John Steinbecks masterful The Grapes of Wrath centers around the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl in American history. Ken (a man from Nebraska, of course) deals with a spiritual crisis in Tracy Letts play. Playwright David Henry Hwang calls Yellow Face an unreliable memoir. The story blends reality and fiction, following a character named DHH as he writes a play and protests the casting of Jonathan Pryce as the Engineer in Miss Saigon something that actually happened in 1991. Even if you can't read all of them, picking a few would not be a bad place to start. Summary: Probably the wittiest comedy in the English language. Best Character: Tom Wingfield for one of the most interesting sets of monologues ever delivered in modern theatre. When done correctly, audiences have been known to laugh until tears well in their eyes. In a Chicago junk shop three small time crooks plot to rob a man of his coin collection, the showpiece of which is a valuable Buffalo nickel. With that in mind, here is our list of the seven best plays for high school actors. Best Characters: Mary Warren and Abigail Williams for fatal shenanigans. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points, How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer. The inevitability of change is neatly demonstrated. and Titania fall in love with a boastful actor named Bottom who Puck turns into a donkey. He feels obligated to his family but also burdened by their existence. Home Theater Musicals and Plays 51 Contemporary Plays Written After 2000. The true magic of this play happens in the staging, which utilizes puppets with cage-style construction. Its definitely possible to read one play a night or over a weekend. Its shortly after 9/11, and an eclectic assortment of guests has gathered for a Manhattan dinner party. Best Character: Troy for conflict between his son and his unrealized dream of pro ball. This remarkable and true-to-life scene is the premise for the Pulitzer-Prize-winning Anna in the Tropics. We know exactly what kinds of students colleges want to admit and can make sure your profile shines. Tartuffe pretends to be a religious man, pious, and full of authority from God, and Orgon, convinced of Tartuffes piety, promises Mariane, his daughter, to the fraud. 2. a. Today, you can produce the full, year-long play cycle or a selection of performances. Lots of modern plays tell war stories, but they usually use a human perspective. If you can read through these 30-odd books before you graduate high school, you'll be in a good shape, from a literary perspective. Perhaps the good-natured sweetness and innocent enthusiasm that radiates from each of the 11 vignette-style love stories. What follows is a list of highly beneficial books to read in high school (or after!). Some are newer, having instantly won their place in the pantheon of classics, while others have proven themselves by withstanding the test of time. Graduating obviously! Mary Shelley wrote this Gothic thriller in the early 1800s, and yet we remain fascinated by this tale of playing God and facing the consequences. William Goldings Lord of the Flies speaks to the evil and degenerate potential that lurks within each human. First on the list is Peter and the Starcatcher. It follows the events of Hamlet from the perspective of two minor and typically much-maligned characters. Brothers Lincoln and Booth yes, the names are intentional are just trying to stay afloat after a challenging upbringing. Best Character: Iago for being one of the most villainous characters ever to grace the stage. If youre in search of comedic contemporary plays, Clybourne Park fits the bill it racked up Tony, Olivier, and Pulitzer awards. Its 1981, and the Carney family is celebrating the harvest at their farm in Northern Ireland. Wrights Pulitzer-winning play celebrates von Mahlsdorfs remarkable life she dressed in drag and collaborated with the Stasi to survive in a sensitive and ultimately affectionate manner. As the protagonist "awakens" to her emotional and sexual needs, as well as the ultimate truth of her own independence, all sorts of problems ensue. Tom Wingfield, an aspiring poet who works at a shoe factory to make ends meet, is desperate to get out from under the thumb of his mother. Two figures appear in their lives. This contemporary play is equal parts funny and tragic, revealing the wild passions and anger that flow beneath a seemingly civilized middle-class life. Noises Off follows the backstage drama of a theater troupe as they try to put on a production of Nothing On. This play is perfect for high school students because its full of comedy and chaos. The set design for this play should be fairly simple, as most of the action takes place backstage. 8. Romeo and Juliet The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this site. The Great Gatsby follows the quest of a wealthy young man to win back the love of his life by extravagant displays of riches and social connections. He decides to learn to practice magic and summons a demon named Mephistopheles and promises his soul to the devil for 24 years. 110 - 130 minutes. Add in a cleaning lady who can see the future, and you have the recipe for a good time. This madcap adaptation of Jane Austen's story about sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood can easily be tailored to fit the needs of your drama club: Dramatist Play Service (which handles the rights) advertises the cast as being "3-8 men, 4-9 women." Huxley wrote this novel earlier than Orwell wrote his, and yet both deal with dystopian concepts. The hero Its funny, heartbreaking, and more than a little unusual; playwright Phil Porter invented a unique structure that reflects the simplicity and naivete of the characters. Summary: The story focuses upon a young farmer, his wife, and a young servant-girl who maliciously causes the wifes arrest for witchcraft. Soon afterward, the Prince of Corinth, Oedipus, who had left his home, faced the Sphinx and read her riddle. To Kill a Mockingbird rose to prominence during the Civil Rights Movement and remains as potent today as it ever was. Though the script dives into racial issues and prejudice, it does so with a deft hand; Norris manages to create a riotously funny, deliciously witty story. Playwright: Yasmina Reza (translator: Christopher Hampton)Licensing: Dramatists Play Service. It was until you realized nothing To have a better chance at being cast in any of those amazing plays, you should read them first. What Francis doesnt realize is that the real Roscoe is dead hes actually working for Roscoes sister, Rachel, whos pretending to be her brother. By signing up you are confirming you are 16 or over. Playwright: David HarrowerLicensing: Dramatists Play Service. Dorine (the spritely comic maid) and Tartuffe for sheer hilarity. His sister, Laura, has a limp as a result of a childhood illness and also maintains a mental fragility and his mother, Amanda, is constantly bugging him about his decision to go out every night to the movies. The farmer, instead of saving his wife, finds himself also accused of witchcraft and ultimately condemned with a host of others. Samuel French Hamlet, Horatio, and Ophelia for strong characters having to deal with. The one thing he overlooks is that his creation has a mind of her own. Samuel French The novel tells the story of a man considered mentally retarded who is selected for an intelligence-enhancing surgery. It follows a small family of survivors, detailing what happened to them during the days of the bombing and what the effects are some years later. Though the title might sound modern, In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) takes you back to the late 1880s. The novel examines the balance between self-respect and selfishness. Rabbit Hole explores the crushing effects of grief on a family. If you have the chance, catch a live production; its gripping, even in the hands of non-professionals. Doubt: A Parable took home a Pulitzer in 2005; the Broadway production won a Tony the same year. 2. by. I am always saying Glad tove met you to somebody Im not at all glad I met. Roaldson made good on the pair of apples and got the This book is an important read in part because of its direct relevance to struggling adolescents and the issues they face. The daughter of the lawyer defending the accused is the main protagonist, and another aspect of the story is her journey from bemused mockery to gentle understanding with regard to an eccentric man in the town. In other words, Natasha, a local woman, has hopes of a better future for herself. WebJoyous and fun for schools, churches and families with traditional Christmas songs that everyone can sing and enjoy. (Not an actual representation of Janie. (And it doesnt stop there.) What ACT target score should you be aiming for? This madcap comedy is laugh-out-loud funny. A complex lattice of stories works itself out, bringing reward to some, despair to others. Samuel French Are you looking for new plays to read or perform? is an unexpected offering from Edward Albee. War Horse is about you guessed it a horse that goes to war. These stories are immensely powerful. The award will be loaned to the school by Asner's son Matthew, who hopes the award will inspire the next generation of actors and performers. A lot of these books may be read or referenced in AP English Lit classes. Best Character:Puck for pure knavery. 3 Adna and No. Of all of Shakespeares works, it's a particularly popular one to read in high school for a variety of reasons. Its poignant, funny, and worth a read.Playwright: Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon StephensLicensing: Dramatists Play Service. Tolkien asks major questions about those who are evil versus those who are misguided and what we should do when our paths intertwine with any such individuals. The play has ghosts, prosthetic hands, and gold toilet seats what more could you want? The story focuses upon a young farmer, his wife, and a young servant-girl who maliciously causes the wifes arrest for witchcraft. You know whats great about being a high school senior? F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote in The Great Gatsby a novel that in many ways closely reflected his own experience. In Brave New World, Aldous Huxley explores themes similar to those found in Orwells 1984. In Chinua Achebes Things Fall Apart, readers encounter a complex and beautifully rendered examination of life with the Igbo tribe in Africa, both before and after the white mans interference. 365 Days/365 Plays isnt a single modern play as you might guess from the name, its a collection of 365 plays. You have successfully purchased store credit. Lincoln wants to make an honest living, but Booth cant help but bring him down. The vacant throne was offered to Oedipus, and with it the hand of the Queen, Jocasta. 5. While there is nothing wrong with ANY OF THESE CHOICES, here are three plays that we dont teach as often but make fantastic selections for high school students. He describes a world where everything is monitored, right down to citizens thoughts, and where any opposition to the ruling class is punishable by extreme measures. When Laertes, Ophelias brother, returns from school to find out Hamlets murdered Polonius and pushed Ophelia to suicide, they battle it out, and everyone except Horatio dies. Its an eerie tale with themes that run deep. The middle sister, Masha, for wit, intelligence, and a biting sense of humor. Whether you prefer manga or ancient, epic poems, reading is great for all Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com, allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. Its an infuriating and accurate tale of mistreatments and abuses, as well as the unfortunate decline of a noble people trying to defend their established way of life. The premise is exactly as devastating as it sounds; its almost unbearable in parts. If you want to stay alive, you have to say that stuff, though.. A huge number of books exist out there, ready and waiting for you to read them. Given the generally understated nature of the writing and the mundane movie-theater setting it feels like a lot. A raucous good time for all involved with a happy ending. Inspired by Lynn Nottages interviews with real-life survivors in Africa, the story explores the impossibly complex and questionable decisions that women must make to survive in a world destroyed by men. This is a tale of sibling rivalry the kind that comes with devastating consequences. And here's the best part: Since the playwright has been dead for hundreds of years, the play is solidly in the public domain. Best Character: Algernon for trickery and charm. The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? George and Marthas relationship quickly reveals a deep animosity they hold toward each other stemming from a hidden truth that has festered for too long. Upon Julius Caesars return to Rome, he encounters a soothsayer who warns him to beware the Ides of March. Though her father approves of the match, Othellos confident, Iago, becomes jealous of Othellos promotion and conspires against Othello with Rodrigo, a man who lusts after Desdemona. Playwright: Doug WrightLicensing: Dramatists Play Service. Dont let the sharp wit and breezy dialogue of The History Boys food you this charming play has plenty to say. She has a great passion for the arts, especially theater. He tells people that he has a reckless wanton younger brother in London named Ernest. Some ten or twelve years afterward a pestilence has fallen on Thebes. Best Character: Mercutio (Romeos best friend) for comedic timing, a show-stopping monologue, and swagger. If you love sports and controversy doesnt hurt to love British football, too Sing Yer Heart Out for the Lads is an interesting contemporary read. Its largely a deep and dark poem, but it contains a message of hope. He disregards this warning. Its one of those modern plays thats so easy to watch that the raw moments hit you that much harder. Its also hilarious, if absolutely weird. Bootycandy explores what its like to grow up as a Black gay man. Christopher, who is somewhere on the autism spectrum (the story doesnt give a clear diagnosis), is determined to solve the mystery. oppressed and dismissed. I'm having trouble choosing a play for my high school to perform this fall. Though her father approves of the match, Othellos confident, Iago, becomes jealous of Othellos promotion and conspires against Othello with Rodrigo, a man who lusts after Desdemona. The king is murdered by his brother, Claudius, who takes the throne and marries the kings wife, Gertrude. The hero-narrator of The Catcher in the Rye is an ancient child of sixteen, a native New Yorker named Holden Caulfield. But another great thing about being on the cusp of your transition from high school to college (or the professional acting world) is that youll now get the chance to audition for some of the greatest plays ever written. Inspired by the real childhood of playwright Robert OHara, the script is simultaneously funny and poignant. Cost of Living explores the experiences of two physically disabled people, but dont expect an uplifting story of triumph the plot is firmly grounded in reality, with all of its uncomfortable and distressing truths. Danger is everywhere, and mysterious blackouts are setting residents on edge. hbspt.cta.load(360031, '4efd5fbd-40d7-4b12-8674-6c4f312edd05', {}); Have any questions about this article or other topics? Playwright: Lynn NottageLicensing: Dramatists Play Service. With a cast of just three, Blackbird is intimate and intense. The reason? Web110 Minutes. The script is based on a childrens novel, and it shows; its simple, emotional, and undeniably moving. A grifter named Tartuffe tricks Orgon into taking Tartuffe into his home and allowing him to live with his family. Playwright: Paula VogelLicensing: Dramatists Play Service. For one thing, it deals explicitly with teenaged love, and, for another, its a relatively simple plot thats nonetheless action-packed. Fences is a great play to use for your class to read to get a perspective into the life of an African-American family in the 1950s. Instead, the students at the public arts high school would perform Anton Chekovs play The Seagull, which principal Tina Wilson wrote in an email to families was more suitable for student performers and student audiences. Although students were required to provide parental consent to appear in the original selection, a closer review of Anne Franks published diary is different from a typical literary work. Beneatha dreams of medical school. Romeo and Juliet. The matriarch of the family, Mary, returns from a sanitorium where she has attempted (although unsuccessfully) to combat her morphine addiction. Beneatha for bravery, intelligence, and outspokenness. In the years since, its become one of the most popular plays for high school and community theater groups. Then theres the thematic material, which includes obedience, fate, and rash decisions, among others. You don't have to pay for the rights, and you can cut and rearrange the script at will, without getting a cease-and-desist letter from Shakespeare's attorney. As the title character returns from a second tour in Iraq at age 19, he discovers how his trauma parallels that of his father and grandfather. Sharp and more than a little cynical, this fast-paced contemporary comedic play stands out in any theatrical season. These high-minded grifters fancy themselves businessmen pursuing legitimate free enterprise. |. The Odyssey deals with human interactions with the gods, bringing up questions of righteousness, wrongdoing, and pride as well as ideas of faithfulness and patience. 1. Summary: Set on Chicagos South Side, the plot revolves around the divergent dreams and conflicts within three generations of the Younger family: son Walter Lee, his wife Ruth, his sister Beneatha, his son Travis, and matriarch Lena. While designed for four actors, the cast can be expanded to 19 to account for every role. Required Reading in High School 1 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 4.27 2 Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare 3 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 4 Lord of the Flies by William Golding 3.6 5 Animal Farm by George Orwell 3.96 avg ra 14 more rows The script isnt without its flaws, but its funny, touching, and worth a read. The Love Suicides at Amijima by Chikamatsu Monzaemon This play is considered one of the most famous works of Japanese literature. It took Sam Hubbard less than 5 seconds Sunday night to describe his career-defining fumble return for a touchdown. Top image courtesy A.D. Players at the George under CC BY-ND 2.0. (Maybe a little too sentimental, but that can be forgiven considering the source material.) The storytelling is abstract, so it requires some concentration; get a sense of the vibe here. It tells the story of everyday life and death in the small town of Grover's Corners, New Hampshire, during the early part of the last century. When Ernest (Jack) tells everyone at the country estate that his brother Ernest in the city has died, confusion takes over and the farce deepens. When reviewing the 2013 Broadway production for the New York Post, Elisabeth Vincentelli commented, this is the kind of full-on comedy thats sadly rare on Broadway and we couldnt agree more! The Skyview boys will play Tumwater at 1:30 p.m. and the Adna boys will play Chief Leschi at 4:30 p.m. A Central 2B League contest between No. Del City High School officials released a statement that said, "After the completion of the boys basketball game against Millwood High School, a fight occurred and gunshots were fired inside the field house.

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