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FOLK & FAIRY TALES

FOLK & FAIRY TALES


Discover the enchanting world of Folk and Fairy Tales with our selection of play scripts available through PLAYS Magazine! Our collection features captivating adaptations and original stories that bring timeless tales to life, making them perfect for all age groups. These play scripts for students not only entertain but also teach valuable lessons and foster creativity.

Whether you’re looking for high school plays that challenge students with rich narratives, middle school plays that capture youthful imagination, or elementary school plays that introduce classic stories in a fun way, we have something for everyone.

Each script is designed to engage young actors and audiences alike, encouraging collaboration and storytelling. Don't miss the chance to enrich your theater program with these captivating tales. Subscribe today and gain access to our diverse library of play scripts!

WHY WE HAVE DAY AND NIGHT by Barbara Winther WHY WE HAVE DAY AND NIGHT by Barbara Winther

Bring ancient wisdom to your classroom with Why We Have Day and Night by Barbara Winther. This engaging drama is a standout choice for educators looking for culturally rich middle school play scripts. Based on a traditional Australian Aborigine tale, the story follows a high-stakes conflict where flying animals are pitted against land animals. As the two groups clash, students explore a timeless narrative that points out the foolishness of pride and the consequences of war. It’s an imaginative, thought-provoking piece that is as educational as it is entertaining. Order yours today!

  • Cultural Exploration: Introduces students to Australian Aborigine folklore and storytelling traditions.

  • Timeless Themes: Effectively addresses complex topics like pride, conflict, and the importance of harmony.

  • Ensemble-Friendly: Features a large cast of 14 flexible roles, perfect for involving an entire class.

  • Accessible Length: A concise 30-minute running time makes it ideal for school assemblies or drama workshops.

  • Engaging Characters: Diverse animal roles allow students to experiment with creative movement and character acting.

Finding high-quality middle school play scripts that balance meaningful lessons with an exciting plot can be a challenge for busy drama directors. Why We Have Day and Night provides the perfect solution, offering a unique opportunity for students to delve into world mythology while honing their performance skills. This script helps young actors understand the gravity of conflict through a relatable, nature-based allegory, making it a powerful teaching tool for any theater program. Start your production with Plays Magazine today!

  • Grade Level: Middle Grades

  • Cast Size: 14 (Male or Female)

  • Running Time: 30 minutes

  • Genre: Folk Tale / Diversity

  • Subject: Australian Aborigine Lore

  • Format: Royalty-Free Script (requires subscription)


Middle Grades, 14 female or male; 30 minutes.
Flying animals are pitted against land animals in this Australian Aborigine tale that points out the foolishness of pride and war.
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HANSEL AND GRETEL by the Brothers Grimm and adapted by Mary Flynn Casey HANSEL AND GRETEL by the Brothers Grimm and adapted by Mary Flynn Casey

Rediscover the magic of the woods with this enchanting adaptation of Hansel and Gretel by Mary Flynn Casey. Based on the Brothers Grimm classic and inspired by Engelbert Humperdinck’s famous opera, this script is a versatile choice for both an elementary school play scripts collection and a middle school play script library. The story follows two inquisitive siblings as they outsmart a wicked witch in a house made of gingerbread. Filled with whimsical characters like gingerbread children and forest spirits, this 40-minute production brings a timeless story to life with charm and suspense. Order yours today!

  • Faithful Adaptation: Captures the heart of the original Grimm fairy tale while incorporating melodic influences from the opera.

  • Large, Flexible Cast: Includes 5 lead roles and several extras, making it easy to accommodate an entire classroom or drama club.

  • Engaging for All Ages: Specifically designed to bridge the gap between Lower and Middle Grades with age-appropriate dialogue.

  • Imaginative Staging: Provides wonderful opportunities for creative set design, from a humble cottage to a candy-covered house.

  • Perfect Performance Length: A 40-minute runtime is substantial enough for a main event while remaining manageable for younger performers.

Finding an elementary school play scripts option that also works as a middle school play script can be difficult, but this version of Hansel and Gretel strikes the perfect balance. It offers younger students the excitement of a well-known fairy tale while providing middle schoolers with the opportunity for more nuanced character work and theatrical ensemble building. Whether you are staging a holiday show or a spring festival, this script ensures a magical experience for your students and an unforgettable show for your audience. Bring this classic to life with Plays Magazine today!

Middle and Lower Grades; 3 female, 2 male; several male or female extras; 40 minutes.
Adaptation of the classic fairy tale starring inquisitive siblings, a wicked witch, gingerbread children, and more. Based on Engelbert Humperdinck's opera.
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ANANSI AND THE KING'S DRUM by Penni L. Ericson ANANSI AND THE KING'S DRUM by Penni L. Ericson

Bring the vibrant traditions of West African folklore to your stage with Anansi and the King's Drum by Gwendolyn Reed. As one of our most engaging plays for school, this script follows the legendary trickster Anansi as he attempts to outsmart the King to win a mysterious prize. Filled with rhythm, humor, and a classic moral lesson, this adaptation is perfect for educators looking to broaden their drama curriculum with diverse, global stories. Whether you're planning a Black History Month celebration or a lesson on world folklore, this script is a must-have. Start your school play subscription today and let your students bring this spirited tale to life!

Features

  • Target Grade Levels: Perfectly suited for Middle and Lower Grades.

  • Large Cast Potential: Includes 10 main roles plus an unlimited number of "Animals" and "Villagers," making it ideal for entire classes.

  • Performance Time: Approximately 15–20 minutes.

  • Theme: Cultural diversity, folklore, and the consequences of trickery.

School plays offer a unique opportunity for students to explore global cultures through active participation. Anansi and the King's Drum encourages students to experiment with movement and characterization while learning about the rich storytelling history of the Ashanti people. This script is designed to be accessible for young actors, requiring minimal set pieces while delivering maximum audience engagement. Empower your students to perform a story that is as educational as it is entertaining. Order yours from Plays Magazine today!

Lower Grades; 10 male/female; 10 minutes.
Who is going to carry the King's heavy drum? The wily spider has a creative solution and the foolish monkey speaks out of turn.
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TWO DESERT TALES: THE MISSING CAMEL AND SENOR COYOTE AND MAMA RABBIT by Barbara Winther TWO DESERT TALES: THE MISSING CAMEL AND SENOR COYOTE AND MAMA RABBIT by Barbara Winther

Take your classroom on a journey across the globe with Two Desert Tales, a captivating pair of short plays based on African and Mexican folklore. This collection includes The Missing Camel and Señor Coyote and Mama Rabbit, both of which explore how wit and wisdom help characters navigate the challenges of the desert. These scripts are ideal for educators looking to integrate multicultural storytelling into their drama curriculum.

Enhance your social studies or drama lesson—download these scripts today!

Features

  • Two Plays in One: Includes both African and Mexican folktales.

  • Flexible Casting: Large ensemble options (7+ roles per play) to involve the whole class.

  • Versatile Audience: Specifically tailored for Middle and Lower Elementary grades.

  • Fast-Paced: Each play runs approximately 10 minutes, perfect for assembly programs.

Finding engaging plays for elementary students that also teach valuable cultural lessons can be time-consuming for busy teachers. Two Desert Tales provides high-quality school play scripts that emphasize cleverness and survival, making them a hit with students who love animal fables and adventure. These plays offer a wonderful opportunity for students to explore diverse perspectives while developing their performance skills in a supportive environment.

Gain instant access to these tales with a Plays Magazine subscription today!

Specs

  • Author: Barbara Winther

  • Genre: Folktales / Multicultural Drama

  • Format: Digital Download (Subscribers Only)

  • Plays Included: The Missing Camel & Senor Coyote and Mama Rabbit

  • Royalties: Royalty-free with an active subscription

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THE FISHERMAN, HIS WIFE, AND THE SEA OF DREAMS by Bruce Berger THE FISHERMAN, HIS WIFE, AND THE SEA OF DREAMS by Bruce Berger

Bring a classic moral lesson to life with The Fisherman, His Wife, and the Sea of Dreams. This adaptation of the famous folktale is written as a radio play, making it a fantastic tool for improving reading fluency and vocal expression. Students will love the story of a talking fish and a never-satisfied wife, all while learning a valuable lesson about the importance of gratitude. This script is perfect for classroom theatrics of the mind or a recorded school project.

Dive into this enchanting tale and download your script today!

Features

  • Format: Radio play style, ideal for readers' theater and vocal performance.

  • Target Audience: Perfect for Middle and Lower Elementary grades.

  • Educational Value: Teaches moral lessons on gratitude and contentment.

  • Efficient Casting: 6 roles, including a narrator to help guide the story.

Finding plays for elementary students that don't require elaborate sets or costumes can be a lifesaver for busy educators. These school play scripts allow your students to focus entirely on their acting and delivery, reducing the stress of a full stage production while still providing a fun, creative outlet. It’s a "fin-tastic" way to build confidence and literacy skills in a classroom setting without any of the usual theatrical "carp-ing" about rehearsals!

Unlock this classic lesson with a Plays Magazine subscription today!

Specs

  • Author: Bruce Berger

  • Genre: Folktale / Radio Play / Comedy

  • Run Time: Approximately 10 minutes

  • Format: Digital Download (Subscribers Only)

  • Royalties: Royalty-free with an active subscription

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THE WHITE SPIDER'S GIFT by Jamie Turner THE WHITE SPIDER'S GIFT by Jamie Turner

Transport your students to the ancient and mythical world of the Inca with The White Spider's Gift, a captivating play script that blends folklore with heart-pounding adventure. When a young boy embarks on a quest to save his village, he discovers that even the smallest creatures can offer the greatest help. This imaginative play is perfect for middle school performers, offering a rich cultural setting and a powerful message about courage, kindness, and environmental respect. Whether for a classroom project or a staged production, this script will engage your students' creativity from start to finish. Order your copy today!

Features

  • Incan Folklore: A unique and educational dive into South American mythology and storytelling.

  • Ensemble-Friendly: Designed with multiple roles to ensure every student has a moment to shine.

  • Staging Potential: Offers wonderful opportunities for creative costumes, movement, and simple yet effective set designs.

  • Moral Center: Focuses on the importance of helping others and the rewards of a brave heart.

As an educator, finding play scripts for middle school that are both culturally diverse and high-stakes can be difficult. The White Spider's Gift provides a refreshing change of pace, offering play scripts for students that feel like a true journey into another world. Your students will be mesmerized by the mystical elements of the White Spider, while you will appreciate how the script encourages teamwork and empathy. Give your drama department a production that is as meaningful as it is magical. Order yours from Plays Magazine today!

Specs

  • Author: Jamie Turner

  • Grade Level: Middle and Lower Grades (Upper Elementary/Junior High)

  • Genre: Legend / Adventure

  • Cast Size: 13+ (flexible for larger groups)

  • Performance Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes

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THE BAKER'S NEIGHBOR Adapted by Adele Thane THE BAKER'S NEIGHBOR Adapted by Adele Thane

Introduce your students to a world of wit and wisdom with The Baker's Neighbor, a delightful play script based on a classic Peruvian folktale. The story follows Manuel, a greedy baker who becomes so possessive of his delicious treats that he tries to charge his neighbor, Pablo, simply for the pleasure of smelling them! This charming comedy is perfect for exploring themes of greed, kindness, and community fairness. With its engaging dialogue and clever resolution by a wise judge, it’s an ideal choice for a lively classroom performance or a school assembly. Order your copy today!

Features

  • Folktale Adaptation: A creative retelling of a traditional Peruvian story that teaches a timeless lesson.

  • Large, Flexible Cast: Includes roles for 10+ actors, making it easy to involve an entire classroom or drama club.

  • Character Development: Offers great opportunities for students to play distinct, expressive characters like the "miserly" Manuel and the "cheerful" Pablo.

  • Educational Themes: Excellent for discussing social-emotional topics such as sharing, greed, and problem-solving.

Finding high-quality play scripts for middle school that are both funny and meaningful can be a challenge for busy educators. The Baker's Neighbor provides the perfect balance, offering play scripts for students that are easy to stage while delivering a powerful message about how we treat our neighbors. Your students will love the humorous courtroom scene, and you’ll love how it sparks meaningful classroom discussions about what truly has value in life. Enhance your drama curriculum with a story that celebrates the "scent" of generosity. Order yours from Plays Magazine today!

Specs

  • Author: Adele Thane

  • Grade Level: Middle and Lower Grades (Upper Elementary/Junior High)

  • Genre: Folk Tale / Comedy

  • Cast Size: 10+ (4 male, 6 female, plus male and female extras)

  • Run Time: Approximately 15 minutes

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TWO ISLAND TALES by Barbara Winther TWO ISLAND TALES by Barbara Winther

Middle and Lower Grades. Battle Between Sun and Sky: 4 male or female and as many extras as desired; 10 minutes. How Coconuts Came to Samoa: 2 male, 2 female, 2 male or female, and as many extras as desired; 10 minutes. Two short stories from the Pacific Islands that help explain the ways of nature.

 
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THE FOUR ALCHEMISTS by Penni Ericson THE FOUR ALCHEMISTS by Penni Ericson

Lower Grades; 10 male or female and as many male and female extras as desired; 10 minutes. A Chinese folktale that shows that good sense and smart thinking are better than all the gold in the world.

 
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PICCOLA Adapted by Rowena Bennett PICCOLA Adapted by Rowena Bennett

Lower Grades; 2 female, 1 male, 1 male or female; 15 minutes. The magic of Christmas shines in a poor fisherman's hut in this adaptation of a charming French folktale.

 
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