I never asked for a gofundme

by Jayne Deely

It's March Madness and Millie is back home in Mobile, AL to observe Southern birds at the university. With her is her Nuyorican partner, Avery, who is holed up in their apartment recovering from very recent gender affirming top surgery. When quasi-aunt to Millie and righteous woman of God Teresa eavesdrops on Millie talking to the pharmacist at CVS, she comes to the very wrong conclusion that Avery has breast...

It's March Madness and Millie is back home in Mobile, AL to observe Southern birds at the university. With her is her Nuyorican partner, Avery, who is holed up in their apartment recovering from very recent gender affirming top surgery. When quasi-aunt to Millie and righteous woman of God Teresa eavesdrops on Millie talking to the pharmacist at CVS, she comes to the very wrong conclusion that Avery has breast cancer, spurring her to set events in motion that turn everyone’s lives irrevocably upside down: cue the casseroles, care packages, and checkbooks – a gofundme to SAVE AVERY! I never asked for a gofundme is a new queer comedy about healthcare, family, and religion that asks what it means to be worthy of care.

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I never asked for a gofundme

Recommended by

  • Actor's Express: I never asked for a gofundme by Jayne Deely
    “

    This play is funny, smart, warm and oh-so satisfying. I love how it so easily moves between tenderly observed heartfelt moments and freewheeling theatricality. Jayne has created a special play about people doing right by those they love, as well as how to fill those tough spaces between people that keep us divided. What a beautiful play, and how urgently it is needed right now. -- Freddie Ashley, Artistic Director, Actor's Express

    This play is funny, smart, warm and oh-so satisfying. I love how it so easily moves between tenderly observed heartfelt moments and freewheeling theatricality. Jayne has created a special play about people doing right by those they love, as well as how to fill those tough spaces between people that keep us divided. What a beautiful play, and how urgently it is needed right now. -- Freddie Ashley, Artistic Director, Actor's Express

    ”
  • Brad Goren-Wilson: I never asked for a gofundme by Jayne Deely
    “

    Banger. This writer has a real knack for capturing the awkwardness and hilarity of worlds clashing together; I have never seen a play that gets both queer leftism and southern-lady gentility with the keen observation, acid, and compassion of “…gofundme.” Delightful theatricality and comic ease. I hope this gets done a lot.

    Banger. This writer has a real knack for capturing the awkwardness and hilarity of worlds clashing together; I have never seen a play that gets both queer leftism and southern-lady gentility with the keen observation, acid, and compassion of “…gofundme.” Delightful theatricality and comic ease. I hope this gets done a lot.

    ”
  • M. K. Wessel: I never asked for a gofundme by Jayne Deely
    “

    A moving queer comedy about standing up for yourself and those you love. Chock-full of masterful dialogue, witty banter, and laugh-out-loud visuals, Deely writes a gut-punch of a comedy, dealing with the conflict between Christian intolerance and queer existence. If you’re on the fence, just know that the play includes an absurdist casserole parade, a Dolly Parton breast exam, and Simba on the cross.

    A moving queer comedy about standing up for yourself and those you love. Chock-full of masterful dialogue, witty banter, and laugh-out-loud visuals, Deely writes a gut-punch of a comedy, dealing with the conflict between Christian intolerance and queer existence. If you’re on the fence, just know that the play includes an absurdist casserole parade, a Dolly Parton breast exam, and Simba on the cross.

    ”
View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

White passing BIPOC actors should feel encouraged to audition for all roles identified as 'white.'
  • Millie
    (she/her) Female, white, early 30's, PhD student in a relationship with Avery. Southern and raised Baptist. The black sleep of her family.
    Early 30's
    White
    Cis female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Avery
    (they/them) - AFAB tran-masc nonbinary early 30's, puerto rican, east coast raised, recently had top surgery.
    Early 30's
    Latino
    Non-binary
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Non-binary
  • Teresa
    (she/her) - Female, white, 50's/early 60's, Southern, Christian and VERY involved in the church, best friend of Kim.
    50's/early 60's
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Kim
    (she/her) - Female, white, 50's/early 60's, Millie's mom, Southern, Christian.
    50's/early 60's
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • The Coven
    (she/her, they/them) - genderqueer. a mildly blundering guardian angel/greek chorus/queer ancestor of sorts who pops up in (often unsuccessful) attempts to help Avery and Millie navigate the chaos. Plays RADIO ANNOUNCER, FARMACÉUTICA THE PHARMACIST, FRANCINE, SERVER, DOLLY PARTON, NUN, DOCTOR, JESUS, MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE, GODLY MUFASA VOICE, and DOORDASH (yes, in that order).
    any
    BIPOC
    Trans woman,
    Non-binary
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Workshop, La Jolla Latinx New Play Festival , 2024

Awards

  • Diverse Voices Playwriting Initiative
    Illinois State University
    Finalist
    2024
  • Terrence McNally New Play Incubator
    Rattlestick Theatre
    Semi-Finalist
    2024
  • Relentless Award
    American Playwriting Foundation
    Honorable Mention
    2024