For a humorous play that explores the pitfalls of life as a teen in the 21st century, “Speech & Debate” makes for a less-than-inspiring title. Not to be dissuaded, the Thespian Club of Vashon High School, under the direction of Stephen Floyd, has been rehearsing after school and will perform the play this weekend and next at the Vashon High School theater.

Though it includes a few songs, the play is a departure — both in musical style and characterization — from the typical high school musical and includes some contemporary elements like using projection to show an online chat.

“We have not done this kind of realistic play (before) that involves teenage characters dealing with issues in their own lives,” Floyd said. “There is also a very different performance style than being in a musical. The actors have to explore the truth of the characters by finding themselves in the characters.”

In a case of a common enemy uniting disparate individuals, three students — a nerdy guy, an awkward wannabe popstar and a new, openly gay student — unite in their mission to disclose a potential scandal involving a teacher by forming a debate club as a subterfuge.

The three teens become friends as they wrestle with issues of politics, homosexuality and self-expression in a less-than-open school environment. For the actors portraying these characters, the issues have engendered discussions during rehearsal, an outcome Floyd sees as a positive result.

“Some of the actors include gay, lesbian or transgender students, and I wanted them to have something they might learn from and apply to their lives,” Floyd said.

Sunday’s matinee will be a benefit for the high school’s Queer Spectrum Alliance, with a panel of members and actors slated to answer questions after the play.

Floyd noted that while the play’s topics may sound very serious, the show is laugh-out-loud funny, and he cited a previous review of the play by the Seattle Repertory Theatre:

“Tackling issues of politics, homosexuality, and self-expression, young playwright Stephen Karam has written a completely modern, hilarious and heartwarming look at the struggles of being a teen today.”

“Speech & Debate” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13, 14, 20 and 21. Sunday matinees will be held at 3 p.m. on Nov. 15 and 22.

Tickets are $5 at the door, except on Sunday, Nov. 15, when tickets will be $10 and proceeds will benefit VHS Queer Spectrum Alliance.