Classic Acts
Outstanding plays for kids ages 10-18
Classic Act PlaysWelcome to Classic Acts! Our collection of plays includes adaptations of classical literature and your favorite children's tales written to appeal to young actors, 10-18. We also offer "A Guide to Introducing Theater to Young Actors." There is one time cost of $24.95 or $29.95 for each play, including copying rights. We do not charge royalty fees.
List of Plays:
All of the plays in our collection are appropriate for multiple age ranges, but we have divided them into two groups to indicate the degree of difficulty and the performance times.
Group 1—These plays have fewer roles, shorter dialogue, and can be performed in 20 to 30 minutes. -A Christmas Carol
Group 2—Plays that have more roles, more complex dialogue, and can be performed in 30 to 60 minutes. -A Christmas Carol—extended version Adaptations of Classical LiteratureOur classic plays are creatively written to make them appealing and understandable to young actors in upper elementary and middle school, and well into high school. They provide an opportunity for children to enjoy and develop an appreciation for literature to help them in high school and college. Also available are beloved children’s tales, designed for the sophistication of young actors, rather than the typical fairy tale plays for younger children.
These plays follow the traditional story lines with minor modifications, a little added humor, and age appropriate language, which make them more exciting for young actors. The plays also help students at this awkward and difficult age to develop confidence, creativity, and a love of performing. PerformersClassic Act Plays have been performed by students at upper elementary, middle school and high school levels, including children with disabilities and second language learners. The scripts are designed to be flexible for different groups and settings. If necessary, multiple parts may be played by an actor, or plays may be expanded to include more actors. Many roles can be played by males or females. The plays are designed to be performed and include stage directions, but they are very effective for Reader’s Theatre also. But be warned, the kids will be itching to perform the roles after reading the scripts Theatre Guide"A Guide to Introducing Theatre to Young Actors" is also available to assist in teaching young performers about the theatre and stage terms, script format, auditions, blocking, etc. Tips are offered for costumes and props for a low-budget production and ways to involve the kids in all aspects of the production. Not everyone wants to be an actor! Stage managers and crew, costume people, set designers and painters are also needed. These tasks offer a way to include a whole class or all the members of a theatre group. ScriptsClassic act scripts are downloadable instantly, and the cost is very low. You pay a one-time cost per play of $29.95. (Schools pay $24.95.) This fee allows you to make as many copies of the script as you need, and to perform the play as often as you like. However, we do ask for a play to be purchased for one school and not used by multiple schools. The “Guide to Introducing Theatre to Young Actors” is $10.95, and is optional. There are no additional costs for performance licenses or royalty fees.
The intent of these plays is not for the authors or performers to become rich members of the entertainment business. They are designed for kids to use their creative juices, to develop confidence, to learn a little about literature, and to have a lot of fun. Enjoy!
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”If Shakespeare were teaching today, he would DEFINITELY use Carmella Gates’ plays to liven up his classroom. From the opening scenes to the final curtain calls, middle school age students will be captivated with her humor, dialogue, and insights into the classics and her ability to bring them to life. See for yourself!”
Doug Fine, Vice Principal
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“Talk about authentic assessment! These plays help all kids, even those with special needs to understand the classics. Bravo!”
Don Marsh, International Baccalaureate Program Coordinator
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“Our youth theatre company purchased a copy of your adaptation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” This was the company’s first production ever, and I want to thank you for the wonderful script. We had 42 children involved, and a total of 470 people came to see the shows. The kids enjoyed every minute of this production, partly due to your entertaining and easy to work with script. Thanks for your help in making Acting Out Youth Theatre Company’s first show a great success!”
Lindsay Clark, Acting Out Youth Theatre
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“Performing in front of a live audience provided students an opportunity to experience and understand literature in a new format." |
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“The only sad thing is that tomorrow we can’t do the play.” (After the final performance of Frankenstein.) --Brandon
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“I’m glad I could get on stage and show what I learned about acting” --Michael
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Thank you so much! You cannot imagine what a wonderful find your webpage was. These plays will help introduce children to classic plays, inspire them to strive for excellence in school and encourage them to follow their dreams without paying a mint. Thanks again. I will send you pictures. --Vince Stalling, Hope Productions, Inc. |
