One-Act Dramas
From intimate dramas for competition to large cast historical plays, Stage Partners has an award-winning collection of exciting dramatic play scripts for high schools, middle schools, and theatres from some of the most popular playwrights working today.
Browse our selection below and READ EVERY PLAY SCRIPT FOR FREE!
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Silenced on Barbour Street
Length: 40-50 minutesCast Size: 21-35 actors (suggested casting: 15F, 7M, 5 any)Genre: DramaSynopsis:
On July 6, 1944, a fire roared across the top of the 48-foot high tent during the matinee performance of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, claiming the lives of 144 spectators. In this ensemble driven drama, 15 victims of this tragedy must face their guilt and deepest fears in order to escape from a sadistic ringmaster who has trapped them in a mysterious circus purgatory. Part h... -
Brian the Comet
Length: 30-35 minutesCast Size: 8-20+ actors (suggested casting: 2F, 2M, 4+ expandable ensemble, any gender)Genre: DramaSynopsis:
Jude's mom is an astronaut, 254 miles away on the International Space Station, so when her father is diagnosed with lung cancer, Jude is the only one who can take care of him. In the hospital, she meets a boy named Brian who suffers from aneurysms and together, they learn about what they fear, what they know, what they believe, and what they hope for. -
Dracula (one-act)
Length: 30-35 minutesCast Size: 11 actors (suggested casting 7F, 3M, 1 any)Genre: DramaSynopsis:
A swift one-act adaptation of Bram Stoker's classic horror novel that is easily staged for the most-effective frights. Eva Van Helsing, the vampire hunter, has decided to confront and kill Dracula before he bites again. Lucy is already wandering the asylum as an undead, and it isn’t long before more victims fall prey. Mina is willing to be human bait to lure Dracula out of hiding, but will Van H... -
Little Women (one-act)
Length: 35-40 minutesCast Size: 9-10 actors (suggested casting: 6F, 4M)Genre: DramaSynopsis:
Jon Jory brings his theatrical magic to this spirited one-act adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic coming-of-age drama. The American Civil War is underway, and four sisters -- Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy -- must hold the family together as Christmas draws near. A timeless and sentimental testament to the endurance of family, the power of love, and what it means to stay true to oneself. Perfect for... -
Wild Waves Whist
Length: 35-40 minutesCast Size: 10 actors (8F, 2M)Genre: DramaSynopsis:
A young teacher hoping to be hired as a coach at a private boys' school is instead assigned as literature and theatre teacher at its sister school - a private school for girls. There he is charged with the task of directing Shakespeare's The Tempest with his motley crew of adolescent female scholars, a play that effectuates an inner storm for all involved with the production. Wild Waves Whist is a... -
Shakespeare, Clearly: Romeo and Juliet (one-act)
Length: 30-35 minutesCast Size: 8-30 actors (suggested casting: 4F, 4M, 10 any)Genre: DramaSynopsis:
In Shakespeare's most well-known tragedy, two young star-crossed lovers’ deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families. This straightforward adaptation mixing contemporary and classical language emphasizes story and character rather than the poetry. Master director and acclaimed playwright Jon Jory has reimagined the classic tale to serve as an early introduction for younger audiences and a... -
You've Reached Justin
Length: 10 minutesCast Size: 2 actors (2M)Genre: DramaSynopsis:
Daniel only planned for a night out of clubbing with his best friend and crush, Justin. But before they can meet, monsters fall from the sky and begin attacking the city. When Justin won't answer his phone, Daniel starts out through the carnage and chaos to rescue him, leaving voicemails along the way. Part sci-fi/horror, part romance, You've Reached Justin will keep your heart pounding... -
The Search for Delicious (one-act version)
Length: 45-55 minutesCast Size: 10-22 actors (suggested casting: 3F, 5M, 8 any)Genre: DramaSynopsis:
In this magical adaptation of Natalie Babbitt’s classic tale, a troupe of actors recreate a mythical medieval kingdom in the midst of a fierce disagreement over the most “delicious” food. To avoid a civil war, the kingdom sends 12-year-old Gaylen (and his loyal horse, Marrow) on a journey to settle the definition once and for all. On their quest, Gaylen and Marrow must face the evil Hemlock... -
Edgar: A Ghost Story
Length: 35-40 minutesCast Size: 6-20 actors (suggested casting: 4F, 2M,)Genre: DramaSynopsis:
A first-year high school drama teacher arrives at school to find her auditorium haunted. Against this backdrop, a terminally ill girl falls in love for the first time with a troubled boy as she works against time to stage a tender, autobiographical play. A love-letter to high school theater, Edgar explores the realms of the living, dead, and dying with humor and grace. The play features virtually...