Thespy Playwriting 2021

Three short scripts by high school-aged playwrights are included in this volume, all from the Educational Theatre Association's 2021 Thespy Playwriting competition (formerly Thespian Playworks).

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 60 pages
Publication date: 21 April 2022
Publisher: Samuel French, Inc.

Three captivating short scripts, crafted by talented high school playwrights, have emerged from the prestigious Educational Theatre Association's 2021 Thespy Playwriting competition (formerly Thespian Playworks). This remarkable collection showcases the creative prowess of these young minds, offering a glimpse into their imaginative worlds.

The Plant Crusade:
In "The Plant Crusade," Aubrey Luse takes us on a thought-provoking journey through the eyes of a young environmentalist. With passion and determination, they embark on a mission to save a beloved plant from extinction. Through their interactions with various characters, they explore the complexities of environmental conservation and the power of individual actions.

Oakland:
Bridget Phillips' "Oakland" takes us into the heart of a bustling city, where a young woman navigates the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery. Through her struggles and triumphs, we witness the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of embracing one's true identity.

Reverie:
In "Reverie," Jacki Vellandi weaves a mesmerizing tale of a young girl who finds herself trapped in a dreamworld. With each passing day, she embarks on a quest to unravel the mysteries of this surreal world and find a way back to reality. Through her adventures, we explore the themes of imagination, escapism, and the power of self-discovery.

These three short scripts not only showcase the incredible talent of these young playwrights but also provide a platform for them to express their ideas, emotions, and perspectives. They remind us of the immense potential that lies within the youth and the importance of supporting and nurturing their artistic endeavors.

The Plant Crusade:
Aubrey Luse's "The Plant Crusade" takes us on a captivating journey through the eyes of a young environmentalist named Lily. Lily's passion for nature and her determination to protect the endangered plant species she adores drive the narrative forward. As she embarks on a mission to save the plant from extinction, Lily encounters a diverse range of characters who each have their own unique perspectives on environmental conservation. Through their interactions, Lily learns about the complexities of the ecosystem, the impact of human activities on the environment, and the importance of individual actions in creating change.

One of the key themes in "The Plant Crusade" is the power of empathy and understanding. Lily's interactions with the various characters she meets help her to see the world from different perspectives and to develop a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. This empathy enables her to connect with others on a deeper level and to inspire them to join her in her mission to save the plant.

Another theme that emerges in the script is the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. Lily faces numerous challenges throughout her journey, including resistance from those who oppose her efforts and personal setbacks. However, she never loses sight of her goal and continues to push forward, using her determination and resilience to overcome each obstacle.

"The Plant Crusade" also explores the interconnectedness of all living things and the impact of human actions on the environment. Lily learns that the plant she is trying to save is not just a single organism, but a part of a larger ecosystem that is interconnected with many other species. Through her interactions with scientists, activists, and community members, she gains a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the natural world and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

Overall, "The Plant Crusade" is a powerful and thought-provoking script that encourages young audiences to think critically about environmental issues and to take action to create a better future. Aubrey Luse's writing is engaging and accessible, making it an ideal choice for educational settings and community theaters.

Oakland:
Bridget Phillips' "Oakland" takes us on a poignant journey through the lives of two young women, Lily and Maya, who are connected by a shared experience of loss. Lily, a recent college graduate, returns to her hometown of Oakland after the death of her mother, while Maya, a high school student, is dealing with the loss of her best friend. Through their interactions, we witness the resilience of the human spirit.

One of the key themes in "Oakland" is the importance of community and support. Lily and Maya are surrounded by a network of friends and family who are there for them during their darkest moments. They rely on each other for emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging. The strength of their community helps them to navigate the challenges of loss and to find hope and healing in the face of adversity.

Another theme that emerges in the script is the power of imagination and creativity. Lily, a writer, uses her imagination to cope with the loss of her mother. She creates a fictional world in which she can escape the pain and trauma of her real life and find solace in the beauty of nature. Maya, on the other hand, uses her creativity to express herself and to find meaning in the world around her. She creates art, writes poetry, and engages in other creative activities to help her process her emotions and find a sense of purpose.

"Oakland" also explores the complexities of grief and loss. Phillips deftly handles the emotional journey of Lily and Maya, allowing us to see the range of emotions they experience and the challenges they face in processing their emotions. The script provides a nuanced portrayal of grief, highlighting the different stages of the grieving process and the importance of seeking help and support when needed.

Overall, "Oakland" is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant script that explores the themes of community, resilience, imagination, and loss. Bridget Phillips' writing is powerful and evocative, making it an ideal choice for theater productions that aim to engage and inspire young audiences.

Reverie:
In "Reverie," Jacki Vellandi takes us on a captivating journey through the mind of a young girl named Mia, who is plagued by a recurring dream. Through her adventures in the dreamworld, Mia explores the depths of her imagination and the complexities of her subconscious mind.

One of the key themes in "Reverie" is the power of imagination and the importance of embracing one's true self. Mia's recurring dream allows her to escape the constraints of her everyday life and to explore the depths of her imagination. As she journeys through the dreamworld, she encounters a range of characters who each have their own unique perspectives and experiences. Through these interactions, Mia learns about the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding, and how these qualities can help her to connect with others on a deeper level.

Another theme that emerges in the script is the importance of self-discovery and personal growth. Mia's journey through the dreamworld is not just about escaping her recurring dream, but also about discovering who she truly is and what she wants out of life. Through her adventures, she learns about her strengths and weaknesses, her passions and interests, and her values and beliefs. This self-discovery process helps her to gain a sense of clarity and purpose, and to make meaningful connections with others.

"Reverie" also explores the themes of escapism and the dangers of living in a constant state of fear and anxiety. Mia's recurring dream provides her with a temporary escape from the pressures and expectations of her everyday life, but it also comes with its own set of risks and dangers. As she delves deeper into the dreamworld, she begins to lose touch with reality and to become increasingly isolated from those around her.

Vellandi's writing is elegant and evocative, and the script is filled with vivid imagery and sensory details. The dreamworld that Mia explores is rich and complex, with its own set of rules and regulations, and its own set of challenges and obstacles. Vellandi's ability to create a sense of immersion and to transport the audience into the mind of Mia is impressive, and it helps to deepen the emotional impact of the story.

Overall, "Reverie" is a captivating and thought-provoking script that explores the themes of imagination, self-discovery, and the dangers of escapism. Jacki Vellandi's writing is powerful and evocative, and the script is filled with vivid imagery and sensory details. The story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of the human mind to overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

In conclusion, the three short scripts included in this volume showcase the incredible talent and creativity of high school-aged playwrights. The Plant Crusade by Aubrey Luse, Oakland by Bridget Phillips, and Reverie by Jacki Vellandi offer a glimpse into the imaginative worlds of young playwrights, exploring themes of environmental conservation, love, loss, and self-discovery. These scripts remind us of the immense potential that lies within the youth and the importance of supporting and nurturing their artistic endeavors. The Plant Crusade by Aubrey Luse takes us on a captivating journey through the eyes of a young environmentalist named Lily. Lily's passion for nature and her determination to protect the endangered plant species she adores drive the narrative forward. As she embarks on a mission to save the plant from extinction, Lily encounters a diverse range of characters who each have their own unique perspectives on environmental conservation. Through their interactions, Lily learns about the complexities of the ecosystem, the impact of human activities on the environment, and the importance of individual actions in creating change. One of the key themes in "The Plant Crusade" is the power of empathy and understanding. Lily's interactions with the various characters she meets help her to see the world from different perspectives and to develop a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. This empathy enables her to connect with others on a deeper level and to inspire them to join her in her mission to save the plant. Another theme that emerges in the script is the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. Lily faces numerous challenges throughout her journey, including resistance from those who oppose her efforts and personal setbacks. However, she never loses sight of her goal and continues to push forward, using her determination and resilience to overcome each obstacle. "The Plant Crusade" also explores the interconnectedness of all living things and the impact of human actions on the environment. Lily learns that the plant she is trying to save is not just a single organism, but a part of a larger ecosystem that is interconnected with many other species. Through her interactions with scientists, activists, and community members, she gains a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the natural world and the importance of preserving it for future generations. Overall, "The Plant Crusade" is a powerful and thought-provoking script that encourages young audiences to think critically about environmental issues and to take action to create a better future. Aubrey Luse's writing is engaging and accessible, making it an ideal choice for educational settings and community theaters.

Bridget Phillips' "Oakland" takes us on a poignant journey through the lives of two young women, Lily and Maya, who are connected by a shared experience of loss. Lily, a recent college graduate, returns to her hometown of Oakland after the death of her mother, while Maya, a high school student, is dealing with the loss of her best friend. Through their interactions, we witness the resilience of the human spirit. One of the key themes in "Oakland" is the importance of community and support. Lily and Maya are surrounded by a network of friends and family who are there for them during their darkest moments. They rely on each other for emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging. The strength of their community helps them to navigate the challenges of loss and to find hope and healing in the face of adversity. Another theme that emerges in the script is the power of imagination and creativity. Lily, a writer, uses her imagination to cope with the loss of her mother. She creates a fictional world in which she can escape the pain and trauma of her real life and find solace in the beauty of nature. Maya, on the other hand, uses her creativity to express herself and to find meaning in the world around her. She creates art, writes poetry, and engages in other creative activities to help her process her emotions and find a sense of purpose. "Oakland" also explores the complexities of grief and loss. Phillips deftly handles the emotional journey of Lily and Maya, allowing us to see the range of emotions they experience and the challenges they face in processing their emotions. The script provides a nuanced portrayal of grief, highlighting the different stages of the grieving process and the importance of seeking help and support when needed. Overall, "Oakland" is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant script that explores the themes of community, resilience, imagination, and loss. Bridget Phillips' writing is powerful and evocative, making it an ideal choice for theater productions that aim to engage and inspire young audiences.

In "Reverie," Jacki Vellandi takes us on a captivating journey through the mind of a young girl named Mia, who is plagued by a recurring dream. Through her adventures in the dreamworld, Mia explores the depths of her imagination and the complexities of her subconscious mind. One of the key themes in "Reverie" is the power of imagination and the importance of embracing one's true self. Mia's recurring dream allows her to escape the constraints of her everyday life and to explore the depths of her imagination. As she journeys through the dreamworld, she encounters a range of characters who each have their own unique perspectives and experiences. Through these interactions, Mia learns about the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding, and how these qualities can help her to connect with others on a deeper level. Another theme that emerges in the script is the importance of self-discovery and personal growth. Mia's journey through the dreamworld is not just about escaping her recurring dream, but also about discovering who she truly is and what she wants out of life. Through her adventures, she learns about her strengths and weaknesses, her passions and interests, and her values and beliefs. This self-discovery process helps her to gain a sense of clarity and purpose, and to make meaningful connections with others. "Reverie" also explores the themes of escapism and the dangers of living in a constant state of fear and anxiety. Mia's recurring dream provides her with a temporary escape from the pressures and expectations of her everyday life, but it also comes with its own set of risks and dangers. As she delves deeper into the dreamworld, she begins to lose touch with reality and to become increasingly isolated from those around her. Vellandi's writing is elegant and evocative, and the script is filled with vivid imagery and sensory details. The dreamworld that Mia explores is rich and complex, with its own set of rules and regulations, and its own set of challenges and obstacles. Vellandi's ability to create a sense of immersion and to transport the audience into the mind of Mia is impressive, and it helps to deepen the emotional impact of the story. Overall, "Reverie" is a captivating and thought-provoking script that explores the themes of imagination, self-discovery, and the dangers of escapism. Jacki Vellandi's writing is powerful and evocative, and the script is filled with vivid imagery and sensory details. The story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of the human mind to overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

Weight: 68g
Dimension: 203 x 127 x 3 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780573709548