50 Most Popular High School Plays: A Drama Teacher's Guide

Hey drama enthusiasts and theatre teachers! Are you on the hunt for the perfect play to bring to life on your high school stage? Look no further! This list dives into 50 of the most popular high school plays, offering a diverse range of genres, themes, and styles to ignite your students' passion for performance. We'll explore everything from timeless classics to contemporary hits, ensuring there's a play to suit every cast, budget, and audience. This guide is designed to help you navigate the vast world of high school theatre, providing insights into plot, characters, and suitability for young performers. Let's get this show on the road!

Why Choose Popular High School Plays?

Choosing the right play for your high school production can feel like a monumental task. You want something that captivates your audience, challenges your students, and fits within your school's resources. Selecting popular high school plays offers several advantages. Firstly, these plays often have readily available scripts, performance rights, and supporting materials, making the production process smoother. Secondly, their widespread popularity often means a wider audience appeal, ensuring greater ticket sales and community engagement. Furthermore, many of these plays are specifically written or adapted for high school performers, considering age-appropriate themes and character complexities. This means the content is generally suitable for the students and the audience. And finally, choosing a popular play provides a solid foundation for teaching acting, directing, and technical theatre skills, as these plays often offer rich opportunities for creative exploration.

Now, let's explore the list and the diverse play selection criteria. This list is a dynamic resource, and new productions appear all the time. Some plays have been popular for decades, and new shows are constantly being written for the stage. Here are some of the most popular plays:

1. "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder: A timeless classic offering a poignant exploration of life, love, and loss in a small American town. Its simplicity and focus on universal themes make it perfect for high school productions.
2. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare: Shakespeare's comedic masterpiece, full of fairies, lovers, and mistaken identities. It's a fantastic choice for schools with larger casts and a penchant for fantasy.
3. "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller: A powerful and relevant drama based on the Salem witch trials. It provides ample opportunities for students to explore complex themes of justice, paranoia, and social pressure. The story still resonates with young people today.
4. "You Can't Take It with You" by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart: A lighthearted and heartwarming comedy about an eccentric family and their unconventional lifestyle. It is a good choice for ensemble pieces.
5. "Almost, Maine" by John Cariani: A series of interconnected scenes exploring the themes of love and loss in a remote Maine town. Its episodic structure makes it adaptable for various cast sizes and skill levels.
6. "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde: A witty and satirical comedy of manners, full of clever dialogue and memorable characters. It is an ideal piece for students interested in classical theatre.
7. "Arsenic and Old Lace" by Joseph Kesselring: A dark comedy about a family of homicidal aunts and their unsuspecting nephew. A great way to add some drama to your performance.
8. "Peter and the Starcatcher" by Rick Elice: A prequel to Peter Pan, this inventive play uses minimal props and imaginative storytelling to transport audiences to a world of pirates, mermaids, and adventure.
9. "She Kills Monsters" by Qui Nguyen: A comedic and action-packed play blending fantasy, Dungeons & Dragons, and real-life teenage struggles. It's a great choice for schools with students interested in video games and pop culture.
10. "Clue" by Jonathan Lynn: Based on the classic board game, this comedy mystery keeps audiences guessing until the very end. Perfect for schools with a knack for suspense and humor.
11. "Little Shop of Horrors" by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken: A beloved musical about a man-eating plant. It offers catchy tunes, comedic performances, and opportunities for creative set design and puppetry.
12. "Grease" by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey: A high-energy musical set in the 1950s, filled with iconic songs and dance numbers. This show is very popular among high school students.
13. "Mamma Mia!" by Catherine Johnson: A jukebox musical featuring the music of ABBA. It's guaranteed to get audiences singing and dancing along.
14. "Hairspray" by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan: A vibrant musical set in 1960s Baltimore, celebrating themes of acceptance, diversity, and social justice.
15. "The Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum: A magical musical adaptation of the classic story, with familiar songs and memorable characters. It is great for younger actors.
16. "Into the Woods" by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim: A complex and thought-provoking musical that weaves together various fairy tales. It offers many different roles for students to play.
17. "Les Misérables (School Edition)" by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg: A powerful and emotionally charged musical adaptation of Victor Hugo's epic novel. It's a fantastic project for schools with a strong vocal and acting program.
18. "Beauty and the Beast" by Linda Woolverton, Tim Rice, and Alan Menken: A heartwarming musical adaptation of the classic Disney tale, with beautiful songs and costumes.
19. "The Addams Family" by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice: A musical based on the quirky and beloved Addams Family. It has a lot of interesting characters.
20. "Bye Bye Birdie" by Michael Stewart: A fun-loving musical set in the 1950s, centered around the arrival of a rock-and-roll star in a small town.

Delving Deeper into Popular Play Selections

Beyond these initial twenty popular plays, the realm of high school theatre offers an array of compelling options. These popular plays are carefully chosen to cater to the diverse needs of high school drama programs. Each play offers unique challenges and opportunities, allowing students to hone their acting, singing, and technical skills. The best plays create an environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and a deep appreciation for the performing arts. Many of these plays are designed to be accessible, offering streamlined scripts and flexible staging options suitable for various school environments. They also often include age-appropriate themes and character dynamics, ensuring that the material is engaging and relevant for teenage performers. Remember, the selection of a play should be a collaborative effort, involving input from students, teachers, and school administrators. This collaborative approach helps ensure the chosen play aligns with the school's mission, the interests of the students, and the technical capabilities of the theatre program.

The play selection process goes beyond plot and character. Consider the themes explored in the play. Does it address social issues, promote empathy, or encourage critical thinking? Also, technical considerations such as set design, costumes, and lighting. Do you have the resources and expertise to bring the play's visual elements to life? The right play is one that allows students to grow and shine. The goal is to provide a positive and enriching experience that inspires a lifelong love of theatre.

Here are more popular choices:

21. "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen: A classic novel about love and social class, adapted for the stage.
22. "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens: A heartwarming holiday classic, often adapted for school performances.
23. "The Curious Savage" by John Patrick: A heartwarming comedy about a woman who is institutionalized for her unconventional generosity.
24. "Fools" by Neil Simon: A comedic play about a schoolteacher who is tasked with educating a village of idiots.
25. "The Diary of Anne Frank" by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett: A powerful and moving play based on the diary of a young Jewish girl during World War II.
26. "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare: Shakespeare's timeless tragedy about star-crossed lovers. It never gets old!
27. "Twelfth Night" by William Shakespeare: Shakespeare's comedic play of mistaken identities, love triangles, and festive revelry.
28. "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare: A dark and intense tragedy about ambition and the corrupting power of power. Shakespeare, baby!
29. "The Phantom of the Opera" by Gaston Leroux: A gothic musical about a masked figure who haunts the Paris Opera House. Get ready for a spectacular production!
30. "Godspell" by John-Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz: A joyful and uplifting musical based on the Gospel of Matthew.

Genre Exploration: Plays for Every Taste

When exploring popular high school plays, it's essential to consider the diverse genres available. Choosing the right genre ensures that the play aligns with your students' interests, the school's resources, and the desired audience experience. The comedy genre provides laughter and entertainment. Popular comedies for high school include the lighthearted "You Can't Take It with You," the witty "The Importance of Being Earnest," and the farcical "Arsenic and Old Lace." These plays offer opportunities for comedic timing, physical humor, and character-driven performances. Drama selections provide intense emotional depth and exploring complex themes. Dramas like "The Crucible", "The Diary of Anne Frank," and "Romeo and Juliet" challenge students to delve into the depths of human experience, fostering empathy and critical thinking. Musical theatre combines singing, acting, and dance. Popular musicals such as "Grease," "Mamma Mia!," "Hairspray," and "Little Shop of Horrors" offer dynamic performances and opportunities for collaboration among students with various skill sets.

The genre selection is a crucial step in the play selection process. Consider your students' strengths and preferences. A program that shines at comedy would do well with a comedic play. The goal is to choose a play that resonates with the cast, inspires their creativity, and excites the audience.

Here are some plays across the genres:

31. "Noises Off" by Michael Frayn: A hilarious farce about a theatre company putting on a play.
32. "Steel Magnolias" by Robert Harling: A heartwarming drama about the bonds of friendship among a group of Southern women.
33. "Almost Maine" by John Cariani: Romantic Comedy, a series of short plays about love and loss.
34. "Cinderella" by Various: A classic fairy tale adapted for the stage.
35. "The Music Man" by Meredith Willson: A classic musical about a con man who falls in love.
36. "Newsies" by Harvey Fierstein: A Disney musical about newsboys in New York City.
37. "Chicago" by Bob Fosse, Fred Ebb, and Maurine Dallas Watkins: A musical about murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, and treachery.
38. "Footloose" by Dean Pitchford: A musical based on the movie of the same name.
39. "Crazy for You" by Ken Ludwig: A romantic comedy with music by George Gershwin.
40. "Annie" by Thomas Meehan: A musical about an orphan in New York City.

Considerations for Choosing a High School Play

As you begin selecting popular high school plays, you must assess several important factors. Before you start, check your school's budget and available resources. Some plays require elaborate sets, costumes, and props, while others can be staged with minimal production values. Then, think about the size and talent of your cast. Some plays require a large ensemble, while others are better suited for a smaller group of performers. Choosing the right play can make or break a production. A play that demands a specific skill set that your students don't possess could result in a struggle. Also, consider the themes and content of the play. Ensure that the play's themes align with your school's values and are appropriate for your students and audience. Then, consider the length and structure of the play. Some plays are divided into acts or scenes, making them easier to rehearse and stage. Others are more episodic, allowing for greater flexibility. And finally, assess the availability of performance rights and the ease with which you can obtain the necessary licenses. Some plays have limited availability.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and select a play that is both enjoyable and rewarding for your students. Remember to involve your students in the decision-making process whenever possible. Let them read the scripts and participate in auditions.

Here are more suggestions:

41. "The Pajama Game" by George Abbott and Richard Bissell: A musical about labor relations in a pajama factory.
42. "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams: A drama about the downfall of a Southern belle.
43. "The Dining Room" by A. R. Gurney: A play about the changing traditions of the American middle class.
44. "Our Lady of 121st Street" by Stephen Adly Guirgis: A comedy-drama about a group of people who gather at a funeral home.
45. "Singin' in the Rain" by Betty Comden and Adolph Green: A musical based on the classic movie.
46. "Catch Me If You Can" by Terrence McNally: A musical based on the movie of the same name.
47. "The Sound of Music" by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse: A musical about the von Trapp family.
48. "Hello, Dolly!" by Michael Stewart: A musical about a matchmaker in New York City.
49. "Guys and Dolls" by Frank Loesser: A musical about gamblers and showgirls in New York City.
50. "Rent" by Jonathan Larson: A rock musical about a group of artists in New York City.

Choosing the right play is the first step toward a successful high school theatre production. Good luck, and break a leg!