CAST: 2M, 3F, plus 1 role that can be any
SET: Interior cottage set
TIME: About 25 minutes
Script:
$7.25 each Director’s book: $22.50 each
ROYALTY:
$45 First Performance
$45 Each Additional Performance
SET: Interior cottage set
TIME: About 25 minutes
Script:
$7.25 each Director’s book: $22.50 each
ROYALTY:
$45 First Performance
$45 Each Additional Performance
W.W. Jacobs’ cautionary tale about greed and wishful thinking is given new life — and more female roles — in this gripping adaptation by theatre legend Jon Jory. This short one-act is perfect for a night of one acts or for competition, packing a powerful punch with compelling storytelling and sweeping character arcs.
The poor Whites drudge on in their modest cottage in a remote village in 1900s England. Content with the simple things, Henry doesn’t care for tales of superstition like the one told by his wife Eleanor’s gossipy friend. But when Sergeant-Major Morris visits the Whites with an equally tall tale about a mummified monkey’s paw that grants wishes, Henry is intrigued — despite Major’s warnings of dire consequences. The uncharacteristically frivolous Whites cajole the relic from the reluctant major, who begs them to destroy the paw, lest they get more than they bargained for.
At the behest of his grown daughter and wife, Henry heeds Major’s plea to at least be sensible and makes only one small wish — just enough money to pay off their simple house. But when daughter Helen heads to work at the factory the next morning with still no sign of the money, the hopeful family accepts that it was just a lark. The reality, however, is far worse than they could have imagined.
The poor Whites drudge on in their modest cottage in a remote village in 1900s England. Content with the simple things, Henry doesn’t care for tales of superstition like the one told by his wife Eleanor’s gossipy friend. But when Sergeant-Major Morris visits the Whites with an equally tall tale about a mummified monkey’s paw that grants wishes, Henry is intrigued — despite Major’s warnings of dire consequences. The uncharacteristically frivolous Whites cajole the relic from the reluctant major, who begs them to destroy the paw, lest they get more than they bargained for.
At the behest of his grown daughter and wife, Henry heeds Major’s plea to at least be sensible and makes only one small wish — just enough money to pay off their simple house. But when daughter Helen heads to work at the factory the next morning with still no sign of the money, the hopeful family accepts that it was just a lark. The reality, however, is far worse than they could have imagined.
Additional products available:
Director’s book: $22.50 each
Director’s book: $22.50 each
The Monkey’s Paw
Use this script sample — including the cast list, production notes and several pages of the actual script — to help you select your next show. It is open in a new browser tab or window. To open it again, please click here.
JACK RICKMAN
VICTORIA, TX
VICTORIA, TX
HERMITAGE PUBLIC SCHOOL
HERMITAGE, AR
HERMITAGE, AR
GALLATIN R-V SCHOOL DIST
GALLATIN, MO
GALLATIN, MO
KERMIT ISD
KERMIT, TX
KERMIT, TX
PARK CITY HIGH SCHOOL
PARK CITY, UT
PARK CITY, UT
SCHILLING SCHOOL
CINCINNATI, OH
CINCINNATI, OH
AUSTIN OLSON
EDMONTON, AB
EDMONTON, AB
BASTROP ISD
BASTROP, TX
BASTROP, TX
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Introduction to Readers Theatre
Readers Theatre is engaged in a pursuit of a more contemporary self-definition, and some of the more theatrical trends of classroom performance are reflected in this book of practices and principles.
Readers Theatre is engaged in a pursuit of a more contemporary self-definition, and some of the more theatrical trends of classroom performance are reflected in this book of practices and principles.
Electronic Script Information
For preview: E-Views
E-Views deliver a non-printable, complete preview script to your Pioneer library for reading anytime. Click on ORDER THIS TITLE, then select ELECTRONIC PREVIEW SCRIPT. Learn more about creating an E-view library here.
For production: E-Scripts
E-Scripts allow organizations to receive an emailed, printable PDF of the script within one business day without needing to prepay for scripts or royalties. This option requires the purchase of a sufficient number of distribution rights for your entire cast.
To choose this option, place your PRODUCTION ORDER normally, including the total number of scripts you need for your production. As with all production orders, you must order a minimum of one script per cast member. Then, select “Emailed E-script” as your DELIVERY OPTION during checkout.
IMPORTANT:
NOTE: If you wish to receive a downloadable script immediately, take advantage of our Get It Now! option. Prepayment required.
E-Views deliver a non-printable, complete preview script to your Pioneer library for reading anytime. Click on ORDER THIS TITLE, then select ELECTRONIC PREVIEW SCRIPT. Learn more about creating an E-view library here.
For production: E-Scripts
E-Scripts allow organizations to receive an emailed, printable PDF of the script within one business day without needing to prepay for scripts or royalties. This option requires the purchase of a sufficient number of distribution rights for your entire cast.
To choose this option, place your PRODUCTION ORDER normally, including the total number of scripts you need for your production. As with all production orders, you must order a minimum of one script per cast member. Then, select “Emailed E-script” as your DELIVERY OPTION during checkout.
IMPORTANT:
- You will receive your emailed script within one business day.
- Only scripts can be emailed. Director’s books and music parts must be shipped at regular cost.
- A $6 e-delivery fee will be added to each order.
- All script prices are the same, whether paper, digital, or photocopied.
- There are no returns, exchanges, or refunds on e-scripts or distribution rights.
NOTE: If you wish to receive a downloadable script immediately, take advantage of our Get It Now! option. Prepayment required.
Get It Now! Immediate Downloads
Get It Now! allows you to immediately download PDFs of the script, director’s book, and music scores for our shows. Production/rehearsal CDs sets are also available for immediate download. You will not receive physical versions of anything you select for Get It Now! delivery. This option requires the purchase of a sufficient number of scripts (distribution rights) for your entire cast and pre-payment of your entire order, including royalties.
To choose this option, place your PRODUCTION ORDER normally, including the total number of scripts you need to make for your production. As with all production orders, you must order a minimum of one script per cast member. Then, select “Get It Now!” as your DELIVERY OPTION during checkout, indicate which materials you would like sent electronically, and enter your credit card information in the appropriate space. Make sure you’ve specified the exact number of performances and selected “Bill Now” for your royalties.
IMPORTANT:
NOTE: If you do not wish to prepay for your entire production, you can still take advantage of E-Scripts and receive your emailed PDF within one business day.
To choose this option, place your PRODUCTION ORDER normally, including the total number of scripts you need to make for your production. As with all production orders, you must order a minimum of one script per cast member. Then, select “Get It Now!” as your DELIVERY OPTION during checkout, indicate which materials you would like sent electronically, and enter your credit card information in the appropriate space. Make sure you’ve specified the exact number of performances and selected “Bill Now” for your royalties.
IMPORTANT:
- You will be able to download the available parts immediately after your credit card transaction is approved. A valid email address is required.
- Parts not available for download will be shipped at regular cost.
- A $6 e-delivery fee will be added to each order.
- All material prices are the same, whether paper, digital, or photocopied.
- There are NO RETURNS, EXCHANGES, OR REFUNDS on downloaded materials or distribution rights.
NOTE: If you do not wish to prepay for your entire production, you can still take advantage of E-Scripts and receive your emailed PDF within one business day.