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Unravel suspense and intrigue with our captivating collection of mystery and melodrama plays tailored for high school students. These play scripts for high school not only entertain but also challenge young actors to think critically and creatively as they explore intricate plots filled with twists and unexpected turns.


Engaging in these plays for high schoolers cultivates essential skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. As students embody complex characters and navigate thrilling narratives, they develop a deeper appreciation for storytelling and the art of performance. From classic whodunits to emotional melodramas, our scripts provide a range of options that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.


Participating in these productions encourages teamwork, as students work together to bring their characters' motivations and conflicts to life. These plays also spark important discussions on themes of justice, morality, and human emotion, allowing for valuable insights into storytelling traditions.


Transform your drama program with our diverse selection of mystery and melodrama scripts, inspiring creativity and igniting a passion for the theatrical arts among high school students!


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THE SHOP GIRL'S REVENGE by Robert Downing THE SHOP GIRL'S REVENGE by Robert Downing

Upper and Middle grades; 4 female; 3 female; 1890s; 25 minutes.
A turn-of-the-century melodrama, complete with maiden-in-distress, moustache-twirling villain, and hero in disguise. . .all swirling around a pile of missing money and a long-lost daughter. And of course, it's curses, foiled again!

 
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THE COMEBACK CAPER by Anne Coulter Martens THE COMEBACK CAPER by Anne Coulter Martens

Upper Grades; 8 female, 7 male; 4 male or female. 35 minutes.

A television drama comes to life as an over-the-hill star and a stolen ruby become the focus of a tense courtroom trial.

 
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THE SILVER-TONGUED SLICKER OF SASSAFRAS FLAT by Christina Hamlett THE SILVER-TONGUED SLICKER OF SASSAFRAS FLAT by Christina Hamlett

Upper Grades; 4 female; 2 male; Old West; 25 minutes.
A slippery con man works to take advantage of new widows in this fun and clever tale of the set-up, the con, and--to the delight of the bereaved--capture. Curses! Foiled again!

 
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THE MYSTERY OF THE STAR OF CALCUTTA by Alex and William Goldsmith THE MYSTERY OF THE STAR OF CALCUTTA by Alex and William Goldsmith

Upper Grades; 5 male; early 20th-century; 20 minutes.
A clever and fun mystery featuring the brilliant detective and his sidekick Dr. Watson as they try to solve the mystery of the missing Star of Calcutta diamond.

 
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THE SHADY LADY OF GOPHER JUNCTION by Celia Crispin THE SHADY LADY OF GOPHER JUNCTION by Celia Crispin

Upper Grades; 1 female, 7 male; Old West; 30 minutes. Innocent stranger Miss Purity Goodside meets up with Sheriff Joe Wallace and Deputy Sagalong Donovan in this fun tale, as mysterious double agent foils dastardly desperados.

 
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JANE EYRE, adapted by Lewy Olfson JANE EYRE, adapted by Lewy Olfson

Upper Grades; 2 female, 2 male; 19th-century England; 30 minutes.
An adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's novel of romance and suspense, in which a devastating secret threatens to destroy the happiness of the young heroine.

 
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1940S RADIO MYSTERY, by Craig Sodaro 1940S RADIO MYSTERY, by Craig Sodaro

Upper & Middle Grades; 7 female; 5 male; 1940s; 30 minutes.
Good old-fashioned crime drama in which employees at radio station KREP ask the question, did the butler really do it?

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THE BRAZILIAN CAT, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and adapted for round-table reading by Maurine V. Eleder THE BRAZILIAN CAT, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and adapted for round-table reading by Maurine V. Eleder

Upper Grades; 4 male, 1 female, 2 male or female; 25 minutes. In this tale of terror, a double-dealing relative will do anything to protect his interest in the family fortune.

 
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GHOST LIGHT, by Craig Sodaro GHOST LIGHT, by Craig Sodaro

Upper & Middle Grades; 7 female, 2 male; 30 minutes. Unexpected inheritance makes a young couple's dream of owning their own theatre come true. . . but ghostly occurrences may thwart their plans for a successful start.

 
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THIEF OF THE NILE, by Craig Sodaro THIEF OF THE NILE, by Craig Sodaro

Upper Grades; 4 female; 3 male; Ancient Egypt; 30 minutes.
When a valuable necklace goes missing, the word of a shy servant girl is tested against that of one of the Pharaoh's most trusted aides.

 
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