1. Consider Your Audience & Goals:
* Age & Maturity: Are you working with young children, teens, or adults? This will determine the complexity of the script, language, and themes.
* Skill Level: What's the experience level of your actors? Do they need a simple, dialogue-driven play or something with more challenging character work?
* Production Values: Will you have access to elaborate sets, costumes, or special effects? This might influence your play selection.
* Overall Tone: Do you want a light-hearted comedy, a serious drama, or something with a mix of both?
2. Explore Play Lists & Resources:
* Online Databases: Sites like Playscripts.com, Dramatic Publishing, and Samuel French have vast online databases of plays, many with specific cast size filters.
* Local Libraries: Check out your local library's theater section for plays with cast lists.
* Your School or Community Theater: Many organizations have lists of recommended plays for specific age groups and casts.
3. Narrow Down Your Choices Based on Themes & Characters:
* Strong Female Role: The girl in your cast should have a significant, well-developed character, not just a damsel in distress.
* Boy-centric Themes: Some plays might focus on male friendships, sports, or coming-of-age stories.
* Balance & Variety: Look for a play that balances the needs of your male and female characters, providing opportunities for all to shine.
4. Read & Analyze Scripts:
* Read Multiple Choices: Read the full scripts, not just summaries. This will help you understand the characters, dialogue, and overall plot.
* Consider the Dialogue: Does the language fit your actors' abilities and comfort levels?
* Visualize the Scenes: Imagine your actors performing the play. Can you see the dynamics and potential for success?
5. Don't Be Afraid to Adapt!
* Consider Gender-Neutral Roles: Some scripts allow for flexibility with character genders, which can help you accommodate your cast size.
* Combine Plays: If you can't find a perfect fit, explore the possibility of combining two shorter plays that complement each other.
Here are some specific play suggestions for 5 boys and 1 girl:
For Young Children:
* "The Paper Bag Princess" by Robert Munsch (1 girl, 1 boy): A classic fairy tale with a strong female lead and a humorous twist.
* "The Frog Prince" by Jon Jory (1 girl, 2 boys): A traditional fairy tale with a fun and whimsical approach.
For Middle School:
* "The American Crisis" by Lanie Robertson (1 girl, 5 boys): A historical drama about the American Revolution, with a focus on the role of women in the war.
* "The Mystery of the Missing Lunch Money" by Jon Jory (1 girl, 4 boys): A mystery with a lighthearted tone and plenty of opportunities for comedic timing.
For High School:
* "Antigone Now" by Melissa Cooper (1 girl, 5 boys): A modern adaptation of the Greek tragedy, exploring themes of justice, freedom, and rebellion.
* "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Simon Stephens (1 girl, 5 boys): A powerful play about a young boy with autism, based on the best-selling novel.
For Adults:
* "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde (1 girl, 5 boys): A classic comedy of manners with witty dialogue and clever characters.
* "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare (1 girl, 5 boys): A timeless romantic comedy with magical elements.
Remember: The best play is the one that sparks your imagination and allows your actors to showcase their talents!