In addition to books, I also write plays. Some are about the college admissions process and therefore appropriate for high schools. Some feature Jesus Christ as a weed-smoking teenager, which might upset your school board.
But hey, my high school did a production of Hair, so I’m not counting anything out.
PERFECT SCORE
One Act Dramedy. 4f, 3m (7-11 actors possible: 3-8 f, 3-6 m). 40-50 mins.
Four friends — a hippie, a jock, a perfectionist, and a slacker — negotiate the college application process as graduation day rapidly approaches. SATs and GPAs are just a part of their worries, as senioritis, awkward interviews, and the pressure to succeed provide even bigger hurdles in the race to the fat-envelope finish line.
NICE THINGS PEOPLE SAID:
“A gifted writer with an ear for dialogue. There’s plenty of sardonic repartee in Perfect Score which tracks a year in the lives of four friends going through the torturous process of applying to college.”
–Jesse Hamlin, San Francisco Chronicle
“Katie Henry has written a wonderful play about college admissions from the viewpoint those most affected by it — the students themselves…”
–stepintocollege.com
AWARDS:
Berkeley Rep Teen Playwriting Contest
Young Playwrights Inc. National Playwriting Contest
RIGHTS:
This play is published and licensed by Playscripts Inc. Visit them here: https://www.playscripts.com/play/1874
RE-DROWNING OPHELIA
One-Act Dramedy (6f) 50-60 mins.
Six clever, outspoken girls at an all-female private school defy teenage stereotypes as they forge unexpected friendships.
NICE THINGS PEOPLE SAID:
“Henry, who has a gift for the cutting, well-timed line, doesn’t have much patience for euphemisms or delicate sensibilities. And while her pivotal character Olivia’s anger at how young people are pigeonholed might not be a new sentiment, there’s originality and passion to how Henry says it.”
–Jim Hebert, San Diego Union Tribune
“Smart, savvy, insights, compelling characters, sharp dialogue…this is a show you shouldn’t miss. You’ll be hearing from this writer again.”
–Pat Launer, San Diego News Network
“This girl has cojones.”
–Edward Albee, theater legend
AWARDS:
California Young Playwrights Award Winner
RIGHTS:
I hold all rights to this play. Contact me if you’re interested!
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JEREMY
Full-Length Comedy (2f, 3m with doubling) 90 mins.
After Jeremy, a Catholic school senior with odd (and heretical) religious views, is kicked out of his Theology class, he must seek the help of Cara, the most pious girl in school, in order to pass the class and graduate on time. Complicating matters is the existence of his imaginary friend, a sixteen-year-old pot-smoking version of Jesus Christ, who has His own family drama to deal with.
NICE THINGS PEOPLE SAID:
“I’ll say this, you sure know your catechism.”
–My very Catholic grandfather, who was surprisingly cool with this play.
“When did you learn all those swear words, Katie?”
–My very Catholic grandmother. The answer to her question is “middle school.”
AWARDS:
Festival of New Works Award Winner, Department of Dramatic Writing, NYU Tisch School of the Arts
RIGHTS:
I hold all rights to this play. Contact me if you’re interested!
Katie Henry 