FAQ's
If you didn't find your question here, please click here to go to the "Contact" page. I will answer your question within 48 hours.
Once you've found a play you'd like to perform, order the number of performances you need, using the PayPal button located on each play's page. You will receive an email instructing you to send me the date(s) and location(s) of performances. Once I receive this information and payment, I will share a digital Googledoc Production Agreement with you as well as a digital Googledoc copy of the play. You will have the ability to download and print out the script. Print out as many as you need for actors and tech people. You will receive your script within 48 hours of making payment and sending the needed information.
I have directed every play on this website with students--with the exception of "Almost Macbeth"--so I know that they are successful with student actors and general audiences. The plays are easy to produce and can be staged in any space since they require very little in the way of costuming, sets and lighting. Also, since I don't have to give half of my profits to a publishing company, I'm able to keep royalty and script costs very low. The one-acts are $30 per performance, and the full-length plays are $40. Scripts are digital with rights for you to reproduce as many as you need, and they are completely free. (See Pioneer Drama for "Little Red and the Riding Hoods" prices and Heuer Publishing for pricing for "Middle School Dating Game.") Also, I am available for free support via email if you have any questions about my directing choices for each play. I will answer any questions within 48 hours. If you are within driving distance, I will even come see your show if I can. I am also available for Skype sessions, rehearsal visits, playwrighting and acting workshops for a small fee. (Please see the "Author Visits" page for more details.)
How do I peruse a full script?
Use the "Contact" page to request a full script. I will share one with you on Googledocs for 10 days. This will be free, but you will be unable to copy or download the script unless you purchase royalties for a performance. Scripts will be shared within 48 hours of the request.
What if I'm unable to use PayPal to purchase my royalties?
If your school or organization won't allow you to use PayPal to purchase your royalties, please use the "Contact" page, and we can work something out. I can also take purchase orders and checks. I will respond within 48 hours of your inquiry.
Can I edit these plays?
I completely understand all the possible reasons for needing to edit a play: not enough of the needed gender actors, a line that doesn't quite make it past the principal's red pen (though the shows here are fairly G-rated), a needed time cut for a competition or festival piece or a line that just isn't working with the actor who has to say it. Please use the "Contact" page to ask me for permission to edit the play. There will be very few circumstances where I would veto a requested edit. I will respond within 48 hours of your inquiry.
Do I have permission to record performances?
Yes, yes, and yes! Record it, make DVD's of it, post it on YouTube--whatever you need to do so that students will have a record of the wonderful experience of being involved in a theatrical production. (The exception to this is "Middle School Dating Game," which is owned by Heuer Publishing. They, unfortunately, require a $30 video rights fee.)
How do author visits work?
Please see general information on the "Author Visits" page. Use the "Contact" page to set up a date, time and other details. I will respond within 48 hours. Keep in mind that I am a full-time teacher in northern New Hampshire. I may be unable to travel to the location of your school or organization if it is too far away or if your desired time is during my work hours, but I can do a Skype session with anyone, anywhere at any time (except during work!). All visits will cost $30 per hour. Any visit that involves travel will also include a fee of 50 cents a mile round trip. If I need to stay overnight, hotel costs and $50 per day for meal costs will be added to the total bill.
What are the writers' qualifications for working with student actors?
I have a bachelor's degree in theatre from St. Michael's College. I have an M.Ed from Plymouth Stage College in writing, literature and integrated arts. More importantly, I have over twenty years of teaching experience, working with middle and high school students in and out of the classroom setting in the arts of theatre. During those twenty-plus years, I have been an English teacher, a theatre teacher and a one-woman producer of theatre by and for young people.