Historical Plays
(In order of cast size, largest first.)
How to Create an Historical Play
This drama lesson plan shows you how to create and perform a play based on an historical event or events.
America’s Secret
33 characters; 10F or 33 Either; Flexible casting; 14 pages in length. Approximately 15 minutes running time. A play about the women of the American Revolution written by Laura Rohrman.
Thirteen Colonies Game Show
20+ characters. 8 pages long. Approximately 10 minutes running time. American history play in which students portray the original thirteen colonies.
Boss Boudicca and her Fearsome Friends
18 characters. Flexible casting. Approximately 45 minutes running time. Comedic Roman history play about an ancient British Queen who led an uprising against invading Roman forces.
The Prince and the Pauper
18 characters. 9F, 9M; Flexible casting; 21 pages in length. Approximately 30 minutes running time. An adaptation of Mark Twain’s novel written by Peter Mitsopoulos.
Rosie the Riveter: An American Icon
16-26 characters-flexible casting. Approximately 60 minutes running time. As the men head off to war, Rosie paves the way for the women to take over the factory and support the war effort. Bring the story of the WW2 American War Effort to life with this script by Elizabeth West. Inspired by the iconic painting and song of Rosie the Riveter.
The Great Chicago Fire/The Trial of Bessie
16 characters. 4F, 5M, 7Either; Flexible casting; 10 pages in length. Approximately 10 minutes running time. A cowtastrophe written by Holly Winn.
War and Pizza
15+ Characters, flexible casting. Approximately 40 minutes long. A young man tries to help save the family ranch but is roped into his uncle’s illegal schemes. Will pizza be the key to success? Historical fiction, drama, comedy, and mystery, all served up in one play.
The Little Known Voyage of Christina Columbus
15 characters. 7M, 8F; 11 pages in length. Approximately 10 minutes running time. A semi-historical comedy for children written by Terence Patrick Hughes.
The Plucky Wives of Henry VIII
14 characters. Approximately 10 minutes running time. Comedic script featuring the many wives of Henry VIII.
The Constitution Puppet Show
12 characters. 12 minutes running time. Short play featuring the founding fathers of the United States.
Bill of Rights Play
10+ characters. Approximately 20 minutes long with audience participation. Informative and playful script about the importance of the Bill of Rights to the United States.
The Day Global Trade was Saved by Kids from PS188
9 characters. Approximately 5 minutes long. Short funny play about global economics, politics, and making compromises!
Picture Girl
7 characters. Approximately 30 minutes long. Historical drama based on the true story of a young girl whose drawing spared her family at Ellis Island in 1924.
A River in Savannah
7 characters; 10 pages long. Approximately ten minutes running time. A play that addresses racial/cultural issues from American history.
Useful Women
6 characters. Approximately 10 minutes running time. Historical and comedic script featuring exceptional women in the 19th Century. Suitable for elementary, middle and high school students, especially those studying 19th century England.
The Liberty Well
5 characters; 3M; 2F. 14 pages in length. Approximately 10-15 minutes running time. A historical ghost story written by Anthony L. Mariani.
The Trial
4 characters. 10 minutes running time. A woman on trial for being a witch pushes back against her accusers.
The Census
4 characters. Approximately 10 minutes running time. Short play that deals with the history of the US census and questions about race.
Sally
4 characters, approximately one-hour running time. Thomas Jefferson/Sally Hemings historical play script by Leonard Goodisman.
Oh, Demetrius
3 characters, including 2 black students. Approximately 15 minutes long. This play for middle and high school students explores the idea of integrity. Charmaine has a crush on Demetrius and willingly does his homework for him. In the end, Charmaine takes back her power, and Demetrius owns his mistakes as well. Oh, Demetrius also provides a lesson in cultural history and the importance of knowing the sacrifices made by others for the sake of justice. The end of this play discusses great black people in history.
Themes: Integrity, Honesty.
Thomas, Thomas
2 characters. 12 pages. Short play about Thomas Jefferson renting his slaves to another slave owner.
