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Yet another post about show selection :-)

I'm looking for an ensemble one act (under 40 minutes, ideally around 30) for a strong middle school group - something similar to Wiley or Aunt Leaf in terms of its use of ensemble. (Wiley just didn't grab the group somehow.  They are passionate about Aunt Leaf, but I'm fearing it is just a bit too hard for them. They are mostly 7th graders.)

Related question: has anyone produced the 35 minute version of A Wrinkle in Time?  I love the use of the ensemble, but wonder if it holds together for audiences who don't already know the story (as so much had to be cut to get it to 35).

As it is a class group, we choose shows that don't place the majority of the acting load on just a few actors.  (Past years have included The Happiness Shop, The Audition, Baghdad Zoo, Homework Eats Dog.) The students really want a play with a central narrative, rather than a vignette piece.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and insights!

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Kristin Hall
Drama Director
Lincoln Public Schools
Arlington MA
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10 WAYS TO SURVIVE THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE by Don Zolidas (Playscrips) is super fun with a lesson about teamwork, 10-24 actoras.  Although there are four primary speakers, I consider it an ensemble show.

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Kathy Siler
Theatre Educator
Payson Unified Schools
Payson AZ
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-27-2018 14:16
From: Kristin Hall
Subject: Ensemble One-Act Suggestions

Yet another post about show selection :-)

I'm looking for an ensemble one act (under 40 minutes, ideally around 30) for a strong middle school group - something similar to Wiley or Aunt Leaf in terms of its use of ensemble. (Wiley just didn't grab the group somehow.  They are passionate about Aunt Leaf, but I'm fearing it is just a bit too hard for them. They are mostly 7th graders.)

Related question: has anyone produced the 35 minute version of A Wrinkle in Time?  I love the use of the ensemble, but wonder if it holds together for audiences who don't already know the story (as so much had to be cut to get it to 35).

As it is a class group, we choose shows that don't place the majority of the acting load on just a few actors.  (Past years have included The Happiness Shop, The Audition, Baghdad Zoo, Homework Eats Dog.) The students really want a play with a central narrative, rather than a vignette piece.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and insights!

------------------------------
Kristin Hall
Drama Director
Lincoln Public Schools
Arlington MA
------------------------------

I love "Things Fall (Meanwhile)" by Barton Bishop (Playscripts).

------------------------------
Cora Turlish
Metuchen NJ
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-27-2018 14:16
From: Kristin Hall
Subject: Ensemble One-Act Suggestions

Yet another post about show selection :-)

I'm looking for an ensemble one act (under 40 minutes, ideally around 30) for a strong middle school group - something similar to Wiley or Aunt Leaf in terms of its use of ensemble. (Wiley just didn't grab the group somehow.  They are passionate about Aunt Leaf, but I'm fearing it is just a bit too hard for them. They are mostly 7th graders.)

Related question: has anyone produced the 35 minute version of A Wrinkle in Time?  I love the use of the ensemble, but wonder if it holds together for audiences who don't already know the story (as so much had to be cut to get it to 35).

As it is a class group, we choose shows that don't place the majority of the acting load on just a few actors.  (Past years have included The Happiness Shop, The Audition, Baghdad Zoo, Homework Eats Dog.) The students really want a play with a central narrative, rather than a vignette piece.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and insights!

------------------------------
Kristin Hall
Drama Director
Lincoln Public Schools
Arlington MA
------------------------------

Honestly, if they're passionate about it, let them do it. It's about the learning and process. 

But check out "The Absolutely............Cat Hair." On Theatrefolk.com. The title is SUPER long so I shortened it above - but it's ensemble. And it can be SO great! 

------------------------------
Jessica Stafford
Theatre Teacher
Owensboro Public Schools
Owensboro KY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-27-2018 14:16
From: Kristin Hall
Subject: Ensemble One-Act Suggestions

Yet another post about show selection :-)

I'm looking for an ensemble one act (under 40 minutes, ideally around 30) for a strong middle school group - something similar to Wiley or Aunt Leaf in terms of its use of ensemble. (Wiley just didn't grab the group somehow.  They are passionate about Aunt Leaf, but I'm fearing it is just a bit too hard for them. They are mostly 7th graders.)

Related question: has anyone produced the 35 minute version of A Wrinkle in Time?  I love the use of the ensemble, but wonder if it holds together for audiences who don't already know the story (as so much had to be cut to get it to 35).

As it is a class group, we choose shows that don't place the majority of the acting load on just a few actors.  (Past years have included The Happiness Shop, The Audition, Baghdad Zoo, Homework Eats Dog.) The students really want a play with a central narrative, rather than a vignette piece.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and insights!

------------------------------
Kristin Hall
Drama Director
Lincoln Public Schools
Arlington MA
------------------------------