Top Plays for High School Students: Short, Easy, and Powerful

Drama teachers know the challenge—finding the right play that’s age-appropriate, easy to stage, and engaging for teens. We’ve gathered top picks from the Havescripts catalog and beyond.

1. “Inside and Out” by Jean Klein
A short, emotionally resonant play about a mother connecting with her autistic son through music. Great for small casts and discussion.

2. “Shuffling” by Bruce Kane
A comedic look at ageing, time, and relationships. Strong dialogue, flexible casting.

3. “Caught Between Two Worlds”
A youth-focused script exploring identity and cultural expectations. Perfect for drama classes or diversity projects.

Tips for Teachers

  • Choose plays with simple sets and clear emotional beats.

  • Let students vote on a shortlist to build buy-in.

  • Consider a themed evening with multiple short plays.

Short plays are a great way to introduce students to theatre. Choose stories that speak to their experience, and the learning will follow.

“Inside and Out” by Jean Klein

More plays for High School  theatre