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Short One-Acts that work in a Virtual Setting?

  • 1.  Short One-Acts that work in a Virtual Setting?

    Posted 12-14-2020 11:02
    Hello All,
    We are going to produce virtual one-acts this winter, and are looking into some short scripts that might be a good fit. Some of our students have written their own (which we LOVE!), but we still need a few more to fill out the event.
    I assume something with fewer characters will be easier to film and edit, and they can be both comic or dramatic.
    Any thoughts?
    Thanks!

    Joe Jackson
    Director of Theatre Arts
    Sewickley Academy


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    Joe Jackson
    Director of Theater Arts
    Sewickley PA
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  • 2.  RE: Short One-Acts that work in a Virtual Setting?

    Posted 12-15-2020 07:56
    We have been working on a virtual fall production based in the scripts by Brad Slaight - Class Action, and the follow-up scripts, Second Class and Third Class.  They are short vignettes of monologues and 2-4 person scenes.  Licensed by Concord.

    Kids have been able to film themselves fairly easily - and we are editing them together to release a "movie" in January.   You can pick and choose the scenes to include or leave out - there are plenty of choices, both comedic and dramatic. Dating, family stuff, detention, passing gas during the SAT exam... and heavier issues also. But you can choose which ones, which has been great.

    This script is one that has been on our radar for a while -waiting for a time when we'd need a minimal set... so during COVID seems to be the right time.  Although it isn't a one-act, it is very flexible -and all of the scenes could stand on their own, but because they are all about teenager's lives (not in a classroom) - there is enough of a theme to make a connection.

    I see that you're in PA - it will be one of the virtual mainstage offerings during our state conference in January, if your troupe is registered?    It isn't perfect by any means, but it has been a way for our kids to do something they enjoy and not lose "a season" to COVID - and that was our main goal. 




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  • 3.  RE: Short One-Acts that work in a Virtual Setting?

    Posted 12-15-2020 13:32
    Thanks Missy! I'll look into this, and I look forward to seeing your production at conference!
    Take care,
    Joe

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    Joe Jackson
    Director of Theater Arts
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Short One-Acts that work in a Virtual Setting?

    Posted 12-15-2020 08:11
    You might want to check out A Simpler Time. Several funny vignettes about travelling to different time periods, all by different playwrights. I think you can read most of it on Playscripts. Also, all of the "How to Survive" plays by @Don Zolidis. I think you can pull out the individual pieces as needed. It might be fun to intersperse them among your student-written pieces.​

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    Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
    Theatre Department Coordinator
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Short One-Acts that work in a Virtual Setting?

    Posted 12-15-2020 13:33
    Thanks Cassy,
    I've read some Zolidis before and liked it. I'll give these both a look.
    Take care,
    Joe

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    Joe Jackson
    Director of Theater Arts
    Sewickley Academy
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Short One-Acts that work in a Virtual Setting?

    Posted 12-15-2020 08:28

    We just performed "Bullies Anonymous" by E.M. Bell.  It ran about 15 minutes.  It is in "The Bullying Collection" from Playscripts.  It is set up as an "AA" style meeting for recovering bullies.  It fits well in an online format, and the couple of lines that reference face to face, are really funny when the kids deliver them, since it is a virtual platform.

     

    Myndee Fleury Washington

    Music & Drama Teacher

    Union Park Charter Academy

     




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  • 7.  RE: Short One-Acts that work in a Virtual Setting?

    Posted 12-15-2020 13:35
    Very interesting! Thanks, Myndee. I'll see if I can get a perusal.
    Take care,
    Joe

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    Joe Jackson
    Director of Theater Arts
    Sewickley Academy
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Short One-Acts that work in a Virtual Setting?

    Posted 12-16-2020 07:57

    Hi Joe,

    CPA Theatricals is about to release their new zoom musical for high school students.  All monologues and solos.  Edgy, gritty and some hysterical scenes available for students age 15-20. Love to have you take a peek to see if you might be interested in giving some feedback.

    Thanks

    Larry



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    Larry Little
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    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Short One-Acts that work in a Virtual Setting?

    Posted 12-16-2020 11:54
    Thanks Larry,
    We are actually planning an outdoor musical in the spring, and have narrowed it down to a show that will fit our students well. We're mainly looking at short scenes or monologues right now. I'd still love to look at what you have for future consideration.
    Take care,
    Joe Jackson
    joejackson@sewickley.org

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    Joe Jackson
    Director of Theater Arts
    Sewickley Academy
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    Original Message