• 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.

Winner of the 2005 PLAYS/California Student Playwriting Contest, Talk to Me! by Daniella Hicks and Estefania Morales is a touching contemporary drama perfect for directors seeking impactful middle school play scripts. The story features a heartfelt conversation between two sisters—one in high school and one in middle school—as they navigate the complexities of their evolving relationship. This 10-minute piece is a masterclass in realistic dialogue and emotional depth, offering young actresses a chance to explore the bond of sisterhood in a way that feels authentic and relatable. Bring this award-winning story to your stage. Order yours today!

• Award-Winning Writing: Recognized by the PLAYS/California Student Playwriting Contest for its excellence.

• Relatable Subject Matter: Explores the universal dynamics of sibling relationships and growing up.

• Minimalist Production: A contemporary setting with only two characters makes it easy to stage in any environment.

• Acting Showcase: Ideal for two strong female performers to demonstrate their emotional range and chemistry.

• Efficient Length: A 10-minute running time is perfect for drama festivals, classroom workshops, or showcases.

Directors looking for middle school play scripts that move beyond broad comedy often struggle to find material that treats younger teenagers with maturity. Talk to Me! provides that rare opportunity, offering a script written with the insight of student playwrights who truly understand the voices of their generation. It’s an intimate, powerful look at the small moments that define a family, making it an unforgettable choice for your next production. Start rehearsals with 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.
  

Bring a touch of magic to a modern-day dilemma with The Stockbroker and the Fairy Godmother by Glenda Leznoff. This charming and relatable short play is an ideal middle school play script for classrooms or small drama groups. The story follows a hardworking, busy father who has lost sight of what truly matters. Enter a "thoroughly modern" fairy godmother who uses her wit and magic to help him realize the vital importance of spending time with his daughter. It is a heartwarming tale that balances humor with a powerful message about family and priorities. Order yours today!

• Contemporary Theme: A modern twist on the classic fairy godmother trope that resonates with today's families.

• Intimate Cast: Features just 2 roles (1 male, 1 female), making it perfect for focused acting exercises or small-scale performances.

• Meaningful Message: Encourages discussions about work-life balance and the value of personal connections.

• Quick Performance Time: At just 15 minutes, it fits easily into a class period, assembly, or multi-play showcase.

• Easy to Stage: Requires minimal sets and props, ideal for schools with limited resources or touring productions.

Drama teachers searching for a middle school play script that offers depth without requiring a massive ensemble will find The Stockbroker and the Fairy Godmother to be a perfect fit. The play provides a wonderful opportunity for two actors to explore character development and comedic timing while delivering a story that leaves the audience reflecting on their own busy lives. It’s a sweet, impactful production that proves you don’t need a large stage to tell a big story. Start your production with Plays Magazine today!

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

Celebrate the enduring power of a grandmother's love—and her stubbornness—in Amazing Grace. This quirky romantic comedy centers on Karen, whose late grandmother, Gracie, spent years unsuccessfully trying to play matchmaker. In a hilarious and touching twist of fate, it seems Grandma Gracie isn't letting a little thing like her own funeral stop her from finding Karen the perfect guy. It is a charming, fast-paced script that explores family bonds and unexpected romance with wit and heart.

Find out if Grandma succeeds—download the script for your students today!

Features

• Genre: Romantic Comedy with a quirky and heartwarming twist.

• Intimate Cast: 4 roles (3F, 1M), making it perfect for small drama groups or competition pieces.

• Performance Ready: A brisk 20-minute runtime ideal for one-act festivals or classroom showcases.

• Target Audience: Specifically written for Upper Grade students (Middle and High School).

Drama directors looking for school play scripts that balance humor with emotional resonance will find Amazing Grace to be a standout choice. The play offers students the chance to explore comedic timing and character depth without the need for a massive ensemble. It provides a relatable and sweet look at the influence of family, making it an engaging project for teenagers who enjoy contemporary storytelling. By staging this piece, your students can master the art of the romantic comedy in a way that feels fresh and fun.

Unlock this heartwarming comedy and more with a Plays Magazine subscription today!

Specs

• Author: Christina Hamlett

• Genre: Comedy / Romance

• Run Time: Approximately 20 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

Upper Grades; 2 male, 2 female; contemporary Gothic; 25 minutes. Blood relatives join young couple and future mother-in-law for a late-night bite.

Step back into a medieval "once upon a time" with The School for Princesses by Irina Kuznekov. This thoughtful and engaging script is a premier choice for teachers looking for plays for school that offer more than just a fairy tale plot. Set in an exclusive boarding school for the daughters of kings and queens, the story follows a new student who learns that true royalty is found in self-acceptance and respecting the differences in others. It is an ideal performance piece for middle-grade students, blending a magical setting with powerful, contemporary lessons on character and empathy. Start your school play subscription today to bring this royal lesson to your auditorium!

Features

• Target Grade Levels: Perfectly suited for Middle Grades.

• Cast Size: 5 female roles, making it excellent for smaller drama groups or specialized workshops.

• Performance Time: A substantial 25-minute production.

• Themes: Self-acceptance, diversity, respect, and medieval history.

School plays are a unique platform for character building, and The School for Princesses helps students navigate the complexities of social dynamics through a historical lens. As your performers step into their medieval roles, they will explore universal themes that resonate with their own lives today. The script provides a rich opportunity for costume design and expressive acting, ensuring a high-quality production that will captivate parents and peers alike. Empower your students to find their own "inner crown" by ordering from Plays Magazine today!

Take your classroom on a journey across the globe with Two Desert Tales, a captivating pair of short plays based on African and Mexican folklore. This collection includes The Missing Camel and Señor Coyote and Mama Rabbit, both of which explore how wit and wisdom help characters navigate the challenges of the desert. These scripts are ideal for educators looking to integrate multicultural storytelling into their drama curriculum.

Enhance your social studies or drama lesson—download these scripts today!

Features

• Two Plays in One: Includes both African and Mexican folktales.

• Flexible Casting: Large ensemble options (7+ roles per play) to involve the whole class.

• Versatile Audience: Specifically tailored for Middle and Lower Elementary grades.

• Fast-Paced: Each play runs approximately 10 minutes, perfect for assembly programs.

Finding engaging plays for elementary students that also teach valuable cultural lessons can be time-consuming for busy teachers. Two Desert Tales provides high-quality school play scripts that emphasize cleverness and survival, making them a hit with students who love animal fables and adventure. These plays offer a wonderful opportunity for students to explore diverse perspectives while developing their performance skills in a supportive environment.

Gain instant access to these tales with a Plays Magazine subscription today!

Specs

• Author: Barbara Winther

• Genre: Folktales / Multicultural Drama

• Format: Digital Download (Subscribers Only)

• Plays Included: The Missing Camel & Senor Coyote and Mama Rabbit

• Royalties: Royalty-free with an active subscription

Middle Grades; 2 female; 15 minutes. An explanation of Tourette’s Syndrome and the problems of understanding differences as told through the conversation of the new girl at school and the popular “Queen of the Playground.”

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.

Middle Grades; 5 male, 5 female; 25 minutes. Thanksgiving. “Re-gifting” reaches new heights as the perfect pie is passed around town, gladdening hearts along the way.

Lower Grades; 7 male or female; adults for narrator and piano player; 10 minutes.
Do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do! Here's a fun, easy way to teach children about the notes in a scale, major and minor chords, and the value of working together.

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.

Middle Grades; 10 female, 8 male, 9 male or female; 40 minutes. An appreciation of Kwanzaa comes to a girl who tries to boycott her family's celebration because she's in a snit; mad about something she can't even remember!

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?

Introduce your students to the Bard in a way they will actually enjoy with this delightful modern retelling of a classic. Perfect for plays for schools looking to tackle Shakespeare without the intimidation of Elizabethan language, this script reimagines the comedy with a contemporary twist. Full of love, romance, and mischievous dealings, it keeps the intrigue of the original while making the plot relatable for today’s middle schoolers. Get your copy today!

Features

• Modern Adaptation: A contemporary setting makes the story accessible and engaging for younger actors.

• Flexible Ensemble: Designed for a large cast, allowing you to involve the entire class.

• Introductory Shakespeare: The perfect gateway to teaching classic literature and plot structures.

• Comedy: Lighthearted and fun, ensuring a positive experience for the cast and audience alike.

Making classical literature fun is a challenge every drama teacher faces, but this script serves as an excellent tool for educational theatre. By using play scripts for students that modernize familiar themes, you remove the barrier of complex language and let the students focus on character and storytelling. This play fosters a love for theatre and literature, proving that Shakespeare’s stories are timeless. Create a memorable performance that students will talk about for years. Order yours from Plays Magazine today!

Info

• Grade Level: Middle Grades

• Cast Size: 3 male, 3 female, 17 male or female (flexible)

• Run Time: 20 minutes

• Genre: Contemporary Comedy / Adaptation

Middle Grades; 5 male, 5 female; contemporary; 30 minutes. Spoiled city kids see their freedom evaporate when they go to the country to visit Grandma. . .but they also learn a lot about themselves and what it means to be a kind and generous friend and neighbor.

Lower Grades; 4 male, 1 female, as many male and female extras as desired for ants; contemporary; 10 minutes. Red ants and black ants fight over a picnic, only to discover that working together, sharing, and making friends are the most important morsels of all.

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; 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; 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.

Middle and Lower Grades; 5 female or male; 15 minutes. A charming Japanese folktale that explores the importance of friendship: how easy it is to lose a friend over a silly disagreement, and how important it is to work things out and share.

Lower Grades, 4 male or female; 10 minutes.
Bird cries "Foul!" when he realizes he's going to be the main attraction for Thanksgiving dinner.

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.

Middle Grades; 11 female, 6 male, 8 male or female; 40 minutes. Spunky 1830s English girl flees her demanding guardian by impersonating a boy so she can find work on a ship bound for New York — and an uncertain future in a new country.

Upper Grades; 4 female, 2 male; 15 minutes. Ever wonder what your date is really thinking? An innovative and amusing play about a blind date that bounces back and forth between what's said and what's thought.

Upper Grades; 2 female, 2 male; 25 minutes. Will a real European prince find true love through an ad he placed while on a trip to New York? A bittersweet courtship in the age of business travel, speed dating, and cell phones.

Middle and Lower Grades. 1 male, 5 female, 5 male and female, extras. Follow the Yellow Brick Road! L. Frank Baum's beloved story and colorful characters come to life in this wonderful adaptation.

Lower Grades; 3 male; 1 female; 5 male or female; as many male and female as desired for Guards and Citizens. 15 minutes.

Aesop's tale in which a slave's life is spared because of his kindness to a fearsome lion.

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.

Upper Grades; 3 female, 3 male, as many extras as desired; 25 minutes.

Platonic? Hardly! Will offbeat hero of a band triumph over cute basketball star? A play of crushes, stereotypes, and young love.

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 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.

Middle and Lower Grades; 6 male and female; 15 minutes.
Two new brides have to combine smart thinking and common sense in a test demanded by their mother-in-law. The two young women do what is asked of them, and more, setting the stage for a long life of family harmony.

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.

Middle and Lower Grades; 6 male, 7 female, 8 male or female; 20 minutes.
Will web designer's plans take all the charm out of boy-meets-girl?

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 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; 5 female, 4 male; male and female extras; 30 minutes. Love is in the air in this fun tale of romance and mystery on a cruise ship.

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 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?

Middle Grades; 5 female; 1 male; 15 minutes.
Trick-or-treaters let their imaginations run wild when they knock on the door of a newcomer to town.

Middle & Lower Grades: 6 actors: male/female; 10 minutes. Animals meet in the desert and learn to respect their differences, without asking each other to change the way they are.

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: 5+ actors; 2 male, 3 female, extras as desired a trick-or-treaters; 20 minutes. Is that big old house at the end of the street haunted, or just misunderstood? Kids out to trick or treat learn to lend a helping hand to an older woman in need. Great message about not jumping to conclusions and learning to help others.

Upper Grades; 9 male, 3 female; 30 minutes. The American dream is alive and well as Tony and Angie work on the holiday to strike a balance between the family business and an exciting high school life.

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.