Plays for Children & Schools
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:
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-
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
Collections:
Rhymes and Twisters Twisted!
BRAND NEW FOR DEC 2024
‘Rhymes and Twisters Twisted!’ is a collection of scenes perfect for the Drama classroom. Written especially for the Intermediate and Junior High School levels (ages 10-15), they contain playful retellings of famous nursery rhymes and tongue twisters. They focus on the fun and joy of performing, as well as aid in the development of diction and projection. And did I say fun?! Scenes are predominantly for 2-3 characters, with a few longer scenes at the end of the collection. These allow for more room to develop the skills of voice, body, movement and space. So prepare to be twisted!
Note: Sample copies are available for perusal. When this collection is purchased, it comes with full performance/photocopying rights.
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 Mostly a School Thing
It’s Mostly a School Thing is a collection of drama scenes for primary and intermediate students. As the title suggests, the majority of scenes focus around school life. This includes getting ready for school, being in the classroom, lunchtime, detention, school trips and homework. Also included are a few nursery rhyme inspired pieces that are either school related or tongue twisters (just for fun!).
Note: Sample copies are available for perusal. When this collection is purchased, it comes with full performance/photocopying rights.