Have you been looking for acting scripts for kids? Searching for the right dramatic material to engage your youngster?
The acting bug can get to all sorts of kids. Many are surprised to learn that there are many actors of all ages that are actually quite shy. While they may truly enjoy the idea of acting itself, they may not feel “ready for prime time” any time soon…or ever!
That’s okay! Acting is an enriching activity, and those that pursue it don’t need to have the end goal of performing on stage or screen. How do you make acting fun for kids though, when they are either more shy- OR if they may not have local performing opportunities available to them?
As a drama teacher for several years, I have counted on dramanotebook.com many times to find great acting scripts for kids. The young actors I work with just love these clever, well-written scripts! All of the suggested acting scripts can be purchased on this site, which is an absolutely outstanding resource for original at home and classroom drama. Even better, many of these scripts work on Zoom, too! While this site has an endless supply of acting scripts for kids, I have chosen to focus on the funny ones only!
Bubble Wrap Princess, by Debra A. Cole :
This script is perfect for at home readings, because it has six characters and runs for a total of ten minutes. This not-so-traditional fairy tale is a clever story about a princess and her VERY overbearing parents! Like all the funny scripts I am suggesting, each actor in your house can read multiple parts, which is a great way to really challenge an actor.
The Ever Changing Story, by Terence Patrick Hughes:
This five page, five minute funny tale has ten roles. Young actors will laugh and learn as they act out a unique story about America’s West!
A History of Messy Rooms, by Wade Bradford:
If you want historical AND hysterical, this funny acting script for kids is a must! Have a blast reading through the bed-making skills (or lack thereof!) of 12 characters throughout history. This is yet another ideal choice for kids, because it’s only 11 pages long and takes ten minutes to act out.
The Pirate Treasure, by Andy Pavey:
This comedy is also ideal, as it consists of a cast of only 8 characters. This silly tale is ideal for younger actors (elementary school). What young actor doesn’t want to play a pirate? Another reason why this script works is its short length of 10-15 read through time.
Little Red Riding Brat, by Jack Helbig:
This funny play is best for middle schoolers. This six person script is a hilarious take on the classic tale that you’ve never seen before! You and your actors will have a blast using character voices for this one, which is always a great skill to practice. This script is 15 minutes of laughs. Just a warning that there is a little bit of “language” in this particular comedy- thus why I suggest its use for middle schoolers/teens.
The King’s Rice Pudding, by Debra A. Cole:
And now for something entirely original your young actors will just love! This is a slapstick comedy, so when your actors are reading through it encourage them to really get into it with their entire voices, faces, and bodies and get 100% goofy! Another reason why this show for kids is great is that it includes a cast of only 6, and runs for 10 minutes.
Elf Locker Room, by Karen Massey:
Why is this one one of my top picks? Many reasons! First, it’s holiday themed, and who doesn’t feel more inclined to get more joyful and artsy that time of the year? Second, there are only THREE characters…so if you have a small crew at home, this works beautifully! This is even better if you have some younger and older kids, as both kids and teens are right for this funny acting script. It’s also only five minutes, if you want to have your actors memorize this for any reason!
Aunt Lottie’s Leftover Cake, by Donald A. Reasoner, Jr.:
This is a radio play commercial (and very funny one), so giving it your all with your voice acting is a must with this one! This includes 9 roles, and like all the other plays, it is flexible casting so you can read several roles if need be. This would be an excellent introduction to comedy for a young actor, as it’s only 3 pages long.
I understand how hard it is to find acting scripts for kids that are not only age appropriate, but truly clever and funny. I truly believe that your young actors will be able to find at least one funny script listed above that they will enjoy reading through at home. Ideally, they will love all the options and have a hard time deciding which one to try first.
I hope that you and your budding young actor/comedians have fun, as that is what should be emphasized above everything else when pursuing acting at a young age.
Have fun!
Molly McLinden