Following are a list of plays for children and schools. As a classroom teacher for more than 15 years, I had great fun creating these pieces. There are both scene collections, and full productions. Perusal copies of the scripts are available through my agent, Playmarket – [email protected]

Playwright Visits: I am also available for playwright visits/workshops which can be arranged either through myself, Playmarket or with Read NZ. 

Scripts:

The Third Best Actress in My School

Length: Approx 2hrs (including interval)   Genre: Comedy

Cast: 17 (flexible)

Synopsis: Mrs London is the overworked Drama teacher who needs to put on another successful show with the smallest of
budgets. To succeed, it’s going to mean reverting to the classics – again. But for Kate, the third best actress in the school, that’s not the news she wanted to hear. Because no matter how hard she tries, she’s destined to be cast as a ‘minor, insignificant female’, or forced to wear a pair of trousers. And Kate’s sick of it. It’s her final school production.
She wants a role she can sink her teeth into, a role where she can shine, a role where she can wear a skirt! It’s a classic dilemma, with the classics being the dilemma. Can the Drama committee work together to find a solution, or will personal grudges be just too hard to overcome? They say the show must go on, but you need a show first!

Performances/Awards-

This piece is BRAND NEW for July 2025

Finalist in the New Zealand Plays for the Young 2025

LAB School Production Series

The LAB School Production Series was especially created for primary and intermediate schools. If your school is looking for a production with an original and energetic concept, easy production elements, where there is flexibility to fit your individual school needs and where each and every student will get their chance to shine, then the LAB School Production Series is just for you. Each script in the series incorporates a core group of actors (most likely senior students) who guide us along the journey. They also provide the introduction to individual class/group performances. Whether it’s taking a road trip through Ever After, helping Zeus find a replacement, or starring in their very own TV show, each play has its own unique concept. Other plays in the collection include;

1) Zeus Needs a Holiday

Cast roles –  16 named roles plus class performance numbers

Length: approx 90 min

Synopsis: It’s hard work being a god, especially when you are the King of the Gods. Sometimes you just need a holiday. But who can Zeus ask to rule whilst he is away? Which god or goddess won’t destroy his kingdom, or even worse, try to claim it as their own? Is there anyone Zeus can trust?

Performances/Awards-

Finalist in the NZ Plays for the Young Competition 2023

 2) Heroes of Technology

Cast roles- 23 named roles plus class performance numbers

Length: approx 80 min

We are on the set of the TV show ‘Heroes of Technology’ filming the most recent episode. Our hosts Harper Harp and Logan Loud, along with their team of interviewers, celebrate famous inventions and the people who created them. From the motorcar to the trampoline, and much more in between, the worlds of technology and invention come alive.

3) Heroes of Technology: NZ Edition

Cast roles –  25 named roles plus class performance numbers

Length: approx 85 min

We are on the set of the TV show ‘Heroes of Technology’ filming their new series. This season they are travelling around the world, highlighting the inventions and inventors of different countries. And in episode one, the focus is on New Zealand. Our hosts Harper Harp and Logan Loud, along with their team of interviewers, celebrate famous inventions and the New Zealanders who created them. From the electric fence to the invention of jogging, and much more in between, the worlds of technology and invention come alive.

4) Lost in Ever After

Cast roles –  24 named roles plus class performance numbers

Length: approx 105 min

It’s the annual school tramp to the top of Discovery Mountain and everyone must keep up. But five best friends find themselves falling behind. And with a few wrong turns, the Discovery Trail soon disappears. Instead, the friends end up on a very different path…one through the land of Ever After. Will they be able to return home? Or will they be lost to Ever After forever?

Performances/Awards-

Performed by Devon Intermediate,  New Plymouth, Nov 2024

Finalist in the NZ Plays for the Young Competition 2023

Play Versions

Note: The above productions are also available in a Play Version, without musical numbers. Cast sizes and lengths are as follows;

Zeus Needs a Holiday –

Length: 45-50min        Characters: 16

Lost in Ever After – 

Length: 1 hour           Characters: 6 lead roles, 10 supporting roles, numerous (optional) additional roles

Heroes of Technology (World Version) –

Length: 45-50min        Characters: 21

Other Scripts:

Where’s Woody?

Cast 4 Genre: Comedy/Physical & Interactive Theatre

Length:  1 hr

Where’s Woody is a one hour stage show for 3-8 year olds. It is performed by 4 adult actors, incorporating audience interaction, in a style reminiscent of pantomime. It incorporates movement, song and dance. 

Synopsis: Josh is 4 years old and very excited about his kindergarden trip tomorrow. However, Josh can’t sleep because his favourite bedtime toy, Woody, is missing. As much as he tries, he knows he won’t be able to sleep without him. Luckily for Josh, his older sisters Sophie (9) and Lucy (7) are there to help him. Together they go on a late night adventure to find the missing Woody. They brave all the dangers of the night knowing at any moment it could all come crashing down. They CAN NOT wake Mum and Dad!

Performances/Awards-

Finalist in the NZ Plays for the Young Competition 2018

Gained Commended  in the Playwrights Association NZ Short Play Competition 2019

Forgotten In the Fairy Tale

Cast 8

Length 45 min

Forgotten in the Fairy Tale is a one act play that takes a look at the darker side of fairy tales. For every blissful Cinderella, Snow White and Aurora, there is a forgotten supporting character whose ending is far from enchanted. Our narrator, Jack B Stalk, takes us on a journey to meet these fairy tale casualties.

Performances/Awards-

Performance by Sienna Heights University, Michigan April 2023

Collection

BRAND

Just Another Day at School

Just Another Day at School is a modern day collection of short plays based around high school life. Written especially for the drama classroom, there is something included for everyone. The pieces are also ideal for out of school performance groups or youth groups, as well as competitions. Cast sizes range from 1-3 characters per scene and set requirements are kept to a minimum or presented raw. The intention is to focus on the storytelling, rather than the technical aspects of production. 

Note: Sample copies are available for perusal. When this collection is purchased, it comes with full performance/photocopying rights.

It’s a School Thing

It’s a School Thing is a collection of drama scenes for primary and intermediate students. As the title suggests, the scenes focus around school life. This includes getting ready for school, being in the classroom, lunchtime,  school trips and homework. 

Note: Sample copies are available for perusal. When this collection is purchased, it comes with full performance/photocopying rights.

Rhymes Reimagined 

Fun is the rhyme and reason behind Rhymes Reimagined, a collection of nine scenes that are great for in-class scene work, onstage exercises, or as short skits for assembly, intermission, or more.  Featuring mostly 2-7 actors per scene, Rhymes Reimagined was written specifically for upper elementary and middle-schoolers and are inspired by classic nursery rhymes and children’s songs, including “B-I-N-G-O,” “Jack and Jill,” “Old MacDonald,” and more!  Not only will your student actors love the humor of these “reimagined” retellings, but they’re great for teaching young actors characterization, simple blocking, and comic timing.  (Purchase through Pioneer Drama Services) 

Twisters Twisted

Prepare to be “twisted!”  Playfully retelling classic nursery rhymes and tongue twisters, Twisters Twisted is totally fun and sure to test and twist the tongues of any tiny or titanic theatre troupe alike!  This collection of eight short scenes with mostly 2-5 characters per scene was written especially for elementary and middle schools.  Twisters Twisted focuses on the fun and joy of performance while aiding in the development of diction and projection, and is perfect for vocal warmups, classroom exercises, auditions, intermissions, assemblies, talent shows, and more! (Purchase through Pioneer Drama Services)