Skip to main content
The Redemption of Gertie Greene by Taryn Temple play script cover

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.

Average Producer Rating: 5.0 out of 5

Also available in a competition-length version here.

Recommended for Middle Schools

At a Glance

Running Time
About 55 minutes
Approximate; excludes intermissions and scene changes
Cast
16 Characters
4 M 4 F 8 Any Gender
Easily Expandable
Set
Simple set
Length
37 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

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

Additional Characters

(Can be double-cast using the actors that play the characters above)

  • FOOTBALL JOCKS 1–4 Male 2, 3, 3, 2 lines
  • MRS. HINCKLEBRICK Female 15 lines
    The cruel history teacher; One Monologue
  • MRS. CRANBERRY Female 1 line
    The bubbly school counselor; One Monologue
  • PETE MACKLESON Male 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

5 out of 5 stars
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Tyler Curtis
Marshall Springs School
Easy script for young cast to get into. Potent moments translated well on stage. Strong audience reactions. Really good middle school script.
5 out of 5 stars
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.

More Plays Like The Redemption of Gertie Greene

The Magic Diary of Mozambique

by Chris Stiles

A magic diary grants wishes: Good grades, popular friends, lavish gifts. But there are consequences to these wishes.

Frankenstein vs the Horrendous Goo

by Treanor Baring

A mix-up in the chemistry club creates a horrendous goo that takes over John Dalton School.

The Pauper Princess

by Holly Beardsley inspired by Mark Twain

A retelling of Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper.

Roshambo

by Brian Borowka

Some people take Rock-Paper-Scissors (aka Roshambo) seriously. Very seriously.

Shreds and Patches

by Robert Wing

A re-imagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Ariadne's Thread, The Adventures of Theseus and the Minotaur

by Judith White

Theseus is a young man on an adventure. As he makes his way to Athens to meet his father he must fight bandits, carnivorous pigs, and travel the underworld.

From the Drama Teacher Learning Centre

Playwright Spotlights

Playwright Spotlight: Get to Know Taryn Temple

Welcome to "Playwright Spotlight" — your exclusive backstage pass to the creative minds crafting the incredible plays featured in our Theatrefolk catalogue. Discover the magic, quirks, and genius...
Themed Play Lists

January Reading List: Colourful Play Titles

As January unveils its wintry palette, our attention shifts to a vibrant selection of plays designed to add some theatrical warmth to your stage or classroom. From dazzling tales to vivid...
Playwriting

Happy International Women’s Day!

March 8th is International Women’s Day – and what better time to highlight some amazing women within the Theatrefolk community. Join us in celebrating these phenomenal playwrights and authors and...
Themed Play Lists

Theatrefolk’s Top 10: Recommended Middle School Plays

Time for a Tfolk Top Ten Plays For…Middle School! You’re a middle school teacher looking for material specifically written for your students. You’ve come to the right place! We specialize in middle...
Podcast

Theatrefolk Podcast: Using Drama In Other Classes

Episode 150: Using Drama In Other ClassesToday we have two playwrights who also happen to be two teachers: Amanda Murray Cutalo is an English teacher (Nice Girl, Typecast) and Taryn Temple is a...
Themed Play Lists

Social Issue Plays for High Schools / Middle Schools

Our website lists all of our plays with social issue themes but it struck me that they’re only lumped as “issue plays” without a good guide to sorting out which title addresses which issue. So I’ve...
We accept
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Google Pay, and Apple Pay
We accept school purchase orders too. Info for your purchasing department
How can we help? Open chat