The theatrical exploration of character inherently involves asking questions about motivation, and objectives. Where are they going, what do they want, and how do they try to get what they want? These questions can just as well apply to understanding the motives of real people in history--particularly those we don't understand or agree with. Performing history gives the performer a new and deeper appreciation for life in a different time. Further, young people's participation in theatre is well documented as assisting in the development of empathy for others-- a very important skill in an era of increasing divisiveness.
​
​
​​​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Check out this article on teaching history through theatre by Texas A&M University or this well-cited article by the Washington Post about teaching empathy through theatre.


What began as a desire to create scripts for young actors that took the actors seriously--and were more fun to direct-- has turned into an ongoing project to create historically interesting youth scripts. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
These have been performed by independent theatre groups throughout the US, in conjunction with California State Parks, and as part of recurring curriculum in public schools.
​
Click on the titles below to pop down to the description, and feel free to send an email to inquire about script royalties to josephine.czarnecki@gmail.com
​​​
Women & Their Era
A youth play for performers ages 8-14, first performed via the ParkStage program through California State Parks, at the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.
Synopsis
This story is set in 1850's Santa Cruz, and follows a dramatized tale of how Eliza Farnham and Georgiana Bruce Kirby come to experience life in California. Arriving empty-handed to her late husband's land in Santa Cruz, Eliza is immediately thrust into a whirlwind of western society-- untrustworthy lawyers, reinvented men running from their pasts, forward thinking women, sharp-witted newspaper editors, and a Santa Cruz split between cultures, all while the temptation of gold lingers just beyond the mountains. These two women, remembered over 100 years after their time, find their own way and forge their own paths as they learn what freedoms the "frontier" might have to offer.
​
60 minutes, cast of 10-15.
​

Pirates, Papers, and Plunder
A youth play for performers ages 8-14, first performed by Randall Theatre in Medford, OR under the title Marque & Reprisal. Offered through Heuer Publishing.
Synopsis
The biggest pirate play of all time! Captain Arabella Flint and her daring crew of pirates have been waiting, along with every other pirate in Havana, for news of the arrival of the Spanish Treasure Fleet. However, it is an unlikely source that brings her the news when the lawyer, Tiberius Percival (Esquire), walks into the coffee tavern and into a den of despicable pirates. In exchange for information on the treasure galleon, Arabella promises to take Tiberius to the man who is responsible for his father's imprisonment in Cuba: Captain Charles Vein. The unlikely lawyer and crew of pirates reconcile their differences in order to catch up with the horrendous Captain Vein on the deck of the elusive Spanish treasure galleon. A dramatic tale of swashbuckling pirates, daring alliances and cannon fire. It is a story of quill versus sword, and moral versus freedom, and the ways in which our beliefs characterize our actions. This show takes pirates with an equal measure dash-and-bravado as well as sinister-and-dangerous.
See our production here!
​
70 minutes, cast of 20-27.
​
.jpg)
El Bandido Vásquez
​
​
Synopsis
Santa Cruz Sentinel editor Mr. McPherson’s harsh opinions on anyone he doesn’t consider a “true American” are unpopular with many in the Californian town. Georgiana Bruce is on the forefront of the fight in hopes he will allow a female journalist to publish an editorial in his paper, but the vitriol of McPherson may have taken a more dangerous aspect. It will take the infamous bandido Vásquez and his compatriots, as well as Georgiana Bruce’s smart wit and heartfelt editorials to uncover who is using threats to drive the last Californios off their land. Good and bad bandits clash, a fiercely strong ranchero-owner takes her stand, a female journalist gets her revenge, and the citizens of Santa Cruz are better off when things to come to a head for the heinous McPherson at the Grand Admittance Ceremony of California to the Union.
A work of historical fiction, this tale is about the heroism of all who work to take a stand against evil and hatred--and that not all heroes must wear a cape.
See our production, previously performed under the title "Zorro in Santa Cruz" here!
​
23 Speaking roles, additional Festival Dancers.
M-12 F-6 M/F -5
A youth play for performers ages 7-14, first performed by Santa Cruz Parks & Rec, past of the curriculum at Pacific Elementary School in Davenport, California.

When the Mission Bells Rang
Based on the children's picture book, written by Dr. Judith Scott in consultation with the Amah Mustun Tribal Band.
​​​
Synopsis
The mission bells ring every morning, evening, and constantly throughout the day, and soon the local animals band together to try and stop the sound. Humuunya attempts to contact the Mutsun people in their dreams, Ores tries to ask them politely to stop, but its up the little Riina to sneak into the mission and accomplish this little victory.
Written in consultation with the author, the script is in progress being workshopped with grants being secured for extended consultation with the Amah Mustun Tribal Band.
​
22 roles, for ages 7-10.

Through the Looking Glass
A youth play, recommended for ages 10-15, with a focus on precise movement, textual absurdity, and visual design.

Synopsis
Hypothetically a sequel to Alice in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass follows a more structured journey of Alice as she steps through the mirror in a study in her house once day and finds herself in a world of utter nonsense and confusions. Beginning in the First Square, she is quickly whisked away (without volition) into the game as a pawn, with the expectation of making it across all eight squares to be Queened on the Other Side. In this treacherous trek she meets the Red and Wuite Queen, both strange and insuffrable in their own ways, Humpty Dumpty, Talking Flowers, Mad Hatter, Jack & Jill, the Cuckoo Bird, and the Imitation Crab (among others).
Our version follows closely to the less-well-known book, with the goal of modernising and Americanising the English Victorian references. The result is a disconcerting panoply of unique characters that barrage Alice in her adventure, in a post-modern collage of things that are not-quite-right. Best aimed at older elementary or middle school actors (10-15 years old), with many two or three person scenes to feature each set of characters.
See our production here!
​
25 Speaking roles (with doubling), additional non-speaking or undoubled.