Testimonials

"Immersing myself in this play was a revelation. It’s a powerful exploration of freedom in all its forms—freedom from vices, freedom of thought, and freedom of choice. The narrative delves into the struggle of breaking free from toxic bonds, revealing the daunting journey of liberation from unhealthy attachments. Yet, amidst the challenges, it offers a beacon of hope: the realization that one doesn’t have to navigate this path alone. As I pondered the play’s message, I found myself reflecting on my own driving force and the influences that shape my life. It’s a thought-provoking conundrum: seeking assistance when you’re convinced you know yourself inside out. This play isn’t just entertainment; it’s a mirror reflecting the complexities of our own quests for freedom and self-discovery."

“Each time I read Mental Health Monologues I’m absorbed by the powerful messages that give me insights through the characters’ stories. Reading the monologues on the podcast was such a rush! …It was empowering to bring the words to life, it got me out of my head & I felt much lighter afterwards. I encourage everyone who wants to grow as a person to read TransformativePlays. I read 6 of them in a month & I am not a “reader!” Lately when I have tough times, I find myself thinking about the plays & then remember something that helps.”

"If I had read 'The Donut Shop' when I was young, it would have been a godsend. I struggled with bulimia in high school and during my first two years of college. Having a resource that discussed eating disorders in an entertaining format such as this play brings issues to the forefront. It would have helped me to learn to love myself. The play is a creative way to address the awkward emotionality of those who suffer with eating disorders."

"I wish both THE DONUT SHOP & FLY EAGLES FLY were required reading in all high schools and colleges. I LOVED BOTH!!! Super-fun and super-easy to read, an absolute pleasure. I am excited to support something so important to the world and the industry. So many in need will benefit from the funding that these plays will create, I am proud to support this goodness."

“My particular favorite is the Donut shop. This should be in every high school. In the playwright conferences they offer theater, but also in literature classes, because this addresses something that is not talked about a lot, that is ignored and often is not diagnosed eating disorders. And it's rather a humorous play that makes you more comfortable with these sensitive issues, whether it's anorexia, bulimia, or overeating. Eating disorders are something that some people battle with all their lives. This is a tool. Plays can be used as tools to start conversations. Read “The Donut Shop” by Carl Stillitano. Better yet, take it to your kids teacher and ask them to share it with their class in an interactive conversation as well as in play performances.”

"The Donut Shop spurs a thought-provoking and insightful exchange amongst its curiously connected characters. It sheds light on the threads that make up the fabric of what motivates our approach towards, and perceptions of, others. It ultimately causes us to examine the filters that we each see through and calls for us to acknowledge that perhaps we are all more alike than we think, in our attempt to fix the starving parts of ourselves in whatever way satiates us. There is a lot to chew on in The Donut Shop!"

"I think this play would be a great read for anyone to read. Kindness can be given and received by any age, race or gender. It’s universal. The more we are reminded of its importance, the better off mankind will be. "

"Filled with insights, innuendo and humor, ALONE IN MY HEAD confronts the despair, dependency and paralyzing insecurities that those who struggle with mental health deal with. This play is a life-saver for so many who struggle with suicidal thoughts, Bi-Polar Disorder and simply feeling...Alone."

“This is such a beautiful movement. It's a great tool & it will help a lot of kids all over the world! There are so many applications: you can read it, act it, experience with a group, you can be alone, or in a formalized setting, like stage readings for fundraisers. This is a dream come true for high-school therapists & counselors... I love these plays because if you're going through something, whatever it is, when you have Mental Health Monologues then you will transform. It makes it easier to express yourself & understand you are not alone.”

“Mental Health Monologues is a healing game-changer that transcends traditional modalities of therapy. It’s fun, it makes you smarter & when read out loud the monologues become a vehicle to help release pain, re-pattern trauma & empower independence. I am in awe witnessing the power of the monologues in action. No matter your age, race, sexual preference, these monologues relate to everyone... & help us relate to one another.”

"I recommend reading 'An Act of Kindness in the BU' for college students as a tool for balance. I've never read a play like this. It was more like an experience than reading. It was easy to comprehend and connect to. I felt a sense of growth after reading 'An Act of Kindness in the BU'. I've read Shakespeare for school, but never appreciated a play like this. The way it is written is very modern, and references social issues that are relevant right now. It is so easy to get caught up in the stress and anxiety of college pressures; when reading this play it reminds us that we are not alone, and there are support systems of people who can help you."

“As with all of Carl's plays, the evolution of the two characters and their inter-dynamics are very fascinating and riveting, and they bring forth a message of love and healing, but also of transformation. Carl's brilliant writing brings us to understand both of [the characters], but most importantly brings them to respect one another and understand one another and grow. “I have a special needs child who has a unique special disability that doesn't fall on the spectrum or doesn't have a common name people are familiar with, and I constantly have to advocate for him as this mother did. But also when you are discussing your family and people who have no background whatsoever in the world of special needs who maybe have never had the honor to know someone with Down Syndrome I. And their special skills, or someone with autism, with their special intuition and perception. This play is an instrument to help them understand that even if it's incomprehensible to you, whatever you're going through, whether it is the perspective of special needs parent or advocate, or a person who has a lot of feelings inside that they need to get out and express"

"'Fly Eagles Fly' digs into men feeling overwhelmed by increased expectations; economic pressures; social and cultural norms; mental health stigma; isolation and changing gender roles. The stigma surrounding men seeking mental health support can prevent them from getting support. Nick's confusion about his girlfriend's desire to change their dynamic is relatable, and his asking advice on how to proceed is understandable. The male perspective in this play is refreshing in its authenticity."

"At the most difficult time of my life, I kept The Donut Shop on my nightstand. It was an integral part of my healing. When I read it, I felt less alone. Reading and re-reading this play consistently helped me to feel more centered and make decisions from a more balanced place. "

"It is so profoundly important that everything we do, everything we absorb has a healing effect, especially in today’s climate as the world changes at a frenetic speed. “Act Of Kindness” was such a refreshing read with life lessons woven into the fabric of the play. It reminded me of the bedtime stories that I would improvise for my daughter, intentionally creating hidden gems that hopefully taught her life lessons that would nourish her subconscious. Even at 28 years old, she still remembers them. Hey, that was my intention. I hope these plays become an indelible part of every reading list for kids and young adults. What a gift of healing that would be.”

"Carl Stillitano's masterpiece "Affairs of the family" was most helpful in my day to day navigation of my my own personal domestic life. I would recommend this play not only to individuals who hailed from immigrant families but all individuals who honor, love, and respect their parents."

"These monologues provide a platform for individuals to share their personal experiences with mental health challenges, reducing the feelings of isolation and offering valuable insights into these issues. They inspire hope and resilience as individuals share their recovery journeys, fostering empathy, connection, and empowerment. It's comforting to know that others share these feelings and experiences. This book should be a staple in every home and school for parents, teachers, and students alike."

"Loved it!!!!!!! It took me 57 minutes to read, cover to cover! 'Kenny & Diane' is a great play for young people still learning and navigating the struggles, commitments and realities of love and relationships. I am more informed and prepared for life and relationships since reading this play. Such as, what to look out for and what to be careful to avoid. The play shows the strength that a bond such as Kenny and Diane's can be...both a gift and a burden. I loved Kenny & Diane because of the fluidity of the writing mixed with the plot of the story making it such a cohesive read!"

"The beginning monologue of FEF had me invested right away. I have a single mom friend, whose son is autistic. The opening monologue immediately spoke to me. As soon as Nick entered into the dialogue with Brenda, I was drawn in even more. Before I knew it, I had finished the play. "This play appealed to me on several levels. Not only were the characters relatable and the dialogue captivating, but it provoked thoughts about my relationship with my son, and how I am raising him. The things I want to instill in him the most were brought to my attention through this play. Integrity, kindness, humility and a good sense of humor. It also reminded me that to constantly evolve as better versions of ourselves we must be willing to put in the work."

"Where was this play when I was in my 20s, or younger? Eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and self esteem issues are a common thread among many women at some point in their lives, including myself. It’s rare to find an entertaining and comical way of dealing with such heavy matters. What starts off as lighthearted banter between a donut shop employee and customer, quickly ensues into an entertaining emotional journey. Through a series of unfortunate events, all of the play’s characters have been locked inside of a donut shop. While on lock down, they are forced to deal with each other’s issues and are confronted with their own as well. I found myself relating to all the characters at some point throughout the play. I thought more about my younger self in relation to each one. Fortunately for the younger me, I couldn’t commit to any of the eating disorders. I hated the lack of control in vomiting, I didn’t have enough willpower not to eat, and I was too self aware to overeat consistently. I felt the pressure of society and magazine covers to be thin, compounded by the disappointment in myself for not achieving such unrealistic goals. Even today I find myself still dealing with these issues, but in a different capacity. Now I’m a mom. I would often think how blessed I was to have a boy. My thought was, at least he doesn’t have to deal with caddy girls, body shaming and self confidence issues. Not only is this not true, but I also have to be aware of how I talk about myself and my body in front of him. I always thought having a sarcastic and sometimes self deprecating sense of humor was an asset of mine. Although funny to me, I now see the effects that it has on my son. As a result he started calling me squishy, and other derogatory terms I would use to talk about myself. This really opened my eyes to the reality of perception. To perceive is to believe. My son was perceiving and believing that what I was saying, was my truth. Why wouldn’t he? Healthy relationships with food, and our bodies must be given as an example to our youth, rather than just outward appearance. Not only does The Donut Shop give insight into the world of eating disorders, it can also be used as a tool to help people dealing with those issues."

"My first read through of Fly Eagles Fly was inspiring. The layers of emotional intelligence that show up, elegantly wrapped in humour is impressive. Just when you get the lesson, Carl guides you to dive a little deeper but in a safe, fun, and impactful way."

"The first time I read The Donut Shop I was instantly hooked. With humor and truth, The Donut Shop touches the reader in a way that's almost indescribable. The simplicity and yet depth of something so strikingly relatable, no matter the gender, race, religion, or weight, is a rare and magical entity. In a world of body image mayhem The Donut Shop is a unique, humorous, and innovative approach to the controversial topic of eating disorders." 

“I was touched at the tenderness of humanity and understanding of a stranger. May we all take a pause to offer help when it’s needed. May we all take a pause to accept help when we need it.”

"The dialogue pulls you in, and the characters make you want to stay... This play’s emotional journey about a young Russian girl named Sky trying to make her big dreams come true in a new country, is both uplifting and a little heart breaking... I love the emotional journey this play put me on. It’s a great demonstration of humanity at its finest... Another purposeful, and enlightening play by Carl Stillitano."