Selecting a school play is a challenge. The right production should captivate both the actors and the audience, leaving lasting memories for everyone involved. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which play will best suit your school and students. If you’re looking for a production that showcases talent, fosters confidence and creates opportunities to work collectively, here are seven question to ask yourself:

WILL THIS RESONATE WITH MY SCHOOL COMMUNITY?

Before diving into play selection, take time to understand your school community. Consider the demographics, interests and cultural backgrounds of your students. A play that relates to the community, with a hook that will appeal to your young actors, will create a stronger connection with the audience as well as inspiring the actors from the first read-through to the opening night.

DOES THIS MEET OUR LEARNING OBJECTIVES?

Determine what you wish to achieve through the school play. Is it to develop public speaking skills, promote teamwork, prepare for a drama exam or explore social issues? Understanding the educational goals will help you narrow down the options and select a play that aligns with your objectives. Salamander Street provides teaching resources on plays to support teachers as they embark on their production including lessons learned from previous productions, DVDs for reference and study guides. There are opportunities to meet the playwright online to inspire your actors and provide intriguing background.

IS THE PLAY AGE APPROPRIATE?

Take into account the age and maturity level of your students. Choose a play that suits their abilities and challenges your actors appropriately. For younger students, lighthearted comedies or fairy tale adaptations may be more suitable, while older students may benefit from more complex narratives and characters. Salamander Street has plays with large casts, so that everyone gets a chance to perform. Consider the talent pool available and their skill level if you’re selecting a more challenging drama to ensure a successful production.

DO WE HAVE WHAT WE NEED TO STAGE THIS PLAY?

Assess the practical aspects of producing the play. Consider the size of your stage, available resources and technical capabilities. Does the play require elaborate sets, costumes or technical effects? Can you double-up to cover the cast with a smaller number of actors? Do you have the musicians available to help as needed when tackling a musical?

WHAT ARE THE PLAY’S THEMES AND ARE THEY RELEVANT?

Examine the themes and the relevance of the play to your school and community. Select a production that resonates with current events, promotes inclusivity or addresses issues important to your students. A play that reflects their experiences will not only engage performers but also create a connection with the audience.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM PAST PERFORMANCES?

Involve students and staff members in the decision-making process. A collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership amongst the participants, increasing their investment in the production’s success. Reflect on the past productions at your school. Consider what worked well and what didn’t. Are you keen to take a risk on something new and highly original? Or are you looking for a well-established school-play classic? Some of Salamander Street’s plays have been performed over 6,000 in schools, others are hot off the press.

CAN WE AFFORD TO PUT ON THIS PLAY?

Once you have narrowed down your options, research the licensing and copyright requirements for each play. Many publishers offer discounts for plays bought in bulk (Salamander Street does) as well as special offers which include teaching resources. Contact the publisher directly to get their advice.

Salamander Street is committed to providing young actors with inspiring drama texts to generate a life-long love of theatre along with a sense of achievement. Some of our plays are part of the UK’s GCSE set text for drama and we provide monologues and duologues for young actors preparing for auditions, festivals, competitions and exams. Get in touch if you have any questions. With experienced drama teachers available to offer advice, we can help you produce a school play that will become a cherished memory and a testament to the talent and dedication of your school.

Contact us at info@salamanderstreet.com