Commence
A group of students have an online meeting with their principal while they’re all under quarantine. They want to regain normalcy and recoup what they’ve lost as seniors: prom, school play, graduation. But nothing is normal. Everyone is losing things. It’s a scary and uncertain time, like a fire has destroyed memories that haven’t happened yet.
This play is intended to be performed in a video conference call or meeting. It is specifically geared toward actors who are not in the same physical space.
Average Producer Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Recommended for High Schools
At a Glance
What to order?
Performance Royalty Fees
Royalty fees apply to all performances whether or not admission is charged. Any performance in front of an audience (e.g. an invited dress rehearsal) is considered a performance for royalty purposes.
Exemption details for scenes and monologues for competition.
11 Characters
- 1 Male
- 1 Female
- 9 Any Gender
Characters in this play are currently identified as male or female. Directors are welcome to assign any gender (binary or non-binary) to any character and modify pronouns accordingly.
-
Student #1 Female 31 linesArranged the meeting with the principal.
-
Student #2 Any gender 25 linesA good-hearted class clown.
-
Student #3 Any gender 25 linesA speech and debate champ and future lawyer.
-
Student #4 Any gender 9 linesA student athlete.
-
Student #5 Any gender 8 linesA earnest promoter of school spirit.
-
Student #6 Any gender 9 linesIn a romantic relationship with Student #7.
-
Student #7 Any gender 8 linesIn a romantic relationship with Student #6.
-
Student #8 Any gender 7 linesA student actor.
-
Student #9 Any gender 31 linesA perceived troublemaker.
-
Student #10 Any gender 5 linesA student who appreciates the everyday moments that have been lost.
-
The Principal Male 35 linesA man who wants to do the best he can by his students.
Praise for Commence
More Plays Like Commence
Building Blocks, Virtually
by Jeffrey Harr
A boy and a girl share words of wisdom straight from their parents' mouths.
Scenes from a Quarantine
by Lindsay Price Canadian Author
This vignette style play can be easily performed using an online platform and has a variety of scenes to address all student skill levels.
Jane Austen, Completely Zoomed
by Treanor Baring
A fast-paced, witty modern take on Austen’s six classic masterpieces.
From the Drama Teacher Learning Centre
How to Get a Quote
A formal written quote for your school or purchasing department, in three quick steps.
-
1
Close this popup and click Add to Cart to build your order. We will help you figure out exactly what you need.
-
2
On the payment page, choose requesting a quote instead of placing an order. Nothing is charged and you are not committed to anything.
-
3
You will receive a formal written quote by email within one business day.
Commence Sample Excerpt
Want to learn more?
