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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 M | 4 F | 8 Any Gender, Easily Expandable

Set

Simple set

Length

37 pages

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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 Jackson

Burlington Township Middle School @ Springside

It was great! The kids really responded to it and had fun. The audience loved it too!

Jennifer Mendoza

GAMS Mask & Wig

We got GREAT feedback from teachers and parents - AND STUDENTS - in our Middle School on this production. We all felt it was very TIMELY in its lessons on kindness and empathy, while still being funny and entertaining. The students involved in the production were professional and wonderful!

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.