Overview

Synopsis

A group of high school students huddles in a classroom during a lockdown in Douglas Craven’s harrowing one-act. Nobody is sure if the lockdown is real or a drill, making the situation increasingly tense as the hours go by. The play never resolves that question and leaves the ultimate fate of the characters open-ended. This ensemble play deals with difficult subject matter but offers strong character study opportunities for teenage actors. The playwright grants permission to change or eliminate the profanity and offensive words if the language is inappropriate for a particular venue. Producers of the play are also encouraged to update the slang used by the teenage characters.

Show Information

Book
Douglas Craven
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
2006
Genres
Drama
Settings
Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
A high school classroom, Present day
Cast Size
medium
Licensor
Playscripts, inc
Ideal For
Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, High School, Includes Adult, Late Teen, Early Teen Characters, Medium Cast

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Adam

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Tyler

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Chelsea

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Phil

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Liz

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Sarah

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Mark

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Mr./Mrs. Karsh

Supporting

Either Gender

Non-singer

Grade Nine Student

Ensemble

Female

Silent

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    Adolescent

    A character in their teenage years, often portrayed as navigating identity, rebellion, and emotional growth.

    Ensemble

    A group of performers who function as a unit in a production rather than as individuals with leading roles.

    One-Act

    A short play presented in a single act without intermission, ideal for festivals, student productions, or concise storytelling.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Kevan Dunkelberg

Kevan Dunkelberg

Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright