Child's Play by Kevin Ferguson

How do you prepare a little girl to slay a dragon?

A therapist struggles to peel back layers of mistrust in a traumatized child. By entering the internal world of a little girl, the therapist helps her confront the dragon that has stolen her voice and now threatens to completely destroy her.
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Child's Play

Recommended by

  • Donald E. Baker:
    15 Jul. 2021
    “ This play about the psychological effects of childhood trauma will stick with you. It has a wonderful role for a 10-year-old actress who can express her emotions without speaking, and it would be visually stunning as the dolls in her play therapy sessions come to life. It needs to be produced everywhere. ”
  • Michael Gilboe:
    17 Aug. 2015
    “ This is a fun and thoughtful show with more women's roles than men's. A good fit for a college theatre department! ”
  • Wendy-Marie Martin:
    24 Jul. 2015
    “ This creative and highly theatrical play explores a young girl's journey from the dark corner of her secret abuse back to life. A beautifully written exploration of child abuse and the path to healing. ”

Character Information

The Dragon may be doubled by the actor playing Peter in Act One and the actor playing Roger in Act Two.

  • Vera
    30's-50's,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    A therapist for children.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Roger
    30's-50's,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    Vera's colleague.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Cindy
    Child,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    Vera's client.
    Although Cindy has been played by a child, the character has also been played by young adult actors playing a child.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Child
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Julia
    Late 20's-30's,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    Cindy's mother.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Peter
    Late 20's-40's,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    Cindy's step-father.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Dragon
    Any,
    Any
    ,
    Any
    a miniature toy.
    Can be doubled by actor playing Peter in Act One and actor playing Roger in Act Two.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • King
    Any,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    A miniature toy.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Queen
    Any,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    A miniature toy.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Princess
    Teens-20's,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    A miniature toy.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Ninja Girl
    Teens-20's,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    A miniature toy.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Geese Theatre Company
    ,
    2014
  • Reading
    ,
    Atlantic Stage
    ,
    2012
  • Reading
    ,
    Mill Mountain Theatre
    ,
    2012

Production History

  • High School
    ,
    Era High School
    ,
    2019
  • University
    ,
    Auburn at Montgomery
    ,
    2018
  • High School
    ,
    Ganado High School
    ,
    2018
  • Professional
    ,
    Rising Sun Production Company at the Kraine Theatre, NYC
    ,
    2017
  • Professional
    ,
    Atlantic Stage
    ,
    2013