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Middle Grades; 3 female, 3 male, 3 female/male, and 12+ extras; 30 minutes. A Reader’s Theater: The inspirational story of Cuban singer Celia Cruz, who rose from poverty, fled Communism in Cuba, and rose to the top of the music industry and beloved throughout the world as the “Queen of Salsa.”
Middle and Lower Grades; 6 female; 4 male; 1 male/female for Terry and as many male and female extras as desired. 20 minutes. Six famous quotes from history—by Abraham Lincoln, Neil Armstrong, Lou Gehrig, Chief Joseph, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr.—are celebrated in this spoof of a popular TV show.
Middle Grades; 7 female, 3 male, and as many extras as desired; 20 minutes. Set in 1911 New York City. The true story of the tragic fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory that killed 146 garment workers—most of them young women—and sparked the creation of laws to improve working conditions around the country.
Bring American history to the stage with this powerful biographical drama. Ideal for plays for schools and history curriculums, this script chronicles the inspirational life of Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005). As the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress, Chisholm was a trailblazer who fought tirelessly for the rights of women and minorities. This production offers a unique opportunity to combine arts education with civics, making it a standout choice for your next school assembly or drama production. Purchase this script today!
Historical Accuracy: Based on real events, providing a genuine educational experience.
Large Ensemble Cast: Flexible casting allows for maximum student participation.
Strong Female Lead: Offers a challenging and rewarding role for a young actress.
Cross-Curricular Value: Perfect for combining Drama, English, and History lessons.
Finding high-quality educational theatre that resonates with young actors can be difficult, but this script bridges the gap between entertainment and learning. By engaging with these play scripts for students, your cast will step into the shoes of a political icon, learning valuable lessons about resilience, integrity, and the power of a single voice. It provides a safe, constructive way to discuss important topics like civil rights and representation in the classroom. Empower your students with a story that matters. Order yours from Plays Magazine today!
Grade Level: Upper and Middle Grades
Cast Size: 11 female, 7 male, and 20+ non-speaking roles (flexible)
Run Time: 30 minutes
Genre: Biographical Drama / History
Bring American history to life with The Presidents' Day in Court by Kathy Applebee. This clever and humorous script follows Patty O’Phurniture as she takes her disappointing date, Jim, to court for "breach of contract." To her surprise, she is confronted by the legendary figures featured on American currency. As one of our most engaging play scripts for students, this production features George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Susan B. Anthony stepping off their coins to defend the values of hard work and historical achievement. It is an inventive way to combine civics, history, and comedy into a single performance. If you are looking for plays for schools that make learning about the Founding Fathers and civil rights leaders fun, this courtroom caper is the perfect verdict.
Finding high-quality plays for middle school that manage to be both educational and genuinely funny can be a challenge. The Presidents' Day in Court solves this by using a relatable (and hilarious) modern premise to introduce students to the "faces on the coins." It allows your young actors to step into the shoes of historical giants without the dry tone of a standard textbook. This script encourages students to look at history—and their loose change—in a completely new light while building their public speaking and performance skills.
Middle Grades; 5 male and 4 female; 25 minutes. A present-day lawyer who is running for Governor as “A Man Like Lincoln” comes to terms with his son’s decision on his future direction, and in the process reaches common ground in the tradition of our 16th President.
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.
Uncover a fascinating, "maybe true, maybe not" historical tale with The Pie That Changed History by Maureen Crane Wartski! This engaging play script for students tells the story of a pioneering couple who baked their way onto a wagon train to Oregon, driven by a dream of opening a school where Native people and settlers could learn together in peace. Later, their children played a vital role in the 1850s Underground Railroad in Kansas. This thought-provoking script is a perfect addition to your collection of play scripts for children and a valuable resource for school plays, offering rich historical context and inspiring messages of unity and courage. Bring this unique slice of history to your stage! Order yours today!
Features
Explores themes of peace, education, and social justice
Offers a unique perspective on American history
Features a compelling, inspiring storyline
Suitable for middle and lower grades
Great for classroom discussions and historical productions
Middle and Lower Grades; 5 male, 5 female, plus many extras; mid-1800s; 25 minutes. A young girl invited to a "Bloomer" picnic—an unheard-of event for women to wear pants!—stands up for her beliefs in women's rights and freedom of expression.
Middle Grades; 5 female; 4 male; 25 minutes. Stacey learns about purpose, ethics, and the rewards of hard work when she writes a report about "lesser known" Black achievers for a Kwanzaa contest. Discussion questions at the end include the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Journey back to the eve of the American Revolution with Halfway to Concord by Marcella Rawe! This compelling play script for students immerses audiences in the tension and excitement leading up to the historic battles of Lexington and Concord. Follow a group of young patriots as they grapple with loyalty, freedom, and the courage to stand up for their beliefs. An exceptional choice among play scripts for children, this drama provides a vivid and accessible look at a pivotal moment in American history, making it perfect for school plays and educational performances. Ignite a passion for history on your stage! Order yours today!
Historically engaging narrative set during the American Revolution
Explores themes of courage, liberty, and patriotism
Features relatable young characters
Excellent for teaching American history in an interactive way
Ideal for middle school and junior high productions
Imagine your students embodying the spirit of early American patriots, facing difficult choices and understanding the true meaning of freedom! This play offers a powerful opportunity for young actors to connect with historical events, fostering a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made during the birth of a nation. It’s more than just a script; it’s a chance to bring history to life, inspire critical thinking, and create a truly impactful performance that resonates with both cast and audience. Empower your students to tell an important story. Order your script from Plays Magazine today!
Immerse your audience in two pivotal eras of history simultaneously with this unique historical drama. An excellent choice for plays for schools seeking cross-curricular content, this script follows a troupe of actors rehearsing Shakespeare in Colonial Williamsburg just as the Revolutionary War looms. It masterfully blends the classic tragedy of the Bard with the tension and patriotism of early America. Give your students a rich historical perspective. Purchase this script today!
Dual Historical Setting: Teaches students about both Elizabethan theatre traditions and Life in Colonial America.
Play-Within-A-Play: Offers a unique meta-theatrical experience that challenges and engages young actors.
Flexible Casting: Designed for a large, mixed cast of 15+ actors, making it inclusive for the whole class.
Educational Depth: Perfect for collaboration between History and English departments.
Cast Size: 15 male/female roles plus extras
Genre: Historical Drama / Period Piece
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.
Middle Grades; 3 male, 3 female, 6 male or female; 30 minutes. The story of how a guy who loved maps and a guy who didn't want to be a prince teamed up to find gold in the West, and prove the earth is round. . .all with a little help from their zany friends.
Middle Grades; 5 male, 7 female, 6 male or female; 20 minutes. A family finds a hidden room under their stairway and learns that their house had been a station on the Underground Railroad.
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.
Middle Grades; 8 male, 6 female, extras; 25 minutes. The story of Mother Jones, a courageous woman who helped lead the fight for the right of American workers—men, women, and children—to join a union, have safe working conditions, and a decent wage.
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.
Middle Grades. 8 actors: 5 male, 2 female, 1 male/female. 25 minutes. Set during the Revolutionary War, a young woman volunteers to carry the General’s message through Redcoat territory, in a dangerous mission no one could imagine a woman could carry out.
Upper & Middle Grades; 10 female, 9 male; 30 minutes. America's first female investigative reporter set the standard for the best in newspaper journalism.
Middle and Lower Grades; 8 male, 4 female; as many male and female extras as desired for Other Students; 15-20 minutes. Four presidents have a little fun with visitors to a national memorial.
Middle Grades. 5 actors: 3 male, 2 female; 20 minutes. Prelude to Thanksgiving: A Pilgrim family and a Native American connect in friendship, thanks to a young girl’s generosity and spirit of diversity.
Middle & Lower Grades. 11 actors: 7 female, 4 male; 15 minutes. Feisty young girl realizes—after all—that there’s a reason to give thanks.
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