How to Choose the Right Play for Your Cast and Goals - Stage Notes

Picking a play isn’t just about what you like—it’s about what actually works for your cast, your space, your audience, and your sanity. 😅

Whether you're programming a full season, directing one show, or planning a school production, choosing the right script can make or break your experience.

Here’s how to choose a play that fits your people, your purpose, and your production plan.

1. Start With Your Cast (Not the Script)

Before you fall in love with a title, ask:

Who do I already have?
How many actors can I realistically cast?
What age range, experience level, or availability do they have?
Do I need flexible casting or gender-neutral roles?

The best script in the world won’t work if you don’t have the people to bring it to life.

2. Define Your Goals

What are you trying to accomplish with this production?

It could be:

Giving students challenging material to grow their skills
Engaging your community with a powerful message
Selling tickets with a crowd-pleaser
Filling a slot in a themed season

Knowing your “why” helps narrow your options fast.

3. Consider Your Format & Venue

Think about your production constraints:

Is this a black box, a big proscenium, or a classroom corner?
Do you need a one-act? A short play? A show under 60 minutes?
Are you performing live or online?

Certain plays thrive in minimal setups. Others need room to stretch.

4. Check for Representation and Voice

Who gets to tell the story matters.

Make sure the play:

Offers meaningful roles for your cast—not just background parts
Reflects the identities, perspectives, or communities involved (respectfully)
Supports inclusive or flexible casting if needed

Look for playwrights whose voices align with the story’s intent.

5. Think About Technical Requirements

Before you commit, ask:

Can we pull off the set, props, and costumes with our resources?
Are there special effects or scene changes that’ll cause chaos?
Is the language or content age-appropriate for our audience?

You don’t want to be scrambling during tech week because a set piece needs to levitate.

6. Match the Tone to Your Audience

Be honest about what your audience will enjoy—or tolerate.

Will a dark, gritty drama land with your crowd?
Are they up for experimental theatre or more into traditional comedies?
Do they want to laugh, cry, be challenged—or all three?

Meeting them where they are doesn’t mean compromising—it means connecting.

7. Read More Than One Script

Seriously. Don’t just default to the first one that sounds good.

Try:

Reading three scripts that fit your basic needs
Comparing casting flexibility, themes, tone, and production ease
Asking others on your team (or your cast!) for input

You’re curating an experience, not just filling a slot.

TL;DR: Balance Art with Reality

Choosing the right play is part creative spark, part logistical jigsaw puzzle.
When you match the script to your cast, your goals, and your production setup, you set yourself up for a smoother process—and a stronger show.

🎭 Need Help Finding That Just-Right Script?

Try Playwright Co—search by cast size, format, genre, and more. We help you find plays that fit your vision and your reality.

Tags: choosing a play, play selection guide, theatre directing, drama teacher resources, school productions, casting tips, educational theatre, community theatre planning