One-Act Comedies
From large cast original play scripts to adaptations of classic works, Stage Partners has an exciting collection of one-act comedies by some of the funniest playwrights working today. These plays are perfect for high schools, middle schools, and theatres.
Browse our selection below and READ EVERY PLAY SCRIPT FOR FREE!
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Places in Five
Length: 30-35 minutesCast Size: 10-30 actors (suggested casting: 4F, 5M, 5 any)Genre: ComedySynopsis:
The one where an actress stumbles into the role of a lifetime...if only she can figure out what play she's doing. Meta-theatricality knows no bounds in this wacky comedy. (If you like The Actor's Nightmare by Christopher Durang, consider Places in Five.) -
Dress Rehearsal Disaster
Length: 40-45 minutesCast Size: 16 actors (any gender)Genre: ComedySynopsis:
It’s the final dress rehearsal for The Olive Tree, an inaccessible 1800s Russian play. When overachieving student Derek learns that their director Mr. Norbert is sick (with fake-it-itis), he decides to lead the final rehearsal himself. But as Derek’s attempts to wrangle his fellow cast of misfits only leads to unmitigated chaos, he begins to wonder if the show really must go on. -
The Bargain
Length: 10 minutesCast Size: 3 actors (suggested casting: 1F, 1M, 1 any)Genre: ComedySynopsis:
When you sell your soul, Dan is the demon who comes to collect. But things aren't as simple as that - especially if evil coworkers object to working overtime, people don't respect a cool trench coat, and worst of all, the doomed mortal has a cat. This play is part of the short play collection Ten(ish): Comedies. -
A Talkback
Length: 10 minutesCast Size: 6 actors (6 any)Genre: ComedySynopsis:
Once in a while, after the actors have taken their final bows, the audience of a play is given the opportunity to interact with an actual, living playwright. But talkbacks don't always go as planned, and sometimes a writer can face difficult questions, and hungry theatregoers that demand more than the playwright is willing to give. A Talkback is a comedy about the absurdity of facing your aud... -
All I Really Need to Know I Learned From Being in a Bad Christmas Play
Length: 30-35 minutesCast Size: 10-25 actors (suggested casting: 2F, 1M, 12 any)Genre: ComedySynopsis:
A lovable yet inept drama crew -- with a director wired on Frankenstein energy drinks -- attempts to tackle a traditional Christmas show but with more energy. A mash-up of A Christmas Carol and Death of a Salesman with cheerleaders might just work. The put-upon stage manager is trying to get into the spirit of the season by not yelling at the lazy actors, the Narrator is forced to dress as Santa C... -
Superhero Issues
Length: 30-35 minutesCast Size: 8-28 actors (suggested casting: 4F, 4M, 8 any)Genre: ComedySynopsis:
The one where it's hard to be a superhero, whether dating a school of eels or applying for a job at a fast food restaurant or letting your therapist alter your memories. Robots from outer space and dastardly plots collide with superfans and a girl who is terrific. What else do you need in a play? -
The Job Interview
Length: 10 minutesCast Size: 3 actors (suggested casting: 2F, 1M)Genre: ComedySynopsis:
Interviewing for a new job is never easy. It's especially awful when you're called in to interview alongside your competition. It's even more anxiety-inducing when the job you are interviewing for has been known to demolish the spirits of those who have worked there - at a certain establishment that specializes in the construction of stuffed animals. This play is part of the short play collection... -
It's Vaudeville!
Length: 30-35 minutesCast Size: 6-17 actors (suggested casting: 2F, 2M, 13 any)Genre: ComedySynopsis:
In this revue-style show in the spirit of American Vaudeville, the laughs keep rolling. Everyone gets a turn in the spotlight when the host Kurt loses his scene partner Rose mid-show. Kurt talks to comics, clowns, doctors, coppers, gangsters, and jokesters of all kinds while looking for Rose. A bawdy, fun play for groups big and small, It’s Vaudeville! brings back the silly wordplay and charm of... -
Captain Theatre Nerd and The Magnificent Techies
Length: 30-35 minutesCast Size: 15-40 actors (suggested casting: 10F, 10M)Genre: ComedySynopsis:
Let Captain Theatre Nerd take you on a whirlwind tour of the history of theater from ridiculous melodramas to sweeping musicals. Everything on stage happens just as it's supposed to, except when it goes horribly and hilariously wrong. Actors on strike, indecisive directors, wrong cues and costumes... But the show must go on! Right? Leave it to the techies to save the day. -
The Zoo Farce
Length: 30-35 minutesCast Size: 13-21 actors (suggested casting: 9F, 4M)Genre: ComedySynopsis:
It is the best of times, it is the worst of times for the “biggest little zoo in New Jersey.” The good news is that it’s Public Appreciation Day, lots of entertainments are planned, and the zoo expects to receive its official accreditation. The bad news is the animals are escaping their cages and the rhinos, cheetahs, and penguins are chasing the acrobats, clowns, and food vendors. It's up t...