They say everyone loves a classic, but every high school drama department needs to shake it up from time to time. Whether you’re looking for a drama, a comedy, or something completely out of the box, Samuel French has got you covered with the latest titles.
We’ve created a list of ten new plays perfect for any kind of high school theater. These shows are perfect for creating new and exciting experiences for both students and teachers. Check them out below. Happy reading!
She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen
Winner of the 2013 AATE Distinguished Play Award, She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans, a teenage girl who moves after the death of the sister, Tilly. Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, which pulls her into the magical imaginary world. Although D&D isn’t a “girl thing”, Agnes shows that girls can do anything boys can do. Watch Agnes try to find herself as she is stuck in this new world. 3m, 6f
Women and War by Jack Hilton Cunningham
This full length drama is a collection of fictional stories based on historical fact, told by generations of Americans impacted by conflict from The Great War to the War in Afghanistan. From housewife to worker, young bride to nurse, mother to widow, and now, young woman to solider, these are tales of sacrifice, love, determination, and hope told by those who bravely persevere on the home front and on the battlefield. 1m, 4f
Front by Robert Caisley
Set in England during the Blitz, a number of struggling individuals and families come to terms with war and the horrors and tragedies it provides. This includes Judith, a proud matriarch, who works in a factory that makes bomb detonators, her missing husband, Frank, and their two children, Sheila and John, who are forced to grow up much too quickly. A number of other war-torn individuals are also profiled, each butting heads with the raging war. 5m, 13f
Emergency & Through the Night (Collection) by Daniel Beaty
Two celebrated dramatic comedies by Daniel Beaty, published in one volume. In Emergency, a Slave Ship emerges out of the Hudson River in front of the Statue of Liberty sending NYC into a frenzy. In Through the Night, a community of people experience an unexpected epiphany on the same evening that changes their lives forever. 1m
Awesome 80’s Prom by Ken Davenport
This show is a blast-from-the-past party set at Wanaget High’s Senior Porm…in 1989! All of your favorite characters from your favorite 80’s movies are at the prom. From the Captain of the Football Team to the Asian Exchange Student, from the Geek to the hottie Head Cheerleader, and they’re all competing for Prom King and Queen. Winner of 2006 Improv Theater Award for “Best Interactive Show”. 12m, 8f
Mirror, Mirror by Sarah Treem
Mirror, Mirror takes the classic fairytale of Snow White and spins it around. Arriving at the high school dance is Rose White, the new girl. Gretchen Black, the most popular girl in school, doesn’t like all the attention that Rose White is getting. Once Gretchen thinks she knows everything, it is revealed that Rose is transgendered. Will Rose be able to get the “prince”, Badger Biers, and defeat the “evil witch”, Gretchen Black? 6m, 5f
Victoria Martin: Math Team Queen by Kathryn Walat
When uber-popular Vickie Martin joins the all-male math team, chaos theory becomes the rule at Longwood High School. Can this goddess of Pi possible make the matheletes victorious? Totally. Finalist for the Jane Chamber Award. 4m 1f
In Love and Warcraft by Madhuri Shekar
Evie Malone- gamer girl, college senior and confirmed virgin- has it all figured out. Not only does she command a top-ranked guild in Warcraft with her online boyfriend, she also makes a little cash on the side writing love letters for people who’ve screwed up their relationships. Love is like Warcraft, after all. It’s all about strategies, game plans, and not taking stupid risks. Until Evie actually falls for a guy. In Real Life. And no amount of gaming expertise will help her out when she finds herself with a totally real boyfriend who wants more from her than she’s willing to give. 3m, 3f
The Coward by Nick Jones
A period comedy set in 18th century England. A cowardly young gentleman named Lucidus initiates a pistol duel then finds that he can’t go through with it. He hires a common criminal to fight in his place, only to have the scoundrel make a bloody mess of things. As duel follows duel with many shots fired, this coward finds his reputation growing beyond his wildest expectations. 7m, 1f
Millicent Scowlworthy by Rob Handel
A girl found murdered in the cellar on Christmas morning. A massacre at the high school. The grownups of the community want to forget, but the children have begun to meet in the middle of the night to remember. Nine teenagers gather at an overgrown memorial and reenact the story. 7m, 5f
Heathers The Musical: 10 Facts for 10 Years
10 years have passed since Heathers The Musical’s explosive off-Broadway premiere! To celebrate anniversary, here are 10 facts about this hilarious, heartfelt and homicidal hit musical.
Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution: Meet the Characters
Agatha Christie’s classic mystery is chock-full of delicious roles, providing ample opportunity for actors to stretch their wings. Here’s a look at the play’s dynamic cast of characters.
The Glad Game – In Remembrance of Phoebe Frances Brown
The Glad Game is the late Phoebe Frances Brown’s story; a story of finding yourself in the darkest moments and finding reasons to be glad. Three people who knew and loved Phoebe celebrate her work and honor her memory.