The Rosies

by Aly Kantor

[One-Act, Competition Length, Historical Drama for Teens, 6F] In the year 1945, every single day, rain or shine, six girls sit outside for their fresh air therapy, discussing everything from boys to popular movie stars. Mostly, however, they discuss what they'll do when they finally get well and leave the TB sanatorium where they are passing their teenage years. When one girl's health takes an unexpected turn...

[One-Act, Competition Length, Historical Drama for Teens, 6F] In the year 1945, every single day, rain or shine, six girls sit outside for their fresh air therapy, discussing everything from boys to popular movie stars. Mostly, however, they discuss what they'll do when they finally get well and leave the TB sanatorium where they are passing their teenage years. When one girl's health takes an unexpected turn, they must face the reality of their condition and how much control they really have over the future.

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The Rosies

Recommended by

  • Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn: The Rosies

    If you're looking for a competition length piece to feature six of your strongest teens, this may be the play for you! It is a lovely coming of age story, stifled by WWII and TB. The feeling that these girls are trapped in the sanatorium is clear, but we still witness them growing. A slice of history many teens may not be familiar with, but can definitely relate to!

    If you're looking for a competition length piece to feature six of your strongest teens, this may be the play for you! It is a lovely coming of age story, stifled by WWII and TB. The feeling that these girls are trapped in the sanatorium is clear, but we still witness them growing. A slice of history many teens may not be familiar with, but can definitely relate to!

  • Janine Sobeck Knighton: The Rosies

    A beautiful exploration of friendship, illness, and the desperation to be normal when faced with a body - and a world - that betrays you. I love the naturalness of the girls - talking about boys and first love and school and "normal" things, mixed with bombings and war and the reality of TB. It makes you ache for these girls whose childhood was torn away from them on two fronts - the war and the sanitarium. A beautiful competition piece perfect for young actors.

    A beautiful exploration of friendship, illness, and the desperation to be normal when faced with a body - and a world - that betrays you. I love the naturalness of the girls - talking about boys and first love and school and "normal" things, mixed with bombings and war and the reality of TB. It makes you ache for these girls whose childhood was torn away from them on two fronts - the war and the sanitarium. A beautiful competition piece perfect for young actors.

  • Dana Hall: The Rosies

    I absolutely love this piece! My grandmother spent time in a TB sanatorium, so it was personally fascinating to read a play set in one. The dialogue feels authentic, and the teens come across as real kids with universal thoughts and fears. Beautifully done. I laughed out loud at "Nobody says 'canoodle,'" and Ruby's monologue late in scene four really resonated with me. Great roles for actors. The bittersweet ending is everything! Produce this!

    I absolutely love this piece! My grandmother spent time in a TB sanatorium, so it was personally fascinating to read a play set in one. The dialogue feels authentic, and the teens come across as real kids with universal thoughts and fears. Beautifully done. I laughed out loud at "Nobody says 'canoodle,'" and Ruby's monologue late in scene four really resonated with me. Great roles for actors. The bittersweet ending is everything! Produce this!

View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

  • HAZEL
    A leader who dearly loves her friends, more than a bit boy crazy, hopes to get married in the near future
    Character Age
    Teenage
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • RUBY
    A sharp and opinionated reader who hopes to become a physician, bursting with candor, honest to a fault…most of the time
    Character Age
    Teenage
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • BIRDIE
    A tenacious, tough-as-nails gossip with a soft side, tells it like it is, loves to feel useful
    Character Age
    Teenage
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • CICI
    A happy hedonist with a flair for film, a big picture thinker, often goes out of her way to be kind
    Character Age
    Teenage
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • MARY CLARE
    A shy girl grappling with her relationship to her faith, harboring a secret
    Character Age
    Teenage
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • EVELYN
    A sensitive TB orphan who swears by superstition, not always the brightest (but generally means well)
    Character Age
    Teenage
    Character Gender Identity
    Female

Development History

  • Type Workshop, Organization Cab Calloway School for the Arts, Year 2024

Production History

  • Type Community Theater, Organization Chameleon Theatre Circle, Year 2024
  • Type High School, Organization Cab Calloway School for the Arts, Year 2024

Awards

  • 25th Annual New Play Contest - Best One Act Play
    Chameleon Theatre Circle
    Winner
    2024