Submit search
Unwrap a hilarious mystery with Some Words With a Mummy by Craig Sodaro! This entertaining one-act play script for students brings to life Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale with a comedic twist. When a group of students and a quirky professor decide to revive an ancient mummy, they get more than they bargained for – a talking, opinionated mummy with a lot to say about modern life! An excellent choice among play scripts for children, this script is perfect for school plays looking for a blend of humor, mystery, and a touch of the macabre. Get ready for laughs and ancient wisdom! Order yours today!
Features
Humorous adaptation of a classic Edgar Allan Poe story
Engaging plot with comedic dialogue
Fun and memorable characters, including a talking mummy
Great for developing comedic timing and character acting
Ideal for middle school and junior high productions
Imagine the uproarious laughter as your students bring a centuries-old mummy back to life, only to find he has a very modern opinion on everything! This play offers a fantastic opportunity for young actors to explore the lighthearted side of mystery and the humor in unexpected situations. It’s more than just a script; it’s a chance to create a wildly entertaining performance that will have your audience talking long after the curtain closes. Spark curiosity and a love for quirky tales with this unique production. Order your script from Plays Magazine today!
How do you make one of Shakespeare's most powerful tragedies accessible to modern students? This brilliant 30-minute adaptation of Macbeth is the solution. It masterfully uses storytellers who speak in modern language to point the way, guiding students to a thorough understanding of Shakespeare's original words. This script makes the complex themes of ambition, fate, and guilt perfectly clear and engaging for a new generation. Download your script today!
A unique "Storyteller" framework that uses modern English to explain and contextualize the original text.
An ideal 30-minute running time, perfect for classroom study, drama competitions, or assemblies.
Flexible casting options to accommodate various class or drama club sizes.
Preserves the core plot, key scenes, and poetic power of the original play.
Finding plays for high schoolers that are both classic and understandable can be a significant challenge. You want your students to experience the genius of Shakespeare, but you worry about them getting lost in the dense language. This adaptation solves that problem. It empowers your students to confidently perform and truly understand the "Scottish play," sparking a genuine appreciation for classic literature. Stop searching for the perfect play scripts and bring this accessible tragedy to your stage. Order your Macbeth script from Plays Magazine today!
Specs
Cast: 13+ actors (4 male, 4 female, 5 male or female)
Grade Level: Upper Grades (High School / Middle School)
Running Time: 30 minutes
Setting: Bare stage
Format: Royalty-Free Script
Step into 17th-century Paris with this masterful adaptation of Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac. Specifically designed for round-table reading, this script brings to life the legendary tale of a brilliant poet and swordsman whose large nose stands in the way of his love for the beautiful Roxane. This 30-minute version captures the wit, heartache, and themes of intellectual beauty versus physical appearance, making it a perfect introduction to French literature and classical drama for your students.
Experience the romance and bravery—download the script for your class today!
Format: Tailored for round-table reading, ideal for classroom literacy and fluency practice.
Classical Adaptation: A faithful and accessible version of Edmond Rostand’s masterpiece.
Cast Size: 10 speaking roles (9M, 1F), perfect for focused group work.
Target Audience: Sophisticated dialogue and themes curated for Upper Grade students.
For drama teachers, finding school play scripts that maintain the integrity of a classic while remaining accessible to modern students is key. This adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac allows students to explore one of theater's most iconic characters—delving into his insecurity, his poetic genius, and his ultimate sacrifice. By utilizing the round-table reading format, you can focus on the rhythmic beauty of the prose and the emotional depth of the unrequited love story, ensuring your students truly understand the panache that makes Cyrano a timeless hero.
Access this classic adaptation and many more with a Plays Magazine subscription today!
Adapter: Joellen Bland (Original by Edmond Rostand)
Genre: Classical Drama / Romance
Run Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Format: Digital Download (Subscribers Only)
Royalties: Royalty-free with an active subscription
Step back into the year 1000 AD with this gripping adaptation of Beowulf, the oldest surviving epic in British literature. This script provides an accessible yet powerful introduction to the legendary hero and his battles against the monstrous Grendel. Exploring universal themes of good versus evil, fame, and infamy, this version brings the visceral energy of Anglo-Saxon poetry to the modern stage. It is a fantastic resource for English teachers and drama directors looking to combine literary history with high-stakes performance.
Unleash the hero within—download this epic script for your students today!
Literary Classic: A faithful and engaging adaptation of the foundation of English literature.
Flexible Ensemble: 13+ roles (all male or female), perfect for large groups or diverse casting.
Thematic Depth: Explores the heroic code, legendary monsters, and the struggle for legacy.
Target Audience: Sophisticated content tailored specifically for Upper Grade students.
Drama directors often struggle to find school play scripts that feel epic without requiring a multi-million dollar budget. This version of Beowulf solves that problem by focusing on the intense conflict between heroes and monsters through powerful dialogue and ensemble movement. By performing this legendary tale, your students will gain a deeper appreciation for the roots of storytelling while developing the vocal and physical presence required for classical drama. It is a bold, high-energy addition to any curriculum that students will find truly legendary.
Access this ancient epic and more with a Plays Magazine subscription today!
Adapter: Eddie McPherson
Genre: Epic / Classical Drama / Action
Run Time: Approximately 25 minutes
Bring the master of gothic horror to your stage with this tension-filled adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Set in the eerie landscapes of Transylvania, this script captures the chilling atmosphere of the original novel, complete with creaking doors and echoing screams. Students will love exploring the dark mysteries of the Count’s castle in a version that balances thrilling suspense with accessible dialogue. It is a perfect choice for a fall production or a unit on Victorian literature.
Enter the castle if you dare—download this script for your cast today!
Gothic Atmosphere: A faithful adaptation that focuses on building suspense and tension.
Balanced Casting: 11 speaking roles (6M, 5F) with great opportunities for lead and supporting actors.
Extended Performance: A 35-minute runtime that allows for a full, immersive dramatic experience.
Target Audience: Tailored with the appropriate level of thrills for Upper Grade students.
Finding school play scripts that offer genuine suspense without being overly graphic is a challenge for many drama directors. This adaptation of Dracula provides a sophisticated, spine-tingling experience that allows students to dive into character work and atmospheric staging. Your actors will love the opportunity to sink their teeth into these iconic roles, developing their ability to sustain tension and deliver dramatic performances that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
Unlock this legendary horror classic with a Plays Magazine subscription today!
Adapter: Joellen Bland (Original by Bram Stoker)
Genre: Gothic Horror / Drama
Run Time: Approximately 35 minutes
Experience the transformative power of mercy with The Bishop's Candlesticks, a poignant one-act play adapted from Victor Hugo’s legendary novel, Les Misérables. This powerful script focuses on the life-changing encounter between the embittered convict Jean Valjean and the saintly Bishop of Digne. When Valjean repays the Bishop’s kindness with theft, he is met not with condemnation, but with a revolutionary act of forgiveness that sets him on a path toward redemption. This adaptation is a masterful introduction to one of literature's greatest stories, providing high school performers with a deeply emotional and thought-provoking theatrical experience. Order your copy today!Features
Literary Classic: A faithful and moving adaptation of the foundational opening chapters of Les Misérables.
Character-Driven Drama: Features intense, rewarding roles that challenge students to explore complex emotions and moral dilemmas.
Minimalist Staging: Focuses on the strength of the performances and dialogue, making it accessible for any stage or classroom setting.
Thematic Depth: Explores universal concepts of social justice, second chances, and the impact of human kindness.
When searching for play scripts for high school students, it can be difficult to find material that is both manageable for a one-act performance and rich in substance. The Bishop's Candlesticks is a standout choice among play scripts for students, offering a narrative that stays with the audience long after the curtain falls. Your students will be challenged by the nuanced dynamic between Valjean and the Bishop, and you will appreciate the opportunity to discuss Hugo’s social commentary within a drama context. Provide your students with a performance piece that is as intellectually stimulating as it is dramatically compelling. Order yours from Plays Magazine today!
Author: Victor Hugo (Adapted by Lewy Olfson)
Grade Level: Senior High / Upper Middle
Genre: Classic Drama / Period Piece
Cast Size: 5 (3 male, 2 female)
Performance Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Upper and Middle Grades; 25 male and female; 19th century; 25 minutes. A round-table readers' theatre that tells the heartrending story of Philip Nolan, a man whose punishment for treason is that he may never again set foot in his beloved United States.
Upper and Middle Grades; 8 female, 3 male; 18th-century England; 35 minutes. An adaptation of Jane Austen's classic story of love and respect, choosing wisely, and keeping your eyes open to the possibilities that life offers.
Upper Grades; 4 male, 2 female, 2 male or female; 40 minutes. Two brothers share an intense love for the same melancholy woman in this classic tragedy based on Debussy's opera.
Round-Table Format: Designed for reading aloud, eliminating the need for sets, costumes, or memorization.
Classic Literature: A faithful yet condensed adaptation of Shakespeare's masterpiece.
Classroom Ready: ideal for English periods or drama classes focusing on vocal performance.
Gender Flexibility: Includes neutral roles to accommodate various class compositions.
Grade Level: Upper Grades
Cast Size: 8 male, 2 female, 2 male or female
Run Time: 30 minutes
Genre: Classic Tragedy / Readers Theatre
Step into the world of Mr. Pickwick and his delightful companions with this charming adaptation of Charles Dickens's classic, The Pickwick Papers, by Lewy Olfson! Perfect for school productions and youth theatre groups, this play script brings the humor, heart, and iconic characters of Dickens to life on stage. It's an ideal choice for educators and directors seeking engaging play scripts for children and plays for students that offer both comedic relief and valuable performance experience. Don't miss out on this timeless tale! Order yours today!
Faithful adaptation of Charles Dickens's beloved novel
Engaging characters and humorous situations
Designed for easy staging by school groups
Excellent resource for drama teachers and youth theatre directors
Ideal for introducing students to classic literature
Imagine the joy and laughter filling your theatre as your students bring the eccentric adventures of the Pickwick Club to life! This script offers a fantastic opportunity for young actors to develop their comedic timing, explore rich characters, and truly shine on stage. It's more than just a play; it's an educational and entertaining journey into the heart of Victorian England, fostering a love for theatre and classic stories. Empower your students with a truly memorable production. Order your script from Plays Magazine today!
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.
Bring Charlotte Brontë’s timeless masterpiece to life with this masterful adaptation of Jane Eyre by Lewy Olfson. This script captures the gothic atmosphere and emotional depth of the original novel, following Jane’s journey from a difficult childhood to her transformative time at Thornfield Hall. Designed for older performers, this adaptation maintains the lyrical beauty of the source material while making it accessible for a one-act stage production. It’s an exceptional choice for drama departments looking to challenge their students with classic literature and complex character studies. Order your copy today!
Literary Excellence: A faithful adaptation that preserves the haunting mystery and romance of the Brontë classic.
Complex Roles: Offers demanding and rewarding roles for lead actors, particularly the resilient Jane and the brooding Mr. Rochester.
Atmospheric Staging: Perfect for exploring moody lighting, period costumes, and dramatic soundscapes.
Curriculum Connection: An ideal performance piece for English departments studying Victorian literature or Gothic fiction.
Searching for play scripts for high school students that offer genuine intellectual and emotional depth can be a daunting task. Jane Eyre stands out among play scripts for students by providing a sophisticated narrative that respects the maturity of teen performers. Your students will find themselves immersed in the intense dialogue and psychological stakes of Thornfield Hall, while you will appreciate how the script elevates your school's theatrical repertoire. Give your drama program a classic that resonates with modern themes of independence and integrity. Order yours from Plays Magazine today!
Author: Charlotte Brontë (Adapted by Lewy Olfson)
Genre: Classic Drama / Gothic Romance
Cast Size: 13 (6 male, 7 female)
Performance Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes
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.
Upper and Middle Grades. 5 male, 4 female; 30 minutes. A 19th-century British comedy that finds two charming ladies anxious to marry, but only if the groom is named Ernest. A dry, witty, and charming tale of the upper class.
Upper and Middle Grades; 19 actors: 8 female, 5 male, and 6 male/female. 30 minutes. An oh-so-fun British comedy about a forgetful aunt who thinks she has left her niece somewhere in London during an outing. While retracing her steps, she runs into all kind of situations, discovering at the end that her niece has been home the whole time. Anyone for tea?
Back to top
