Finding the perfect play for your group of young performers can be an exciting adventure! Whether you’re looking for fun characters to bring to life, a captivating storyline, or an engaging and exciting plot, the right script can ignite creativity and enthusiasm in budding thespians. Here are five must-read plays and musicals that check all those boxes and more, ensuring a memorable experience for your cast and audience alike.
1. "Peter Pan" by J.M. Barrie
The timeless tale of the boy who wouldn’t grow up is full of adventure and magic. Young performers will love the chance to play iconic characters like Peter, Wendy, Captain Hook, and the Lost Boys. This play encourages imagination and celebrates the joy of childhood.
I love this play because the characters are so well known and so much fun to play! I have directed it with kids ages 7-13 and they loved exploring and developing these timeless characters. I find this is a great show as both the main hero and villain of the show can be played by any gender, Peter and Captain Hook have a well known history and both stand for very different things. The conflict that is created between is strong and very entertaining to watch.
Wendy, Michael and Peter Darling leave their safe home to FLY to Neverland. They discover a world where there are no parents and everyone is young FOREVER. As much as they love their new found freedom they soon miss their life back at home and the struture of their parents. The Darling children are fun characters to explore as they go on such an adventure and become new versions of themselves before the realize they want to go back home.
The role of Tinkerbell is fun as well. It is great for a young performer who wants to be on stage a lot but may not want a lot of lines.
The land of Neverland is a fun one to create and develop as there is a sense of magic to it.
I find the hardest part about putting on this show is finding ways to invite your audience into the magic and have them believe the characters are flying.
2. "The Jungle Book" (Play or Musical Adaptations)
Adaptations of Rudyard Kipling’s beloved stories are a hit with young actors. With roles for animals like Baloo, Bagheera, and Shere Khan, this play allows for creative costuming and physicality. It’s a wonderful choice for exploring character development and storytelling.
Again such a wonderful play full of fun characters to explore. The main character Mowgli is left in the Jungle and is raised by wolves. Mowgli who can be played by either gender is a main character you love to love. They like to explore, they make friends easily and they are very curious which sometimes gets them in trouble. One of my favourite things about this show is that most of the main characters are animals that speak. There is Bagheera the Panther who is a good friend to Mowgli but tries to teach him to be aware of the Jungle and all of the danger that lives in the Jungle. Opposite to Bagheera is the goofy and friendly Baloo the Bear who cares more about the "Barenecessities" like honey than the dangers of the Jungle.
There are some sneaky villains like Kaa the snake and King Louie who try to take advantage of Mowgli and then there is the king of the Jungle an evil Tiger Shere Khan who hates Mowgli because he is a man and not an animal at all. I love seeing these characters come to life and work together. Once a again a great show for ages 7-13.
One of my favourite parts about directing young performers to act as animals is to pick up small movements of the animals rather than playing on their knees. For example when playing a monkey like King Louie I like the actor to jump around while playing a character like Kaa the snake they move slow and speak even slower.
In one show we had 5 young actors attached togetehr to create one long Kaa the snake.
3. "Charlotte's Web" by Joseph Robinette
Based on E.B. White’s classic book, this play brings to life the touching friendship between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider. With heartfelt moments and a variety of charming characters, it’s an excellent choice for young performers to explore themes of kindness and perseverance.
This play is a classic story about the unlikely friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider called Charlotte.
Wilbur is a scrawny piglet, the runt of the litter who’s spared from becoming pork chops by a young girl named Fern. But as he grows and begins to cost his owners a fortune in feed, it will take help from all his new farmyard friends to save his life again, including the miraculous talents of a very special grey spider.
Through the endearing characters of Wilbur and Charlotte, this cherished story illustrates the enduring power of friendship and promises to capture the hearts of audiences again and again. Once again a great story full of characters who are animals that speak and come to life.
I love the characteristics each young actor can bring to their animal and how the interact together. The animals all learn they need to work together to help save Wilbur.
4. "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll (Adapted for Youth Theatre)
This fantastical tale invites young actors to step into a world of whimsy and adventure. With roles like the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts, this play encourages creativity and fun. It’s perfect for introducing performers to larger-than-life characters and imaginative storytelling.
Alice is a great female character lead who curiousity gets her in trouble. She goes through the rabbit hole and finds herself in a magical place - Wonderland. A magical place for any director and group of performers to create. Alice meets fun charaters like the Chesire cat who can be a great character for any young performer to put their spin on it. There is the Mad Hatter and the tea party that performers love to create as well. There is the villain the Queen of Hearts who has loud, demading voice and demeanour.
Wonderland if full of chaos and creativity all at the same time.
5. "Wizard of OZ" (based on L. Frank Baum's novel)
About a young girl named Dorothy who is transported from Kansas to the magical land of Oz by a tornado:
Dorothy travels along the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City to find the Wizard of Oz, who can help her return home. Along the way, Dorothy meets new friends, including the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion.
Dorothy must face many dangers, including the Wicked Witch of the West, who wants Dorothy's magical ruby slippers.
Dorothy learns that there's no place like home and that friendship is magical.
Another strong female lead who goes on an adventure of a lifetime. Dorothy finds herself in OZ where she meets Munchkins and Glinda the good witch. To get home she must find the Wizard and ask for help.
This show has a great story and fun characters like the Scarecrow who doesn't have a brain, The Tin Man who doesn't have a heart and the Cowardly Lion. All of the characters become friends with Dorothy and go up against villains like the Wicked Witch of the West and even the Wizard isn't who Dorothy thought he was. Young performers love developing these characters and this show gives lots of performers a chance to shine!
BONUS!
"The Little Red Hen and Friends" by Courtney Riddell (Little Monkey Entertainment)
This playful adaptation of a classic folktale is ideal for younger actors. Featuring a narrator and a charming cast of animal characters, it’s a great way to introduce ensemble work. The story emphasizes teamwork, making it both fun and meaningful for kids.
I may be a little basis as I wrote this show for a group of young performers who learn that hard work pays off. The main character in this show is Little Red, but there are great supporting characters like Otis the sad and slow bull, the grumpy old goat Beardie, Lucky the clumsy Duck, the sneaky rat Peaky and a narrator or two, This show short and fun. It has small to large roles so you can find the perfect fit for any performer!
Why These Plays?
Each of these plays offers:
Relatable Themes: Stories about teamwork, imagination, and learning to believe in yourself and what you can accomplish
Fun Characters: Opportunities to portray animals, fantastical beings, and unique personalities.
Skill Development: Challenges for young actors to grow their abilities in voice, movement, and expression.
Reading and performing these plays can encourage a lifelong passion for theatre. Share these scripts with your young performers and watch their confidence and creativity soar!
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