Like his previous, more controversial Columbinus, emerging playwright Stephen Karam's Speech & Debate examines teenage alienation and the construction of the adult self. Speech explores scandal, language, and politics (rather than gun violence) as three outsiders are brought together by an unexpected turn of events in their school community. A would-be actress, an outspoken gay student, and an overeager journalism nerd stumble upon a juicy sex scandal involving a teacher — and, in navigating their elders' shark-infested waters, they spot a chance to finally make their voices heard.