Hello! I too direct shows in a very conservative community. And selecting shows is indeed a year-round task for me. I have had most success and enjoyment with traditional adaptations of classics. Traditional adaptations, as in not super silly spoofs. This year we did Around the World in 80 days, which I adapted into a show myself, and A Christmas Carol adapted by Frederick Gaines,
https://playsfornewaudiences.org/. Both were really well received! I found several on the Plays for New Audiences site that I would consider in the future too, and their royalty cost was great! Pioneer Drama is another site that offers a large variety of shows that would pull good audiences, and they are all tame that I have previewed. They are typically geared toward middle school, but I always step them up with elaborate costumes and creative sets. Also, maybe find ways to incorporate more creative elements into the shows. For example, pull in some shadow puppets or video projections. Please contact me for more suggestions if needed. Here's our list of shows that we have done so far:
https://sites.google.com/site/echolsdrama/productions ------------------------------
Analiese Hamm
ECHS Drama Director
Echols County High School
Statenville GA
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-10-2023 11:03
From: Melanie Duke
Subject: Non-controversial plays
Hello all!
I am a theatre teacher in a rural school where the theatre department has been lacking for the past few years. This is a very conservative community and I am trying to find shows that will not offend but will also not put my high school students to sleep. Right now, we're just doing straight plays.
Any and all suggestions are welcome! Thanks!
Melanie Duke
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Melanie Duke
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