Five great plays… to make your audience laugh

Epic Proportions by Larry Coen and David Crane

Cast: 1f, 3m, 4 any

Synopsis: Set in the 1930s, Epic Proportions tells the story of two brothers, Benny and Phil, who go to the Arizona desert to be extras in the huge Biblical epic ‘Exeunt Omnes'. Things move very quickly in this riotous comedy and before you know it, Phil is directing the movie, and Benny is starring in it. To complicate matters further they both fall in love with Louise, the assistant director in charge of the extras. Along the way there are gladiator battles, the ten plagues and a cast of thousands portrayed by four other actors.

Why it's great for laughs: This fast-paced comedy keeps the audiences' attention and requires teamwork. Because of the huge sets, unique lighting, and number of props and costumes needed, it is great for theatres with big technical theatre departments.

All In The Timing by David Ives

Cast: Flexible casting

Synopsis: Featuring six diverse but equally hysterical one-act comedies, David Ives' All In The Timing is a witty, romantic, absurd, and existentially-minded evening of theatre.

Why it's great for laughs: All In The Timing is a popular option for older students who are interested in producing individual, a few, or an entire collection of one-act comedies. When performed together as an ensemble play, the collection has no lead actors, which gives students a chance to work together. Each one act broaches larger existential questions that challenge actors to work to find the deeper meaning around the comedy.

10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse by Don Zolidis

Cast: 5f, 3m, 2 any (8-24 actors possible)

Synopsis: It's the end of the world and hordes of rampaging zombies are about to kill you. What do you do? Try your hand at kung fu against the undead? Attempt to reason with creatures that would rather eat brains than use them? Turn to this handy and hilarious guide to survive the apocalypse!

(Hint: sacrifice the weak is step number one.)

Why it's great for laughs: With a 30-minute running time, this play is very doable for schools working around little rehearsal time. Allow your students to get out of their comfort zone and have fun exploring the physicality and characteristics of zombies.

Clue by Sandy Rustin

Additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price

Cast: 6m, 5f, flexible ensemble

Synopsis: Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie, which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game known in the UK as Cluedo, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth the butler, Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave both cult-fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out who did it, where, and with what!

Why it's great for laughs:

As the most-produced school play of 2019-2020, Clue is wildly popular for any school looking for a large-cast comedy. The classic mystery allows students to dive into a zany cast of famous characters that audience members can easily recognise and enjoy.

The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon by Don Zolidis

Cast: 1f, 1m, 3 any (5-43 actors possible)

Synopsis: The fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm are turned on their heads in this fast-paced, rollicking ride, as two narrators and several actors attempt to combine all 209 stories – ranging from classics like Snow White, Cinderella, and Hansel and Gretel to more bizarre, obscure stories like The Devil's Grandmother and The Girl Without Hands. A wild, free-form comedy with lots of audience participation and madcap fun.

Why it's great for laughs: With 45-minute and 100-minute versions available, this high-energy play is ideal for students of all ages. The lovability of the classic fairy tales encourages audience participation that smashes the fourth wall. Students improve acting skills with characterisation while building relationships with cohesive ensemble work.

To apply to perform these plays or discover more, visit www.broadwaylicensing.com