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20-Minute Scripts for Middle School Drama Teachers
Middle school drama teachers know that finding the right scripts for their specific group can take up large chunks of time. We are here to help with that!
We have identified the scripts listed below as ones appropriate for middle school performers and audiences, as well as fitting the skill and interest level for most younger teenagers.
Of course, that doesn’t mean all of these scripts will work with your specific group. Whether looking for scripts for in-class workshops or on-stage performances, you know your group best. You’ll figure out who your strongest players are, how large you want the cast to be, and how much silliness or seriousness they can endure—and then pick a few scripts that you might enjoy working with for a while.
Feel free to let us know if one of these works especially well for you!
A Nickel for a Kiss
By Andrew KoomanFirst kiss stories are charming. Joseph’s is hilarious. It happened, of all places, during Sunday School. As he starts to get closer to Becky, the girl he’s fallen for during his first year of Bible College, the inevitable “First Kiss” story emerges. But can it possibly be true?
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This Is Your Life, Holiday Edition
By Craig JosephA well-known game show is supposed to celebrate the life of Eddie the Elf, but quickly turns into a life-changing experience for its smug host, Buddy Swenson, when the mystery guests turn out to know more about him than he expected.
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Blue Chips and Dicey Dip or Sillycon Valley Conspiracy
By Kimalea ArrighiUpon the sudden death of Cool N. Calm, Cole’s Egded’s mentor and spiritual father, Cole immediately suspects foul play. As the new Trustee and Board of Directors of Cool N. Calm Microchip Magnate Corporation, he has become Cool’s daughter Dorothy’s trustworthy Trustee. Cole quickly sends Dorothy to Kansas to attend Calvary Chapel Christian Academy for Girls, vowing to keep her safe from harm. When after seven years there has been no break in the Cool N. Calm mystery, Cole suddenly announces that he is going on an extended business trip. He leaves the Cool N. Calm Microchip Magnate Corporation in the hands of Gain Illgotten, it’s “Junior” Assistant. Cole is quite certain that, while the cat’s away the rats will play.
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To Bee or Not to Bee
By Tracy WellsCasey is an actress with big dreams of making it on Broadway. So why is she stuck in this enormous, uncomfortable bumblebee suit? In this hilarious 10 minute monologue, Casey will recount her path to making her dream a reality, and the roles she regrets along the way. This comedic monologue allows the actor great opportunities for characterization and physical comedy, and leaves the audience laughing as they see "whatever will bee, will bee."
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A Letter to a Soldier
By Rachel BenjaminIn this short, simple play, three readers present a powerful letter of honor and gratitude to a military service person. Perfect for Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day weekend, or similar occasions, "A Letter to a Soldier" on Scriptmore presents a unique way to recognize and connect with service men and women on a personal level. When we encounter these heroes at airports, malls, and parades, we often acknowledge their sacrifice with a nod or applause. But how often do we pause to look them in the eye and extend our heartfelt thanks? The thoughtful letter in this script provides a heartfelt and eloquent means to help these military heroes feel seen in a way that goes beyond the surface. It invites the audience to express their gratitude sincerely and directly, bridging the gap between words left unspoken and the honor due those who have readily served all of us. More than just a script, "A Letter to a Soldier" is a way to offer appreciation to those in the audience who have served and to encourage those present to continue to do so long after the play is over. Crafted with care and empathy by playwright Rachel Benjamin for audiences from middle school through adults, "A Letter to a Soldier" resonates with active and former members of the armed forces, as well as those who love and appreciate them.
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Masquerade
By Rachel BenjaminOur words and actions directly influence and strongly impact the lives of those around us. Although we have the ability to offer life, too often our school hallways are wrought with bullying and damaging cruelty. This one-act conveys the message that by choosing to love we can help a hurting generation.
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Piece of Glass
By Rachel BenjaminLinda has a conversation with her reflection. As her value is challenged, she recognizes her ability to silence lies and embrace the truth.
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A Festival of Fables by Aesop
By Jennifer SneedWho was Aesop, anyway, and why should we care? So begins the lecture of a pompous professor who attempts to tell us all about Aesop’s fables, only to be interrupted by actors intent on showing instead of telling what the fables are all about. A play in one-act. Appropriate for grades 3-6.
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The Job - A Farce
By Henry P. GravelleWhile taking a lemonade break from raking the lawn, Henry relates to a neighbor (audience) how his retirement has created a series of jobs throughout Town, one being his son's first.
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Tilting at Windmills: Don Quixote & Sancho Panza's First Adventure - Reader's Theatre
By Jennifer SneedReader's theatre appropriate for classroom use. “The Adventures of Don Quixote” was written in the early 1600s by the Spanish writer, Cervantes. One of the most widely read novels in Western Literature, it is also quite funny. Join Don Quixote and his squire, Sancho Panza, as they joust with a mighty giant - or is that a windmill. Appropriate for grades 4-6.
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Defining Moments
By Andrew KoomanJoseph and Becky, two students in their first year at college, start to fall for each other. As their relationship gets more serious, they start to delve into their personal histories, and the silly, often funny things from childhood that left their mark. A great script to perform for workshops!
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Hashtag: Wonderfully Made
By Rene GutteridgeThe @ Symbol goes to God with complaints about wanting to be more like the popular Hashtag Symbol, but learns, along with some other punctuation, the valuable lesson that he was beautifully and wonderfully made for a purpose. Many people struggle with feeling useful and wonder why God didn’t make them differently. This skit emphasizes that we are all made with purpose and without mistake.
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Dining at the King's Table
By Kimalea ArrighiDining at the King's Table takes place in a medieval setting with the King of the land preparing for the wedding feast of his only son. There is lighthearted humor throughout with serious tones prevailing in matters of scripture. The King has sent his servants out to invite everyone in the land to his son’s wedding but many decline their invitations. Mordred, a disobedient servant and traitor from the King's palace, insists on the title “Lord” though no one is buying it. When he is sent out with the other servants at the King’s bidding he stalls and plots against the King. His words and actions reveal a deeply rebellious heart. He secretly entertains plans of becoming king himself! Mordred is loath to invite a lame young woman named Meredith to the banquet believing that her infirmities disqualify her from deserving of such high honors. Mordred is responsible for telling her that the King means to do her harm if she appears before him. For years now, Meredith has been living in self-imposed exile in the land of Barrenness. Her faithful nurse Constance raised Meredith to adulthood in the fortress but is herself broken and fearful because the accident that crippled Meredith as a child was her fault. Constance is smothering and overprotective of Meredith discouraging Meredith’s hope of ever leaving the fortress. Meredith fears judgement from the King of the land but senses his calling and is desperate to take a chance and present herself before him. The King receives Meredith whole heartedly when she leaves the fortress and arrives at the palace in obedience to his call. When he offers her his scepter she bravely touches it and is restored and healed of her infirmity. Great excitement ensues as the palace servants receive her. Mordred, is cast out of the palace when the King discovers him without the white robe he has selected for his guests. Mordred is uncovered as a traitor and cast into outer darkness as his punishment. As the palace doors close for the celebration Constance arrives alone. She is completely broken and weeps at the door. Pulling herself together she knocks feeling she has missed it. Suddenly, the doors open and she is ushered in by two maid servants who receive her warmly on behalf of their King.
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If Everything Had Credits Like Movies Have Credits
By David J. SwansonA couple endures movie-like credits at the end of their meal.
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Christian Skits for the Child in All of Us
By Abigail FlemingThese five short skits were written for presentation by adults or kids at a vacation Bible school, but they could also be used for children’s time during a regular church service, or as part of a Sunday school lesson. Each skit uses modern examples, language and humor to reinforce an important aspect of Christian belief. Two leaders, Jessie and Jay, are the main characters in each skit. The names can be changed to fit your group. Each skit is between two and five minutes long.
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20-Minute Scripts for Middle School Drama Teachers
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No matter how many plays you have written or how long you’ve been writing, we can always get better at our craft. One way to do that is to read and study great books about playwriting from the experts. We recently had a great discussion on the Scriptmore Facebook group [link to join] about the best books for playwrights. Our community members offered so many good recommendations that we decided to collect them all in one place and share them on the blog. Check out the books below to find one that’s new to you—and feel free to contact us with more recommendations if you have a favorite!