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Re: Starting a traveling science theatre troupe
by
Hello, Marcy. Thanks for posting your information on the Exchange. Here is some information about scripts that we have available for other institutions to perform on a royalty basis:
At The End Of The Wire by Bo Wilson. In 1893, a frazzled reporter from the Boston Globe is at the World's Fair in Chicago, and he's looking for an effective angle for his next story. He suddenly realizes that the magic of electricity has transformed the event into an incredible example of mankind's ingenuity and creativity. There is one male character. The running time is approximately 12 minutes. The set can be simple or complex. There are just a few props. Costuming must be historically correct. Junior high and high school are recommended for school groups.
Comet Hunter by Mary Jane Walsh. On an evening in 1796, astronomer Caroline Herschel is our host at her residence in Slough, England. She relates the excitement and challenges created by helping her brother William discover planets and comets at his observatory. There is one female character. Running time is approximately 12 minutes. The set can be simple or complex. There are just a few props. Costuming must be historically correct. Upper elementary and junior high are recommended for school groups.
Hard Hat History by Larry Gard and Mary Jane Walsh. An adventurous time-traveling architect named Archi enlists the help of museum visitors to return a "mystery tool" to the proper period in history. In the process of doing so, Archi shares information about some amazing architectural achievements of mankind. There is one character, male or female. Running time is approximately 20 minutes. The "time machine" set can be simple or complex, but it does call for at least some bells and whistles (i.e. - flashing lights, sound effects, etc.). A large screen TV serves as the time machine's "window," and Archi interacts with programmed still images that he/she controls with a computer keyboard. Archi also uses some simple costume accessories to represent each period of history to which he transports the museum visitors. In addition, Archi has a collection of "hard hats" that represent each era, from the cave man to the 21st century. This script plays well to family audiences, but for school groups, grades 1-5 comprise the best audience.
Here's Pi In Your Eye by Bo Wilson. This is an hilarious view of the mathematical concept of Pi, as seen through the eyes of two familiar comedians named Bud and Lou. There are just the two male characters. Running time is approximately 11 minutes. The set and technical requirements are simple; however, it is important to have very realistic looking fake food, and at least one can of fresh whipped cream. This script plays well to all ages of the general public - the colorful, active nature of the performance makes it appropriate for families with young children. For school groups, we recommend grades 7 and up.
Socked In by Mary Jane Walsh. In 1924, an air mail pilot is stranded by a storm. He shares his memory of the perils of flight with the audience. There is one male character. The Science Museum of Virginia produced this script at one of its satellite museums, the Virginia Aviation Museum, where the actual plane that the character of Jack refers to is located. Producing it at other locations would require some imaginitive representation of the plane. The running time is approximately 12 minutes. There are a few props. Costuming must be historically correct. This script is CSTP's longest running play. For school groups, grades 6 through 12 will comprise your best audience.
Take Two by Mary Jane Walsh. When a high school student named Dale is diagnosed with a deadly heart disease that necessitates a heart transplant, friends and family debate the pros and cons of the procedure. In the midst of these emotional encounters and confrontations, Dale can be the only one who will make the decision of his life. This 30 minute play (3 ten minute scenes) is written with alternate endings that allow the audience to choose whether or not Dale decides to have the transplant. In the state of Virginia, there is no royalty charge for educational institutions who wish to produce the script. A study guide is also provided free of charge to all producers. For school groups, this script is best for grades 6 and up.
That Old Windbag by Douglas Jones. Two delightful characters named Estragon and Vladimir are stranded on an island with an old Windbag, who spouts Shakespeare and Mother Goose. There is a boat available, so Vladimir and Estragon must figure out how to anger the Windbag in order to create a breeze that will sail the boat and get them off the island! This hilarious comedy is 30 minutes long. There are 3 characters. We provide advice on the construction of simple set pieces, including a palm tree and two stumps. Costuming is flexible. The script is appropriate for family audiences. For school groups, this script is best for grades 1 through 5.
The Insect Club by Chris Shannon. This delightful puppet play features a crafty spider who desperately wants to be part of the in-crowd at The Insect Club. As much as this arachnid bugs the preying mantis doorman, he just can't get into the club! Even disguises don't help! There are 6 puppet characters. The script can be performed by two or more puppeteers. We recommend using a puppet stage. The running time is approximately 10 minutes. A tape of original music, as well as the dialogue, is available with the script. This script is best for families with preschool aged children, and for preschool or kindergarten groups.
If you have an interest in any of these scripts, please contact me directly.