How to Organize a High School Play

Setting up a high school play is usually easier than working with younger students, because high school students are old enough to take responsibility for many parts of a play. Many high schools also have theater classes and offer theater as an extracurricular activity, so you may even be working with students with some drama experience.

Instructions

1. Determine the resources available to your production. You may need to check with school administrators regarding budget, equipment and the use of school facilities. You may also want to check with the school's theater department, which at some schools is a part of the English department.

2. Select a play to put on. You may need to have your choice approved by school administrators, and you will need to make sure that your stage has the necessary technical capabilities. The material in the play should be age appropriate for high school students.

3. Audition students for the various roles. Many schools encourage directors to assign leading roles to seniors or upperclassmen, though you will need to make sure that they are capable of handling the parts.

4. Organize a stage crew. You will need crew members capable of handling sound, lighting, props, costumes and other technical details. High school students are typically responsible enough to handle lead stage crew positions.

5. Prepare your production. Organize rehearsals with your actors, and arrange for stage crew members to practice their duties. You should also oversee the stage crew members that are responsible for acquiring props, building sets and creating costumes.

Tips & Warnings

• Many school productions will be operating on small budgets. You may be able to raise your budget by asking for donations, by selling ad space in your handbills, or by selling tickets to the show.

• If you are planning a play with any musical accompaniment, consult with the school's music department before making decisions. They may be able to provide resources, or they may recommend against staging particular plays.

• It can be difficult to organize rehearsals and practices with high school students because may have other commitments.

• Despite high school students' capacity for responsibility, as the adult, you will still be ultimately responsible. Oversee any tasks that you feel may cause problems.

• While some high school students may be capable of handling mature material in plays, be wary of choosing a play that may offend participants or audiences.