Funny and uplifting can be a challenge (so much for high school is dark and "meaningful"). But here are some suggestions that have been successful for me:
1) The libretto for any musical comedy (I'm hoping to use "Come From Away" next year). I often use the libretto of "42nd Street" and the kids have a lot of fun examining it as a Jukebox Musical and studying the dramatic structure of the show.
2) Proof (not the most fun, but it has a positive message)
3) Art (take out the language)
4) Odd Couple
5) Brighton Beach Memoirs
6) The Dining Room (some scenes are very funny, others are very moving and some have very graphic language ... be careful)
7) All in theTiming
There are others, but these are the ones I've used most often. I use these primarily with my 2nd-4th year students (Sophomores - Seniors). With my freshmen, I use more classic scripts like Our Town, Crucible, and Streetcar.
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Josh Ruben, M. Ed.
Fine Arts Head
Northwest Whitfield HS (dba, The Northwest Theatre Co.)
Tunnel Hill, GA
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-08-2022 08:44
From: Holly Thompson
Subject: Reading selection sought
Good day!
At the end of the year, I have my students read a script that we then discuss from many production aspects as a final activity for the class. I usually turn to classics and scripts my students may not pick up to read otherwise. I'm looking for suggestions for a script that is either a comedy or upbeat or uplifting and that has something we can chew on. Preferably not a period or historic piece. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Holly