Classic Acts
Classic Acts
Outstanding plays for kids ages 10-14
“The only sad thing is that tomorrow we can’t do the play.” (after the final performance of Frankenstein.) --Brandon |
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“I’m glad I could get on stage and show what I learned about acting” --Michael |
Frankenstein: (Click on any play name to download script sample!)
Adapted from Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein is a play about a brilliant and obsessed scientist determined to create life, and the pitiful horrendous monster he creates. This play is a student favorite! Empathy is stressed rather than gore, with a touch of humor also. Designed to be performed by 14 players, but actors could perform multiple roles, or characters may be added (10 to 15 actors.)
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The story of Dorothy’s quest to find the Wizard and get back to Kansas. Enjoy Dorothy’s adventures with her three friends, Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion, as they battle the evil witch in order to help each other and meet their goals. Based on the original L. Frank Baum, and contains more of his characters and story line. Cast of 15 to 35.
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Sherlock Holmes and the Red-Headed League:
Based on one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s finest stories, “The Red-Headed League” tells the story of Holmes and Watson’s superb detective work to catch a master thief who is trying to trick a gullible merchant and banker. Clever and fun! Cast of 10 to 15 actors.
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It’s Tough Being the Prince: A Modern Adaptation of Sleeping Beauty:
What happened after the Princess, with modern ideas, woke up? A delightful and humorous story of what the Prince must endure to win the hand of the Princess, including swashbuckling, face-slapping and a retired dragon. Cast of 8 to 10 actors.
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William Shakespeare’s wonderful story of how love changes a person—or does it? A humorous adaptation of one of the Bard’s comedies. A great way to learn and enjoy Shakespeare. 13 cast members, including a narrator; minimum of 10 actors.
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Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: (Click on any play name to download script sample!)
This adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson story is about a kind and brilliant doctor whose well-intentioned experiments result in his creating an evil alter ego, Mr. Hyde. Despite the love of his fiancé and his best friend, Jekyll finds himself increasingly drawn to the persona of Hyde. The plot is about Jekyll and Hyde’s struggles to see which of them will be stronger and ultimately survive.
To make costume changes easier, and to add a little humor, it is recommended that Jekyll and Hyde be played by two actors who look very different, instead of one. Cast of 20, but could be performed with a minimum of 15 actors.
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Colorado Smith and the Alexandria Museum:
An original work in the genre of an adventure hero who saves the day by discovering valuable historical artifacts, and protecting them from dangerous enemies for the sake of history and humanity. Told as a movie within a play, full of action , enemies, and loads of fun. Cast of 13 to 20 actors.
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Shakespeare’s age-old tale of star-crossed lovers from warring families who learn that love does not conquer all. A tragedy told with simplicity and humor to help students understand and enjoy one of the most famous and best-loved of Shakepeare’s works. Cast of 14, including a narrator, but could be expanded to 20.
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The wonderful fairy tale of the young woman, mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, who with the help of an eccentric fairy godmother, goes to the ball. There she meets a dashing prince who, of course, falls in love with her and pursues her so they can live happily ever after. Language and humor appropriate for children and youth ages10-14. Cast of 15 to 20 actors.
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This play is the story of an accomplished soldier and poet who believes his darling Roxane can never love him because of his humongous nose. He therefore undertakes the task of helping a handsome, but not very intelligent gentleman win her love, while he lives vicariously by writing love letters for him.
Since Cyrano de Bergerac was originally written in rhyme, this adaptation of the play is also told in rhyming couplets. Therefore, it is slightly more difficult than the other plays in this collection, but it is highly entertaining, lots of fun and definitely worth the challenge! Cast of 15 to 25 actors.
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A Christmas Carol: (Click on any play name to download script sample!)
The beloved story of the old, bitter miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, who needs the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and To Come to teach him about kindness and the true meaning of Christmas. 15-25 cast members.
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Midsummer is one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. It is a mixed-up tale of four lovers, some amateur actors, and some very cunning fairies who wreak havoc on everyone’s lives. It is a fun story with lots of parts, exciting costumes, and lots of challenges. 20 to 25 cast members.
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Don Quixote is based on MIguel de Cervantes' story of the idealistic Lord of La Mancha who believes he is a knight-errant, keeping alive the code of chivalry. His sanity is questioned as he rides the countryside with his loyal squire, Sancho Panza, fighting barbers, windmills and lions for the honor of his love, the Lady Dulcinea. Very comical and poignant. Cast of 12 to 20 players.
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The age-old favorite by Washington Irving, especially at Halloween. Irving narrates the tale of the poor schoolmaster, Ichabod Crane, his unrequited love for Katrina, and his encounters with the Headless Horseman. Cast of 15 to 30.
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