dramatic plays for high school

2 min read 31-01-2025

Choosing the right play for a high school production is a crucial decision. It needs to engage the students, challenge their acting abilities, and captivate the audience. This guide explores factors to consider when selecting dramatic plays suitable for high schoolers, offering suggestions for various tastes and skill levels.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dramatic Play

Several key factors influence the selection of a successful high school dramatic production. These include:

1. Student Skill Levels & Experience:

Beginner Actors: Opt for plays with simpler dialogue, fewer characters, and straightforward plots. Plays with clear character arcs and opportunities for emotional exploration, even at a simpler level, are ideal.
Intermediate Actors: Plays with more complex relationships, nuanced characters, and subplots are suitable. Consider plays with themes that resonate with teenagers, allowing for deeper character study and emotional range.
Advanced Actors: Challenge your students with plays that demand exceptional acting skills, complex dialogue, and intricate character development. Experimental or non-traditional plays might be a great choice.

2. Play Length & Complexity:

Shorter Plays: Perfect for less experienced casts or productions with limited rehearsal time. They allow for focused attention on key aspects of performance.
Longer Plays: Offer more scope for character development and plot intricacies, but require dedicated rehearsal time and a strong commitment from the cast and crew.

3. Themes & Content:

Relevance: Choose plays with themes that resonate with high school students, exploring issues they face daily, like friendship, identity, social pressure, and family dynamics.
Appropriateness: Carefully review the play's content for language, themes, and situations to ensure it's suitable for your school's audience and aligns with school policies.

4. Set & Costume Requirements:

Simplicity: Plays with minimal set requirements are easier to stage, especially for schools with limited resources.
Creative Flexibility: Plays that allow for creative interpretations of set design and costumes give students more opportunities for involvement and showcasing their talents.

Suggestions for Dramatic Plays for High School:

This section provides examples of dramatic plays suitable for various levels, but remember to always check for licensing requirements before selecting a play.

Plays Suitable for Beginner Actors:

Plays with clear, simple dialogue and straightforward plots: Look for one-act plays or shorter versions of classic works adapted for younger audiences. Many publishers offer such adaptations.
Plays focusing on relatable themes: Plays exploring friendship, first love, or overcoming personal challenges can be engaging and accessible.

Plays Suitable for Intermediate Actors:

Plays with more complex character relationships and subplots: This allows students to explore more nuanced emotions and motivations.
Plays exploring more mature themes: Plays dealing with loss, identity crises, or social injustice can provide rich opportunities for exploration.

Plays Suitable for Advanced Actors:

Plays with challenging dialogue and complex character arcs: These plays require strong acting skills and a deep understanding of character psychology.
Plays with experimental or unconventional structures: This could include plays with non-linear narratives or unconventional staging techniques.

Finding the Perfect Play:

Publisher Websites: Dramatic Publishing, Samuel French, and Playscripts, Inc. are excellent resources for discovering a wide range of plays.
Online Databases: Search online databases specializing in plays for high schools.
Drama Teachers' Networks: Connect with other drama teachers to get recommendations and insights.

Remember that choosing a dramatic play is a collaborative process. Involve your students in the selection process; their input and enthusiasm are invaluable for a successful production. Consider their interests, skill levels, and the overall message you want to convey. With careful consideration, you can choose a play that will be both challenging and rewarding for your students and create a truly memorable theatrical experience.