Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Are you looking for plays for high schools? If so, this article will provide you with the information you need about the top 35 plays or high schools to consider.
If you are bestowed with the responsibility of choosing plays for your secondary school, you will soon find out that it is not an easy task.
This is because there are Plays that will discourage students’ interest, and they may lose interest and not participate in auditions.
That is why you need to choose the best plays for high school in a bid to encourage students to come out and participate in auditions.
Furthermore, you need to choose plays that will resonate with the interests of local parents and administrators.
Stay Informed Group got you covered with this list of Plays for High Schools. All you need to do is read this article, and on the list you will discover the best Plays that handle social issues, including heartbreaking plays, plays for laughing out loud, and much more.
About Plays for High School
If you are a drama-inclined student, high school plays can be a lot of fun for you when the picker chooses the right ones.
Also, the interest of the students, parents, and administrators who will watch the Play(s) will be considered when choosing them.
There are numerous options available, but you need to select the most suitable ones based on factors specific to your high school, including administrators, teachers, parents, and others.
The list of Plays for High schools listed in this article will provide you with the best options, as well as their Licensing platforms.
What are the Most Popular Plays for High Schools?
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Our Town
- You Can’t Take It With You
- Twelve Angry Jurors
- The Crucible
- Arsenic and Old Lace
- Rumours
- Almost, Maine
35 Plays for High School You Can Try
This is a very comprehensive list it contains the following:
Also Read: 37 Best Musicals For High School: All you need to know
Classic Plays for High School
Some plays are classics for good reason! The writing is great, the information is powerful, and there are many parts for people to fit in.
Whether you want to start a new drama project, or a theatre program, or are looking for a play that will almost certainly be approved by the administrators, you can begin with the ones listed below.
Our Town
Since its publication in 1938, “Our Town” has been one of the most popular high school plays. Written by Thornton Wilder, this three-act play tells the life of the people in Cape Grover from childhood to beyond the grave.
A good number of high school English classes read the play, so you can work with your teacher to increase credits or Q&A sessions, like this one, which is one of the best plays for high school you can try.
Licensing: Concord Theatricals
Twelve Angry Men (Twelve Angry Jurors, Twelve Angry Women)
This high school play will help teach students about judicial procedures and provide opportunities for serious performances, such as Twelve Angry Men.
Strangely, this drama is based on a movie of the same name. Don’t let this name intimidate you—it can also serve as a reference to the twelve angry jurors, featuring a mix of actors, and the twelve angry women, comprising all-female actors.
Licensing: Dramatic Publishing.
Pygmalion
Pygmalion, created by Bernard Shaw, is the inspiration for the musical “My Fair Lady”. It has the same characters; the plot is the same. Professor Henry Higgins attempts to transform a poor flower girl named Eliza Doolittle into a lady, but encounters chaos.
The play is as fascinating as the musical, and actors progressing through it will appreciate its feminist orientation and critique of class society.
Licensing: Concord Theatricals.
The Crucible
“The Crucible” is one of the traditional high school plays for the high school theatre department.
According to the Salem Witch Trials, this tragic story of Arthur Miller is good material for young theatre actors.
This is one of the plays appreciated by English and history teachers because it involves real events in American history.
Licensing: Dramatists Play Service.
The Importance of Being Earnest
Plays for high school usually take a lot of time for ethics—the same is true for “The Importance of Being Earnest”.
This lovely and lively Oscar Wilde play is set in Victorian England, bringing the social norms of society to life.
Although thinking about marriage may be beyond the scope of your students, moral issues are eternal. This is also a good option if you have a limited budget; the play is in the public domain, so licensing fees will not be a problem for you.
Clue
Clue” is also a drama adapted from a movie, just like The 12 Angry Men.
This murder mystery features delightful and unique characters, full of comedy and chaos. It also has a soundtrack, which adds to the fun.
The whole high production can be seen here.
Licensing: Broadway Licensing.
Night of January 16th
The play ” Night of January 16th is one of the plays for high schools that tells the story of a murder trial.
You can choose the jury from the audience to decide whether the defendant is guilty or not, which changes the ending of the drama.
The element of surprise keeps your actors vigilant and injects vitality into the audience. The script written by Ayn Rand was performed entirely in court. (One group, no scene changes!) The cast involves many different witnesses, but the most crucial roles are those of the two lawyers; they are always on stage.
Steel Magnolias
“Steel Magnolia” was written by the playwright Robert Harling to commemorate his sister Susan, who, like Shelby, died of diabetes complications after giving birth.
This drama, set in a beauty salon in Louisiana, offers a glimpse into the lives of southern women in the 1980s.
The poignant and engaging script explores the themes of sisterhood, death, and life incisively and vividly; it is full of materials suitable for young actors. Coupled with the opportunity to try southern accents, 80s hairstyles, and makeup, everyone can find something that suits them.
Licensing: Dramatists Play Service.
Alice in Wonderland
Alice in Wonderland is one of the plays for high school that you can try. You are already familiar with this story, and, importantly, so are your students and audience.
Why is this important? This will bring about huge auditions and ticket sales.
This is a classic play that has memorable characters, fantastic costumes, and some of the most famous lines in all of theatre.
Licensing: Dramatic Publishing.
Modern Plays for High Schools
If your high school students like the world of drama, they are likely to beg you to perform a modern high school play.
Although many Broadway hits have not been licensed recently, these contemporary shows are a good starting point.
Middletown
Playwright Will Eno’s 2010 Middletown is one of the Plays for high school that offers a modern interpretation of Our Town dramas, exploring the seemingly ordinary depths of small-town life.
However, Middletown combines mediocrity with the universe in a charming, casual way. The dialogue is full of keen observation and a morbid sense of existentialism.
This is a peculiar combination, and even your most brilliant high school actor will be happy and challenged. For children who are accustomed to playing surreal roles, the ordinary people in this play are a good exercise and can find extraordinary things in the ordinary.
Licensing: Concord Theatricals.
Peter and the Starcatcher
“Peter and the Starcatcher” was a huge success, from its Broadway Run that won the Tony Award in 2012 to regional theatre festivals across the country. You need actors with comedic vision who can do this, and your audience will laugh.
This story is a brazen interpretation of the origins of Peter Pan, this time a precocious heroine.
Each actor plays many different roles, giving your students a huge and exciting challenge. Check out the handy MTI production Manual to learn about performance exercises, proper casting techniques, and taking photos.
Licensing: Music Theatre International
She Kills Monsters
Diversity is the key to any good high school drama project. If you are looking for something new and different, She Kills Monsters is one of the Plays for High School that may be the perfect drama for you.
It addresses sensitive topics that resonate with young actors, including death, integration, and grief.
The show takes place in reality and the world of Dungeons and Dragons. The characters are fun to play, and the costumes are equally enjoyable.
Licensing: Concord Theatricals
Puffs, Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic
Harry Potter fans would legit find this Play for high school exciting. Puffs told the story of Hogwarts from the perspective of other students.
The script is funny; your audience will appreciate it, even if they have never read J.K. Rowling’s book. Due to the related theme, this 2015 drama is also a great way to attract new audiences.
The “Young Wizard” is the most suitable version for high school. You can choose to obtain a license for either a one-act or two-act version.
Licensing: Concord Theatricals (one-act or two-act)
Almost, Maine
“Almost Maine”, created by John Cariani in 2004, immediately became one of the most popular plays for high schools.
This is a show composed of nine different love-themed skits, each focusing on a distinct character living in a small town in Maine.
It sounds simple, but this charming and often funny show is full of surprises, a touch of magical realism and happy endings.
Licensing: Dramatists Play Service
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
If you followed Broadway or the West End from 2012 to 2015, you will almost certainly remember the strange incident of dogs at night.
It won a series of awards, including the Olivier Award for Best New Play in 2013 and the Tony Award for Best New Play in 2015.
According to the book of the same name, the play tells the tragic story of a boy with an autism spectrum disorder who seeks to solve a thrilling mystery. This is a rare opportunity to bring different roles into your high school plays and programs.
Licensing: Dramatists Play Service.
Radium Girls
Radium Girls is one of the plays for high school on this list – the show premiered in 2000, but its background is set in the 1920s.
The play tells the story of the radium girl of the same name, who used radium paint to paint luminous numbers on the dial.
Between their fingers, they will put the brush in their mouth to keep it sharp. You can probably guess what happened next; the women started to get very sick.
The play chronicles the life of Grace Fryer, one of the women who strives to bring the company to justice. Choose from a single-act competition or a complete two-act show.
Both options provide rich and dramatic roles for medium- to large-sized actors.
Licensing: Dramatic Publishing (one-act or two-act)
Also Read: 10 Best Acting Schools in the World
Comedy Plays for High Schools
Comedy plays are always a safe choice for high school productions.
For young actors, there is nothing more exciting than the audience laughing. Besides, this is a good time and role-building opportunity for children.
These interesting plays are particularly suitable for high school students.
Noises Off
If your high school students are interested in comedy and the parents, and administrators are cool about allusions—Noises Off is a very delightful play.
This is an interesting performance that requires perfect timing and some delightful props and set work.
Ensure that you are financially stable for the set, as it plays a crucial role in the play.
Licensing: Concord Theatricals.
Love of a Pig
In Love of a Pig, you will have the opportunity to show off your best actress.
This is a classic tale of a woman in love who faces adversity. If you want to escape the typical high school drama, this is a great choice. The script was written by Leslie, the writer of the TV show “Everybody Loves Raymond”.
It has a keen, modern wit and sensibility. The set and costume requirements are minimal, and the lines are funny to laugh out loud.
Licensing: Concord Theatricals
The Plot, Like Gravy, Thickens
This one of the Comedy plays for high school – the name is their plot, like gravy, thickens is absurd and interesting.
This is a less profound murder mystery. You need a powerful actor to play Walter, a playwright/narrator who speaks directly to the audience.
After he broke the first wall, he appeared in the play as one of the characters. This is an interesting and unexpected compositional device that can keep the audience alert.
Licensing: Concord Theatricals
Charley’s Aunt
Charley’s Aunt is one of the comedy plays for high schools that was written in the late 1800s, but the lively script is excellent.
This is a fascinating farce, complete of false identities and physical comedies.
The stage is critical to comedy. Your actors will be happy to find out the exact comedy time.
Licensing: Concord Theatricals
Blithe Spirit
Have you seen the movie “Death Becomes Her”? It is based on Noel Coward’s play Blithe Spirit. The hilarious script revolves around two ghosts because they haunt their common ex-husband.
Naturally, chaos followed. With the help of the fantastic costumes and sharp, cowardly dialogue, this play is both fun and lively.
Licensing: Concord Theatricals.
Run for Your Wife
If you are in search of a high school play that will make the audience laugh and scream, check out the popular comedy “Run for Your Wife”.
For this play, everything is on the premise: the centre of the story is John Smith, a British taxi driver who has two different wives in two different towns. There are only eight actors so that the play can be done in a small space.
There are a few adjustments you may need to make to the off-color references and adult themes to make it more suitable for high school students.
Licensing: Concord Theatricals
The Man Who Came to Dinner
Imagine a guest coming for dinner and never leaving. This is what is pictured in “The Man Who Came for Dinner”, one of the comedy plays for high school, and it is as ridiculous as you might think.
A dinner guest broke his hip while leaving Stanley’s house, and he stayed to recover.
Problems began, and Stanley’s home was soon overwhelmed by strange visitors, unwanted gifts, and weird situations.
Licensing: Dramatists Play Service
Lend Me a Tenor
Lend Me a Tenor remains one of the most physical comedies for high school plays. When a famous opera actor unexpectedly calmed down, a theatre manager put on a costume and stepped onto the stage.
This is a case of mistaken identity and quirky humour; hit the right note (understand?) and your audience will roll in the aisles.
This is one of the most popular high school competition plays; the complex plot requires young actors to engage in their roles fully.
Licensing: Concord Theatricals
Arsenic and Old Lace
The ferocious older aunt, a brother who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt, and plastic surgery to hide their identities – this is the beginning of the fun in Arsenic and Old Lace. This classic farce is not only a source of laughter but also boasts an old-fashioned name recognition factor.
Licensing: Dramatists Play Service.
You Can’t Take It with You
Eccentric and full of quirky characters, You Can’t Take It Away is one of the comedy plays for high school, telling a fascinating and lively story about family, wealth, and life. This is the top performance of community theatres and high schools for a reason!
Licensing: Dramatists Play Service.
The Odd Couple
The Odd Couple is a traditional comedy about two mismatched roommates. Fun and suitable for people of all ages, this is a sure blow.
You can get an Oscar and Felix as a modernised version and a female version.
Licensing: Concord Theatricals
Low-Budget High School Plays
Is the department of Theatre in your high school short of money? No problem! There are many low-budget and no-budget plays for high schools.
Choosing plays in the public domain is the trick, as you don’t have to pay a license fee, and you can usually find and download scripts online for free. You can also check your check libraries for scripts you can make a photocopy of.
A super simple scene, with some interesting lights, and you can start.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Shakespeare’s plays are among the Low- and no-budget options for high schools, as they are in the public domain, making them a popular choice for low-cost productions.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is one of Shakespeare’s best high school plays.
It’s fun and lively, and the cast is enormous. Costumes will be the most significant part of your budget as you need a donkey head at the bottom and some things to distinguish fairies, but since the play takes place in a forest, the setting is a breeze.
Tartuffe
Your high school students may not have read Tartuffe. Written by Molière in 1664, the play focuses on the protagonist. A liar uses his false piety to plunder a wealthy young woman.
This classic comedy boasts a sharp, keen script and remains surprisingly relevant. Interestingly, the show was banned by the Catholic Church shortly after its premiere, and the Catholic Church felt threatened by criticism from the so-called “saints” who did more harm than good.
Tartuffe is in the public domain, making it an excellent, low-cost high school drama that can spark wonderful discussions about censorship, freedom of speech, and false morals.
Romeo and Juliet
If you are looking for a high school play that allows many students to audition, it’s hard to beat Romeo and Juliet.
There are star-studded lovers, stage battles, and some of the most famous lines in history; children will line up for auditions! Since the story is timeless, you can easily choose the period that suits the existing costumes and scenes.
Make it modern, and your actors can even wear their clothes.
A Christmas Carol
Want to watch a Christmas drama? A Christmas Carol is one of the plays for high school that is a low-cost option. Charles Dickens’s works are in the public domain. Besides, who wouldn’t like the opportunity to play Tim or one of the Christmas ghosts? This is very interesting for students and audiences.
Dramatic Plays for High Schools
Are there actors who like drama more than teenagers? Use one of these dramatic high school dramas to manage those intense emotions and provide some profound acting lessons.
Whether you prefer extreme tragedies or suspenseful thrillers, your high school students will benefit from exploring human behavior and emotion.
The Women of Lockerbie
The Woman in Lockerbie is one of the plays for high school that is heartbreaking. This drama does not come from the premise, although it is not more dramatic than the terrible plane crash, but from the emotional trauma it caused to the living.
The gripping story and evident sadness make this one of the most challenging and valuable dramas in high school. (Now start preparing those Scottish accents!)
Licensing: Dramatists Play Service
The Laramie Project
The Laramie Project is a high school play that is ready to dabble in social justice issues in your school drama program.
According to 1998, the script is a deep contemplation of hatred, love, tolerance, and humanity.
Licensing: Dramatists Play Service
The House of Bernarda Alba
Looking for new and exciting things for your high school theatre actors? We bet that none of them has read or performed this high school play, “The House of Bernarda Alba “.
This English play is translated from Federico García Lorca’s gripping Spanish tragedy. The cast of this show consists entirely of females.
Licensing: Concord Theatricals
And Then There Were None
Another play here is Agatha Christie’s murder mystery, “And Then There Were None”, which has been controversial in the past; fortunately, the problem is mainly the name, not the story.
At the beginning of the play, a group of guests came to a mansion on a remote island.
The thrilling suspense plot soon darkened, and the guests began to die as predicted by an ancient nursery rhyme.
Licensing: Concord Theatricals
