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Plays Magazine presents a curated selection of captivating play scripts designed specifically for high school performances. Dive into a collection of royalty-free plays tailored to engage and inspire upper-grade students in high schools. Explore a variety of genres, themes, and topics that are perfect for school productions and drama classes.


Discover high school plays that challenge actors, spark creativity, and offer unique opportunities for theatrical expression. Elevate your drama program with top-quality play scripts that cater to the dynamic and diverse interests of high school students.


Whether you are seeking plays for high school productions or looking to enhance your drama curriculum, we offer a wide range of compelling options to enrich the theatrical experience for upper-grade performers. Step into the spotlight with our premium selection of play scripts created to bring out the best in high school actors and leave a lasting impression on audiences.

HEART OF A STRANGER by Christina Hamlett HEART OF A STRANGER by Christina Hamlett

HEART OF A STRANGER by Christina Hamlett is a moving, contemporary drama that serves as one of the most poignant scripts for school plays designed for Upper Grades. Set during the December holidays in a bustling Boston coffee shop, the play centers on a young woman who is struggling to cope with the loss of her beloved sister. A seemingly chance meeting gives her a new, powerful outlook on the world and the meaning of giving. This production is a sensitive exploration of friendship and the profound subject of "the gift of life" (organ donation). Bring this heartwarming, vital discussion to your stage this holiday season. Order yours today!
  • 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.
This play is an exceptional teaching tool, allowing high school actors to delve into complex emotional material and deliver a message that is both uplifting and critically important. The flexible casting is a huge benefit for directors working with large or unbalanced groups. The themes of hope and giving make this an unforgettable choice among serious scripts for school plays. Secure this impactful holiday drama from PLAYS Magazine today!

Why Your Group Will Love This High School Play Script

  • Emotionally Resonant Narrative: A sensitive drama focusing on modern issues like grief and hope.

  • Alternative Holiday Theme: Ideal for December performances that seek a deeper message beyond traditional festive plays.

  • Flexible Casting: Written for 4 females with 5 additional male or female roles to suit your specific group.

  • Competition Ready: A concise 25-minute running time makes it perfect for one-act competitions or school assemblies.

Educational Value: Provides an excellent platform for high school actors to explore complex emotional material.

Heart of a Stranger by Christina Hamlett is a moving, contemporary drama and one of the most poignant play scripts available for Upper Grades. Set during the bustling December holidays in a Boston coffee shop, the play centers on a young woman struggling to cope with the loss of her sister. A seemingly chance meeting provides her with a powerful new outlook on the world and the profound meaning of "the gift of life." This production offers a sensitive exploration of friendship and the vital subject of organ donation. Bring this heartwarming, essential discussion to your school’s stage this season. Order your copy today!
Upper Grades; 4 female, 5 male or female; contemporary; December holidays; 25 minutes.
A chance meeting in a Boston coffee shop gives a young woman mourning the loss of her beloved sister a new outlook on the world. A heartwarming, sensitive holiday drama about friendship and “the gift of life” (organ donation).
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THE WALLS HAVE EARS by Sam Reisman THE WALLS HAVE EARS by Sam Reisman

THE WALLS HAVE EARS by Sam Reisman is an award-winning, powerful drama that provides timely and essential scripts for school plays focused on contemporary student issues. Winner of the 2005 PLAYS/California Student Playwriting Contest (High School), this 10-minute piece addresses the immediate consequences of a high schooler's inappropriate joke at a school assembly. It culminates in a dramatic and vital heart-to-heart conversation with the guidance counselor, making it perfect for discussing social responsibility and mental health. Bring this crucial, contemporary discussion to your stage. Subscribe to PLAYS Magazine today!
  • 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.
For drama teachers and coaches seeking material that resonates deeply with high school students, this is an indispensable resource. THE WALLS HAVE EARS provides a safe, structured medium for students to explore complex emotions, responsibility, and the power of words, directly addressing the pressure points and anxieties of the modern school environment. This powerful script is designed not just for performance, but for sparking necessary conversation. Order your access to these vital scripts for school plays from PLAYS Magazine today!
Upper Grades; 2 male, 4 male or female offstage voices; 10 minutes.
Winner of 2005 PLAYS/California Student Playwriting Contest (High School) and coming in the wake of the Columbine shootings, this play focuses on a high schooler’s inappropriate joke at a school assembly and the ensuing dramatic heart-to-heart conversation with the guidance counselor.

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SOME WORDS WITH A MUMMY by Craig Sodaro SOME WORDS WITH A MUMMY by Craig Sodaro

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!


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DEAR JOURNAL by Judy Culp DEAR JOURNAL by Judy Culp

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 fresh, student-driven drama to your classroom without the hassle of rigid structures. DEAR JOURNAL provides the foundation for powerful student-led performances, helping you meet curriculum goals while inspiring young actors to explore relevant issues. This adaptable format ensures you have a reliable, engaging, and powerful tool that empowers both teachers and students to create meaningful, memorable theater. Order your access to this incredible script for school plays from PLAYS Magazine today!
Upper grades; few to many actors; 10 minutes to 1 hour.
An exciting collection of monologues, dialogues, and one-liners that can be used as a flexible drama workshop piece, introducing “journaling” to a class or a whole school. Author Judy Culp writes, “This piece is highly adaptable: It may be used as is; users may pick certain selections for presentations; or certain selections maybe combined with new original pieces written by students on timely issues.”
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THE SHOP GIRL'S REVENGE by Robert Downing THE SHOP GIRL'S REVENGE by Robert Downing

Step back in time with The Shop Girl’s Revenge by Robert Downing, a delightful turn-of-the-century melodrama that is a fantastic find for those seeking both middle school play scripts and high school play scripts. This play features all the classic tropes of the genre: a virtuous maiden-in-distress, a mustache-twirling villain, and a daring hero in disguise. The plot centers on a pile of missing money and the mystery of a long-lost daughter, culminating in a satisfying finale where the villain is inevitably foiled. It’s a high-energy piece that allows students to explore over-the-top acting styles and historic theatrical traditions. Order yours today!

  • Classic Melodrama Style: Perfect for teaching students about 19th-century theatrical conventions and stock characters.

  • Comedic High Stakes: Features dramatic "curses, foiled again!" moments that are a hit with performers and audiences alike.

  • Engaging Period Setting: Set in the 1890s, offering great opportunities for creative costume and set design.

  • Flexible Casting: With a cast of 7 (4 female, 3 male), it is manageable for small drama clubs or classroom workshops.

  • Performance Length: A brisk 25-minute runtime makes it an ideal choice for one-act festivals or school showcases.

Finding high school play scripts and middle school play scripts that are both funny and educational can be a challenge, but The Shop Girl’s Revenge fits the bill perfectly. It gives young actors the license to be big, bold, and expressive, making it an excellent tool for building stage confidence and physical comedy skills. Whether you’re looking to anchor a school assembly or provide a fun challenge for your drama students, this script delivers timeless entertainment. Secure your production rights with Plays Magazine today!

Upper and Middle grades; 4 female; 3 female; 1890s; 25 minutes.

A turn-of-the-century melodrama, complete with maiden-in-distress, moustache-twirling villain, and hero in disguise. . .all swirling around a pile of missing money and a long-lost daughter. And of course, it's curses, foiled again!
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ROMEO ON THE INTERNET by Juliet Garver ROMEO ON THE INTERNET by Juliet Garver

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

*Requires subscription to download. Click here to subscribe.
AMAZING GRACE by Christina Hamlett AMAZING GRACE by Christina Hamlett

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

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BEYOND SANTA CLAUS by Virginia Miller McDonough BEYOND SANTA CLAUS by Virginia Miller McDonough

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
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GENUS DE MILO by Christina Hamlett GENUS DE MILO by Christina Hamlett

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.

 
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SOJOURNER TRUTH by Joanna L. Evans SOJOURNER TRUTH by Joanna L. Evans

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

*Requires subscription to download. Click here to subscribe.