Child's Play

by Kevin Ferguson

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

A traumatized child who has stopped speaking is helped by a therapist who struggles to peel back the layers of mistrust by entering the internal world of this little girl to help her confront the dragon that has stolen her voice and now threatens to completely destroy her.

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

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Child's Play

Recommended by

Donald E. Baker: Child's Play by Kevin Ferguson

“

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.

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.

”
Wendy-Marie Martin: Child's Play by Kevin Ferguson

“

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.

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

A therapist for children.

Character Age

30's-50's

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Female
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Woman
Roger

Vera's colleague.

Character Age

30's-50's

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Man
Cindy

Vera's client.
Although Cindy has been played by a child, the character has also been played by young adult actors playing a child.

Character Age

Child

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Female
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  Child
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Woman
Julia

Cindy's mother.

Character Age

Late 20's-30's

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Female
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Woman
Peter

Cindy's step-father.

Character Age

Late 20's-40's

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Man
Dragon

a miniature toy.
Can be doubled by actor playing Peter in Act One and actor playing Roger in Act Two.

Character Age

Any

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s,
  
  60s,
  
  70s+
King

A miniature toy.

Character Age

Any

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s,
  
  60s,
  
  70s+
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Man
Queen

A miniature toy.

Character Age

Any

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Female
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s,
  
  60s,
  
  70s+
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Woman
Princess

A miniature toy.

Character Age

Teens-20's

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Female
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  Teens,
  
  20s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Woman
Ninja Girl

A miniature toy.

Character Age

Teens-20's

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Female
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  Teens,
  
  20s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Woman

Development History

Type Reading, Organization Geese Theatre Company, Year 2014
Type Reading, Organization Atlantic Stage, Year 2012
Type Reading, Organization Mill Mountain Theatre, Year 2012

Production History

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

Genre

dark comedy,

drama,

fantasy,

melodrama,

movement/physical

Subject Matter Keywords

THERAPIST,

women,

child abuse

Length

90 minutes to two hours

Cast Size

9—10

Age of Intended Audience

all ages

Narrative Attributes

Centers Female Characters

Supporting Materials

Published Script

https://nextstagepress.wpengine.com/childs-play/