Plays for Young People
The books listed in this section represent a small cross-section of available
plays. Please contact the store for additional titles.
The Railway Children
Mike Kenny & E. Nesbit
Mike Kenny's stage adaptation of E. Nesbit's much-loved children's classic. A perfect play for schools, youth theatres, and drama groups as well as community and professional companies. It captures the imagination and lifts the spirit. 5M 5F. Softcover, 80 pp. $22.95.
Terry Pratchett's The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents
Terry Pratchett & Mike Holmes
Terry Pratchett's Carnegie Medal winning novel for children is now a terrifyingly terrific musica, specially created for schools to perform. It's the story of a streetwise, talking cat in league with a roving band of talking rats whose succesful scam comes unstuck whyn they find something strange going down in the town of Bad Blintz. Includes script, piano/vocal score, and a CD with backing tracks, incidental music, and rehearsal performances of all the songs. Softcover, 44 pp. $52.00.
Uncle Pirate
Ben H. Winter & Drew Fornarola
The fourth grade is hard. But with his uncle the pirate (and his talking penguin) by his side, Wilson might just stand a chance. This musical pirate adventure is a delight for children of all ages. 3M 3F. Softcover, 50 pp. $11.99.
Munsch At Play Act 2
Irene N. Watts & Robert Munsch
Eight more stage adaptations of the delightful stories of Robert Munsch. Includes The Fire Station, Something Good, I Have To Go, David's Father, Show and Tell, From Far Away, Pigs, & Jonathan Cleaned Up - Then He Heard a Sound. Hardcover, 110 pp. $24.95.
Fierce & True: Plays for Teen Audiences
Edited by Peter Brosius & Elissa Adams
This collection of plays for teens comes from the remarkable Children's Theatre Company out of Minneapolis. These challenging, inspiring, and complex plays are a breath of fresh air, speaking to youth without condescending. Included in the collection are The Lost Boys of Sudan, The Five Fingers of Funk, Prom, and Anon(ymous). Softcover, 219 pp. $19.95.
Producers' Choice: Six Plays for Young Performers
Paul Roseby
Promise by Megan Barker ; Oedipus/Antigone by D.J. Britton ; Tory Boyz by James Graham ; The Butterfly Club by Sarah May ; Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Simon Reade ; Punk Rock by Simon Stephens. Softcover, 425 pp. $29.00.
Plays for Young People
Mark Ravenhill
Originally commissioned as part of the National Theatre Connections programme, these three plays were specifically written for teenagers and are ideal for young performers aged 13-25 years old. Mark Ravenhill's writing is compassionate, intelligent and has themes of particular interest to teenagers. The plays explore the search for identity during the transition to adulthood: self-perception, relationships, sexual identity and obsession with fame. Softcover, 151 pp. $29.00.
The Monster Under the Bed
Kevin Dyer
When Ben swaps places with the monster under his bed, Ben's life - and his school! - is turned inside out, and upside down. 4M, 1F. Softcover, 89 pp. $22.95.
The Classic Fairytales 2
Charles Way
Three timeless tales retold for the stage by one of the most renowned writers of plays for children and young people, Charles Way. This collection includes The Golden Goose, The Tinderbox, and Sinbad - The Untold Tale. Softcover, 225 pp. $29.95.
Curiosity Cat
Chris Grabenstein
From the imaginative mind of award-winning YA author Chris Grabenstein comes a very funny comedy that's ideal for school groups and professional children's theatres. Curiosity Cat is the play-within-the-book from Grabenstein's award-winning novel for middle grades readers. It's a story about displaced children and homeless cats as well as family and the value of curiosity. 6m, 4f, 8 non-gender roles. Softcover, 88 pp. $11.99.
Sprouts!
An Anthology of Plays
Mieko Ouchi & Caroline Howarth
What does it mean to be a kid today? This collection of culturally diverse short plays, gathered from eight years of Concrete Theatre's groundbreaking Sprouts New Play Festival for Kids, brings us stories from the rich cultural tapestry of Canada, exploring both the challenges and the joys of growing up. Featuring the work of well known and up-and-coming Alberta writers, this anthology is suitable for professionals, students, and young performers alike and is excellent for use in the classroom. Softcover, 347 pp. $24.95.
We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea
Arthur Ransome
Father is away and mother brings Roger, John, Susan and Titty to stay at Pin Mill where they can spend the summer messing about in boats. Their adventure begins when they go out with Jim on his boat Goblin. But disaster strikes when the boat is becalmed and Jim goes ashore to fetch petrol. Fog descends over the Harwich estuary and, as the tide turns, the boat begins to drift away. 2m, 2w (with doubling). Softcover, 95 pp. $24.95.
Curtain Up!
Dirk McLean
Through the story of Amaya acting in her first professional play, author Dirk McLean introduces readers to the people behind the scenes and the various jobs they perform in the theatre. Curtains Up! is a must-have resource for any child interested in the performing arts. Hardcover, $19.99.
The Enemy
Davide Cali & Serge Bloch
There is a battlefield. In the battlefield are two holes. In each hole is a soldier. They are enemies. Simple, direct, and powerful, this timeless story makes an important statement about the pointlessness of war. Hardcover, $19.99.
The Classic Fairytales
Charles Way
Three timeless tales -- Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Beauty and the Beast -- retold for the stage by one of the UK's most renowned writers of plays for children, Charles Way. Winner of the Writer's Guild Best Children's Play Award, his plays appeal to audiences of all ages, are translated into several languages and performed internationally. Softcover, 204 pp. $24.95.
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Graphic Classics
William Shakespeare
Strange things are afoot in the woods outside Athens. Two men are in love with the same woman, the King and Queen of Fairies are at loggerheads, and a mischevious sprite is about to wreak havoc with a magic flower. Meanwhile, an impish fellow named Puck has really made an ass of an amateur actor called Bottom. Here, one of Shakespeare's best-loved comedies has been adapted into a vivid graphic novel. Softcover, 48 pp. $10.99.
The Snow Queen
Adrian Mitchell
A celebrated adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale of friendship and loyalty. Gerda and Kai are faithful companions until one day Kai is snatched away by the wicked Snow Queen. Gerda sets out across the frozen wastes to rescue her friend. During her treacherous journey she encounters many strange and wonderful characters: some of them try to stop her finding Kai, and others help her on her way. Softcover, 96 pp. $22.95.
Class Acts: New Plays for Children to Act
Various authors
Three 30-minute plays by leading playwrights for children to act, commissioned by the Unicorn, one of the world's foremost companies creating theatre with young people at its core. In this collection: The Wish by Oladipo Agboluaje, The Acme Thunderer by Lin Coghlan, and Of the Terrifying Events on the Hamelin Estate by Philip Osment. Softcover, 92 pp. $22.95.
Family Matters: Plays About Family Changes
Catherine Gourley
This is an innovative series of plays that use the power of reader's theatre to provide young people with reading and role-playing experiences that teach problem solving and promote personal growth. From cyber bullying and shyness to family changes and anger control, each book features two high-interest plays that address critical personal development issues facing young people. Graphic novel-style illustrations of pivotal scenes highlight each script. Softcover, 32 pp. $9.95. Also in the series: What's the Difference: Plays about Tolerance; Where Do I Belong? Plays about Fitting In; The Inivsitble Me: Plays about Self-Image; Friend or Foe? Plays about Bullying and Flashpoints! Plays about Controlling Anger.
Oscar Wilde's Stories for All Ages
Stephen Fry
Like old friends whose company never fails to delight, Oscar Wilde's short stories have enchanted people for generations, and occupy a special place in the heart of each new reader. Like luminous gems, they have lost none of their power to enthral and inspire; and in this beautifully illustrated edition, Stephen Fry presents these gems to shine anew. Hardcover, 274 pp. $24.95.
Things That Go Bump Volume I: Plays for Young Adults
Edited by Kit Brennan
This volume contains five recent Canadian plays for young audiences. In This World, Offensive Fouls, Learning the Game, To Be Frank, and Binti's Journey are about real and current issues. Teachers and theatre professionals looking for new work for young adults will find the scripts current and refreshing examples of good writing and good scene work. Softcover, 200 pp. $24.95.
Things That Go Bump Volume II: Plays for Young Audiences
Edited by Kit Brennan
This volume contains six Canadian plays for elementary school audiences: Lig & Bittle by Elyne Quan & Jared Matsunaga-Turnbull, A Giraffe in Paris by Mark Haroun, The Secret Life of the Octopus by Clem Martini, Bluenose by Emil Sher, The Incredible Speediness of Jamie Cavanaugh by Chris Craddock, and Under the Big Top by Jan Derbyshire. Softcover, 266 pp. $24.95.
More Christmas on Stage: An Anthology of Royalty-Free Christmas Plays
Rhonda Wray
A stylistically diverse collection of royalty-free Christmas programming including multicultural drama, children's pageants, monologues, readings, and much more. Softcover, $24.95.
The Black Monk & The Dog Problem
David Rabe
The Black Monk is adapted from a Chekhov novella and The Dog Problem is an original creation for the stage. Vastly different in their aesthetic, these two highly praised plays embody all of the celebrated hallmarks of David Rabe's writing and art: unflinchingly honest and perceptive themes, starkly luminous dialogue, and the unsettling humor which have made him an icon of the American theatre for more than forty years. Softcover, 308 pp. $19.99.
Comedy Scenes for Student Actors
Laurie Allen
A great collection of comedy scenes based on the real-life dilemmas kids face every day. Perfect for use in the classroom. Softcover, 197 pp. $22.95.
Six: Ensemble Plays for Young Actors
Paul Roseby
This is an anthology of work written for actors aged 11-25. From the mythical to the modern, contemporary urban living is confronted in plays varying in style from the starkly realistic to the lyrical, streetwise and surrealistic. Ideal for youth theatre groups, schools and amateur dramatic companies, this anthology contains a diverse selection of plays suited to large casts and ensemble performance. Softcover, $21.95.
Julius Caesar Manga Shakespeare
Mustashrik
In a newly imagined Rome, trouble is brewing. Brutus and a group of senators plot the destruction of Julius Caesar, the charismatic leader who has just been named emperor. Political intrigue, personal betrayal, and the aftermath of a brutal assassination make this story Shakespeare's version of a political thriller, and the perfect fit for the vibrant world of manga. Softcover, 207 pp. $10.95.
Macbeth Manga Shakespeare
Robert Deas
When Macbeth, a great warlord, hears witches prophesy that he shall become king, he becomes obsessed with power. He and his equally ambitious wife plot to take over the crown -- murdering and scheming their way to the throne. But what price will Macbeth pay for all the death and destruction? Manga's vibrant style perfectly captures one of Shakespeare's most frightening and dramatic tragedies. Softcover, 207 pp. $10.95.
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village
Laura Amy Schlitz
With a deep appreciation for the period and a grand affection for both her characters and her audience, Laura Amy Schlitz has created a series of riveting portraits. Read silently or performed before an audience, the collective voices tell an unforgettable human story about what it took to survive in the Middle Ages. Robert Byrd's insightful pen-and-ink drawings take inspiration from an illuminated thirteenth-century manuscript. Hardcover, 85 pp. $25.00.
Ten-Minute Comedy Plays for Kids 7-10
Kristen Dabrowski
12 ten-mimnute plays, 24 scenes, and 48 monologues all designed to spark students to use their imaginations and create their own code of ethics. Included are "Talk Back!" sections at the end of each play which provide additional ideas and interesting subjects to discuss. Softcover, 225 pp. $20.95.
The Merchant of Venice
A Graphic Novel based on the play by William Shakespeare
Gareth Hinds
Moody and mesmerizing, this graphic-novel adaptation of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice boasts a chic modern cast, high drama, and all the dark familiar beauty of Venice. With elegant drawings and a faithful but succinct adaptation, Gareth Hinds pays homage to the Bard while luring modern readers with a stylish new vision. Softcover, 69 pp. $13.00.
Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman
Peter L. Hays and Kent Nicholson
Death of a Salesman is a classic, a staple of school anthologies of American literature and of acting companies' repertoires. It has received world-wide productions, whether as a study of parent-child relationships, or as a critique of Western capitalism. This guide provides students with a comprehensive critical introduction to the play. A detailed production analysis written by a professional director and practical exercises for actors and directors make it a uniquely practical resource for anyone studying the play. Softcover, 111 pp. $20.95.
John Osborne's Look Back in Anger
Aleks Sierz
Look Back in Anger is one of the few major works of drama that are indisputably central to British culture in general. Its premiere in 1956 sparked off the first 'new wave' of kitchen-sink drama and the cultural phenomenon of the Angry Young Man. This guide provides students with a comprehensive critical introduction to the play including its structure, style and characters, performance history and key production issues and choices. Softcover, 121 pp. $20.95.
No Fear Shakespeare: A Companion
Sparknotes
This companion gives you the straight scoop on everything you really need to know about Shakespeare, including: what's so great about Shakespeare, how did he get so smart, five mysteries of his life and why they matter, Shakespeare's world, theatre, language, and the five greatest Shakespearean characters. Softcover, 290 pp. $10.95.
Hamlet: No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels
William Shakespeare & Neil Babra
With his father murdered and the murderer crowned king, Prince Hamlet struggles to deliver justice on his own terms even as the rest of the world writes him off as a madman. In this bold and inventive graphic novel, the artist Neil Babra recreates Shakespeare's classic play. Softcover, 207 pp. $10.95.
Macbeth: No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels
William Shakespeare & Ken Hoshine
The only Shakespeare play with a villain for its hero, Macbeth takes us deep inside the mind and conscience of a murderer. In this bold and inventive graphic novel, the artist Ken Hoshine recreates Shakespeare's classic play. Softcover, 193 pp. $10.95.
Romeo and Juliet: No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels
William Shakespeare
Have you ever found yourself looking at a Shakespeare play, then down at the footnotes, then back at the play, and still not understanding? You know what the individual words mean, but they don't add up. SparkNotes' No Fear Shakespeare will help you break through all that. Put the pieces together with our easy-to-read translations. Soon you'll be reading Shakespeare's own words fearlessly--and actually enjoying it. Softcover, 287 pp. $10.95.
The Young Reader's Shakespeare: Julius Caesar
Adam McKeown & Janet Hamlin
Rich in both political and personal conflict, Julius Caesar speaks its message as forcefully today as when William Shakespeare first wrote it more than four hundred years ago. Loved by the people, feared by his fellow politicians, Caesar stirs passionate feelings among all those he rules. And some of his subjects will stop at nothing to remove him from power. This compelling and beautifully illustrated drama is presented in a bold new retelling that includes frequently asked questions and a list of characters to help a child fully understand the plot of Shakespeare's great political drama. Hardcover, 80 pp. $15.95.
Silverwing: The Play
Kenneth Oppel & Kim Selody
Shade is a young Silverwing bat, the runt of his colony, determined to prove himself on the long and dangerous winter migration Hibernaculum. During a storm, Shade is swept out over the ocean - away from his family, friends, and the only life he has ever known. Alone and frightened, Shade sets out on a remarkable journey to rejoin his colony. Softcover, 77 pp. $15.95.
King Lear
Graphic Shakespeare Library
William Shakespeare & Ian Pollock
King Lear is regarded as William Shakespeare's greatest tragic play, and illustrator Ian Pollock brings it a uniquly surreal interpretation with his internationally acclaimed and deeply expressive style. Softcover, 139 pp. $15.95.
Monster
Walter Dean Myers
Steve's Harmon's black. He's in jail, maybe forever. He's on trial for murder. And he's sixteen years old. This riveting courtroom drama will leave a powerful, haunting impression. An insightful look at a teenage suspect's lost innocence. Softcover, 294 pp. $9.99.
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!
Voices from a Medieval Village
Laura Amy Schlitz
With a deep appreciation for the period and a grand affection for both her characters and her audience, Laura Amy Schlitz has created a series of riveting portraits. Read silently or performed before an audience, the collective voices tell an unforgettable human story about what it took to survive in the Middle Ages. Robert Byrd's insightful pen-and-ink drawings take inspiration from an illuminated thirteenth-century manuscript. Hardcover, 85 pp. $25.00.
The BFG: A Set of Plays
Roald Dahl & David Wood
You'll have a phizzwizardly good time joining the Big Friendly Giant and Sophie on their exciting adventures. These dramatizations based on Roald Dahl's beloved book can be performed in school and at summer camp, acted out at home, or simply read together by a group of friends. With useful tips on staging, props, and costumes, these plays are easy to perform and are sure to be great fun for everyone! Softcover, 120 pp. $7.50.
James and the Giant Peach: A Play
Roald Dahl & Richard George
Now's your chance to bring James, his horrible aunts, and his peach-dwelling friends to life! This dramatization of Roald Dahl's beloved book can be performed in school and at summer camp, acted out at home, or simply read together by a group of friends. With useful tips on staging, props, and costumes, the play is easy to perform and is sure to be great fun for everyone! Softcover, 91 pp. $7.50.
The Twits: A Set of Plays
Roald Dahl & David Wood
There's a part to suit everyone in these plays from Roald Dahl's The Twits. Make Mr. Twit eat wormy spaghetti, stick a frog in Mrs. Twit's bed, or join in on the cleverest prank of all--the great upside-down trick. These dramatizations based on Roald Dahl's beloved book can be performed in school and at summer camp, acted out at home, or simply read together by a group of friends. With useful tips on staging, props, and costumes, these plays are easy to perform and are sure to be great fun for everyone! Softcover, 106 pp. $7.50.
The Witches: A Set of Plays
Roald Dahl & David Wood
In these seven short plays, step into the shoes of the boy, the grandmother, or even the Grand High Witch of all the world! These dramatizations based on Roald Dahl's beloved book can be performed in school and at summer camp, acted out at home, or simply read together by a group of friends. With useful tips on staging, props, and costumes, these plays are easy to perform and are sure to be fun for everyone! Softcover, 116 pp. $7.50.
Plays for Young People
Who's Breaking? - Listen - Sleeping Dogs - Wise Guys
Philip Osment
The four plays in this volume were written for teenage audiences and deal
with issues of gender, AIDS, disability, relationships with parents,
ethnic strife, crime, drugs and bullying. This is a highly accessible
collection of new plays that doesn't shy away from the issues that
young people
experience
in a contemporary setting. Softcover, 217 pp. $31.99.
Scenes Keep Happening
Mary Krell-Oishi
A collection of excellent material for young actors in classrooms, stages,
festivals and competitions, these scenes will are appropriate for
a variety of casts: 5-10 minute scenes for girls; 5-10 minute scenes
for guys; 5-10
minute scenes for mixed casts.
Softcover, 215 pp. $21.95.
Marsupial Sue Presents The Runaway Pancake
John Lithgow
The much-loved story of the Runaway Pancake, who pops out of the
oven and is sure he can escape all who want to eat him, is given
a new spin when
Marsupial Sue and her friends put on a play version for their neighborhood.
This has all of the wit and whimsy of Marsupial Sue and again features
lively illustrations by Jack E. Davis. A CD recording of John Lithgow's
live performance of the song "The
Runaway Pancake" is also included. Hardcover, 32 pp. $24.95.
Plays for Children
Edited by Helen Rose
Four top-class plays for children, commissioned and performed by
professional children's theatre groups, offer a wide variety of style
and content for
reading or for performance: Indigo Mill by Nick Fisher; Body
Talk by Andy Rashleigh; Odessa and the Magic Goat by
John Agard; Little Victories by Shaun Prendergast. Softcover,
276 pp. $7.99.
The Little Mermaid
Pam Gems
After falling in love with a prince on her very first journey to the surface,
the Little Mermaid braves a journey to the evil sea-witch. Exchanging
her voice and her mermaid's tail for legs, she heads for the surface
once more,
but any bargain with the sea-witch comes at a price.. M-2, F-3. Softcover,
64 pp. $14.95.
Discussion-Provoking Scripts for Teens
Don L. Sorenson & David A. Nord
Initiate discussions on important teen subjects with the 33 short scripts
provided. Requiring minimal preparation, each script ends abruptly
with one of the characters asking a question for the audience to
answer. Useful
for developing both performance skills as well as critical thinking,
these scripts will prove to be indispensible in the classroom.
Softcover, 80 pp. $19.95.
More Tales From Shakespeare
Marcia Williams
As You Like It, Richard III, Anthony & Cleopatra, Twelfth
Night, King Lear, The Merchant of Venice, and Much
Ado About Nothing, adapted
into comic strip form.
Softcover, 37 pp. $11.99.
Oscar Wilde: Stories for Young Children
Merlin Holland
Known for his sparkling wit and zest for life, Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
turns his sharp humor towards stories for young readers with five
unforgettable, modern-day fairy tales about selflessness, beauty,
and the search for love.
Filled with moving, memorable characters and Wilde's rich, colourful
language, this enchanting collection, complete with charming illustrations,
is sure
to delight your family for generations to come. Hardcover, 80
pp. $21.95.
Othello: The Young Reader's Shakespeare
Adam McKeown
Passion, deceit, and manipulation lie at the heart of Othello, a chilling
tale of misplaced jealousy and wasted love. This adaptation of Shakespeare's
classic play will delight and inspire young readers. Beautifully
illustrated in colour. Hardcover, 96 pp. $21.95.
Ridiculous Tongue Twisters
Chris Tait
These tongue twisters are so ridiculously funny you'll want to say them
more than three times fast -- that is, if you can stop laughing long
enough to get the words out. Test these out on your friends and then
make up a
few yourself.
Softcover, 96 pp. $6.95.
Imagine a Day
Robert Gonsalves & Sarah L. Thomson
For this sequel to the hugely popular Imagine a Night, Rob Gonsalves has
conjured up 15 highly evocative, surreal images. Readers of all ages
will be inspired by these mystifying paintings. Teachers will find
Imagine a
Day to be an indispensible resource in the classroom, to stimulate
creative young minds. Hardcover, 30 pp. $24.95.
Bashful Bob and Doleful Dorinda
Margaret Atwood & Petricic Dusan
Abandoned by his mom and raised by a bunch of dogs, Bob is understandably
bashful around humans. Deprived of her parents while still in diapers,
Dorinda endures a dreadful existence with distant relatives. Naturally
the two become fast friends in this boisterous and delightful dissertation
on discovering the uncharted depths of one's own personality. Hardcover,
26 pp. $21.95.
Plays Around the Year
Sandra Widener
This is a collection of 20 thematic plays, to coincide with significant
days during the school year -- Thanksgiving, Black History Month, Winter
holidays, Halloween, etc.. An excellent resource for use in the primary
classroom. Softcover, 200 pp. $28.99.
The Dog Who Sang at the Opera
Jim West, Marshall Izen & Erika Oller
Inspired by a true incident, this funny story of a vain dog is
also a celebration of the colourful, creative world of the opera and
the many folks, human and canine, who help make the music beautiful.
Hardcover, 30 pp. $25.00.
The Big Book of Thematic Plays
Tracey West
These 25 exciting, easy-to-read plays are perfect for use in the
early primary classroom. The plays have been organized into 6 categories
-- Animals, Special Days, Folk Tales and Myths, School, Community,
Science and Health -- and include activities which can be integrated
into any curriculum. Softcover, 224 pp. $33.99.
Devotion
Leo Butler
In Devotion, two boys have become refugees in their own
home town, while a young girl is forced to become a soldier. 12-years-old
and on the brink of maturity, the children are caught in confusions
of gender, faith and identity, which influence their decisions as much
as the falling bombs. M-2, F-2. Softcover, 69 pp. $19.95.
Small Plays for Special Days
Holiday plays for you and a friend
Sue Alexander
Each of these seven plays is themed for a specific holiday: Halloween,
Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day, the first of spring, April
Fool's Day, and the Fourth of July. Requiring just two people to perform,
and props and costumes that are simple to find around the house, these
plays will keep creative children busy for hours. Hardcover, 64 pp.
$23.95.
Fox on the Ice
Tomson Highway & Brian Deines
Written in both English and Cree, Fox on the Ice is another
wonderful, lyrical story of celebration from award-winning author Tomson
Highway. Hardcover,
28 pp. $19.99.
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