Open Forum

After retiring from a 40 year experience in large theatre high schools, I managed to get involved in a small Baptist Middle/High School. So far we have performed 12 Angry Jurors, You Can't Take It With You and Arsenic and Old Lace. Can you share any titles or experiences in 1.) small cast (7-14); 2.) squeaky clean; 3.) and one-setting productions that are composed of 11-18 year olds?
Our performance area is tiny (one setting) and we have to rent lights each time we do a play (no spotting other areas).
I have very talented students. In doing research, I came out shy of finding anything of a challenge for them that has audience interest (mostly children's plays or lesser MS comedies). We do not do musicals due to both curriculum and extra-curricular hurdles. 
We want a play with teeth without any content and space/tech problems. ADVICE? Thanks.

------------------------------
Joseph DiCicco
Educator: Theatre 6-12
Whitefield Academy
Louisville KY
------------------------------

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a great holiday option.
You could do some cutting and do Almost Maine. 

Mrs. Nelson is Missing, anything Junie B Jones (there is a christmas musical and a straight show based off the books).

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

There is a play called The Audition that could be great for you. Lots of middle schools also do Hoodie, Wiley and The Hairy Man, Raggedy Anne and Andy, Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, Anne of Green Gables.  

------------------------------
Jennifer Finlayson
Director of MS Theatre
Atlanta GA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2017 10:46
From: Joseph DiCicco
Subject: Plays suitable for small baptist schools

After retiring from a 40 year experience in large theatre high schools, I managed to get involved in a small Baptist Middle/High School. So far we have performed 12 Angry Jurors, You Can't Take It With You and Arsenic and Old Lace. Can you share any titles or experiences in 1.) small cast (7-14); 2.) squeaky clean; 3.) and one-setting productions that are composed of 11-18 year olds?
Our performance area is tiny (one setting) and we have to rent lights each time we do a play (no spotting other areas).
I have very talented students. In doing research, I came out shy of finding anything of a challenge for them that has audience interest (mostly children's plays or lesser MS comedies). We do not do musicals due to both curriculum and extra-curricular hurdles. 
We want a play with teeth without any content and space/tech problems. ADVICE? Thanks.

------------------------------
Joseph DiCicco
Educator: Theatre 6-12
Whitefield Academy
Louisville KY
------------------------------

I totally understand - been there, done that! Look at Dear Edwina - one simple setting in the front or back yard of a house, adorable songs, performed off-Broadway I believe. Can be as simple or elaborate as you want. 
Also check out HONK! It's the story of the Ugly Duckling. My kids loved it! 
If you have any questions, I'm happy to help! 
Good luck!

------------------------------
Connie Sandoz
Waxahachie, TX
Retired Theatre Director
Henderson, NV
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2017 14:37
From: Jennifer Finlayson
Subject: Plays suitable for small baptist schools

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a great holiday option.
You could do some cutting and do Almost Maine. 

Mrs. Nelson is Missing, anything Junie B Jones (there is a christmas musical and a straight show based off the books).

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

There is a play called The Audition that could be great for you. Lots of middle schools also do Hoodie, Wiley and The Hairy Man, Raggedy Anne and Andy, Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, Anne of Green Gables.  

------------------------------
Jennifer Finlayson
Director of MS Theatre
Atlanta GA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2017 10:46
From: Joseph DiCicco
Subject: Plays suitable for small baptist schools

After retiring from a 40 year experience in large theatre high schools, I managed to get involved in a small Baptist Middle/High School. So far we have performed 12 Angry Jurors, You Can't Take It With You and Arsenic and Old Lace. Can you share any titles or experiences in 1.) small cast (7-14); 2.) squeaky clean; 3.) and one-setting productions that are composed of 11-18 year olds?
Our performance area is tiny (one setting) and we have to rent lights each time we do a play (no spotting other areas).
I have very talented students. In doing research, I came out shy of finding anything of a challenge for them that has audience interest (mostly children's plays or lesser MS comedies). We do not do musicals due to both curriculum and extra-curricular hurdles. 
We want a play with teeth without any content and space/tech problems. ADVICE? Thanks.

------------------------------
Joseph DiCicco
Educator: Theatre 6-12
Whitefield Academy
Louisville KY
------------------------------

I don't think you can do Almost, Maine unless you do all of it. I was in a workshop with the playwright and someone asked if they could do it without the "gay play" and John said the "gay play" was part of the play. If you do the play you do the "gay play".

------------------------------
John Perry
Drama Instructor
Atherton High School
Louisville KY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2017 14:37
From: Jennifer Finlayson
Subject: Plays suitable for small baptist schools

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a great holiday option.
You could do some cutting and do Almost Maine. 

Mrs. Nelson is Missing, anything Junie B Jones (there is a christmas musical and a straight show based off the books).

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

There is a play called The Audition that could be great for you. Lots of middle schools also do Hoodie, Wiley and The Hairy Man, Raggedy Anne and Andy, Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, Anne of Green Gables.  

------------------------------
Jennifer Finlayson
Director of MS Theatre
Atlanta GA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2017 10:46
From: Joseph DiCicco
Subject: Plays suitable for small baptist schools

After retiring from a 40 year experience in large theatre high schools, I managed to get involved in a small Baptist Middle/High School. So far we have performed 12 Angry Jurors, You Can't Take It With You and Arsenic and Old Lace. Can you share any titles or experiences in 1.) small cast (7-14); 2.) squeaky clean; 3.) and one-setting productions that are composed of 11-18 year olds?
Our performance area is tiny (one setting) and we have to rent lights each time we do a play (no spotting other areas).
I have very talented students. In doing research, I came out shy of finding anything of a challenge for them that has audience interest (mostly children's plays or lesser MS comedies). We do not do musicals due to both curriculum and extra-curricular hurdles. 
We want a play with teeth without any content and space/tech problems. ADVICE? Thanks.

------------------------------
Joseph DiCicco
Educator: Theatre 6-12
Whitefield Academy
Louisville KY
------------------------------

We have similar limitations, and were able to do "Harvey" despite its having two locations, with some ingenuity in the set design. Definite crowd pleaser.

You could also look at "And Then There Were None," which is an eleven-character one-room piece by Agatha Christie.

------------------------------
Josh Kauffman
Teacher
Winfield AL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2017 10:46
From: Joseph DiCicco
Subject: Plays suitable for small baptist schools

After retiring from a 40 year experience in large theatre high schools, I managed to get involved in a small Baptist Middle/High School. So far we have performed 12 Angry Jurors, You Can't Take It With You and Arsenic and Old Lace. Can you share any titles or experiences in 1.) small cast (7-14); 2.) squeaky clean; 3.) and one-setting productions that are composed of 11-18 year olds?
Our performance area is tiny (one setting) and we have to rent lights each time we do a play (no spotting other areas).
I have very talented students. In doing research, I came out shy of finding anything of a challenge for them that has audience interest (mostly children's plays or lesser MS comedies). We do not do musicals due to both curriculum and extra-curricular hurdles. 
We want a play with teeth without any content and space/tech problems. ADVICE? Thanks.

------------------------------
Joseph DiCicco
Educator: Theatre 6-12
Whitefield Academy
Louisville KY
------------------------------

Ramona Quimby, Wind in the Willows - Graham, Charlottes Web, Little Princess. Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day - musical, Winnie The Pooh - Milne.  I suggest using levels onstage with minimal setting to suggest other settings.  With the Little Princess we set 3 stage areas on the stage.  Charlotte's Web can be done the same way.  We typically do a large show, usually a musical and then a smaller cast classic story show.

------------------------------
Valerie Scott
Drama Teacher/Director
Perimeter School
Johns Creek, Ga
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2017 10:46
From: Joseph DiCicco
Subject: Plays suitable for small baptist schools

After retiring from a 40 year experience in large theatre high schools, I managed to get involved in a small Baptist Middle/High School. So far we have performed 12 Angry Jurors, You Can't Take It With You and Arsenic and Old Lace. Can you share any titles or experiences in 1.) small cast (7-14); 2.) squeaky clean; 3.) and one-setting productions that are composed of 11-18 year olds?
Our performance area is tiny (one setting) and we have to rent lights each time we do a play (no spotting other areas).
I have very talented students. In doing research, I came out shy of finding anything of a challenge for them that has audience interest (mostly children's plays or lesser MS comedies). We do not do musicals due to both curriculum and extra-curricular hurdles. 
We want a play with teeth without any content and space/tech problems. ADVICE? Thanks.

------------------------------
Joseph DiCicco
Educator: Theatre 6-12
Whitefield Academy
Louisville KY
------------------------------

A Little Piece of Heaven by Matthew Carlin
16 person cast (some doubling possible), great roles, one set, squeaky clean, and a wonderful script with an uplifting message about life.  One of my absolute favorites to direct.

------------------------------
Susan Draus
teacher & theater advisor
Downingtown Area School District
Downingtown PA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2017 10:46
From: Joseph DiCicco
Subject: Plays suitable for small baptist schools

After retiring from a 40 year experience in large theatre high schools, I managed to get involved in a small Baptist Middle/High School. So far we have performed 12 Angry Jurors, You Can't Take It With You and Arsenic and Old Lace. Can you share any titles or experiences in 1.) small cast (7-14); 2.) squeaky clean; 3.) and one-setting productions that are composed of 11-18 year olds?
Our performance area is tiny (one setting) and we have to rent lights each time we do a play (no spotting other areas).
I have very talented students. In doing research, I came out shy of finding anything of a challenge for them that has audience interest (mostly children's plays or lesser MS comedies). We do not do musicals due to both curriculum and extra-curricular hurdles. 
We want a play with teeth without any content and space/tech problems. ADVICE? Thanks.

------------------------------
Joseph DiCicco
Educator: Theatre 6-12
Whitefield Academy
Louisville KY
------------------------------

Original Message------

After retiring from a 40 year experience in large theatre high schools, I managed to get involved in a small Baptist Middle/High School. So far we have performed 12 Angry Jurors, You Can't Take It With You and Arsenic and Old Lace. Can you share any titles or experiences in 1.) small cast (7-14); 2.) squeaky clean; 3.) and one-setting productions that are composed of 11-18 year olds?
Our performance area is tiny (one setting) and we have to rent lights each time we do a play (no spotting other areas).
I have very talented students. In doing research, I came out shy of finding anything of a challenge for them that has audience interest (mostly children's plays or lesser MS comedies). We do not do musicals due to both curriculum and extra-curricular hurdles. 
We want a play with teeth without any content and space/tech problems. ADVICE? Thanks.

------------------------------
Joseph DiCicco
Educator: Theatre 6-12
Whitefield Academy
Louisville KY
------------------------------

Most of the fairytales from Eldridge ( histage.com ) are fun and squeaky clean. I teach at a Christian school as well and we've done several from there: Aladdin, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and most recently, Rescuing Dreanwood, a compilation of many fairytales.

------------------------------
Sheryl Davis
Secondary Language Arts/Drama Director
Sanford NC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 09:56
From: Jenny Brotherton
Subject: Plays suitable for small baptist schools

The Women of Lockerbie

The Dining Room

 

 

Jenny Brotherton

Director of Theater

Scranton High

Knight Players

 

Joseph,

i know now you don't want to do a musical, but folks following this thread might want to.  I've just released a new jukebox style musical designed specifically for your situation. A  Family friendly script and engaging accompaniment tracks.  Check out DO YOU WANNA DANCE, available thru MTI. Jukebox shows.com

------------------------------
Mark Brymer
Principle
Jukebox Musicals LLC
Dallas TX
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2017 10:46
From: Joseph DiCicco
Subject: Plays suitable for small baptist schools

After retiring from a 40 year experience in large theatre high schools, I managed to get involved in a small Baptist Middle/High School. So far we have performed 12 Angry Jurors, You Can't Take It With You and Arsenic and Old Lace. Can you share any titles or experiences in 1.) small cast (7-14); 2.) squeaky clean; 3.) and one-setting productions that are composed of 11-18 year olds?
Our performance area is tiny (one setting) and we have to rent lights each time we do a play (no spotting other areas).
I have very talented students. In doing research, I came out shy of finding anything of a challenge for them that has audience interest (mostly children's plays or lesser MS comedies). We do not do musicals due to both curriculum and extra-curricular hurdles. 
We want a play with teeth without any content and space/tech problems. ADVICE? Thanks.

------------------------------
Joseph DiCicco
Educator: Theatre 6-12
Whitefield Academy
Louisville KY
------------------------------

I am always on the look-out for plays to add to my reading library, especially those that I can hand to devout 9th graders.  All of these are published by Samuel French, where you can read the blurbs about each.  I have put an asterisk beside the ones I've produced and really enjoyed doing with high school kids.

The Man in 316 by Don A. Mueller, one-act, Samuel French

The Jesus Trip by David Muschell, Samuel French

Fair Exchange by Kurtz Gordon, Samuel French

And Never Been Kissed by Aurand Harris, Samuel French*

Painted Face by Molly Bass and Sylvia Bryant Hoffmire

Anatomy of Gray by Jim Leonard

Play On! by Rick Abbot*

Stardust by Walter Kerr*

------------------------------
C. J. Breland
Asheville High School
Asheville NC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2017 10:46
From: Joseph DiCicco
Subject: Plays suitable for small baptist schools

After retiring from a 40 year experience in large theatre high schools, I managed to get involved in a small Baptist Middle/High School. So far we have performed 12 Angry Jurors, You Can't Take It With You and Arsenic and Old Lace. Can you share any titles or experiences in 1.) small cast (7-14); 2.) squeaky clean; 3.) and one-setting productions that are composed of 11-18 year olds?
Our performance area is tiny (one setting) and we have to rent lights each time we do a play (no spotting other areas).
I have very talented students. In doing research, I came out shy of finding anything of a challenge for them that has audience interest (mostly children's plays or lesser MS comedies). We do not do musicals due to both curriculum and extra-curricular hurdles. 
We want a play with teeth without any content and space/tech problems. ADVICE? Thanks.

------------------------------
Joseph DiCicco
Educator: Theatre 6-12
Whitefield Academy
Louisville KY
------------------------------

Once Upon A Pandora's Box
Over the River and Through the Woods (A /little/ language, but easily edited)
All in the Timing
With Their Eyes
The Uninvited

------------------------------
Heather Cribbs
Theatre Director
New Smyrna Beach High School
New Smyrna Beach, FL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 14:12
From: C. J. Breland
Subject: Plays suitable for small baptist schools

I am always on the look-out for plays to add to my reading library, especially those that I can hand to devout 9th graders.  All of these are published by Samuel French, where you can read the blurbs about each.  I have put an asterisk beside the ones I've produced and really enjoyed doing with high school kids.

The Man in 316 by Don A. Mueller, one-act, Samuel French

The Jesus Trip by David Muschell, Samuel French

Fair Exchange by Kurtz Gordon, Samuel French

And Never Been Kissed by Aurand Harris, Samuel French*

Painted Face by Molly Bass and Sylvia Bryant Hoffmire

Anatomy of Gray by Jim Leonard

Play On! by Rick Abbot*

Stardust by Walter Kerr*

------------------------------
C. J. Breland
Asheville High School
Asheville NC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2017 10:46
From: Joseph DiCicco
Subject: Plays suitable for small baptist schools

After retiring from a 40 year experience in large theatre high schools, I managed to get involved in a small Baptist Middle/High School. So far we have performed 12 Angry Jurors, You Can't Take It With You and Arsenic and Old Lace. Can you share any titles or experiences in 1.) small cast (7-14); 2.) squeaky clean; 3.) and one-setting productions that are composed of 11-18 year olds?
Our performance area is tiny (one setting) and we have to rent lights each time we do a play (no spotting other areas).
I have very talented students. In doing research, I came out shy of finding anything of a challenge for them that has audience interest (mostly children's plays or lesser MS comedies). We do not do musicals due to both curriculum and extra-curricular hurdles. 
We want a play with teeth without any content and space/tech problems. ADVICE? Thanks.

------------------------------
Joseph DiCicco
Educator: Theatre 6-12
Whitefield Academy
Louisville KY
------------------------------

Thank you all for the brilliant suggestions.
Summer time reading will keep me busy!
You guys are awesome for responding.
Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Joe

------------------------------
Dr. Joseph DiCicco
Educator: Theatre 6-12
Whitefield Academy
Louisville KY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2017 14:12
From: C. J. Breland
Subject: Plays suitable for small baptist schools

I am always on the look-out for plays to add to my reading library, especially those that I can hand to devout 9th graders.  All of these are published by Samuel French, where you can read the blurbs about each.  I have put an asterisk beside the ones I've produced and really enjoyed doing with high school kids.

The Man in 316 by Don A. Mueller, one-act, Samuel French

The Jesus Trip by David Muschell, Samuel French

Fair Exchange by Kurtz Gordon, Samuel French

And Never Been Kissed by Aurand Harris, Samuel French*

Painted Face by Molly Bass and Sylvia Bryant Hoffmire

Anatomy of Gray by Jim Leonard

Play On! by Rick Abbot*

Stardust by Walter Kerr*

------------------------------
C. J. Breland
Asheville High School
Asheville NC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2017 10:46
From: Joseph DiCicco
Subject: Plays suitable for small baptist schools

After retiring from a 40 year experience in large theatre high schools, I managed to get involved in a small Baptist Middle/High School. So far we have performed 12 Angry Jurors, You Can't Take It With You and Arsenic and Old Lace. Can you share any titles or experiences in 1.) small cast (7-14); 2.) squeaky clean; 3.) and one-setting productions that are composed of 11-18 year olds?
Our performance area is tiny (one setting) and we have to rent lights each time we do a play (no spotting other areas).
I have very talented students. In doing research, I came out shy of finding anything of a challenge for them that has audience interest (mostly children's plays or lesser MS comedies). We do not do musicals due to both curriculum and extra-curricular hurdles. 
We want a play with teeth without any content and space/tech problems. ADVICE? Thanks.

------------------------------
Joseph DiCicco
Educator: Theatre 6-12
Whitefield Academy
Louisville KY
------------------------------

Now I have to apologize! I got so excited to share my ideas for squeaky clean that I didn't finish the original post - thus I shared musicals and not straight plays. I just did what I told my children and my students not to do - not read it in its entirety! Always read to the end first before answering! 
Shame on me :) LOL

------------------------------
Connie Sandoz
Waxahachie, TX
Retired Theatre Director
Henderson, NV
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2017 10:46
From: Joseph DiCicco
Subject: Plays suitable for small baptist schools

After retiring from a 40 year experience in large theatre high schools, I managed to get involved in a small Baptist Middle/High School. So far we have performed 12 Angry Jurors, You Can't Take It With You and Arsenic and Old Lace. Can you share any titles or experiences in 1.) small cast (7-14); 2.) squeaky clean; 3.) and one-setting productions that are composed of 11-18 year olds?
Our performance area is tiny (one setting) and we have to rent lights each time we do a play (no spotting other areas).
I have very talented students. In doing research, I came out shy of finding anything of a challenge for them that has audience interest (mostly children's plays or lesser MS comedies). We do not do musicals due to both curriculum and extra-curricular hurdles. 
We want a play with teeth without any content and space/tech problems. ADVICE? Thanks.

------------------------------
Joseph DiCicco
Educator: Theatre 6-12
Whitefield Academy
Louisville KY
------------------------------

Great Ideas! 
I also teach at a Christian High School and here are some plays with a slightly larger cast that have been wonderful experiences for us.
I Never Saw Another Butterfly (Based on the true story of the children at Terazin in WW2)
Murder at Crooked House (Squeaky clean murder mystery)
You Can't Take it With You
The Hiding Place (Story of Corrie ten Boom)
In His Steps (based on the Charles Sheldon classic)
Pilgrim's Progress

------------------------------
Sheri Templeton
Valley Christian High School
Chandler, AZ
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-28-2017 03:05
From: Connie Sandoz
Subject: Plays suitable for small baptist schools

Now I have to apologize! I got so excited to share my ideas for squeaky clean that I didn't finish the original post - thus I shared musicals and not straight plays. I just did what I told my children and my students not to do - not read it in its entirety! Always read to the end first before answering! 
Shame on me :) LOL

------------------------------
Connie Sandoz
Waxahachie, TX
Retired Theatre Director
Henderson, NV
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2017 10:46
From: Joseph DiCicco
Subject: Plays suitable for small baptist schools

After retiring from a 40 year experience in large theatre high schools, I managed to get involved in a small Baptist Middle/High School. So far we have performed 12 Angry Jurors, You Can't Take It With You and Arsenic and Old Lace. Can you share any titles or experiences in 1.) small cast (7-14); 2.) squeaky clean; 3.) and one-setting productions that are composed of 11-18 year olds?
Our performance area is tiny (one setting) and we have to rent lights each time we do a play (no spotting other areas).
I have very talented students. In doing research, I came out shy of finding anything of a challenge for them that has audience interest (mostly children's plays or lesser MS comedies). We do not do musicals due to both curriculum and extra-curricular hurdles. 
We want a play with teeth without any content and space/tech problems. ADVICE? Thanks.

------------------------------
Joseph DiCicco
Educator: Theatre 6-12
Whitefield Academy
Louisville KY
------------------------------