After a winter of being pent up indoors, audiences may resonate with the nature of this play that bursts with emotions. A melange of tragedy and comedy displays the hidden dark side of the American family through exposing the hidden secrets and repressed anger of three sisters. The unrelenting and forthcoming mother-figure provides a dynamic character study for any brave actress. "August: Osage County" by Tracy Letts features roles for six men and seven women and is available through Dramatists Play Services.
A perfect choice to bolster an interest in spring science fairs, this Pulitzer Prize-winning play features a young girl gifted in the study of science. She experiments on the effects of gamma rays on marigolds, drawing acclaim and attention to herself and her exemplary work. Sadly, her mother is too proud and too jealous to shower her with the praise she deserves. The marigold experiment is the metaphor for the deeper truths of the play. "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds" by Paul Zindel has roles for five women and is available through Dramatists Play Services.
This widely acclaimed national award winner is the story of one modern girl's realization of a reality she has never known and cares nothing about: the Holocaust. She is transported into the Nazi-occupied cities of the early 1940s, meets Anne Frank on her journey and is changed forever. Perfect for schools whose spring semesters might include studies on this era in history. "Anne Frank and Me" by Cherie Bennett features roles for four men and women and is available through Dramatic Publishing.
"The Fifth Sun" is an intelligent study in political, religious, social and theatrical history of the Archbishop of San Salvador, Oscar Romero. Told through ancient Mayan dramatic structures and tomb rituals while simultaneously taking the form of a Medieval morality play, the play shows the struggle of a true leader who sacrifices for the growth of his people. This could be considered for an artistic addition to plays typically performed during the Easter Season. "The Fifth Sun" by Nicholas A. Patricca features roles for eight men and five women and is available through Dramatic Publishing.
Spring is a time for fantasy and adventure, as shown through this tale. Written in a fantasy world where memories are kept in coats rather than in the mind, Iris searches for the home she was taken from with only a button-memory as a clue. This script was the first play for young audiences to be honored with the Kennedy Center's New American Plays Award and has continued to please audiences, young and old alike. "Still Life with Iris" by Steven Dietz features roles for five men and four women and is available through Dramatic Publishing.