• A sensitive, heartwarming drama focused on profound contemporary issues.
• Ideal for the December holidays, offering an alternative to traditional festive plays.
• Large, flexible cast size (4 female, 5 male or female additional roles).
• Concise 25-minute running time, perfect for competition or assembly performances.
• Explores important themes of grief, friendship, and organ donation.

• Winner of the PLAYS/California Student Playwriting Contest (High School).
• Focuses on relevant and sensitive social issues for high school audiences.
• Minimalist production required, perfect for classroom reading or competition.
• Short, 10-minute running time.
• Royalty-free performance rights for all current subscribers.

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!

DEAR JOURNAL by Judy Culp is more than just a performance piece—it’s an invaluable tool for upper grades looking for versatile scripts for school plays and drama workshops. This exciting collection of monologues, dialogues, and one-liners provides a unique, highly flexible foundation for teaching and performance. Designed to introduce the powerful act of "journaling" to a class or a whole school, this resource opens the door to creativity, self-expression, and student-led content creation. Unleash your students' dramatic potential and subscribe to PLAYS Magazine today!

• Exciting collection of monologues, dialogues, and one-liners.

• Highly flexible and adaptable for various presentation needs.

• Perfect for use as a drama workshop piece introducing the concept of journaling.

• Selections can be combined with new, original pieces written by students on timely issues.

• Royalty-free for performances by current subscribers.
  

In an age of digital connections, Romeo on the Internet offers a sharp, relatable look at the realities of online relationships. When Cindy finally meets her email friend in person, she discovers that the digital persona doesn't quite match the real-life individual. This engaging contemporary drama serves as an ideal springboard for middle and high school students to explore the complexities of virtual communication, the importance of truthfulness, and the impact of technology on our personal lives.

Start a vital conversation—download this script for your students today!

Features

• Modern Themes: Addresses digital citizenship, online safety, and the ethics of virtual identity.

• Discussion Ready: Specifically designed to trigger classroom debates on technology and social interaction.

• Balanced Cast: 7 roles (6M, 1 flexible) that allow for focused character work.

• Target Audience: Tailored for Upper Grades (Middle and High School).

Finding school play scripts that feel relevant to today's tech-savvy teenagers can be a time-consuming task. Romeo on the Internet tackles the catfishing phenomenon and digital honesty in a way that resonates with students' daily lives. This play provides educators with a safe, creative environment to discuss the role of computers in our relationships, helping students develop critical thinking skills alongside their acting abilities. It’s a perfect addition to any drama program looking to merge performance with real-world social awareness.

Access this timely drama and more with a Plays Magazine subscription today!

Specs

• Author: Juliet Garver

• Genre: Contemporary Drama / Social Issues

• Run Time: Approximately 25 minutes

• Format: Digital Download (Subscribers Only)

• Royalties: Royalty-free with an active subscription

Explore the true meaning of inclusivity this season with Beyond Santa Claus by Virginia Miller McDonough. This poignant contemporary script asks a powerful question: What if you don’t celebrate Christmas? In just 10 minutes, this one-act play follows three characters as they navigate the complexities of the holiday season from a non-traditional perspective. As one of our most impactful play scripts for students, it serves as a brilliant springboard for classroom discussions regarding tolerance, empathy, and cultural diversity. Whether you are looking for plays for schools that challenge the status quo or a simple, script-based activity to foster belonging, this play offers a modern and respectful look at our multicultural world.

Features

• Contemporary Relevance: Addresses modern themes of religious and cultural diversity.
• Intimate Cast: 3 female speaking roles, making it easy to cast and rehearse.
• Discussion Ready: Specifically designed to spark conversations about respecting all points of view.
• Quick Runtime: A 10-minute duration that fits perfectly into a single class period or a multi-play assembly.

For educators, finding a holiday play that doesn't focus solely on traditional festivities can be a challenge. Beyond Santa Claus provides the perfect solution by centering the voices of those who often feel left out of the December narrative. It helps students understand the importance of accepting and celebrating differences, turning a simple performance into a lesson on global citizenship. By performing this piece, your students will learn that the greatest gift of the season is mutual respect and understanding for all religions and cultures.

Specs

• Grade Level: Middle and Upper Grades
• Cast Size: 3 (Female)
• Run Time: 10 Minutes
• Author: Virginia Miller McDonough
• Category: Holiday / Social Issues / Contemporary

Explore the intersection of civil rights and the women’s suffrage movement with Sojourner Truth. This poignant historical drama focuses on a spirited young woman and her mother as they navigate the shifting tides of equality. Featuring the influential work of Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Sojourner Truth, this play serves as a powerful medium for students to understand the personal and political sacrifices made during the fight for the vote.

Bring history to the stage—download this script for your students today!

Features

• Historical Significance: Highlights the legacies of Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

• Intimate Cast: 3 roles (2F, 1 flexible), allowing for deep character exploration and focused acting.

• Educational Integration: A perfect companion for Social Studies or American History units on the 19th Amendment.

• Target Audience: Sophisticated themes tailored for Upper Grade students (Middle and High School).

Finding school play scripts that tackle complex historical tensions with nuance is essential for any high-level drama program. Sojourner Truth provides a unique look at how the fight for equality can impact personal relationships, offering students a chance to portray real human emotion within a historical framework. This script encourages young performers to reflect on the legacy of activism and the courage required to stand up for one's beliefs, making it a truly transformative experience for both the cast and the audience.

Access this vital historical play and more with a Plays Magazine subscription today!

Specs

• Author: Joanna L. Evans

• Genre: Historical Drama / Social Justice

• Run Time: Approximately 10 minutes

• Format: Digital Download (Subscribers Only)

• Royalties: Royalty-free with an active subscription

• Features a large, flexible cast, perfect for accommodating a full classroom or drama club.
• A gripping courtroom drama plot filled with suspense, mystery, and sharp dialogue.
• A quick 35-minute runtime, making it ideal for one-act play festivals, competitions, or classroom study.
• Engaging, distinct character roles, including the dramatic star, witty lawyers, and surprising witnesses.

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!

Features

• 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!

Specs

• Adapter: Joellen Bland (Original by Bram Stoker)

• Genre: Gothic Horror / Drama

• Run Time: Approximately 35 minutes

• Format: Digital Download (Subscribers Only)

• Royalties: Royalty-free with an active subscription

Upper and Middle Grades; 7 male, 4 female, 25 male or female; 30 minutes. The inspiring story of Detroit-born Ralph Bunche (1904-1971), the first African-American to receive the Nobel Peace Prize (1950) for his work with the United Nations to help create a cease-fire in the Middle East.

Upper Grades; 4 female, 3 male; 25 minutes. On the first day of the new century—1901—a feisty Irish maid living in Southern California speaks boldly about the justice of a woman's right to vote, and attends a rally in Los Angeles to make her point.

Upper Grades; 3 female, 1 male; 35 minutes. A sophisticated play about a high school girl, in the midst of college applications, who gets a letter from her birth mother asking if they can meet -- 18 years after she was given up for adoption.

Upper Grades; 5 female, 1 male; contemporary; 20 minutes.
Twenty-something friends trying to make it in the city find a bag of money that would surely come in handy to pay the rent and save the day. . .if only it was theirs. Staged almost entirely in an elevator, the question is, of course, should they keep the money for themselves or return it to the rightful owner?

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 Grades; 3 female, 3 male; contemporary; 25 minutes. Selfish brother learns a hard lesson about compassion and generosity when his sister becomes very ill.

Upper Grades; 3 male, 2 female, 1 male or female; 1870s; 25 minutes.
Join a merry holiday gathering at the Perry Mansion in Southern California, where water rights, the immigration "problem," and other concerns of the day are being discussed. As for the predictions that were foretold by the I Ching and the visiting Archduke, see if you recognize how many of them actually came true!

Upper Grades; 10 female; 3 male; 1 male or female, and extras; 3 scenes, 15 minutes each.
High school students take center stage in this three-pack of plays about thinking of others at holiday time; creative gift-giving from the heart; and innovative sales techniques when jobs are one the line. Perform one, two, or three scenes, as time permits.

Upper Grades, 9 male, 3 female; 30 minutes.
High school students work at their family's diner on Thanksgiving, all the while missing the big game—a story about the American Dream, the balance between work and play, and the recognition that we have a lot to be thankful for.

Upper Grades; 9 female, 2 male, 6 male or female; contemporary; 20 minutes.
Hotly contested Student Council election puts a strain on a longtime friendship as students fight for presidency.

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.

Upper and Middle Grades; 5 male; 4 female; 25 minutes. A tense historical drama set in war-torn England. What happens when three girls are sent to live outside London for their safety, and they start seeing spies at every turn.

Upper Grades; 1 female, 1 male; 15 minutes.

To escape an obnoxious guy at a party, popular girl Julia makes her way to the attic, only to meet an entirely different sort of guy.

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!

Features

• 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!

Specs

• Author: Charlotte Brontë (Adapted by Lewy Olfson)

• Grade Level: Senior High / Upper Middle

• 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 & 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.

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.

Upper and Middle Grades; 12 male, 6 female, and male and female extras. 35 minutes. A story of the struggle and heroes of the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s, with reference to the basics of human dignity: riding a bus, using the restroom, eating in a restaurant, and going to school.

Upper and Middle Grades; 3 male; 3 female; and extras. 25 minutes. As a school project, students visit residents of a nursing home, where a reluctant teen and a crusty, battle-hardened vet, aided by a tattoo from the war, develop an unexpected friendship.

Upper Grades; 3 male; 3 female; 1 male or female; 15 minutes. So you witnessed a traffic accident, and have other things to think about — why get involved? Use this skit as the springboard for a discussion on civic duty and responsibility.

Upper and Middle Grades; 3 male; 3 female; 25 minutes. Petty thieves in the year 1920 rediscover the spirit of the holiday when they encounter a war widow and her young daughter.

Upper & Middle Grades; 13 female, 3 male; 35 minutes. A large-cast play that tells part of the story of Japanese-American internment camps created in World War II, through the eyes of a high school girl who was sent off and her best friend, who stayed behind.

Upper & Middle Grades; 8 female, 3 male, 1 male or female; 25 minutes. Girls bully a classmate for no apparent reason. Will anyone stand up to make it stop? Provides a good starting point for classroom discussion.

Upper Grades; 3 female; 2 male; 15 minutes. Will friendships stay true when Jake falls for his best friend Aaron’s younger sister?

Upper Grades; 14+ actors: 10 female, 4 male; 35 minutes. The story of a “Rosie the Riveter” and the women who joined the previously all-male workforce when the men left their jobs and joined the military to fight in World War II. Historical notes are included to give perspective to the role women played in the war effort and the jobs the women lost when the war ended and the men came home.

Upper Grades; 2 actors: 1 female, 1 male. 15 minutes. A sweet, adult conversation between siblings after their grandfather’s funeral about the love and kindness they received, without really knowing it at the time. Remember the time you won the hamburger eating contest….and you didn’t realize that your burgers were smaller than the others?

Upper & Middle Grades; 10 female, 9 male; 30 minutes. America's first female investigative reporter set the standard for the best in newspaper journalism.

Upper Grades: 8 actors: 5 female,1 male, and 2 male/female; 30 minutes. Heartbreaking portrait of the struggles and hardships of immigrants to America and the harsh realities of a complex immigration system, as seen when an aunt from Central America comes to California for a family wedding.

Upper & Middle Grades. 17 actors: 9 male, 8 female; 30 minutes. Siblings get a kick out of playing tricks on the tourists in an old mining town—until the tables are turned and the tricks are on them.

Upper Grades; 10+ actors: 8 male, 2 female, and extras for townspeople; 30 minutes.

A courageous doctor fighting for the environmental health of his community and the safety of visitors faces violent backlash from friends and neighbors who are more interested in making money.