Thirty Short Comedy Plays for Teens: Plays for a Variety of Cast Sizes
not part of a series
on Goodreads (16)
What’s inside...
Real life teen dilemmas written as comedy. These thirty short plays give teenage performers a chance to portray the drama of their everyday lives. They may act crazy, push boundaries and discover themselves as the plays permit them to show off their talents. The actors can create outrageous characters in the context of situations they know so well. Sample titles include: 'The Kissing Booth', 'Four Boyfriends', 'Last Free Summer' and 'The Babysitter'. Inexperienced actors will come alive as performers because the playlets offer natural dialog and believable situations. The plays are for two to six actors. Excellent for contest use.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-17
Length
172 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which play did you find the most humorous, and what element of it made you laugh?
How do the characters in these plays handle misunderstandings or conflicts? What can we learn from them?
Did any of the characters remind you of someone you know? Who and why?
If you could write your own short comedy play, what would it be about and who would be the characters?
What have these plays taught you about teamwork and communication in a fun setting?
Tip: Role play these questions
Emphasize the importance of humor in storytelling and daily life, encouraging your child to explore comedy in a safe and understanding environment.
Discuss the moral and messages behind each play to deepen your child’s comprehension and takeaways from reading.
Encourage your child to express which aspects of the play they found relatable, and share your own observations to foster a mutual exchange of perspectives.
Use examples from the plays to discuss real-life applications of conflict resolution and teamwork.
Propose a creative family activity where each member comes up with a funny scenario and everyone acts it out. This not only brings the book's themes to life but also strengthens familial bonds.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The varying cast sizes in each play encourage teens to work together, fostering cooperation and understanding among diverse group members.
Real-World Application: Teens can apply these skills in group projects or team sports, learning to value each member's contribution and to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Creative Expression
Explanation: Each play provides a platform for teens to express themselves creatively, enhancing their ability to communicate thoughts and emotions.
Real-World Application: This skill can be translated into effective communication in personal relationships and in presenting ideas in school or community settings.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters in these plays often face challenges that require innovative and strategic thinking to resolve.
Real-World Application: Teens can use these problem-solving skills to tackle academic challenges or resolve conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Perspective-taking
Explanation: By stepping into different roles, teens learn to understand and empathize with various perspectives and life experiences.
Real-World Application: This can help in developing more meaningful social relationships and in appreciating diversity in their communities.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Reliability
Explanation: Being a part of a play requires teens to be accountable for their roles, promoting reliability and a strong work ethic.
Real-World Application: These traits are valuable in educational pursuits and future career paths, teaching the importance of meeting commitments and responsibilities.