Small Cast
You don’t always have a large cast of actors to cast. In this situation many plays, especially musicals and the classics become a real problem because of the number of characters. You can sometimes get around this by careful cutting of the script and by doubling-up actors. But if you only have a handful of actors and want to keep things simple then you need a play that needs only a small number of actors.
The plays on this page can all be produced with a small cast – see the play page for more details on each script.
Alex and the Warrior by Ann Coburn
Alex and the Warrior by Ann Coburn
Alex wants Grandad home from hospital for Christmas, so he makes a foolish wish. In spite of Cat’s warnings, he asks his favourite computer game character to come and help. But when The Warrior steps out of the screen, with a large sword and a lot of attitude, Alex begins to wonder what he’s let himself in for.
The Warrior’s deadly enemies, the Skarg, soon follow, trying to fit in as human beings in a world they don’t really understand. Alex and Cat struggle to keep The Warrior under control as they head through the winter streets to rescue Grandad, defeat the Skarg, conquer Karaoke and explain carol singing, all on one hectic and exciting adventure. Alex and the Warrior is a quest full of magic and danger, music and laughter: Dickens meets The Terminator in this modern fairytale for all the family.
Cast of 5 required
Alexander - Who’s Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move
Alexander – Who’s Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move
by Judith Viorst & Shelly Markham from Judith Viorst
Alexander has just received some really bad news from his parents … His dad has taken a job in a city a thousand miles away, which means that he and his mom and his dad and his bossy older brothers, Nick and Anthony, are going to have to move to a whole new city.
And even though his mom says, “Wait, you’ll like it,” Alexander already knows that he’ll hate it. He’ll hate it because he’ll never have a best friend like Paul again. And he’ll never have a great sitter like Rachel again. And he’ll never again have his soccer team or his car pool or kids who know him or…
Anyway, he can’t bear to leave the people and places he loves, so he decides that he won’t move. First he tries to live with three different neighbors. Then he tries to build a tent so he can live by himself. Then he decides he’ll hide so that his parents’ll never find him, but that doesn’t work out either.
While Alexander barricades his bedroom door, his mom and dad and even his brothers find some special ways to make it easier for Alexander to leave. They also help him to understand that home is “where your family is, where you’re with the people who love you best of all”.
Finally Alexander agrees to leave, but warns that — Do you hear him? He means it! He’s not not not not not not going to move again!
Commissioned and premiered by The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Unit set – runs about an hour
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Simon Reade from Lewis Caroll
When Alice falls down a mysterious rabbit hole she stumbles upon a magical fantasy world where anything can happen …
Take tea with the Mad Hatter, meet the White Rabbit, grin with the Cheshire Cat, and play croquet with the Queen of Hearts
But whatever you do …
… don’t lose your head!
Lewis Carroll’s classic characters spring to life in an enchanting show for the whole family, bursting with music, madness and mystery
Simon Reade’s adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s much-loved fantasy classic is a witty and brilliantly inventive re-working
6 Male, 2 Female
Among Friends and Clutter by Lindsay Price
Among Friends and Clutter by Lindsay Price presents a montage of characters who experience the most important relationships in life: friends, family, and love.
Starting with seven classmates, the play explores what they imagine their lives will be, and shows what their lives eventually become. They grow, succeed, and sometimes fail.
Students love this play for its well-rounded characters and its wealth of comic and serious moments.
Childsplay - A Collection of Scenes and Monologues for Children
Childsplay – a Collection of Scenes and Monologues for Children
For children from 7 – 13, here is a treasure chest of excerpts from a rich and exciting variety of sources.
Scenes and monologues come from such plays and films asThe Diary of Anne Frank, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Curse of the Starving Class, The Secret Garden and Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
And, most appropriately, from writings by children themselves.
Christmas Shorts - Going Home & The Christmas Witch & Xmas Cards & Nativity & The Student
Christmas Shorts – Going Home & The Christmas Witch & Xmas Cards & Nativity & The Student by Matt Hoverman
This Collection of hilarious festive comedy offers a wonderful alternative to the traditional seasonal play. The five short (10-15 minutes) comedy plays humorously comment on holiday themes – family, the nativity, Xmas cards, and elves!
The 5 Plays are …
Going Home – M1,F1
Newlyweds Greg and Cheryl have resolved to spend Christmas together alone in their tiny apartment for the first time
The Christmas Witch – M2,F1
Two dudes find their relationship challenged when an ex-girlfriend with a penchant for breaking hearts and feasting on human flesh shows up on Christmas Eve
Xmas Cards – M1,F1
Every year, prosperous, conservative couple Ned and Nelly fill out their Christmas cards together. Or rather, Ned tries to fill them out and Nelly slowly drives him insane. Why should this year be any different?
Nativity – M2,F2
Two strangers – one dressed as Mary, the other as Joseph for separate upcoming holiday pageants – meet in the waiting room of the Bethlehem, PA Fertility Clinic one Christmas Morning …
The Student – M2
Winner of the 2009 Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival
A two-character holiday comedy about a burnt-out, adult education writing teacher who rediscovers his passion in one of the strangest student-teacher conferences of all time
“Four Stars! Touching and inspiring … a favorite!” ~ Indianapolis Performing Arts Examiner
Competition Monologues by Lindsay Price
Competition Monologues by Lindsay Price
Whether it’s for a competition, an audition or for class, these monologues will help get the job done.
Specifically geared for students, this collection contains a wide variety of characters, genres and lengths.
All the monologues come from plays published by Theatrefolk and include approximate timing, character/story background, and performance suggestions.
It offers a total of 40 Monologues – 19 Men, 21 Women
There is also a second volume available, Competition Monologues Book Two.
Dexter and Winter's Detective Agency
by Nathan Bryon
Published by Nick Hern Books
1 Male 2 Female
When Dexter’s mum is sent to jail for getting mixed up in a jewellery robbery, it’s up to Dexter and his best friend Winter to get her out
On their journey to uncover the truth and free Mum, their detective work leads them to some surprising discoveries
Dexter and Winter’s Detective Agency is a madcap adventure story for young people (and older detectives) to watch, read and perform
It was first produced in 2019 by Paines Plough and Theatr Clwyd on a nationwide tour, including a run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Drama Games for Young Children
by Katherine Zachest
Published by Nick Hern Books
The most comprehensive and practical drama resource ever published for anyone working with young children (including parents!)
The book offers material that will engage any child aged 3 and up – from the most reticent to the supremely confident
And it’s an ideal way to explore and encourage skills of creativity, self-expression, tolerance, mutual respect, problem-solving and communication, in a safe, non-threatening environment
This rich resource of inspirational drama games has been compiled by an expert in the field who has taught from pre-school through to further education
Its dip-in, flick-through, easy-to-use, pocket-sized format is packed with over 200 individual games and is perfect for teachers, playgroup leaders and drama facilitators who want to inspire and entertain children with vibrant and engaging drama experiences
It also includes 40 complete and easy-to-follow lesson plans that can be implemented with little prior preparation
All appropriate for exploring the curriculum or running extra-curricular workshops
Also included is advice on preparing sessions, and there’s a template lesson plan you can download
The action-packed sessions will transport you and your group to enchanted forests, pirate ships, bustling farmyards or the bottom of the sea, via magic-carpet rides or a journey through outer space
They incorporate vocal exercises, mime and movement, nursery rhymes and fairytales, character development, costumes, songs and music, puppetry, art and text work
REVIEWS
‘Tapping into a child’s ability to play is the way to educate our children and inspire them to learn. Katherine Zachest understands this and her book is a fantastic tool with which to do it’ ~ Sally Cookson, from her Foreword
Drama Start, Drama activities, plays and monologues for young children (ages 3 -8): Volume 1
‘Drama Start’ is a collection of drama activities, including games, role playing ideas, action poems, plays and monologues, suitable for children between the ages of 3 and 8. It can be used in Early Years’ settings or in primary schools, up to and including second class. This book is also suitable for people working with children in any setting where drama is used such as community groups, out of school care facilities, therapeutic group work and so on.The book is accessible and easy to follow. It is divided into three parts – Drama Games, Plays and Monologues. Each section provides educators/teachers/leaders with a variety of creative and imaginative ideas for stimulating drama activities in many different settings.
Grow Up Grandad
by Gordon Steel
Published by Josef Weinberger
1 Male 5 Female
Poppy is eleven and has a lot of attitude
When she finds herself living with her cantankerous grandfather – a man she neither likes or loves – all hell breaks loose
Something of a hermit, a man living in the past who sees very little good in anything or anybody, Grandad Ken is suddenly and unexpectedly confronted by a tornado of energy who can’t sit still and asks too many questions
He is a man with no television, no computer and no patience
And while their relationship is volatile, it’s also very funny and strewn with moments of real tenderness
Grow up Grandad is a bitter-sweet comedy offering strong female roles, telling an inter-generational story that deals with love and loss, hope and sadness
How to Spot an Alien
by Georgia Christou
Published by Nick Hern Books
1 Male 2 Female
How To Spot An Alien is ideal for space cadets age five and up to watch, read and perform
Meet one confused alien
Two brave kids
And one busted spaceship
So what do you do if you think your aunt is an alien?
Twelve-year-old Jelly and her brother, Jonjo, have their suspicions
She won’t let them leave the house
Or ask questions
And she definitely won’t let them in the attic
Join Jelly and Jonjo on their quest to discover the truth in a rip-roaring adventure through space
Full of fun and friendship
And flying saucers!
Jack and the Beanstalk
Jack and the Beanstalk — Libretto by Marcy Telles, Music by Jason Sherbundy
Children’s Musical/ 4 Characters, 2 Men, 2 Women/ One Act
Synopsis: A musical version of the classic tale about a boy who must travel to the fair to sell his beloved cow. After a run-in with some buyers who think his cow is too scrawny, Jack meets an Old Woman who buys the cow for three beans. The beans, she promises, will allow him to ascend to the sky, where he’ll find a giant’s castle full of riches stolen from his late father.
When Jack angrily throws the beans aside, they grow into a giant beanstalk, which he climbs. At the top, he meets the Giant’s Sister, who hides him just in time: The Giant comes home and demands that his treasure — a goose, a purse filled with gold, and a singing Harp — be brought to him. Listening to the Harp, he falls asleep, and Jack and the Giant’s Sister escape down the beanstalk.
Home again, Jack is overjoyed to discover that his cow has been returned to him and, even better, they all learn a wonderful secret about the Giant’s Sister!
We also have other scripts based on Jack and the Beanstalk for large and small casts.
Jack and the Giant Beanstalk
Jack and the Giant Beanstalk by Linda Daugherty
There is much more to this play than Jack and a Beanstalk.
Of course, there’s the proverbial giant, but there is also the giant’s overworked, over-wrought wife, an aria-singing harp, a golden-egg-laying chicken with performance anxiety, and a blue-eyed stranger who looks surprisingly like Jack’s long-lost father
Naturally, there’s the village at the foot of the Beanstalk and the giant’s home in the sky, but there is also, 10 years earlier, a sailing ship caught in a storm off the coast of Pago Pago (“or was it Bora Bora”) with its blue-eyed master pulled mysteriously from the wreckage by a giant hand
Certainly, there’s Jack’s distressed mother and the peddler who sells Jack the magic beans, but there is also the peddler’s story of having bought the beans from a blue-eyed stranger; the Ladies Plum and Pomegranate, who provide the comic relief in Jack’s village; and Jack’s pals, including a rough and ready tomboy named Adelaid
With all the familiar ingredients in the mix, plus so much more, and with fresh and witty dialogue, this will be a re-discovered delight for actors and audiences alike
Runs about 65 minutes – 4 male, 5 female
Our Teacher's a Troll
by Dennis Kelly
Published by Oberon
Large Mixed Cast
Once upon a time, not so very long ago, there were two terrible twins called Holly and Sean who got up to all kinds of mischief
Once upon a time, not so very long ago, there were two terrible twins called Holly and Sean who got up to all kinds of mischief
In fact, they were so badly behaved at school that the Head Teacher, Mrs Spike, had a nervous breakdown and was found in the sand pit eating sand and mooing like a cow
The twins were extremely pleased with themselves
That is, until the new Head Teacher arrived
You see, the new Head Teacher was a –
– a Troll
Yes, that’s right
A Troll
And this Troll Head Teacher soon created all kinds of mad new rules for both pupils and teachers
Can Holly and Sean save the day and stop the Troll from eating their classmates and Teachers?
Can naughtiness be restored to its rightful and proper place?
And will brussels sprouts and peanut butter ever be taken off the menu?
This gleefully nasty tale of triumph over adversity for the over-sevens is full of worms, horribly clever sound effects of children being chewed up, purple tongues, jokes at the expense of ineffectual adults
And worse – after the troll has eaten little Tommy Anderson his burps smell of the poor child’s feet!
This is simple but cracking storytelling for two actors and one Troll encourages audience interactivity
Great fun – suitable for all children, young and old
CAST
Mixed Ensemble Cast (flexible) – 2 Actors + 1 Troll
REVIEWS
“Funny and unpatronising. Comic perfection” ~ The Times
“All of the wit, grotesque humour and naughtiness of Dahl’s best” ~ WhatsOnStage
“A celebration of naughtiness and questioning, it’s a raucous, skin-crawling treat” ~ Guardian
‘[The solution] is a far superior moral twist, one that mocks self-aggrandising authority and finds the value of understanding an alien culture – while giving the production space for pure adrenaline fun all the way’ ~ Stage
“An hilarious dark fable” ~ Herald
Paddington on Stage
Paddington on Stage – plays for children – adapted by Michael Bond and Alfred Bradley
This is something of a rarity and, as far as we are aware, now only available second-hand.
Based around Michael Bond’s popular Paddington Bear books, this book of seven short play scripts is intended for young children to perform.
The scripts were based on the play The Adventures of Paddington Bear published by Samuel French.
The plays included are:
- The arrival of Paddington
- Paddington paints a picture
- Paddington has a holiday
- Paddington visits the dentist
- Paddington goes to the launderette
- Paddington goes to hospital
- Paddington turns detective.
The book also contains costume notes and the lyrics (but not music) of two songs: I try so hard, and Paddington Bear.
Play Time by Julia Donaldson
Play Time by Julia Donaldson
From the best-selling and much-loved author of THE GRUFFALO and other classic picture books, eleven fun-to-act short plays for primary-aged children (Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2) complete with helpful, simple guidance on target age, running time and cast! Ranging from adaptations of traditional tales (eg, the legend of Persephone and Three Billy Goats Gruff) to original and contemporary short plays, Julia Donaldson has produced an entertaining, simple, satisfying play collection.
About the Author
Julia Donaldson MBE is the Children’s Laureate and author of many bestselling books for children, including the acknowledged modern classic THE GRUFFALO, which has won the Smarties Prize and the Blue Peter Award for the Best Book to Read Aloud. Julia has also written many children’s plays and songs, and runs regular storytelling and drama workshops. She lives in Glasgow with her family.
Playscripts for Primary Schools: A Resource Pack of Scripts for Adaptation
Playscripts for Primary Schools moves beyond the traditional end-of-year or Christmas production to show that working together with variously sized groups of pupils can be a valuable curricular activity. The author’s playscripts can be used for many purposes e.g. to reinforce or introduce history topics, for group writing exercises, to build co-operation and problem-solving skills and a way of opening up discussions on any range of topics. The playscripts can also be customised to suit individual schools and location, and to include opportunity for improvisation.
Robin Hood and the Raven’s Revenge by John Chambers
Robin Hood and the Raven’s Revenge by John Chambers
Comedy/ 9 characters, 5 Men, 4 Women (double/extra casting if desired)/ Full Length, Two Acts
Synopsis: Written for a family audience, with plenty of humour and some added twists to the traditional story. It intertwines the favourite elements of the Robin Hood legend with less known myths, such as the witch Mother Maudlin and an evil Raven and equates Robin with the English folk-lore figure, The Green Man.
John has written three epics for Lancaster Dukes Promenade Seasons – Tales of King Arthur, Jungle Book and The Three Musketeers, and several pieces for/with young people at Manchester Youth Theatre and M6 where he was also Resident Writer.
Robinson and Friday
by Hansjorg Schneider trans Kenneth & Barbi Rugg
Published by Samuel French Inc
3 Male 1 Female
This delightful play is a gentle spoof on authority that will appeal to children of all ages
It is the story of the shipwrecked Robinson and Friday, who live alone on a desert island
REVIEWS
“Tailor-made for giving youngsters an appreciation for theatre” ~ Boston Globe
“Lovely, beautiful, and very funny. Something special and new” ~ The Village Voice
Secrets
by Vicky Ireland from Jacqueline Wilson
Published by Nick Hern Books
5 Male 1 Female
An adaptation for the stage of Jacqueline Wilson’s popular novel …
India and Treasure come from very different backgrounds but soon become the best of friends
Together they escape from their problems by writing diaries, inspired by their heroine, Anne Frank
But when secrets start jumping off the page and into real life, Treasure and India find themselves in deep trouble
This adaptation is suitable for young actors as well as young audiences and the adapter has provided production Notes to indicate how the play can be staged even with minimal resources
REVIEWS
“You’d have to be insensitive and iron-hearted not to be smiling through tears at the end of this powerful emotional rollercoaster” ~ The Stage
Teaching Drama to Little Ones - 12 Ready-to-Go Lesson Plans for Kids Age 3-7
Jessica McCuiston
Published by Beat by Beat Press
Do you find it difficult to find drama activities for preschool age children?
Teaching theatre to very young children is a completely different experience than working with older kids
Their attention spans are shorter and they require games that are simple, short and active
But also games that provide them with the skills necessary to grow as an actor
Teaching Drama to Little Ones is packed with activities that do just that
It includes 12 lesson plans specifically designed for kids age 3-7 that you can implement today
It also includes guides on how to adapt a script and rehearse a show with this age group
Teaching Drama to Little One offers …
* 12 lessons plans packed with over 70 activities ideal for kids age 3-7
* Each lesson contains a Warm-Up, Focus, Voice, Movement and Imagination activity
* Simple reflection questions after every lesson
* A guide to creating a script for little ones
* A guide to auditioning, rehearsing and performance tips for little ones
* An appendix with lyrics of simple songs for classroom use
And here are just a few of the topics covered in the lessons …
Getting to Know You. Students will feel comfortable in a new environment, realizing that theatre class is a place where they can make new friends while learning how to sing, dance, and act.
Make Believe. Students will use their imaginations to be different characters and go on make believe adventures.
Working with a Partner. Students will build trust and gain confidence by learning to work with a partner.
Working as a Team. Students will realize that theater involves teamwork and everyone has a role with something important to contribute.
Rhythm. Students will understand rhythm, be able to clap and follow a steady beat, and practice speeding up and slowing down their voices and movements.
Energy. Students will explore how energy is necessary when performing and learn how to control and focus using that energy.
Emotions. Students will explore how we use emotions to show the audience what we are feeling.
Actions. Students will use movement to learn the basic concepts of blocking, choreography, and stage directions.
Becoming a Character. Students will become familiar with the practice of pretending to be different characters.
Using Your Voice. Students will understand why projection and diction are necessary while singing and acting.
Acting Is Reacting. Students will understand that listening and reacting are just as important as speaking.
Putting it Together. Students will learn how their newly developed acting skills fit together as they prepare for a final presentation or show
About the Author
Jessica McCuiston has worked as a teaching artist and director/choreographer in the New York City area since 2007. She has taught in over twenty schools, ranging from pre-kindergarteners in the NYC public school system to college students at Pace University. She currently teaches musical theatre for Bronx Arts Ensemble and Mile Square Theatre, and is resident choreographer for Broadway Bound Kids
Ten Minute Plays for Kids
by Lawrence Harbison – Editor
Published by Applause Books
In 10-Minute Plays for Kids, young thespians will find terrific plays by some of our most prominent playwrights. These include Sharyn Rothstein, Alex Broun, Jenny Lyn Bader, Claudia I. Haas, and Mark Harvey Levine
As well as less well known but equally exciting playwrights such as Sharai Bohannon, Suzanne Bailie, and Shirley King
The characters and situations portrayed are perfect for the kid actor
Some of the plays explore tales of friendship and family
And others allow the actors to take on the personas of non-human characters
Such as fish and chess pieces!
10-Minute Plays for Kids is ideal for theater students, youth groups, and acting classes
The Adventures of a Bear Called Paddington - A Musical Play for Children
The Adventures of a Bear Called Paddington – A Musical Play for Children by Alfred Bradley from the books by Michael Bond
Anyone familiar with Paddington, who was found in Paddington Station by the Browns and adopted by them, will welcome this play.
These stories have been favorites with children for years and this series of playlets has been woven together to make a play that will delight young (and not so young) audiences everywhere.
Some of his notorious adventures are dramatized here – with plenty of scope for audience participation in the action and the singing
Certain to appeal to young and old audiences alike.
Casting: 5 Male, 3 Female
The BFG: a set of plays
The BFG: a set of plays by David Wood, adapted from Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl fans will rejoice at the opportunity to bring their favorite books and characters to life. Five of Dahl’s hugely popular, beloved books have been adapted into winning plays for children.
With useful tips on staging, props, and costumes, these plays can be produced with a minimum amount of resources and experience.
Teachers, parents, and children everywhere will recognize Quentin Blake’s appealing classic cover art and will find these easy-to-perform plays to be a great source of entertainment!
The Box of Delights
by Piers Torday from John Masefield
Published by Faber & Faber
5 Male 3 Female
Adapted for the stage for the first time by Piers Torday, John Masefield’s much-loved classic The Box of Delights lauded by The Times as “One of the greatest children’s books ever written”
It’s a magical and festive adventure in which one boy must confront the secrets of the past to defeat the evil in his present
Kay Harker is heading home for the school holidays
Recently orphaned, he knows this Christmas will be different but nothing could prepare him for the journey that lies ahead
On the train he meets an old magician – Cole Hawlings – who charges Kay with safeguarding a wondrous device that has time-travelling powers
It’s an instrument that Cole’s nemesis, the wicked sorcerer Abner Brown, will stop at nothing to steal for himself
And so when the old man mysteriously disappears, Kay faces the fight of his life
The future of Christmas itself depends upon him and now he must protect both the Box of Delights and the people he loves
The City Mouse and the Country Mouse
The City Mouse and the Country Mouse from K I D S I N C O based on the classic tale by Aesop
The classic tale of two cousins, who live very different lives. They both explore life in the country and the city and each learns that things are not always as they first seem.
Cast of 3 required
The Railway Children
The Railway Children by Mike Kenny, adapted from the book by E. Nesbit
You don’t need a real train to stage this version of the much loved classic – though that’s what they had at Waterloo Station for a smash-hit production. The most powerful prop is the imagination of the audience, the most effective tool, the skill of the actors. This version of The Railway Children is eminently suitable for schools, youth theatres and drama groups – anywhere, in fact, where the cry of ‘Daddy! My Daddy!’ is likely to provoke a tear.
The Twilight Zone
by Anne Washburn from Rod Serling & Charles Beaumont & Richard Matheson
Published by Oberon
Large Mixed Cast
“What you are about to watch is a nightmare. It is not meant to be prophetic, it need not happen, it’s the fervent and urgent prayer of all men of good will that it never shall happen. But in this place, in this moment, it does happen. This is the Twilight Zone”
In this skilful Adaptation, the acclaimed CBS Television Series lands on stage for the first time
Magic and fantasy unite as the ordinary becomes extraordinary when this spooky ride into the supernatural opens a new dimension
A dimension we call The Twilight Zone
Anne Washburn weaves eight of the original CBS episodes into a single play, framed by the classic Will The Real Martian Please Stand Up? …
Two police officers investigating a UFO sighting arrive at a local diner where they meet seven stranded bus passengers, all of whom claim to be from Earth
But one of them is lying
The final narrative dates from 1961 shortly before the Cuban missile crisis, in which an impending nuclear attack leads to an outbreak of suburban hostility, chillingly anticipating the kind of arguments about national identity that have resurfaced under President Trump
This compelling Stage Adaptation embraces these eight classic tales …
And When the Sky Was Opened
Three astronauts return from the first manned space flight aboard the experimental ship X:20. One by one, they begin to disappear
Eye of the Beholder
A woman lies in a hospital, having undergone an eleventh operation to ‘fix’ her face to prevent her being exiled. Completely covered by bandages, she waits to see if the operation has been successful
Little Girl Lost
A small girl’s parents are woken in the middle of the night by their daughter’s cries. After struggling to find her they call a friend who discovers their daughter has fallen into another dimension
The Long Marrow
Before leaving for his latest mission, astronaut Doulas Stansfield falls in love with his colleague. He decides to forego the suspended animation machine that will prevent him from aging on the trip, so that they can age at the same rate despite being apart. But as he returns to Earth we discover the sacrifices made for love
Nightmare As A Child
A teacher meets a young girl outside her apartment who seems oddly familiar. After inviting her in, it is revealed that the girl is herself as a child, who slowly uncovers an important memory from her past
Perchance to Dream
A man believes that if he falls asleep, a woman who stalks his dreams will kill him
The Shelter
An impending nuclear attack leads to an outbreak of suburban hostility
CAST
M6,F4 (doubling)
Tinker Bell
by Patrick Flynn from J.M. Barrie
Published by Dramatic Publishing
A new, twinkling light shines on all the characters you love as J.M. Barrie’s story is reborn from this feisty fairy’s point of view
Everyone thinks they know Peter Pan
But until you have heard Tinker Bell’s side of the story, you really have not heard it at all
When all the fairies in Neverland start dying, Tinker Bell comes to London to find a friend
There she meets a young boy named Peter Pan who has just run away from his family so he can be a little boy forever
When Tink takes Peter to Neverland, all sorts of wonderful and amazing things happen …
Flowers grow
Animals appear
And pirates arrive
But as Peter brings more Lost Boys and the Darling children back to her island, Tink finds she doesn’t like sharing her friend with anyone else
Especially that Wendy girl
This fresh and intensely theatrical adaptation of the classic story emphasizes play and fun as well as the complicated nature of friendship
CAST
7 Actors
Runs about 60 minutes
Uncle Pirate - The Musical
by Ben H Winters & Drew Fornarola from Douglas Rees
Published by Samuel French Inc
3 Male 3 Female
Musical Comedy for Children
Wilson is just your average kid
Then one day he finds out his uncle is a pirate
Yes – a REAL pirate!
With help from Uncle Pirate and his talking penguin, maybe, just maybe, Wilson can survive the fourth grade
So grab yer eye patches and pirate hats, mateys!
The adventure begins now!
Songs:
Done with Fourth Grade
Uncle Pirate’s Story
I Wanna Read!
Pirate Lessons
Carla’s Song
Pirate and Secretary
Pirate Code
Not Afraid
Piano Score available to Rent – Runs about an hour
CHARACTERS
WILSON a nervous eight year-old with glasses. Very smart, very kind, very scared of the world
UNCLE PIRATE a tough-talking, barrel-chested, sword-rattlin’, sea-garglin’ old salt; eye patch optional, heart of gold required
CAPTAIN JACK a wise-cracking penguin; played by an actor in a penguin suit
WOMAN 1 (Mom, Carla, various pirates and kids) – Mom is the sensible long-suffering mother of Wilson; Carla is a bullying eight year-old with pigtails and a perpetual scowl
WOMAN 2 (Miss Quern, various pirates and kids) – Miss Quern is a secretary who looks and acts like a librarian; prim and proper, hair in a bun, etc
MAN (Dad, Principal Purvis, Mr. Twissel, various pirates and kids) – Dad is the sensible long-suffering father of Wilson; Principal Purvis is a shifty-eyed middle-aged man whose great love is making life hard for children; later Purvis is revealed to be a pirate; Mr. Twissel is terrified of everything, especially fourth graders
EXTRA PIRATES if required
REVIEWS
“At heart Uncle Pirate proves more of a Boy Scout than a buccaneer, but that won’t distress theatergoers under 12, this diverting and often funny musical’s ideal audience … Theatergoers at a recent performance particularly enjoyed a classroom duel in which Uncle Pirate bravely wields first a pointer, then a ruler and finally a book. Education, it seems, really is the way to win life’s battles” ~ The New York Times
“There’s a talking penguin and plenty of ‘arrrs!’ for the young’uns, while elementary schoolers and their parents will appreciate the sarcastic dialogue and clever songs … a whimsical adaptation of the eponymous kids book is Jolly Roger fun” ~ Time Out, New York
William Shakespeare's Long Lost First Play
William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play
by Reed Martin & Adam Tichenor
Published by Josef Weinberger
Large Mixed Cast
The Reduced Shakespeare Company presents the literary sensation of the Century!
Discovered buried beneath a parking lot in Leicester, UK, next to a pile of old bones, an ancient manuscript proves to be the long-lost first play written by none other than seventeen-year-old William Shakespeare
It’s a discovery that has thrilled scholars across the world
The Holy Grail of English literature
An original manuscript, quilled by the Bard’s own fair hand, featuring his most famous characters and familiar speeches
Presented in a brand-new story …
An ancient grudge pits Puck against Ariel and turns Shakespeare’s canon upside-down
Creating such strange bedfellows as Hamlet and that master motivator Lady Macbeth
And Viola and Richard III
And King Lear and the Weird Sisters
And – of course – Dromio and Juliet
Using questionable scholarship and street-performer smarts, playwrights Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor weave together most of the famous speeches and plot devices of Shakespeare’s 39 plays to create a fast and funny fortieth, filled with witty wordplay and vaudevillian variety
And twins, twins, lots of twins!
REVIEWS
“A breathlessly irreverent and pun-filled romp!” ~ Washington Post
“Hilarious, outrageous fun! A romp of epic proportions” ~ Edinburgh Guide
“A cauldron full of belly laughs! Make no mistake, this is an absolute, resolute, hoot, of a bawdy comedy of errors” ~ Broadway World
CAST
M3 or F3 or Any combination of Males and Females and any number of Actors