; Protagonist goes on date, including a slow dance; References to going home with a date; References to married couple flirting; Discussion of protagonist trying to “talk sexy” (this is played comedically and not specific or vulgar)

Adult Behavior: 

Other: Depictions and discussion of racism and sexism in entertainment industry; Discussion of protagonist being cheated on by boyfriend; discussion of natural vs. straightened textured hair; Discussion of protagonist's babysitter being beaten and raped in front of her; Protagonist has frustrated outburst

If this were a film, it would be rated PG-13 for language and mature themes.

A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER

Language: Hell, "who the devil,” mild innuendo/double entendre

Violence: A note about violence: The plot of this show centers around the main character killing members of his family line to become first in line for the Earldom. While this violence is frequent, the show is a comedy with an over-the-top, farcical style, and the violence is shown in this comedic way and is not graphic.

Discussion and depiction of murder in various fashions, including a character being pushed off of a tower, cutting a hole in ice where characters are skating, being stung by bees, human sacrifice (unseen), decapitation by a barbell, gunshot (with gunshot sound), drowning (unseen), poison. Characters get into a fight, including punching and slapping.

Sexual Content: Onstage kissing; discussion of marriage; fade-to-black sex scene with no nudity; in a separate scene, a female character is seen in period-appropriate undergarments (corset, pantaloons); Characters cheat/have extramarital affairs

Adult Behavior: References to a character being a frequent drinker; characters drink beer and wine 

Other: Death of a character’s mother frequently referenced; characters depicted grieving/in formal mourning at a funeral service; a character dies of a heart attack; References to being disowned from family; Appearance of firearms onstage; frequent discussion of economic class difference and upper class prejudice against lower classes

If this were a film, it would be rated PG-13 for violence and sensuality.