High School Theater Scene: Why Are Certain Plays So Popular?

I'm involved in my school's theater club, and I've noticed that some plays are frequently performed in high schools across the country. What makes these plays resonate with high schoolers and the teachers who guide them?

There are several contributing factors that explain why certain plays have become staples of high school theater. These include educational value, relatability, practicality, and the ability to challenge and expand students' skills.

1. Educational Value: The heart of any school activity, including theater, is its educational value. Many of the plays staged by high school theater departments are curriculum-related, often complementing the literature being studied in English classes. This includes plays by Shakespeare, Arthur Miller or Tennessee Williams, for instance. These plays provide students with a deeper understanding and appreciation of significant works of drama.

2. Relatability: High schools often select plays that are relatable to the student actors, making it easier for them to embody their characters and connect with the audience. Plays dealing with coming-of-age themes, family dynamics, friendship, and identity resonate well with high schoolers, hence their popularity.

3. Practicality: Practicality plays a big role when choosing a play for high school theater. Certain plays, because of their minimal set requirements, small cast sizes, and less demanding technical aspects, are more feasible for high school productions that often operate on limited budgets.

4. Skill Development: Teachers and directors often select plays that help students hone their acting, directing, and technical theater skills. This includes plays that provide opportunities for students to play a wide range of characters, or that present unique technical challenges, such as unusual lighting or sound requirements or complex set designs.

For example, the play "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder has remained a high school mainstay because its timeless theme of appreciating life's everyday moments resonates with students and audience members alike. On the practical side, the minimal staging allows schools to put on the play without big-budget sets, and the large cast allows many students to participate.

In conclusion, the popularity of certain plays in high schools can be attributed to their educational value, relatability, practicality, and role in skill development.