The Lottery
Based on the story by Shirley Jackson. Dramatized by Brainerd Duffield.
Product Code: L31000
One-act Play
Drama
Cast size: 8m., 5w., extras.
Livestream and Record & Stream Rights Available
Rights and availability
This title can be licensed and sold in the following countries:
Canada, United States
* Please note the royalty rate listed is the minimum royalty rate per performance. The actual royalty rate will be determined upon completion of a royalty application.
Synopsis
This unusual play with its shattering last scene has proven so successful it is probably winning more contests presently than any other short play. Published originally in The New Yorker magazine, it produced an unprecedented reaction, and this dramatization captures the story that has become an internationally known classic. Like the story, the play starts as people are assembling for the lottery. What family will it be this time? Which member? Only gradually do we begin to suspect the nature of the lottery as the play builds swiftly to its crucial and moving climax. The tension and thrill of the play are built into its very structure.
Notes
Livestream and Record & Stream Rights Available
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Details
- Status In stock
- Type of Show One-act Play
- Product Code L31000
- Minimum Cast Size 13
- Pages of Dialogue 17
- Min. Royalty Rate $55.00/perf
- Approx. Run Time 25 min
- Staging Bare stage.
Categories
- Target Audience Middle School | High School
- Performing Group Middle School | High School | College Theatre
- Genre Drama
- ISBN(13) 9780871292643
Customer Reviews
Doing The Lottery was a challenge for my kids ... a good challenge because they knew where they would have to go by the end of the piece.
My students really enjoyed this production. Our English faculty also enjoyed the selection so they could tie it in directly with their curriculum.
This play is an excellent selection for a student directing project: the pervasive mood and challenging theme provide the perfect forum for exploring beats, characters, and clear climax of a dramatic piece.
... From a casual beginning that is light hearted to a very dramatic and intense ending, The Lottery has it all. The characters are challenging. Before the audience knew it they had been caught up in a play that they didn't want any part of. It shows you just how deep traditions run.
This icon of American theater was ideal for our middle-school actors. It prompted much discussion about choice and free will. Perfect for today's teens.
This is a great adaptation of the classic Jackson story. It is perfect for theatres working with limited budgets.
An excellent play for a simple production! The essence of Shirley Jackson's story is perfectly captured in this one-act play.
The 8th graders had a hard time at first grasping the concept. It was exciting to see the light go on and see them able to relate this to Anne Frank whose diaries they study.
The Lottery is a fun show to do. Lots of opportunity for comic work with an ending that leaves audiences' jaws agape!
Hints, Tips, and Tricks
We used the nephew of an actor to play young Davy which made a strong impact.
If students are wanting to add a comical element, they can't go too far. Belva is key to the finish. Plus, Tessie must be seen as a victim.
The bare stage worked well for us with a limited budget. We used gobos to suggest tree branches in summer that took on a menacing look at the end.
Tie it to contemporary issues through dialogue with the audience (example: in a talk-back session). This play has many disturbing themes that resonate in daily interaction at work, home, and the larger culture we live in.
We used a very stark, lifeless set to mirror the unthinking townsfolk.
Having "extras" on stage as townspeople really brought the stage to life and gave a realistic sense of excitement and anticipation.
I turned the stoning scene toward the audience. When the stoning started, the lights changed and the characters acted silently in slo-mo. When Tessle died all went back to normal (lights, sound). The audience thought this very effective.
Sometimes the very end is too intense for younger audiences. We called a "black-out" as the townspeople reached to encirle and "murder" Tessie. Very effective.
We found it very effective to fade to yellow lighting when the people begin to throw stones. Made it seem more ominous. Also, the rocks were best when made from painted sponges.
We are doing the show in 3/4 thrust. I suggest really drawing the audience in. Lots of school English classes read this story.
Production Map
| Location | City | State | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Fox University | Newberg | OR | 04/12/2025 | 04/13/2025 |
Downloads
| File Description | File Format | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Poster | Download |
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Also By These Authors
Melissa Minton, Rogers High School, Rogers, Ark.