Children are expected to conduct themselves according to conventional gender roles taught early in life.’ CSUN’s latest theatrical piece presents this idea with a comedic, insightful twist.

‘Bill’s New Frock,’ scheduled to run in Nordhoff Hall’s Studio Theatre Feb.6 through Feb.15, focuses on the behavior expected of young boys and girls through stereotypes.

The plot of the play revolves around Bill, an elementary-school boy who awakens one morning to find that he’s a girl.’ It isn’t long before he realizes that the ruffled pink dress he dons is the reason for the odd treatment he receives.

Bill is sent to school in this absurd outfit and is ostracized as he becomes the school laughingstock.

Bobby Avila, 18, a theatre major, plays Bill.’ He feels the piece is a surefire way to present stereotypes common not just to children but to adults as well.’ The satiric quality of the play doesn’t take away from its strong message.

‘Everyone he’s ever known treats him like he’s always been a girl,’ said Avila.’ ‘We take stereotypes for granted.’ People do believe in stereotypes and apply them to life, as if they are real.’

Bill withstands the strange treatment while learning a valuable lesson about judging others based solely on appearance.

Show info:

Feb. 6 through 8, 10 through 15
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
Studio Theater Lab, NH113
$16: General Admission
$14: Senior Citizens
$13: Faculty/Staff
$13: Student
$8: Student (Pre-opening early bird)