Theatrefolk Featured Play – Same Room, Different Story by Claire Broome

Welcome to our Featured Play Spotlight.  Same Room, Different Story by Claire Broome is truly the ideal high school play. Available in full-length and one-act versions, it’s perfect for a class project or drama club to take on and make it their own.

A teenager’s bedroom is important. It’s a place to hide, to consider choices, to reveal. And sometimes, it’s a place to practice the periodic table. Stories can be found under the bed, in a suitcase, in a box that may or may not hold body parts…

This vignette play explores relationships and situations that speak to today’s teens in a variety of genres with flexible gender roles.

Why did we publish this play?
Well-written, three-dimensional teen characters in an easy to stage piece are the plays that we love here at Theatrefolk. We want great characters in plays that anyone can produce. Add to that, this play is a roller coaster. It’s funny, (the last scene makes the periodic table HILARIOUS), heart breaking, empowering, and more. So much more! (There may be a body part in a box. Or not. You’ll have to read it to find out.)

Let’s hear from the author!

1. Why did you write this play?
I wanted to create a play with options. As a Drama Teacher, I know how hard it can be to please a class, or Drama Club with a play that fits the wants and needs of all performers. By using the location as the part that ties the play together, performers have an opportunity to explore a variety of characters and genres.

2. Describe the theme in one or two sentences.
Same Room, Different Story explores teenage experiences and relationships.

3. What’s the most important visual for you in this play?
The setting. The bedroom needs to have enough set pieces for each play, and neutral enough that it could belong to anyone.

4. If you could give one piece of advice for those producing the play, what would it be?
Allow student performers, directors and technicians take the lead. Let them design the bedroom to work for all of the scenes. Consider allowing students to direct each scene. Let students create the set, props, lighting and sound. This is a great play to develop student leadership!

5. Why is this play great for student performers?
It provides students with a variety of characters and genres to play. If doubling characters, students will have an opportunity to grow as actors.