Donna Hoke
Donna’s plays have been produced in 27 states and five continents. She is the Western New York representative for the Dramatists Guild.
Full-Length Plays include:
- Safe
In 2011, a young gay teen hangs himself after being bullied, but the events leading to the suicide began decades before. In 1986, Nancy is a sheltered high school girl who swallows her guilt over her best friend’s torment. Twenty-five years later, married to the controlling Kirk, Nancy is confronted by another bully — her son.
Two acts: 2 hr. 15 min. – Nancy’s living room in 1986 and 2011
3M; varying ages (with cast doubling)
2F; varying ages (with cast doubling)
- On The Roof
It’s 1955, post WWII, amid McCarthyism, and years before Stonewall. In this dangerous and difficult era, Mitzi operates a cabaret and gay bar where Cruz, a playboy bartender; Levi, an aspiring Broadway composer; Bob, a WWII vet; Mac, a guy who just wants camaraderie with his Coke; and Andy, a newcomer with a law degree, all struggle to find solidarity, courage, and maybe even love. (Note: Includes two and a half songs.)
One or two acts: Two hours – in a cabaret bar, Mitzi’s roof, and suggested locations
6 or 7M: varying ages (minor doubling, one or two play multiple characters)
2F: (one plays multiple characters)
- Open and Shut
For Ellen and her gay son, Bill, pretending maintains the status quo and protects them from the truth. But when the worst kept secrets finally clang loud enough to disturb the peace, there’s no escaping their real fears and nowhere to get but out. A comedy.
One act; 1 hour 30 min. – in various suggested locations
3M: (doubling)
1F:
10-15 Minute Plays include:
- Write This Way
A writer allows characters — a young woman, and a young, gay man — to take the lead and, in doing so, not only breaks through writer’s block, but learns a thing or two.
Winner: Producers’ Choice, 2011 Briefs, Theatre Out
“Donna tackles the subject of transgenderism with such ease and care that the audience relates to the characters in a meaningful way.” – David Carnevale, Theatre Out managing director
“Highly amusing!” – Jordan Young, Los Angeles/Orange County Arts Examiner
One act: 13 min. – writer’s office
1M; young man
1F; young woman
1M or F; any age
- Cake Top This
Rhonda and Juliette agree they want to get married, but don’t realize they have different reasons for doing so.
One act: 10 min. – home interior
2F; any age
- Best Interests
A mutual attraction between a waiter and Bill develops, while he is dining with his mother. Because of their attraction, almost out-of-the-closet Bill, is forced to comes to terms with his mother.
Fourth place, LW Thomas Award 2013
One act: 10 min. – restaurant dining area
2M; mid-20s, mid-30s
1F; 50s
- Quick and Dirty
Andrew is taken aback by Bob’s unusual safe sex request.
One act: 10 min. – apartment
2M; 25, 50
- Kissing 101 (co-written with Matthew Crehan Higgins)
When Kayla decides bad kissing is affecting her love life, she turns for help to Brian, her gay, best friend.
One act: 10 min. – home interior
1M; any age
1F; any age
- Sharp Corner
Straight Ellie and her gay, best friend Vincent sleep together out of curiosity, then face the morning after.
One act: 10 min. – home interior
1M; 20s
1F; 20s
- A Mother’s Privilege
Jennifer and and Kate announce their pregnancy to Kate’s parents.
One act: 10 min. – home interior
1M; 40-50s
3F; two are 20-30s, 40-50s
- Rudolph Really
In this takeoff on the classic tale, Rudolph’s nose shines a light on homophobia in Christmas town.
One act: 10 min. – black box
4M; any age multiple roles
1F; any age multiple roles
