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The Redemption of Gertie Greene

The Redemption of Gertie Greene

by Taryn Temple

Gertie Greene is the new kid, and the rumors about her are already out of control. They say she bullies kids in the bathroom, topples football players, and gets suspended constantly. Even the teachers seem nervous around her. With so many stories swirling, how could they not be true? But is Gertie really the terrifying menace everyone claims she is?

In The Redemption of Gertie Greene, the truth takes center stage in the most surprising ways. Is Gertie truly the “freak,” “weirdo,” and “bully” people make her out to be, or is there more to her story? When Mrs. Fillmore’s unconventional drama students start to peel back the layers of gossip, they discover the transformative power of kindness and what it means to stand up for those who can’t defend themselves. Together, they uncover the real Gertie Greene—and challenge everyone’s assumptions in the process.

Dramedy

Average Producer Rating:

Also available in a competition-length version here.

Recommended for Middle Schools

Running Time
About 55 minutes
Approximate; excludes intermissions and scene changes
Cast
16 Characters
4 M4 F8 Any Gender, Easily Expandable
Set
Simple set
Length
37 pages
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.

16 Characters
4 M, 4 F, 8 Any Gender, Easily Expandable

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 - with the exception of NICOLE, GERTIE, CURT and PETE - and modify pronouns accordingly.

GERTIE GREENE [F] 18 lines
The new kid in school, rumored to be a terrible bully. One Monologue
MRS. FILLMORE [F] 67 lines
The drama teacher, kind, good-humored, and energetic. One Monologue
CURT [M] 10 lines
Loves drama class but wishes he was good at sports to please his dad.
NICOLE [F] 25 lines
Quiet and shy, drama class is her chance to finally come out of her shell. Four Monologues.
ALEX [F] 10 lines
Struggles in school, drama class is her only escape. One Monologue
RACHEL [F] 25 lines
Outgoing, spirited, the kind of person you’d want to have as a friend.
SHANNON [F] 16 lines
The queen of sarcasm.
JESSIE [F] 22 lines
Often caught up in gossip.
JACOB [M] 19 lines
Energetic and enthusiastic.
C.J. [M] 21 lines
An over-the-top dude who doesn’t always pay attention in class.
JEFF [M] 13 lines
A theater enthusiast, tries to keep the other guys on track.
ANNA [F] 20 lines
Nerdy, over–eager, always has her hand in the air, oblivious to social dynamics.
BRYAN [M] 11 lines
The class joker, has a pun for everything.
CASEY [M] 23 lines
Fun and reliable friend.
BETH [F] 20 lines
Drama class student who is game to try anything.
REBECCA [F] 19 lines
The fashionista of the group.

Additional Characters
FOOTBALL JOCKS 1–4 [M] 2, 3, 3, 2 lines
MRS. HINCKLEBRICK [F] 15 lines
The cruel history teacher; One Monologue
MRS. CRANBERRY [F] 1 line
The bubbly school counselor; One Monologue
PETE MACKLESON [M] 6 lines
The popular guy with a dark side
GOSSIPERS 1–7
PIGS 1–3 5, 5, 2 lines
Must be double-cast from actors who play students in drama class

Praise for The Redemption of Gertie Greene

Melissa Cargile
Creekside Middle School
This was a great play. The kids really leaned into the drama classroom portions and really connected with the story in general. It was easy to stage, easy to costume but the message was so impactful.
Kellyn Button
Osage Trail Middle School
We enjoyed directing this show. It was nice having most of the blocking built right into the script. We received rave reviews from our audiences. Many teachers and administrators said it was one of the best shows they've seen the students do in years.
Melissa Jackson
Burlington Township Middle School @ Springside
It was great! The kids really responded to it and had fun. The audience loved it too!

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