K12 Playkit

K12 PlayKits are designed to make theatre in schools simple! Hand-picked by a team of professional educators, they put everything schools need for a successful production right at your fingertips; high-quality scripts, student-friendly materials, and streamlined performance rights without the hassle or uncertainty of traditional licensing. With no hoops to jump through, you can focus on what really matters: creating inspiring productions with your students.

PlayKit | The Prince and the Pauper

by Thomas W. Olson
Based on the novel by Mark Twain

When a chance encounter reveals their uncanny resemblance, young Edward, the crown prince of England, and Tom, a poor commoner, embark on a daring exchange of identities. What begins as a playful experiment quickly spirals into a high-stakes adventure as each boy becomes trapped in the other's world. In the glittering halls of royalty and the gritty streets of London, both must navigate unexpected dangers, mistaken identities, and life-changing discoveries.

$80.00

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Quick Details

  • Type: Play
  • Length: 90 minutes | Can be cut for competition
  • Availability: Available for productions worldwide
  • Cast Size: 23 speaking roles + ensemble | Doubling possible

Full Details

Roles:

  • Edward Tudor
  • Tom Canty
  • Miles Hendon
  • John Canty
  • Lord St. John
  • HD Hertford
  • Hugh Hendon
  • Lady Edith
  • King Henry VIII
  • Princess Elizabeth
  • Bet Canty
  • Father Andrew
  • Humphrey Marlow
  • Hugo
  • The Ruffler
  • Woman Petitioner
  • Peasant Woman
  • Judge
  • Bailiff
  • Palace Guard
  • Innkeeper
  • Butler
  • Archbishop of Canterbury

Ensemble includes Townspeople, Outlaws and Courtiers

The following resources are included in each PlayKit:
  • Opening Act Edition PDF script
  • Opening Act performance license for 1-8 performances (choose the number of performances using drop-down bar). 
  • Copy license to copy included PDF script for your cast, crew, and production team. There is no additional cost for scripts! 
  • Media pack including logo PNG & SVG's as well as template poster files.
  • Director's Guide with tips, suggested rehearsal activities, FAQ, and more!
  • Cutting permission for competition performances and link to add performances as you progress through the competition. 

Thomas Olson

Thomas W. Olson began his professional theatre career at age 17 as an actor with The Children's Theatre Company (CTC); he eventually became a member of its resident acting company and also served as stage manager, promotions director, stage director, literary manager, dramaturg for 24 productions by guest playwrights, and, from 1978-1990, as CTC's resident playwright. To date, CTC has commissioned and produced more scripts by Thomas W. Olson than any other playwright in its history (30 scripts in 45 productions and three national tours), including world premiere adaptations of The Clown of God, Dracula, The Hobbit, The Phantom of the Opera, and his award-winning The Secret Garden. Beyond CTC, nearly a dozen additional original plays and adapted works have received productions by Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (mainstage and national tour), the National Arts Centre of Canada, Alliance Theatre of Atlanta, Arkansas Arts Center, Indiana Repertory Theater, Riverside Shakespeare Theatre and other troupes large and small across North America and beyond. His adaptation of Frankenstein became a nationally-broadcast CBS television special and The Marvelous Land of Oz, for MCA/Universal, appeared on HBO and Showtime cable as well as home video.

Originally commissioned and produced by Children's Theatre Company in 1997