If you willing to take it on, look at Student Body (High School edition) by Frank Winters. A group of high school students debate what to do with a video that seems to show a fellow student sexually assaulting another student. It's not graphic, but it doesn't sugar-coat or simplify the issue. My students loved it - in part because it is one of the rare plays that doesn't talk down to high school students (and students can always tell when a playwright it trying too hard or talking down to them). It's realistic and complicated , powerful and challenging and comes nowhere near to "I've learned something today" territory. We performed it as a fundraiser for a local organization that helps victims of sexual assault, and a rep from the organization gave a presentation before the performance. This has literally been a life changing experience for many of the students involved, and for some of the audience members as well. It's not a fun play, but your actors will love the experience.
https://www.broadwayplaypub.com/the-plays/student-body-high-school-edition/------------------------------
Ken Buswell
Drama Teacher
Peachtree City, GA
http://mcintoshtheater.org/Theater kills ignorance
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 12-12-2018 12:19
From: Kate Willers
Subject: Plays with Modern Settings - For HS
Hi!
I'd love to choose a play for next fall that the kids can relate to but that isn't too cliche (aka no "high school is hard I feel angsty"-type shows). Any suggestion for stories the kids will connect to and still have fun with?
Thanks!!
------------------------------
Kate Willers
Drama Director
Littleton CO
------------------------------