One-Act Plays
Stage Partners is home to some of the best one-act play scripts for high schools, middle schools, and theatres. From large cast comedies to intimate dramas for competition, Stage Partners' exciting collection of short plays features some of the most popular playwrights in the world.
Browse our selection below and READ EVERY PLAY SCRIPT FOR FREE!
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Wild Strawberries
Length: 35-40 minutesCast Size: 11-20 actors (suggested casting: 8F, 3M, 4 any)Genre: ComedySynopsis:
“My brother has been shot dead!” And so begins our tale of lies, love, and lunch. It’s a bright morning on the di Nikoli estates and the loyal maid Truffledina just wants to eat breakfast. But her mistress, Nikolette di Nikoli, wants to disguise herself as her supposedly dead brother and go into the city to take care of his will and her inheritance. Nikolette and Truffledina head off to the... -
Will You Be My Nemesis?
Length: 35-40 minutesCast Size: 5-30 actors (suggested casting: 10 any)Genre: ComedySynopsis:
It's hard to find your perfect match, someone you really connect with; someone who will dedicate their life to destroying you at all costs. Yes, sometimes it feels like you'll NEVER meet your nemesis. But Captain Battle and Dr. Nightmare are willing to try out every hero and villain in town to find the enemy of their dreams. Of course, you're going to meet a few weirdos along the way... An ultra-f... -
Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion
Length: 30-45 minutesCast Size: 14-24 actors (suggested casting: 5F, 7M, 5 any)Genre: ComedySynopsis:
Sure, you think you've seen this type of murder mystery before. A cast of eccentric characters meet at a mansion, only to become suspects of a murder that a singular genius detective will eventually solve. But what happens when all the suspects are the detectives? Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew, Miss Marple, and Batman are just a few of the guests. Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion is a... -
#VIRAL
Length: 30-35 minutesCast Size: 7-30 actors (suggested casting: 7 F, 4+ chorus, any gender)Genre: DramaSynopsis:
In this ensemble-driven drama featuring an all-female cast, five high school girls recount a cruel locker room bullying incident that is initially cloaked in secrecy, but ultimately goes viral online. What happens next forces the students to question their respective roles in the events that unfolded in that fateful day. A virtual version is also available upon request. -
Soundscapes (one-act version)
Length: 35-45 minutesCast Size: 9-30+ actors (suggested casting: 5F, 2M, 9 any)Genre: DramaSynopsis:
Iris has synesthesia. She has no idea. At first, she simply thinks that everyone sees colors and shapes when music plays, but by the time she's a teenager, it's clear that others don't understand. Struggling to downplay the way she experiences the world, and worrying what it might mean to be different, the young artist is at war with herself until she meets a new friend - and he sees the colors to... -
A Night Under the Stars (one-act)
Length: 40-45 minutesCast Size: 8-17 actors (suggested casting: 17 any)Genre: Dramedy, ComedySynopsis:
The great outdoors…for some this is a place of peace and tranquility and for others it’s…well…a little messy. A Night Under the Stars is a story about people—people looking to get away from it all, people looking to connect…with nature, with one another, and with the undeniable human spirit that overcomes obstacles, no matter what is thrown our way. And whether it’s attempting to mak... -
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. -
Back Cover
Length: 40-45 minutesCast Size: 10 actors (7F, 3M)Genre: DramaSynopsis:
The unexpected divorce of Madison’s parents relocated her to New York City—a place that she has vowed to loathe. Through incredible coincidence, Madison finds a shoebox full of letters belonging to a young woman named Jessica. A connection is formed that will forever change the course of Madison’s life. Narrated by Madison’s older self, Back Cover is a story of loss, courage, humanity, and... -
#Censored
Length: 30-35 minutesCast Size: 7-30 actors (suggested casting: 12 any)Genre: DramaSynopsis:
In this ensemble-driven drama, a school art fair becomes embroiled in controversy when a student unveils a divisive painting. Students, parents, and teachers must ask themselves tough questions about freedom of speech, appropriateness, what art is supposed to do and "what is the cost of censorship?" -
Tara, Shaped by the Figures
Length: 40-45 minutesCast Size: 11 actors (suggested casting: 6F, 3M, 2 any)Genre: Dramedy, DramaSynopsis:
After Tara's best friend Clara dies from a heart condition, she is afraid to get close to the group trying to befriend her at her new school. The figures from history and fiction who Tara loves (including Anne Frank, Annie Oakley, Churchill, Sherlock Holmes, and Captain America) are joined by Clara in guiding Tara through her grief, until she tells her new friends about her loss.