The debate over appropriate content for young audiences isn't confined to libraries anymore. High school theater departments are finding themselves in the spotlight, facing increasing scrutiny from parents and administrators regarding the plays they choose to produce, as highlighted in a recent New York Times report.

Drama teachers, actors, and playwrights have voiced concerns about the heightened political climate and the influence of social media, which they say have contributed to this increased scrutiny. The report indicates that objections have arisen from various viewpoints. Some conservatives have reportedly raised concerns about themes of homosexuality in productions like "The Prom" and "Almost, Maine." Meanwhile, other productions, such as "South Pacific," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," "Bye Bye Birdie," and "Grease," have drawn criticism regarding depictions of race and gender.

One example cited in the report is Stevie Ray Dallimore, a former theater program director at a private boys' school in Tennessee. He shared that three plays were rejected due to themes involving gay characters, cross-dressing, and adultery. Dallimore believes this reflects a broader, organized effort towards censorship. He connected the current situation to a larger societal movement involving politics and religion, citing book bans and attempts to control historical narratives.

The New York Times piece links the increased scrutiny of high school plays to other trends, such as the rise in book bans, state legislation surrounding Critical Race Theory and sexual content in schools, and restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors. Educators have observed that plays deemed acceptable just a few years ago are now considered controversial in some regions.

Playwright Stephen Gregg, who has written for high school students for three decades, recounted having to decline a Florida school's request to remove a gay couple from his play. He felt that doing so would send a negative message to LGBTQ+ students involved in theater. A survey by the Educational Theater Association revealed that a significant number of drama teachers – 67 percent – admitted that censorship concerns influenced their play selections. Furthermore, teachers expressed worry about potential job loss for selecting plays deemed inappropriate.

The Times report underscores a growing national trend, affecting both liberal and conservative areas, where theater teachers face increasing challenges in selecting plays that won't spark backlash and potentially jeopardize their careers or program funding. This sentiment is echoed by Ralph Sevush of the Dramatists Guild of America, who noted that the culture wars are playing out in high schools, with individuals losing their jobs over play choices.

This debate extends beyond the stage. A report from PEN America documented nearly 1,500 book bans in the first half of the 2022-2023 school year. Howard Sherman, an anti-censorship advocate, argued that students benefit from exposure to a wide range of material, including potentially controversial content, to foster critical thinking and broader understanding.