Finding the perfect play for a group of young actresses can be a challenge. You need a script that’s engaging, offers diverse roles, and is manageable to produce. This guide explores two options, focusing on what makes them great choices and how to adapt them for your specific needs, especially highlighting where to find a “girl’s guide to chaos script.”
“Stage Door”: A Classic with Modern Adaptations
Stage Door, available through Samuel French, is a classic choice. The catalog lists the cast as 11 men and 21 women. While seemingly unbalanced, many male roles are small enough to allow for doubling, giving actors more stage time. Although categorized as a comedy, Stage Door balances humor with serious plot lines, including a character’s off-stage suicide. Directing the play requires tact, highlighting the humor while respecting the dramatic moments.
Addressing potentially outdated portrayals is key. The script originally included a Black couple as servants, which can be perceived as racially insensitive. Casting actors of different racial backgrounds in the boarding house roles and reframing the servant characters as Southern migrants seeking work can effectively avoid any such concerns. This approach fosters inclusivity, a critical aspect of any modern production of a girl’s guide to chaos script.
The Stage Door script also offers convenient rewrites. These approved modifications allow you to tone down any profanity and stage the entire play on a single set instead of the originally required two. This simplifies the production process considerably. For a group of young actresses, Stage Door offers a rich and engaging experience, fostering camaraderie and collaboration.
“Somewhere, Nowhere”: Four One-Acts in One
Somewhere, Nowhere by Lindsay Price, available from Theatrefolk, offers a different approach. Theatrefolk lists the cast as “3M + 13W, expandable to 5M + 15W + 7 either.” It is comprised of four interconnected one-act plays that can be performed independently or as a full-length production. Characters reappear across multiple plays, and subtle cross-references tie the narratives together. The script’s structure provides flexibility and depth for both the cast and the audience. This makes it another excellent find when looking for a “girl’s guide to chaos script.”
The play’s set design is economical and adaptable. A double-sided wall mounted on wagons can represent all four settings by rotating and redressing it. This eliminates the need for multiple sets, saving time, resources, and storage space.
A significant advantage of Somewhere, Nowhere is its digital availability. The script can be purchased as a .pdf download, complete with a license to make as many copies as needed for one calendar year. This is especially useful for accommodating last-minute cast additions or crew members. Furthermore, you can save on paper by providing each cast member only with the script(s) for the one-act(s) in which they appear. A free preview is available on Theatrefolk’s website.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific group and resources. Both Stage Door and Somewhere, Nowhere offer fantastic opportunities for young actresses to shine. Consider the themes, character options, and production demands of each play to determine which one best fits your needs.
