The Great Gatsby - Devised One Act Play (40 min. version)

by Juliet Phillips

Adapted from the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald by the high school students at Providence Academy and their One Act Director, this 30-40 minute One Act play is a swift ensemble based journey, told through a fantastical realism style. It interweaves a series of self serving and careless characters, whose privilege and myopia prevent them from truly connecting with one another. Less a love story and more an...

Adapted from the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald by the high school students at Providence Academy and their One Act Director, this 30-40 minute One Act play is a swift ensemble based journey, told through a fantastical realism style. It interweaves a series of self serving and careless characters, whose privilege and myopia prevent them from truly connecting with one another. Less a love story and more an exploration of carelessness, this 1920's drama is both a commentary and a delightful celebration of an era where all that glittered was not always gold.

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The Great Gatsby - Devised One Act Play (40 min. version)

Character Information

Written for 6 Men/6 women there are 7 named characters and 5 ensemble members. Ensembles each play at least 2 roles, so an additional 5 ensemble members could be added if needed. The actor who plays Tom should be white.

  • Jay Gatsby
    Born of no wealth as Jay Gatz, he reinvented himself as Jay Gatsby and earned his fortune through illegal means, in order to make himself worthy of the woman he loves, Daisy. Gatsby possesses an unalterable hope that blocks his ability to see reality and proves to be his undoing.
    25 (will also play himself at 18)
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Daisy Buchanan
    At 18, wealthy socialite Daisy Fay falls in love with a soldier who leaves to fight World War I. Unable to wait for a prospect with no wealth, she marries Tom Buchanan and moves on with her life. Until Jay Gatsby returns to her orbit, with the help of her cousin Nick. Given the opportunity to prevent tragedy, Daisy takes the selfish way out.
    25 (will also play herself at 18)
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Nick Caraway
    Nick is Daisy's less well off cousin who moves to town and serves as our narrator. He befriends Gatsby and Jordan, tolerates Tom, and is haunted by the memories of that fateful summer in NY.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • Tom Buchanan
    A chauvenist and racist (though he's been toned down in this version), Tom has been cheating on his wife Daisy regularly throughout the course of their marriage. His latest lady is Myrtle Wilson. Tom believes he loves Daisy, but prefers things be on his terms.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Jordan Baker
    Athletic and fun, Jordan Baker is a female golf pro in a time when it was unusual to be a pro golfer as a woman. She is a lifelong friend of Daisy's, and somewhat of a liar and gossip.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Myrtle Wilson
    Myrtle has been married to George living over a filthy garage and dreams of a grander life than the one she has. She is having an affair with Tom behind her husband George's back.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • George Wilson
    George is a hard working simple man who finally reaches his breaking point after the death of his wife.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Ensemble
    The ensemble plays various roles throughout the play as servants, gossips, an office, a reporter, friends and party goers.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s

Development History

  • Workshop, Providence Academy, 2021

Production History

  • High School, Ovey Comeaux High School, Lafayette, LA, 2025
  • High School, Elmodena High School Student directed One Act, 2024
  • High School, Osmund Community School, Nebraska, 2024
  • High School, Temple High School, 2023
  • High School, Providence Academy, 2022

Awards

  • One Act sub-section First Place
    Minnesota State High School League
    Winner
    2022