The Crucible Archives

It’s May and theater teachers are chatting about high school plays they are thinking of directing in the next school. Oh, gosh. I remember those times. Today let’s discuss timeless triumphs: 8 unforgettable high school plays.

As much as you consider and make predictions concerning your student body (how many males, how many females) for future productions, it’s still a crap shoot. For instance, students who have always been ardent theater lovers suddenly decide they want to play soccer in the fall and track in the spring. Sometimes it is difficult to keep a balanced perspective concerning our students’ choices. It is my opinion that a teacher must remind themself that primarily our job is to introduce theater to students who may not have ever considered it before. Hopefully those theater loving students will return to participate in the near future. Looking for the Stella Adler Acting Unit? Go here.

Timeless Triumphs: 8 Unforgettable High School Plays

Every high school drama department seeks that perfect play: the one that captivates audiences, challenges actors, and leaves a lasting impression long after the final curtain call. In the realm of high school theater, certain plays have stood the test of time, earning their place as perennial favorites. Let’s explore eight such masterpieces that continue to enchant audiences and inspire young actors around the world.

1. The Crucible by Arthur Miller:

Drama
Two hours
10 M, 10 F (plus extras)

Set during the Salem witch trials, The Crucible explores themes of hysteria, suspicion, and the consequences of unchecked power. This play tells the story of a village that becomes embroiled in a witch hunt. The people of Salem live in a constant state of fear as more and more people are accused of witchcraft. It is my belief that The Crucible is a perfect high school play, primarily because it offers many students an opportunity to participate. High school productions of Miller’s masterpiece often resonate deeply with audiences, sparking discussions about morality, justice, and the dangers of groupthink.

2. A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare:

Comedy
Two hours
20 characters, equally male and female

Credit: Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh

Timeless Triumphs: 8 Unforgettable High School Plays

3. Our Town by Thornton Wilder:

Drama
Full-Length Play
7w, 17m

This Pulitzer Prize-winning play offers a poignant exploration of small-town life and the passage of time. Narrated by a stage manager, the production is performed with minimal props and sets. However, don’t be swayed by its simplicity. The play depicts the simple daily lives of the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry. The most poignant moment is eventually – in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre – death.

Thornton Wilder’s final word on how he wanted his play performed is an invaluable addition to the American stage and to the libraries of theatre lovers internationally. With its minimalist staging and universal themes, Our Town provides high school students with a profound theatrical experience that resonates with audiences of all ages.

How about a comedy?

4. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde:

Full-length Play
Comedy
5m., 4w. (1 extra.)

Wilde’s razor-sharp wit and biting satire take center stage in this delightful comedy of manners. Set in England during the late 19th century, the play follows the lives of two young men, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who adopt fictional identities to escape social obligations. Jack invents a brother named Ernest, while Algernon creates an invalid friend named Bunbury.

Not surprisingly, high school productions of The Importance of Being Earnest allow students to revel in the absurdities of Victorian society while honing their comedic timing and delivery. Note: This is a costume heavy show, but I still recommend it to directors because it’s worth the extra money to costume the students appropriately.

Dramatic Play, Anyone?

5. Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee:

Drama
Two Hours
21 men, 6 women, 2 boys, 1 girl, extras Many of the parts can be doubled

Inspired by the Scopes Monkey Trial, Inherit the Wind is a powerful courtroom drama that explores the clash between science and religion, freedom of thought, and the pursuit of truth. This story centers around a Tennessee teacher was tried for teaching the theory of evolution. As you might expect, two persuasive attorneys argue the case in an effort to determine the balance of church and state. High school productions of this play encourage critical thinking and foster discussions about education, censorship, and intellectual freedom.

6. The Giver adapted by Eric Coble from the novel by Lois Lowry:

Drama
4m., 4w., extras as desired or 4m., 2w. with doubling, extras as desired.
90 minutes

Based on Lois Lowry’s dystopian novel, The Giver offers a thought-provoking exploration of a society that suppresses individuality and emotion in pursuit of stability. To begin with, the story follows Jonas, a boy living in a community based on Sameness. During the Ceremony of Twelve, he is selected as the community’s new Receiver of Memory. The old Receiver, who Jonas calls The Giver, transmits generational memories to the young boy by placing his hands on Jonas’s bare back.

High school productions of The Giver allow students to delve into themes of identity, freedom, and the consequences of conformity, sparking important conversations about societal norms and individuality. I directed The Giver for a the Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies community theater in Colorado. It was sensational having a mixed age cast, but high school students can excel with it as well. For more information about The Giver, check out: The Reasons I Love The Giver Play

Historical Plays Worth Producing

7. The Diary of Anne Frank by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett:

Drama
Full Length
5 men, 5 women (3 extras)

Based on the real-life diary of Anne Frank, this powerful play chronicles the experiences of a Jewish family hiding from the Nazis during World War II. High school productions of The Diary of Anne Frank offer students the opportunity to explore themes of resilience, hope, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. I directed The Diary of Anne Frank with a community theater. It was an unforgettable experience for everyone concerned. However, one challenge for us was that the stage was the shape of an octagon. Looking for more information about this high school play? Check out: The Most Important Play I’ve Directed in My 38 Year Career

8. The Miracle Worker by William Gibson:

Drama
Two hours
7 M, 7F (with extras)

Inspired by the true story of Helen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan, “The Miracle Worker” is a compelling exploration of perseverance, communication, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. William Gibson’s drama chronicles the relationship between the real-life Helen Keller, a young girl from Alabama who was blind and deaf, and her teacher, the Irish, headstrong Annie Sullivan from Boston. It’s sensational theater.

Without a doubt, high school plays such as The Miracle Worker provide students with the opportunity to portray iconic historical figures while delving into themes of empathy, determination, and the transformative power of education.

Why do I select older plays to direct?

When you are a purist as I am concerning high school plays, you stick close to tried and true material. That doesn’t mean I haven’t done my share of more modern plays. I’ve directed a few. However, I think it’s important that our students broaden their knowledge base and ultimately, their resume by participating in the classics. You simply can’t go wrong with them.

In the world of high school theater, these eight high school plays stand out as enduring classics or at the very least of the classic nature.. They continue to captivate audiences and inspire young actors. From thought-provoking dramas to poignant historical narratives, each play offers students the opportunity to delve into complex characters.

These Plays are Winners for High School

As I stated previously, by exploring universal themes students can learn what it takes to create unforgettable theatrical experiences. In short, these high school plays demand it of them. As high school drama departments continue to stage these masterpieces, they ensure that the magic of theater lives on for generations to come.

Do you have a high school play which you would add to this list? I’d love to know about it. Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com.

Directing students in Aladdin, Jr.

How fulfilling is life without theatre? Not much. To me, theatre is the Pièce de Résistance!

My favorite of all the arts. I would be lost without it. Life is better with a dash of theatre now and then.

For instance, last night my husband and I attended a community theatre performance of The Crucible. I don’t know when I last saw this play. The Barn theatre in Kansas City produced it. It’s difficult material and can be exploited by those performing in it if the director isn’t careful. Twice I watched a cast butcher the court room scenes, but this one was tremendously impactful.

This morning, I shared with my husband my brain felt different today. As if I swallowed some unusual vitamin and I did, of sorts. A vitamin filled with excellent dialogue, a well crafted plot and brilliant metaphor.

The play’s message stayed with me and I have pondered it from time to time today. That’s good theatre.

My acting teacher at Stephens College, Jean Muir, was blacklisted and never worked again in Hollywood. Her crime? She attended a Russian ballet and wrote a letter of congratulations to the company complimenting them for their excellent performance. I believe her ex-husband reported her. Think about it–she complimented the ballet company. That.is.all.

I met Jean in 1974, nearly thirty years later. She never completely recovered from the false accusation.

Here is Lucille Ball. Even she was accused, but her career wasn’t ruined.

Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is a metaphor about the age of McCarthyism and the Red Scare but it is as timely now as ever.

And timely, don’t you think? This week I viewed a short video of an innocent young black man who was accused of doing something he didn’t do. Hmmm.

The Barn made a good choice in producing The Crucible.

When I attend a live production, I can immerse myself in the story as it plays out before me. I feel some of the emotional intensity at a movie theatre, but it isn’t the same as watching an actor only ten feet from me as he sweats and cries, begging his wife to forgive him. Powerful stuff.

Looking for a lesson about musicals theater using a Broadway Musical? Here’s one: Ground Hog Day, the Broadway Musical

I know people who dislike theatre, but love movies. They say theatre is boring. Really? You can’t compare them to each other, but I understand the reasons for their opinions.

It’s easier to access movies than attend a play. It’s all about convenience. Movies are available to us continuously. The wonders of the internet have given to us 24/7 access to nearly any movie you’d like to view.

The most important difference between the two is theatre is LIVE. You can’t just sit back in your recliner, take off your shoes and fold your laundry while you watch.

When you decide to see a theatrical production, you make a personal commitment to it. Generally, you’ll need to transport yourself to the show. You must arrive on time, take the seat you reserved (with a good or bad view of the stage), pick up the play program and deal with audience members around you.

If it’s a comedy, it’s most appreciated by the cast if you laugh or at least chuckle. Musicals require you to applaud at the end of scenes if they are outstanding. Have you ever applauded when a famous actress enters the stage the first time? You have a job to do as an audience member.

As we view the production, we must concentrate, focus. We can’t rewind a scene or fast forward through the show to intermission just so we can get a snack. We must suspend our disbelief when viewing a play far more than we must while seeing a movie.

The magic of a live performance makes it all the more poignant. There is something very special when one observes the dramatization of a particular thought right before our eyes. It is a unique experience.

The actors tell the story as if it is the first time it has been told. We share the moment with them and others seated around us. This is human interaction at its best.

Theatre discusses the human condition. It educates, inspires, broadens our world view, explores self expression, and encourages self empowerment.

Besides, it’s a fun way to learn!

As an actor, I’ve experienced what is like to be someone else. I’ve stepped into their shoes, so to speak. A well crafted character has flaws and strengths.

I may not have the same strengths and weaknesses. Whenever I perform, it’s a heady experience and one I never forget. You never view people in real life with the same attitude you had prior to the production. It changes you.

How Fulfilling is Life Without Theatre?

We could lose more than we bargain for if we lost theatre.

Have you considered theatre uses all the arts–visual art, dance of movement and music? It’s a one stop shop.

Art–Through designs of set, costume, and lights we utilize color, texture and silhouette to suggest themes and mood.

Ponder this photo from “Sunday in the Park with George”, a musical by Stephen Sondheim. In an earlier post, I shared Seurat’s painting, “La Grande Jatte”. Notice the levels, colors, textures, silhouettes? Good stuff. Now I have a unit about the musical: Sunday in the Park with George Broadway Musical Unit

How about dance? Or movement?

If you haven’t attended Newsies you must. The dancing is fabulous. I call it “boy dancing”, because it is. The choreography is outstanding, clever and joyful. Musicals use dance to convey a particular message–“Look at us! We’re Newsies and no one is going to bring us down.”

Physical movement in a play is far more effective than words. Humans are visual thinkers. For example, we need the actor to show the character’s depression, so he uses a hushed voice, slouches his shoulders, walks with a slow gait and heavy steps. Blocking, the physical movement around the stage, encourages the audience to view the production like a living photograph.

As I mentioned above, one doesn’t need to know much more about a play’s story than to merely observe the action. The above photo is from a production of The Crucible by Arthur Miller. The Crucible tells the story of the Salem Witch Trials, however it is a metaphor for the Red Scare of the 1950’s. Isn’t it effective?

How about this one?

I chose this photo at random, because it proves the point. If you look closely, you’ll see the dancer is behind a scrim. Yet the actor’s image is reflected in a mirror, but where is the mirror? Look at the positions of the bodies. The reflection appears to be a mannequin. Hmmm. It’s so effective. (If you are dying to know the production, it is The Picture of Dorian Grey.)

Music: When I direct a play, it is my habit to begin my pre-planning by selecting music to be played during the production. The music inspires me. It nurtures my creative process while I block the production.

Music does an excellent job of creating mood for an audience. I will choose period music for a play if it depicts a particular time period in history.

While I directing The Giver, a play set in a dystopian world, I was stumped on my music choices. Then I remembered Philip Glass. Several moments in the play call require the falling of snow. I considered various ideas and finally decided on Glass’ “Music Box”. A gobo light rotator was hung. It displayed a snow flake-like pattern. We selected the first 45 seconds of the piece.

Every time the music played, the audience was encouraged to imagine the falling of snow.

Theatre pulls the arts together. In the world we live in at present, whenever we can come together and consider a social issue, we stand to win. It’s very easy to become isolated now. Without theatre, we’d lose more than we’d gain.

How have you been fulfilled by attending a play or musical? I’d love to hear from you.

Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or check our my website at DeborahBaldwin.net

The Crucible

Timeless Triumphs: 8 Unforgettable High School Plays

Timeless Triumphs: 8 Unforgettable High School Plays

How about a comedy?

Dramatic Play, Anyone?

Historical Plays Worth Producing

Why do I select older plays to direct?

These Plays are Winners for High School

Share this:

Like this:

How fulfilling is life without theatre? Not much. To me, theatre is the Pièce de Résistance!

My favorite of all the arts. I would be lost without it. Life is better with a dash of theatre now and then.

This morning, I shared with my husband my brain felt different today. As if I swallowed some unusual vitamin and I did, of sorts. A vitamin filled with excellent dialogue, a well crafted plot and brilliant metaphor.

The play’s message stayed with me and I have pondered it from time to time today. That’s good theatre.

I met Jean in 1974, nearly thirty years later. She never completely recovered from the false accusation.

Here is Lucille Ball. Even she was accused, but her career wasn’t ruined.

Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is a metaphor about the age of McCarthyism and the Red Scare but it is as timely now as ever.

And timely, don’t you think? This week I viewed a short video of an innocent young black man who was accused of doing something he didn’t do. Hmmm.

The Barn made a good choice in producing The Crucible.

When I attend a live production, I can immerse myself in the story as it plays out before me. I feel some of the emotional intensity at a movie theatre, but it isn’t the same as watching an actor only ten feet from me as he sweats and cries, begging his wife to forgive him. Powerful stuff.

I know people who dislike theatre, but love movies. They say theatre is boring. Really? You can’t compare them to each other, but I understand the reasons for their opinions.

It’s easier to access movies than attend a play. It’s all about convenience. Movies are available to us continuously. The wonders of the internet have given to us 24/7 access to nearly any movie you’d like to view.

The most important difference between the two is theatre is LIVE. You can’t just sit back in your recliner, take off your shoes and fold your laundry while you watch.

If it’s a comedy, it’s most appreciated by the cast if you laugh or at least chuckle. Musicals require you to applaud at the end of scenes if they are outstanding. Have you ever applauded when a famous actress enters the stage the first time? You have a job to do as an audience member.

As we view the production, we must concentrate, focus. We can’t rewind a scene or fast forward through the show to intermission just so we can get a snack. We must suspend our disbelief when viewing a play far more than we must while seeing a movie.

The magic of a live performance makes it all the more poignant. There is something very special when one observes the dramatization of a particular thought right before our eyes. It is a unique experience.

The actors tell the story as if it is the first time it has been told. We share the moment with them and others seated around us. This is human interaction at its best.

Theatre discusses the human condition. It educates, inspires, broadens our world view, explores self expression, and encourages self empowerment.

Besides, it’s a fun way to learn!

As an actor, I’ve experienced what is like to be someone else. I’ve stepped into their shoes, so to speak. A well crafted character has flaws and strengths.

I may not have the same strengths and weaknesses. Whenever I perform, it’s a heady experience and one I never forget. You never view people in real life with the same attitude you had prior to the production. It changes you.

How Fulfilling is Life Without Theatre?

We could lose more than we bargain for if we lost theatre.

Have you considered theatre uses all the arts–visual art, dance of movement and music? It’s a one stop shop.

Art–Through designs of set, costume, and lights we utilize color, texture and silhouette to suggest themes and mood.

How about dance? Or movement?

If you haven’t attended Newsies you must. The dancing is fabulous. I call it “boy dancing”, because it is. The choreography is outstanding, clever and joyful. Musicals use dance to convey a particular message–“Look at us! We’re Newsies and no one is going to bring us down.”

How about this one?

Music: When I direct a play, it is my habit to begin my pre-planning by selecting music to be played during the production. The music inspires me. It nurtures my creative process while I block the production.

Music does an excellent job of creating mood for an audience. I will choose period music for a play if it depicts a particular time period in history.

Every time the music played, the audience was encouraged to imagine the falling of snow.

Theatre pulls the arts together. In the world we live in at present, whenever we can come together and consider a social issue, we stand to win. It’s very easy to become isolated now. Without theatre, we’d lose more than we’d gain.

How have you been fulfilled by attending a play or musical? I’d love to hear from you.

Share this:

Like this:

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