Theatrefolk - The Drama Teacher Resource Company

Adaptations of Classical Work

These plays range from cuttings of the original text to parodies and creative interpretations. Classic authors include Lewis Carroll, Chaucer, and of course Shakespeare!

Pandora's Fire

by Judith White

Pandora's curiosity gets the better of her in this theatrical retelling of the Greek myth.

  • About 30 minutes
  • 3 M + 4 F + 3 Any Gender, Plus chorus
  • Simple set
  • Recommended for High Schools & Middle Schools
  • 24 pages

The Pauper Princess

by Holly Beardsley inspired by Mark Twain

A retelling of Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper.

  • About 75 minutes
  • 10 M + 28 F + 34 Any Gender
  • Simple set
  • Recommended for High Schools & Middle Schools
  • 71 pages

The Pied Piper of Hamelin

adapted by Mrs. Evelyn Merritt from Robert Browning

There are consequences for the people of Hamelin when they refuse to pay the Piper. A theatricalization of the Robert Browning poem.

  • About 20 minutes
  • 6 M + 4 F + 13 Any Gender, Rats
  • Simple Set
  • Recommended for Middle Schools
  • 23 pages

Romeo and Juliet (Modern English)

adapted by Craig Mason from Shakespeare

A modern English one act version of Shakespeare's tragic tale of star-crossed lovers.

  • About 40 minutes
  • 7 M + 2 F + 3 Any Gender, Easily Expandable
  • Interior and Exterior
  • Recommended for High Schools & Middle Schools
  • 28 pages

Romeo and Juliet (One Hour)

cutting and notes by Lindsay Price from the original by Shakespeare

A one act annotated version of Shakespeare's tragic tale of star-crossed lovers.

  • About 60 minutes
  • 18 M + 4 F, Doubling Possible
  • Interior and Exterior
  • Recommended for High Schools & Middle Schools
  • 39 pages

The Shadow Stories - A Cursed Play

by Matthew Webster

Five very old, very dangerous stories from around the world...

  • About 40 minutes
  • 8 M + 8 F + 15 Any Gender
  • Simple set
  • Recommended for High Schools & Middle Schools
  • 45 pages

Shuddersome: Tales of Poe

adapted by Lindsay Price from Edgar Allan Poe

A vivid and theatrical adaptation of some of Poe's best known works. Multi length versions to fit every performance need.

  • About 45 minutes
  • 4 M + 5 F + 25 Any Gender, Doubling Possible
  • Simple Set
  • Recommended for High Schools & Middle Schools
  • 51 pages

The Snow Queen

adapted by Mrs. Evelyn Merritt from Hans Christian Andersen

A theatrical adaptation of The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen.

  • About 35 minutes
  • 8 M + 20 F + 31 Any Gender, Doubling Possible
  • Simple set
  • Recommended for High Schools & Middle Schools

The Taming of the Shrew

cutting and notes by Lindsay Price from the original by Shakespeare

A one act annotated version of Shakespeare's controversial tale about the relationships between men and women.

  • About 60 minutes
  • 5 M + 3 F + 9 Any Gender
  • Interior and Exterior
  • Recommended for High Schools & Middle Schools
  • 38 pages

The Tempest

adapted by Craig Mason from Shakespeare

A modern version of this Shakespeare classic. A great introduction to the story and the bard.

  • About 40 minutes
  • 7 M + 2 F
  • Exterior
  • Recommended for High Schools & Middle Schools
  • 27 pages

Through the Looking-Glass

adapted by Lindsay Price from Lewis Carroll

Alice is back in Wonderland and looking to become Queen. This adaptation is a fantastical physical journey for both actor and audience.

  • About 35 minutes
  • 3 M + 3 F + 7 Any Gender, + Wonderland Ensemble
  • Simple Set
  • Recommended for High Schools & Middle Schools
  • 38 pages

The Tragicomedy of Julia Caesar

by Dave Hammers

Sarah and Dave think it would be fun to direct a play for drama club. And they both love Julius Caesar. What could go wrong?

  • About 82 minutes
  • 5 M + 4 F + 22 Any Gender
  • Simple set
  • Recommended for High Schools & Middle Schools
  • 85 pages

Treasure Island

adapted by Todd Espeland from Robert Louis Stevenson

Pirates sponging for rum, treasure maps filled with pieces of eight!

  • About 70 minutes
  • 12 M + 8 F, Plus patrons & pirates, gender flexible
  • Simple set
  • Recommended for High Schools & Middle Schools
  • 50 pages

Treasure Island (One Act Version)

adapted by Todd Espeland from Robert Louis Stevenson

A one act cutting of Treasure Island

  • About 35 minutes
  • 12 M + 8 F, Plus patrons & pirates, gender flexible
  • Simple set
  • Recommended for High Schools & Middle Schools
  • 39 pages

Twelfth Night, or What You Will

cutting and notes by John Minigan from the original by Shakespeare

A one act annotated version of Shakespeare's comedy filled with unrequited love, disguises, and a shipwreck.

  • About 45 minutes
  • 6 M + 3 F + 6 Any Gender, Doubling Possible
  • Simple Set
  • Recommended for High Schools & Middle Schools
  • 33 pages

Will and Whimsy: Sixteen Dramatically Illustrated Sonnets of Shakespeare

by Alan Haehnel

Shakespeare's Sonnets come alive in this play where modern scenes play hand in hand with the original text. Very flexible casting.

  • About 50 minutes
  • 8 Any Gender, Expandable to 35
  • Simple Set
  • Recommended for High Schools & Middle Schools
  • 43 pages

The Wind in the Willows

adapted by Todd Espeland from Kenneth Grahame

A lively and theatrical adaptation of a wonderful classic.

  • About 70 minutes
  • 3 F + 16 Any Gender
  • Simple set
  • Recommended for High Schools & Middle Schools
  • 61 pages

Winnie-the-Pooh

adapted by Lindsay Price from Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne

Join Pooh Bear, Piglet, and all their friends in the Hundred Acre wood.

  • About 90 minutes
  • 1 M + 1 F + 8 Any Gender, Additional Narrators
  • Simple set
  • Recommended for High Schools & Middle Schools
  • 85 pages

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

adapted by Laramie Dean from L. Frank Baum

There is no place like home.

  • About 95 minutes
  • 5 M + 8 F + 5 Any Gender, Easily Expandable
  • Simple set
  • Recommended for High Schools & Middle Schools
  • 85 pages

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