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A JOURNEY TO THE STARS by Mary Satchell A JOURNEY TO THE STARS by Mary Satchell

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.”

 
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HISTORY IDOL by Kate Wagner HISTORY IDOL by Kate Wagner

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.

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FIRE AND FRIENDSHIP by Renee C. Rebman FIRE AND FRIENDSHIP by Renee C. Rebman

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.

 
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BALANCING ACT by Christina Hamlett BALANCING ACT by Christina Hamlett

Take your audience high above the streets of New York City in this powerful 30-minute play. The story gives a voice to the Native American construction workers who balanced on giant steel beams to build the city's iconic skyscrapers. As they work, they connect to their heritage, telling stories about the Iroquois Nation and its rich culture. This script offers a unique and profound look at a vital piece of American history. Download your script today!

Features
  • A large, extremely flexible cast (14+) with unlimited extras, perfect for engaging an entire class.
  • A unique historical and cultural focus, highlighting the contributions and stories of the Iroquois Nation.
  • A compelling 30-minute runtime, making it an excellent choice for assemblies, competitions, or classroom study.
  • Provides a strong ensemble piece that gives many actors a chance to speak and contribute to the story.

It's often hard to find plays for students that move beyond the typical and offer real substance. You need play scripts that challenge your actors and educate your audience with new perspectives. "Balancing Act" does exactly that. It's one of those rare plays for schools that weaves history, culture, and drama into an unforgettable ensemble piece. Give your students the opportunity to explore this powerful story. Order your script from Plays Magazine today!

Specs
  • Cast: 14+ actors (5 male, 1 female, 8 male or female, as many extras as desired)
  • Grade Level: Upper and Middle Grades
  • Running Time: 30 minutes
  • Setting: High steel beams of a skyscraper under construction
  • Format: Royalty-Free Script
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SHIRLEY CHISHOLM: "UNBOUGHT AND UNBOSSED" by Mary Satchell SHIRLEY CHISHOLM: "UNBOUGHT AND UNBOSSED" by Mary Satchell

Upper and Middle Grades; 11 female, 7 male, and 20+ males or females; 30 minutes. Scenes from the inspirational life of Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005), the first black woman elected to the U.S. Congress and an outspoken advocate for the rights of women and minorities.

 
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THE PRESIDENTS' DAY IN COURT, by Kathy Applebee THE PRESIDENTS' DAY IN COURT, by Kathy Applebee

Middle Grades; 7 male, 3 female, and 5 male or female, plus as many extras as desired; 20 minutes. When Patty O’Phurniture’s date with Jim doesn’t meet her expectations, she sues in court for breach of contract, and is confronted by the historical feats of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Susan B. Anthony, and others who are pictured on American coins.

 
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A MAN LIKE LINCOLN by Helen Miller A MAN LIKE LINCOLN by Helen Miller

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.

 
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RALPH BUNCHE, MAN OF PEACE by Mary Satchell RALPH BUNCHE, MAN OF PEACE by Mary Satchell

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.

 
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THE PIE THAT CHANGED HISTORY by Maureen Crane Wartski THE PIE THAT CHANGED HISTORY by Maureen Crane Wartski

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

Imagine your students stepping into a pivotal moment in history, exploring themes of cooperation and fighting for what's right, all centered around a seemingly simple pie! This play offers a powerful opportunity for young actors to connect with historical figures and events, fostering empathy and an understanding of our shared past. It’s more than just a script; it’s a chance to spark important conversations and create a performance that educates, inspires, and entertains. Give your students a chance to make history come alive. Order your script from Plays Magazine today!
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RACE TO THE FUTURE, by Janet Carl RACE TO THE FUTURE, by Janet Carl

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.

 
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KWANZAA HEROES by Virginia A. Artist KWANZAA HEROES by Virginia A. Artist

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.

 
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HALFWAY TO CONCORD by Marcella Rawe HALFWAY TO CONCORD by Marcella Rawe

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!

Features

  • 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!

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ROMEO AND JULIET AT THE WILLIAMSBURG THEATRE by Ellen M. Eleder ROMEO AND JULIET AT THE WILLIAMSBURG THEATRE by Ellen M. Eleder

Upper and Middle Grades; 15 male/female and extras; 30 minutes. Actors rehearse Shakespeare's play in Colonial Williamsburg, against the backdrop of the fast-approaching Revolutionary War.

 
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SABOTAGE by Craig Sodaro SABOTAGE by Craig Sodaro

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.

 
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THE RELUCTANT COLUMBUS by Harold Cable THE RELUCTANT COLUMBUS by Harold Cable

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.

 
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A TALE OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD by Carmen Anthony A TALE OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD by Carmen Anthony

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.

 
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FREEDOM RIDERS, by Tom Quinn FREEDOM RIDERS, by Tom Quinn

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.

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MOTHER JONES, RABBLE-ROUSER by Renée C. Rebman MOTHER JONES, RABBLE-ROUSER by Renée C. Rebman

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.

 
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STEALING CHRISTMAS by Craig Sodaro STEALING CHRISTMAS by Craig Sodaro

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.

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THE ANCESTORS' BOX by Christina Hamlett THE ANCESTORS' BOX by Christina Hamlett

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.

 
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EMILY GEIGER, TEENAGE PATRIOT by Tara Wise Montgomery EMILY GEIGER, TEENAGE PATRIOT by Tara Wise Montgomery

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.

 
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ABOVE THE FOLD: THE STORY OF NELLIE BLY by Christina Hamlett ABOVE THE FOLD: THE STORY OF NELLIE BLY by Christina Hamlett

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

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MOUNT RUSHMORE by David LaBounty MOUNT RUSHMORE by David LaBounty

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.

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THE FRIENDSHIP BRACELET by Patricia Clapp THE FRIENDSHIP BRACELET by Patricia Clapp

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.

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THE PILGRIM WHO DIDN’T CARE by Jane McGowan THE PILGRIM WHO DIDN’T CARE by Jane McGowan

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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