45 Showstopping High School Plays for Your School

Everyone loves well-done high school plays. When the actors and director are engaged in the storyline and the blocking is done correctly, a play can deeply impact everyone involved, from the cast and crew to the audience. The struggle is: Which plays are best to perform in high school? There are seemingly endless options for high school plays, and thinking about which one to put on can be overwhelming. That’s why we put together this list of 45 of the best high school plays with a range of genres, plots, and lessons to help make your decision easier.

Large-Cast High School Plays

Cast of Alice in Wonderland in high school plays

1. Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland is a beloved classic from every student’s childhood. The script, costumes, and set allow for a very creative and energetic play to take place. With digestible themes and a happy-go-lucky plot, this play is definitely a classic for a large cast of high schoolers.

Cast: 11–20 roles, large ensemble

Peter and the Starcatcher cast

2. Peter and the Starcatcher

This is the story of the young orphan who ultimately became Peter Pan. High school audiences will love the familiar names and storyline, and the cast will love the unique plot.

Cast: 12 roles, large ensemble

Almost, Maine cast

3. Almost, Maine

This work consists of nine short plays that explore the themes of love and loss in the town of Almost, Maine. The play has received critical acclaim and tugs on heartstrings, discussing topics that many have experienced but may not have been able to share publicly. In high school, friendships and other relationships are gained and lost at an accelerated rate. Highlighting this theme in Almost, Maine will definitely resonate with the student body.

Cast: 12–19 roles, large ensemble