The Butterfly Queen by Christian Kiley - Theatrefolk

The Butterfly Queen

Recommended for High Schools

The Butterfly Queen

by Christian Kiley

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

 About 25 minutes

Times given are approximate and do not include intermissions/scene changes/breaks

 19
3 M | 4 W | 12 Any Gender

Simple set

 19 pages

Drama Issue-Based Movement-based

Average Producer Rating:

Reviews from Past Producers

One teacher protects her class from danger. One bystander helps someone timid overcome a fear. One stranger saves another from a burning building.

We all have the capacity to put others before ourselves regardless of the consequences. That is the theme of The Butterfly Queen.

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

Free Classroom Study Guide

Awards and Accolades

  • Medomak Valley High School - Class A Runner-up 2018 Maine Drama Festival, 2 students named to All Star Festival Cast, special commendation for lighting
19 Characters
3 M, 4 W, 12 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.

Teacher (Miss Victoria) [W] 29 lines
A brave and selfless teacher. Her lessons reverberate through the lives of her students.
Greg [M] 21 lines
An inquisitive student. Sometimes disruptive, but never boring.
Madison [W] 1 line
A girl in Miss Victoria’s class.
Donna [W] 1 line
Another girl in Miss Victoria’s class.
Wasp [M] 19 lines
The ever-present antagonist. A threat to caterpillars everywhere.
Students 1-17: Miss Victoria’s Students. They help those around them however they can.
Student #1 [A] 2 lines
Student #2 [A] 1 line
Student #3 [A] 1 line
Student #4 [A] 2 lines
Student #5 [A] 7 lines
Student #6 [A] 1 line
Student #7 [A] 11 lines
Student #8 [A] 21 lines
Student #9 [A] 1 line
Student #10 [A] 1 line
Student #11 [A] 1 line
Student #12 [A] 1 line
Student #13 [A] 1 line
Student #14 [A] 1 line
Student #15 [A] 1 line
Student #16 [A] 1 line
Student #17 [A] 1 line
Pedestrian [A] 3 lines
Get away from him! He’s walking here!
Dad [A] 7 lines
Caught up in an argument.
Mom [A] 7 lines
Just wants the argument to stop.
Child [A] 0 lines
Caught between the two parents.
Kid [A] 5 lines
Just a regular kid. Doesn’t want trouble.
Sidekick 1 & 2 [A] 1, 1 lines
Repeats the bully’s sentences for dramatic effect.
Persons 1-3: Caught in, or witness to a burning building. Caught a glimpse of a person with… wings?
Person 1 [A] 7 lines
Person 2 [A] 4 lines
Person 3 [A] 5 lines
Timid [A] 11 lines
Has trouble crossing the street.
Worker [A] 4 lines
Tries their best, despite criticism.
Criticals 1-8:If they can’t say anything nice, why say anything at all?
Critical 1 [A] 2 lines
Critical 2 [A] 1 line
Critical 3 [A] 1 line
Critical 4 [A] 1 line
Critical 5 [A] 1 line
Critical 6 [A] 2 lines
Critical 7 [A] 1 line
Critical 8 [A] 2 lines
Jumper [A] 8 lines
A desperate person, at the brink of the abyss.
Onlookers
No lines. Played by ensemble.

Subgenres
Experimental form Movement-based Issue-based

Settings
Present day

Dress
Contemporary costumes Simple costumes

Audience
Pre-teen Teen

Features
Variable Cast Size Mime Stage combat Variable gender breakdown Ensemble Movement-based Sound & Lighting Design

Set
Simple set Multiple sets

Cautions
Gun shots Adult themes

Themes
Bullying Childhood Death Individuality Morality Personal responsibility Relationships School violence Self-image Friendship Overcoming odds

Cross-Curricular Uses
Science

Other uses
Competition Scene work Class work

Awards & Accolades
Plays with Awards & Accolades

Prop List

pile of sweatshirts (one for each student), prop weapon (optional)

Production Photos

Multimedia

Related Titles

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Exemption details for scenes and monologues for competition.

We accept orders worldwide using the following payment methods:
Purchase Orders accepted from US and Canadian Schools.
Info for your purchasing department.

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