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
Recommended for Middle Schools
At a Glance
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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.
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GERTIE GREENE Female 18 linesThe new kid in school, rumored to be a terrible bully. One Monologue
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MRS. FILLMORE Female 67 linesThe drama teacher, kind, good-humored, and energetic. One Monologue
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CURT Male 10 linesLoves drama class but wishes he was good at sports to please his dad.
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NICOLE Female 25 linesQuiet and shy, drama class is her chance to finally come out of her shell. Four Monologues.
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ALEX Female 10 linesStruggles in school, drama class is her only escape. One Monologue
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RACHEL Female 25 linesOutgoing, spirited, the kind of person you’d want to have as a friend.
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SHANNON Female 16 linesThe queen of sarcasm.
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JESSIE Female 22 linesOften caught up in gossip.
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JACOB Male 19 linesEnergetic and enthusiastic.
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C.J. Male 21 linesAn over-the-top dude who doesn’t always pay attention in class.
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JEFF Male 13 linesA theater enthusiast, tries to keep the other guys on track.
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ANNA Female 20 linesNerdy, over–eager, always has her hand in the air, oblivious to social dynamics.
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BRYAN Male 11 linesThe class joker, has a pun for everything.
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CASEY Male 23 linesFun and reliable friend.
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BETH Female 20 linesDrama class student who is game to try anything.
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REBECCA Female 19 linesThe fashionista of the group.
Additional Characters
(Can be double-cast using the actors that play the characters above)
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FOOTBALL JOCKS 1–4 Male 2, 3, 3, 2 lines
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MRS. HINCKLEBRICK Female 15 linesThe cruel history teacher; One Monologue
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MRS. CRANBERRY Female 1 lineThe bubbly school counselor; One Monologue
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PETE MACKLESON Male 6 linesThe popular guy with a dark side
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GOSSIPERS 1–7
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PIGS 1–3 5, 5, 2 linesMust be double-cast from actors who play students in drama class
Praise for The Redemption of Gertie Greene
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The Redemption of Gertie Greene Sample Excerpt
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