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Distance Learning

Distance Learning

by Christian Kiley

Distance Learning takes us inside the student experience of trying to survive and thrive in a virtual classroom. What’s the future of virtual classrooms? Are they the new normal? Will we ever experience the old normal again? There are no rules to help overcome feeling alone. It’s time to get class started. Won’t you join us?

This ensemble play has been written specifically to be performed on an online platform.

Drama

Average Producer Rating:

Recommended for High Schools and Middle Schools

Running Time
About 25 minutes
Approximate; excludes intermissions and scene changes
Cast
13 Characters
13 Any Gender
Set
Virtual Performance
Production Tips
Read production tips for this play
Free Excerpt

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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.

13 Characters
13 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.

RULES [A] 32 lines
A student who knows, recites, and celebrates the rules.
MAESTRO [A] 45 lines
A teacher trying to have a good attitude about distance learning.
REBEL [A] 25 lines
A disruptor who is constantly trying to keep the class off task.
REENTER [A] 18 lines
A student who keeps exiting and reentering.
TALKTALK [A] 9 lines
A student who loves to tell stories about their Nana.
FREEZE [A] 8 lines
A student who keeps glitching and freezing during the video conference call.
CLOSE [A] 8 lines
A student who is almost always very close to the camera.
SCREEN [A] 11 lines
A student who has their video turned off for almost the entirety of the play.
TECHIE [A] 8 lines
A student who has all the tech gadgets.
MIRROR [A] 8 lines
A student who uses the video conference call as a chance to primp and check out their own image.
AFAR [A] 8 lines
A student who is almost always as far away from the camera as they can be.
BOOMBOMB [A] 4 lines
A person who derives a great deal of joy from interrupting video conference sessions.
SHUSH [A] 8 lines
A student who seems to fear distance learning and does not speak for most of the play.

Praise for Distance Learning

Michelene Hauber
St. Francis CSS
As a script written for online production, this was EXACTLY what we needed this year! This play explored some of the humour of the trials and tribulations of online learning, but it also allowed a glimpse into the difficult realities that many of us faced. My students really engaged with it and appreciated it. They also appreciated working on something that was tailored to their experience, instead of yet another "make it work" moment with staging and technology.

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From the Drama Teacher Learning Centre

Theatrefolk Featured Play – Distance Learning by Christian Kiley
Distance Learning

Theatrefolk Featured Play – Distance Learning by Christian Kiley

Welcome to our Featured Play Spotlight. Distance Learning by Christian Kiley is a fantastic ensemble play written specifically to be performed on an online platform. Distance Learning takes us inside the student experience of trying to survive and thrive in a virtual classroom. What’s the future of virtual classrooms? Are they the new normal? Will we ever experience the old normal again? There are no rules to help overcome feeling alone. It’s time to get class started. Won’t you join us? Why did we publish this play? We are continuing to focus on plays that can be produced in a virtual environment. Theatre must go on! This play is a vivid “now” play. It’s about our current pandemic situation, which isn’t going away just yet. It will connect to students and give them the opportunity to explore characters within a virtual world. Let’s hear from the author!1. Why did you write this play? This is what we are living through right now. I really want to help express the voices and emotions of my students. I appreciate the opportunity to write about the significant moments of life that I observe and experience with the young artists I mentor and teach. 2. Describe the theme in one or two sentences. Even during a pandemic, people can continue to strive for improvement, grow, and become better, stronger people (yes, even teachers). People need a sense of community and the support that a community provides (even in virtual or distance learning). 3. What’s the most important visual for you in this play? It is a recurring moment. When all or most of the characters stare right into the camera with an “I see you” look. This should be as close to a fourth wall break as is possible in a virtual performance. 4. If you could give one piece of advice for those producing the play, what would it be? Use your current feelings (good, bad, and all those in between) to help you connect to your characters and the world of the play. I am very excited to see, hear, and experience how directors, actors, and designers push the boundaries of virtual performance. 5. Why is this play great for student performers? It is my perspective of what the students I teach and interact with on a daily basis are going through. 6. Do you have any tips for those who are performing this play online? Find ways to push the boundaries. Each character has a facet of their personality that can be portrayed in a dynamic way. Don’t be afraid of your creative ideas and your ability to put them out there. Your mind, heart, and talent can make a meaningful difference. Get your copy of Distance Learning right here, right now!Not right for your group right now? Search our play catalogue to find one that your performers will love!
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