Facebook Pixel Skip to main content
Passing Period Purgatory

Passing Period Purgatory

by Christian Kiley

Sometimes the hardest part of school is getting from one class to the next. No one wants to make eye contact. No one wants to reach out when they see others in need. It’s toxic out there in the hallway of purgatory.

So what do we do? How can we look after others if we can’t even look after ourselves? You might be late for class, but you’re on time for the meaningful change that’s going to take place.

Are you willing to stand up?

Drama

Average Producer Rating:

Recommended for High Schools

Running Time
About 25 minutes
Approximate; excludes intermissions and scene changes
Cast
16 Characters
15 Any Gender1 Non-Binary
Set
Simple set
Length
26 pages
Free Excerpt

What to order?

Not sure what you need to order? Check out our pricing and ordering guide.

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.

16 Characters
15 Any Gender, 1 Non-Binary

Directors are welcome to assign any gender (binary or non-binary) to any character and modify pronouns accordingly.

NEWEL [A] 41 lines
A new student (Non-Toxic)
UNIFORM [A] 30 lines
Attempting to blend in but not accepted into the cool crowd (Non-Toxic)
QUIN 25 lines
Non-binary. Trying to be their truest-self (Non-Toxic)
INVISIBLE [A] 19 lines
Everyone ignores them (Non-Toxic)
SERENE [A] 7 lines
Holding onto a balloon of hope (Non-Toxic)
HERO [A] 12 lines
Dresses as a superhero and does their best to defend others (Non-Toxic)
FASHION [A] 6 lines
Dresses with unique style (Non-Toxic)
PROCTOR [A] 21 lines
An adult supervisor
TOXIC 1 [A] 29 lines
A conventionally popular student who blends in with the crowd
TOXIC 2 [A] 15 lines
A conventionally popular student who blends in with the crowd
TOXIC 3 [A] 12 lines
A conventionally popular student who blends in with the crowd
TOXIC 4 [A] 13 lines
A conventionally popular student who blends in with the crowd
TOXIC 5 [A] 12 lines
A conventionally popular student who blends in with the crowd
TOXIC 6 [A] 11 lines
A conventionally popular student who blends in with the crowd
TOXIC 7 [A] 11 lines
A conventionally popular student who blends in with the crowd
TOXIC 8 [A] 11 lines
A conventionally popular student who blends in with the crowd
TOXIC 38 lines
All TOXIC characters together (Chorus)

Praise for Passing Period Purgatory

Korey Cantrell
North High
My students enjoyed the script and worked hard on the production. The ensemble structure meant everyone was involved.

More Plays Like Passing Period Purgatory

The Happiness Shop

by Lindsay Price

Why aren't middle school students full of smiles, hugs and hi-fives? They’re too young to have problems.

Agatha Rex: Competition Version

adapted by Lindsay Price from Antigone by Sophocles

A competition-length adaptation of Agatha Rex by Lindsay Price

Eight quick classroom comedies throw middle school students into absurd crises, from indoor rainstorms to zombie classmates, offering flexible staging and roles for casts of all sizes and skill levels.

The Butterfly Queen

by Christian Kiley

A touching ensemble piece where sacrifice is as simple as a pair of wings.

A noir play featuring the ace detectives from the Broadly Speaking Detective Agency.

Fidget

by Bradley Hayward

Kids are constantly being told to hold still. But that’s impossible when all they want to do is move forward at warp speed.

From the Drama Teacher Learning Centre

September Reading List
Featured Plays

September Reading List: School-Themed Plays

September has arrived and it's time to hit the books - but with a twist! This month, we're showcasing a wonderful assortment of plays, all set within the hallowed halls of education. It's time to...
Plays & Musicals for Pride Month
Teaching Drama

Plays & Musicals for Pride Month

If you’re looking for plays and musicals to include in your drama classroom library, look no further — here are 42 plays and musicals featuring LGBTQ+ characters, stories, and themes. Introduce...
We accept

In addition to the above payment methods, Purchase Orders are accepted from US and Canadian Schools.

Info for your purchasing department