Theatrefolk Featured Play: The Dread Pirate Sadie by Steven Stack

Welcome to our Featured Play Spotlight. Today we’re excited to share a swashbuckling comedic adventure with you – The Dread Pirate Sadie by Steven Stack.

Sadie wishes to leave her life on the high seas to pursue her true passion: theatre. But there’s a problem. She’s not just Sadie; she’s The Dread Pirate Sadie, the most feared pirate in all the land. And there’s another problem. She’s a horrible pirate.

Not only that, Sadie’s lost her boyfriend, her last play was attended by approximately no one, and Blacklegs, the world’s second-most-feared pirate, is after her.

Will Sadie ever open that little theatre in the woods? Or will she find herself at the wrong end of Blacklegs’ sword?

Yes, girls can be pirates too. Your cast will love this comedic swashbuckling adventure.

Why did we publish this play?
The title tells you everything you need to know: there are pirates and pirates who write plays. Who hasn’t heard of the deadliest pirate on the high seas, Sadie who is quick with a blade be it sword or ball point pen? Well, you probably haven’t heard of her because she’s a horrible pirate.

The best thing about this play is that the majority of the pirates are girls and there’s nothing made of it. Black Legs is a good pirate, not just for a girl, she’s a good pirate. Period. The characters are pirates who just happen to be girls and that means this play has so many juicy fun roles that girls never get to play. Yes, girls can be pirates!

Let’s hear from the author!

1. Why did you write this play?
At first I wrote a 10 minute version for a show at the end of the year that needed a pirate scene but then I really loved the characters and wanted to further flesh out their journey. Plus, it really turned into a play about female empowerment that just happened to feature pirates.

2. Describe the theme in one or two sentences.
This play is all about being true to the person you really are no matter what and that anyone can be a pirate.

3 What’s the most important visual for you in this play?
Sadie excitedly handing out scripts of the play she wrote and each of the crew’s individual response. It serves to show Sadie’s true self and her crew’s feeling about her.

4. If you could give one piece of advice for those producing the play, what would it be?
Push to make all the characters as authentic, big, and as piratey as possible. And don’t forget to find what each of the characters truly crave the most.

5. Why is this play great for student performers?
Pirates, sword fights, empowerment, and straight-up ridiculousness. Plus, who doesn’t like to have a legit reason to talk like a pirate?