Play Suggestions: To Write or Not To Write?

Print Page | Close Window

To Write or Not To Write?

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Play Suggestions
Forum Discription: Need help finding a show that's right for your theater? Ask here.
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5338
Printed Date: 11/22/24 at 3:35pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: To Write or Not To Write?

Posted By: eCelia13
Subject: To Write or Not To Write?
Date Posted: 7/15/12 at 4:52pm

I'm deciding whether I should write the next show for my youth theater (I have a truckload of ideas), or use another show.
I've written some fiction before but don't have much experience in playwriting. I like this idea because of flexibility.
If you think I should use a licensed show, I'm open to suggestions. I need a family-friendly play or musical with a cast of about 10-20 parts, mostly female, but could be as small or large as 6 or 25. I'd like to have a show with mostly main and supporting roles, not a lot of small parts, that has numerous parts that can be played by children. Running time anywhere from 45 minutes to 90. We have a small stage, so probably something without a lot of set changes.

Thanks for your input!
eCelia

-------------
"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm Possible!'" - Audrey Hepburn

Replies:

Posted By: Ogreking4
Date Posted: 7/16/12 at 11:42am

HI!

I say if you can write one, do it! But, have a back-up plan in case you hit trouble. Depending on your budget and technical abilities, you could do anything from "Peter Pan" to a simple one-act. Are you looking for a musical? Straight play? Comedy?

There are also many children's plays based on fairy tales... Some of those may be of interest to you.

Good luck!

Posted By: jonplaywright
Date Posted: 7/16/12 at 6:23pm

While I'm all for writing one's own material--after all, I'm a playwright--I do think that if you've never written a play before, I'd give yourself some time to get up to speed and create material that's truly production worthy. Once you've had time to write a script, rewrite it, and workshop it, then it's time to get it on its feet. But racing to get something into production when you're brand new isn't something I would advise.

I'm not sure what age you mean when you say children, but at YouthPLAYS ( http://www.youthplays.com - www.youthplays.com ) we have a number of plays that might suit your needs, depending on the age of your actors. Pieces like Callan Stout's adaptation of The Jungle Book or D.W. Gregory's Miracle in Mudville might be good fits, but it would be easier to provide more specific recommendations with more info about the age range.

Best,
Jon

-------------
Co-Chair, Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights
Resident Playwright, Final Draft

YouthPLAYS, plays for young actors and audiences
http://www.youthplays.com - www.youthplays.com

Posted By: Majicwrench
Date Posted: 7/18/12 at 11:15am

I'll second the above. I write my own shows for the youth I deal with, but have a fair amount of stage experience and have written a bunch. And I HATE writting in a hurry, for a deadline. Nothing makes my mind bind like knowing I have to have this script ready in a week.......

There are so many wonderful shows out there ready to go!

By all means however, write something, have fun with it, I'm just not sure if you should plan on it for your next show..

Keith