Typecast by Amanda Murray Cutalo - Theatrefolk

Typecast

Recommended for High Schools and Middle Schools

Typecast

by Amanda Murray Cutalo

Students have all mysteriously been cast in the “wrong” roles.

 About 60 minutes

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

 9
7W | 2 Any Gender

Simple set

 42 pages

Comedy Backstage Comedy

Average Producer Rating:

Reviews from Past Producers

TYPECAST: To cast a performer in a role that requires characteristics of physique, manner, and personality similar to those possessed by the performer.

The auditions for an upcoming production of Cinder White are underway and Ms. Thespis, the drama teacher, is greeted by a small group of students, each with a particular “look” and personality – the “diva,” the “quiet girl,” the “nice girl,” to name a few. To Ms. Thespis, casting this show seems like a no-brainer. However, when she comes down with a case of appendicitis, Ms. Ball, the gym teacher, needs to step in and direct the show, mostly because she feels guilty for balding Ms. Thespis’ pet ferret.

The other snag is that the students have all mysteriously been cast in the “wrong roles”- the “nice girl” is now the villain, the diva only has 2 minutes onstage, and the quiet, almost inaudible, “ensemble” girl is now playing a leading role with actual lines! As these characters awkwardly venture into unknown territory, they are forced to see themselves as more than their “type” and learn to, in the words of Ms. Ball, “play the roles they’re all totally wrong for.”

Click here to read production tips for this play.

9 Characters
7W, 2 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.

JANE [W] 73 lines
“The control freak.” The stage manager of the show who is cast as “Cinder White.” Organized, responsible, and comfortable in her role “behind the scenes.”
AUDREY [W] 38 lines
“The ensemble girl.” A meek, soft-spoken girl, she is used to being cast as inanimate objects or squirrels. She is cast as “Prince Pleasant” in the show.
HEIDI [W] 64 lines
“The mom/sidekick.” A pleasant girl with a bubbly personality. She is most comfortable in the “mother” or “cheerful sidekick” roles. She is cast as the “Evil Stepmother” in the show.
DEBRA [W] 55 lines
“The diva.” Dramatic, haughty and egocentric, this girl is used to “stealing the show” and always being the center of attention. She is cast as the “Fairy Godmother,” a character who is onstage for a total of two minutes.
MYRA [W] 65 lines
“The slacker.” Candid and snobby. She auditions for the show because she is “on academic probation and needs to earn extra credit.” She looks down on the “drama geeks.”
JULIET [W] 30 lines
“The ingénue.” Sweet, cheerful, pretty, but limited in her ability to be anything other than a “pretty face.” Takes on the role of the stage manager in the show.
WILLOW [W] 27 lines
“The politician.” Thinks she is practicing her student government election speech when she accidentally auditions for the show. She should always wear a blazer and look “put together.” She decides to do the show because she thinks it will help her win the election.
MS. DIANE THESPIS [A] 72 lines
“The drama teacher.” The stereotypical drama teacher – eccentric, artistic, and dramatic in everything she says and does. Mr. Daniel Thespis if played by a male.
MS. COLLEEN BALL [A] 145 lines
“The gym teacher.” Gruff and a little rough around the edges, she runs the rehearsals as if they were sports practices. Mr. Cal Ball if played by a male.

Subgenres
Farce Backstage comedy Fairy tales

Settings
Present day

Dress
Contemporary costumes Elaborate costumes

Audience
Pre-teen Teen

Features
Mime Opportunity for spectacle Character study Physical comedy

Set
Simple set

Themes
Adolescence Relationships Self-image Theatre

Other uses
Audition material Class work Scene work

Prop List

Binder, Tray of brownies, Cast list, Gym bag, Wand, Notepad, Notes

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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