One-Act Plays by Modern Authors

This anthology gathers a dozen fresh one‑act plays written within the last few years, offering a vivid snapshot of contemporary drama while still echoing the timeless themes that students first meet in the classics. The selections span comedy, romance, and social commentary, each trimmed to a single act so the dialogue snaps into focus and modern diction feels immediate. By presenting works that were originally staged for adult audiences yet speak in language and concerns familiar to today’s youth, the collection makes the leap from textbook to living theatre feel natural.

Designed for both study and performance, the plays serve as a practical toolkit for classroom discussion, rehearsal, and production. Helpful introductions guide readers through staging ideas, while the texts themselves invite experimentation with character, pacing, and stagecraft. Whether you are a teacher looking to enliven a literature unit, a student eager to hear modern voices, or an amateur troupe seeking concise material, these works open a window onto the vibrant world of early‑twentieth‑century drama.