Hello Everyone,

I have begun my search for my high school's fall play for next year, and thought I would stop in here for some thoughts. I really need a flexible cast play. I could have anywhere from 9-20 kids auditioning--certainly more girls than boys.

I am thinking of SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY. Does anyone have any suggestions for similar plays?

I'm also considering ANTIGONE. I know I read a contemporary adaptation recently-- where the characters were referred to as Izzy and Annie--I'd love to check that one out. Does anyone know where I might find this.

Other thoughts? Why do I always draw a blank at this time of year?

Thanks in advance!

Nina

Replies to This Discussion

Are you looking for a full length, or are you open to the idea of a series of short plays to accommodate all the kids?
I'm looking for a full length, because we already have a one act festival at a different time of the year. It is also a fairly conservative community, and I am looking to grow the program.
Nina,
I can offer you a handful of low royalty classic literature adaptations that can be customized to your cast needs - size - boys vs girls, etc. I have a small cast (about 11-14) version of Anne of Green Gables - single unit set - that is true to the book and full length. Great if you have a lot of girls!
Feel free to check my website at www.playsforchildren.net for a full list of available titles.
G Lora Grooms
I recommend CLASS DISMISSED by Craig Nevius, published by Samuel French. Check it out at www.samuelfrench.com

Larry Harbison
Our Town. We did that when I was in high school and it turned out splendidly.
I think the casts for OUR TOWN and CLASS DISMISSED might be too large. I really don't know if I am going to have 9 kids or 20. (This year, I had about 9--but I am trying to grow the program.) I really need something that could be done with only 9 kids--2 boys, as that might be all we have, but that can also be done just as well with 20. (I like Spoon River and Antigone, because they fit that criteria, but I want some other choices.)

CLASS DISMISSED looks like a lot of fun. Can it be done with a smaller cast?
Hi Nina

You could try New Theatre Publications - http://www.plays4theatre.com/ - there's a catalog you can search and free evaluation copy downloads. In your case, go to the catalog and check "Youth", then search.
I'm in the same situation: 10-30 kids at auditions, sometimes 2 boys, sometimes 6 boys.... I was also looking at Antigone but haven't decided, yet - So, what shows did you settle on for this season?
THE CRAVING by Don Zolidis. It was perfect, and a hit with kids and the community! It is available through Playscripts.
Warning -- shameless self-promotion -- just be aware.

My play, "The Feast of Jovi Bono" only requires 3 males, and has a chef/narrator that can be male or female. It incorporates spoken word art and social issues, and is a retelling of the story of a historical figure -- the Italian saint Maria Giovanna Bonomo, who asked the question, "Does it seem right that we should give the worst to the poor?" which would hit 'curriculum' areas on at least a couple of levels -- there's a tent city next door to Jovi's house. The set can be as elaborate or spare as you want and can afford. It would be different while not being 'weird.' Just throwing it out there. Ash

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