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A THOUSAND CRANES
Medium Cast for Middle & High Schools

Soundtrack Cues ............ Script Sample


CAST LIST
Medium Cast Version

Running Time: About 40 minutes.
Flexible cast of 13, 4 Male, 4 Female, All others M/F.
Easily adapted for larger or smaller cast.

ACTOR 1  (29 LINES, M/F)*
ACTOR 2  (27 LINES, M/F)*
ACTOR 3  (26 LINES, M/F)*
ACTOR 4  (25 LINES, M/F)*

SADAKO  (105 LINES, F)

KENJI  (42 LINES, M) 

FATHER  (17 LINES, M)

MOTHER  (19 LINES, F)

GRANDMOTHER OBA CHAN  (26 LINES, F)

MASASHIGE  (SIGNIFICANT MOVEMENT, M)**

MR. ARAKI  (1 SPEECH, M)**

MRS.  WATANBE  (1 SPEECH, F)**

DAISUKE  (1 SPEECH, M/F)**

* Number of ACTORS 1-4 may be doubled or divided.
** These parts may be played by ACTORS 1-4.


Easy to Stage a Stunning Production!
One Act Play for Schools - A Thousand Cranes One Act Play for Schools - A Thousand Cranes
JapanFest, Japan-American Society of Georgia, Atlanta

"The play is deeply spiritual. The message
is that hope rises from the ashes of tragedy."
Dori Baker, Washington Post


A THOUSAND CRANES
CD SOUNDTRACK CUES
Cues, sound effects, original background music

The CD Soundtrack contains special sound effects and background music (original music written for the play) that may be used to greatly enhance the performance. It does not contain music for the performers to sing along with. Cues have 10 seconds of silence at the end - times shown below include silence.
[ Click on [sample] to hear a short sample of the indicated cues ]

1.  CRANE FOLDING / A-BOMB  (2:09) [sample]

2.  RUNNING MUSIC  (1:44) [sample]

3.  HOSPITAL VOICES  (1:14) [sample]

4.  KENJI CRANE FOLDING  (1:06)

5.  KENJI FROG  (0:48) [sample]

6.  HOSPITAL / FOLDING  (1:21)

7.  FOLDING / FLYING (repeat)  (6:58) [sample]

8.  A-BOMB  (0:38)

9.  FOLDING / CURTAIN CALL  (5:05) 

Note: Some teachers choose familiar songs, obtain sheet music and insert these songs into the play.  We recognize that each school has a wide variety of educational needs to fulfill and we invite you to be creative in your use of our scripts; including changes or additions that are appropriate for your students. As author/publisher of our own creative works, we do ask that you obtain proper copyright permission for any additions you might make - that responsibility is up to you.

Music & Sound Resources Available on the Internet
( Sheet Music, Song Books, CDs, DVDs, Sing-along, Karaoke, Sound Effects )


Proven Winner in Play Contests!
One Act Play for Schools - A Thousand Cranes One Act Play for Schools - A Thousand Cranes
A Thousand Cranes, Fusion Youth Theatre, Grimsby, UK

"We won the Oklahoma State Championship in one act play contest by a solid decision! The profoundly moving script allowed us to make the most of our resources with its simple open staging."
Jim Ryan, Drama Teacher, Norman North High School OK


A THOUSAND CRANES
SCRIPT SAMPLE
Medium Cast Version

A Thousand Cranes has many light moments!  This is a fun, lively exchange between Sadako and her friend Kenji.

KENJI: I have a present for you.

SADAKO: You do?

KENJI: Close your eyes.

(She squinches her eyes shut, KENJI puts a piece of gold paper on the bed.)

KENJI: Now you can look.

SADAKO: (Looking at paper.) What is it?

KENJI: (Laughs.) I’ve figured out a way for you to get well. Watch!

(He slowly folds paper into origami crane. Recorded music heard earlier in the mimed folding is heard:

SOUND CUE #4

NOTE: There may be 3 paper cranes hidden in the bench or covered by KENJI’s satchel. He may secretly change one crane to another to show it in 2 or 3 stages of folding. At last he taps its wings and head into place and holds the crane in the palm of his hand as if it is very precious.)

SADAKO: Kenji, it’s beautiful. (Takes crane.) But how can this paper crane make me well?

KENJI: Don’t you remember that old story about the crane? It’s supposed to live for a thousand years. If a sick person folds one thousand paper cranes, the gods will grant her wish and make her healthy again. There’s your first one.

SADAKO: (Very touched.) Oh, Kenji. It’s beautiful.

KENJI: Make a wish.

(ACTORS make musical sound of chimes from the music stand. SADAKO holds it out before her, closes her eyes, and her lips move silently. She looks up at KENJI, very moved by his gift.)

SADAKO: Thank you, Kenji. Thank you.

KENJI: Don’t thank me. You have to fold the rest yourself.

SADAKO: I’ll start today. (Looks around.)  But I’ll need paper.

KENJI: (Putting her on.) Now where in the world could we get some paper? (Pretends to think, then pulls paper out of his satchel.) Well, what do you know? Look what I have here. (Hands it to her.) This ought to keep you busy.

SADAKO: (Takes paper, smiles at his fun, becomes serious.) Kenji?

KENJI: Yes?

SADAKO: (Trying to be strong.) Who won the race?

KENJI: (Carefully.) Oh, I don’t remember her name. She wasn’t very fast. She was a turtle.

SADAKO: But you always said I was a turtle.

KENJI: Oh, well, I was only teasing when I said that. You’re much more like that crane there. You run very fast, Sadako, like a bird. Like the wind.

SADAKO: (Almost ready to cry, bolsters herself.) So if I’m not a turtle, does that mean you’re not a frog?

KENJI: What? Me? A frog? Why, that’s the silliest thing I ever heard... croak! Oops! There’s that sound again. Croak! Uh-oh. It’s starting again, Sadako. Look! Croak! I’m turning all green and warty! Croak! Croak!

Note: This is a sample from the actual script.  To review the entire play, order the PERUSAL SCRIPT (online instant download). Or to save 20% on the full production kit and royalty for one performance, order the SCHOOL PLAY PACKAGE (below) and start rehearsals today!


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ArtReach Children's Theatre Plays
Great Play Scripts & Musicals for Kids!