If you are working with young actors, you probably know by now that it’s not always the easiest task finding acting scripts for teens that are relevant. When I say “relevant”, it means age appropriate, of course. But perhaps just as importantly- material that gets your young performers excited! I have selected a few acting scripts, both classic and contemporary, that will always be solid choices for teen actors. In addition to being doable by younger actors, these shows are also guaranteed to fill seats!
The Matchmaker
This timeless comedy is simply out for fun. If your teen actors know the musical “Hello, Dolly!” , then they will “get” The Matchmaker. This 1954 play has a nice amount of roles for both males and females, including the larger than life Dolly Gallagher Levi (the matchmaker!) and the cranky object of her affections, Horace Vandergelder, who eventually succumbs to her charms after a convoluted plot to make him her own match while meddling in the lives of others! If you have budding character actors, this may be the acting script for you.
Arsenic and Old Lace
This classic farce by Joseph Kesselring has fourteen great roles for teen actors! This comedy is about the eccentric Brewster family of New York, including two murderous spinster aunts that poison lonely old men for their pensions ( crazily enough, this part plot was based on an actual woman!).
Always a hit with the theatergoers, it has been revived countless times on Broadway and has been performed all over the country and the world since its debut in 1941. Select this acting script if you have teens that are skilled at dark comedy!
The Glass Menagerie
This beloved drama by Tennesee Williams is a staple of high school English classrooms, and for good reason. This script is best suited for a small, but more advanced, group of teen actors: there are two male roles and two female roles. This play is seen through the eyes of Tom, recalling his shaky relationship with his mother, Amanda, who tries her best to make life for Tom and his sister Laura bearable amidst unfortunate circumstances. Since it’s debut in 1944, it has been revived, televised , and made into a movie. This is a marvelous challenge for the serious teen actor.
Our Town
Yes, another script by Thornton Wilder! This one may be an even better choice, especially if you have a larger group of actors. This three-act classic dramatic play is about the life of townspeople in fictional Grover’s Corners. It’s also narrated by a Stage Manager character. This 1938 Pulitzer Prize winning script is a gem! There is a very large number of speaking roles in this script, from large roles to supporting roles and minor roles, so that your actors can all have something that suits them. Also, should you choose to stage it- good news! This play is done with a minimal set, if you are on a tighter budget.
Lend Me a Tenor
This 1986 comedy by Ken Ludwig is the perfect acting script for teens that have it all: strong physical comedy confidence, and for some of the male characters- singing ability! This hilarious show involves a celebrated operatic tenor Tito Merelli. And the antics that follow when he is in town to perform at the Cleveland Grand Opera. There are eight plum roles for young actors in this script. There is a reason it’s been performed time and time again and won so many awards: it’s hilarious, clever, and no doubt your actors will have a blast!
Romeo and Juliet
It would not be a list of scripts for teens without at least one work by Shakespeare!
Although this drama premiered in the 1500s, it is still of the most well-known dramas in the world. This script about star-crossed lovers. The animosity between their respective families has been adapted into countless other movies, musicals, and more. So right away, your actors will have an easy time “getting” this particular drama. This script is either a new challenge for budding actors (Shakespearean acting is its own skill!) or can be seen as something to showcase the more advanced. Either way, it’s an excellent way to get teen actors acquainted with a TRUE “classic”, without a doubt the most historical play on this list!
Dive Into Theater With These Six Acting Scripts for Teens
So, there you have it! Six acting scripts for teens, both historical and contemporary, for use with young actors of all interests and levels. The fantastic thing about these scripts is that although they may be from various eras and show various moods, what they have in common is that students and audiences alike will always celebrate them! I wish you the best of luck in finding the acting script that suits YOUR teen actors the best. After all trying them out to see what works is half the fun!
Molly McLinden