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Location: United States

Member Since: Oct. 16, 2011

Marian Scadden

Biography

Marian Scadden reads a lot, and likes to write in theater-esque and other genres, such as Young Adult fantasy, Middle Grade stuff, and Picture Books. She loves playing board games with her family, especially when she wins. Marian graduated in Children's Theatre from Brigham Young University decades ago, more or less. Writing books and plays is not quite as long as that. She started writing plays so she wouldn't have to pay royalties when directing them; she started writing picture books to see if she could and she advanced to novels in 2009 when she participated in National Novel Writing Month. It's kind of exciting.

Smashwords Interview

What is your writing process?

If I'm writing a script, I usually figure out most of the characters and the setting first. If the script is based on a story, I re-read the story. Then I outline. Most stories take place over several days, months or years but if I'm adapting it for the stage then I don't want my play to be that stretched out.
If I'm writing a novel during November's National Novel Writing Month, I type as fast and as furiously as possible. I don't have an outline, or characters in my head, except for maybe my first character. Then I make it up as I go along. It's been such a freeing process to create characters at the moment I need them or plot twists or even the surroundings. Granted, there's a lot of editing that has to be done afterwards, but I have to do that anyway.

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?

I've been read to and reading since I was so young that there's no way I remember the first story. But I do remember lots of trips to the library - both school libraries and public libraries. I saw my kindergarten teacher when I was in my early 20's and she told me that when she would announce reading time, I would get a book and pour over it. I remember that my third grade teacher always read chapter books to the class after lunch. I remember loving Where the Wild Things Are, but I'm not sure if that's when I was a young child or when I was a little older reading it to my baby brother. I absolutely loved - and still do - fairy tales, fables, myths, folktales, and tall tales.

Where to find Marian Scadden online

Website: http://www.PerformancesClassesBooks.com
Twitter: @MarianScadden
Facebook: Facebook profile
Blog: http://www.marianscadden.com/

Books

Parables, a Musical by Marian Scadden

Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 15,590. Language: English. Published: July 3, 2021 . Categories: Plays » Religious & Liturgical, Plays » Ancient & Classical

Several parables told by Jesus Christ are woven together in the lives of people living around Jerusalem. There are 16 original songs, from serious to fun. Even the sheep get their own song. Running Time: 1 hr 50 min. Cast: 6 female; 6 male; 26 + either, doubling possible. To produce this play, you must first receive written permission in advance of production.

5 Fun Plays for Kids to Perform Vol. V: Fairy Tales by Marian Scadden

Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 33,220. Language: English. Published: May 31, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Plays & Screenplays » American, Fiction » Fairy tales

In these magical stories, we meet giants and royalty, pigs and wolves and even a fairy godfather. The scripts are for kids 8-11. Running time is 30-ish min & casting of 24-30. The scripts are not royalty-free; contact info is at the end of the book. Play titles: The Beanstalk Stories; Fairy Tales, Tairy Fales; Three-3-III; Magical Factual Planet Pursuit; The Empress’s New Clothes.

5 Fun Plays for Kids to Perform Vol. IV: Folk Tales by Marian Scadden

Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 30,810. Language: English. Published: April 3, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Plays & Screenplays » Anthologies, Fiction » Children’s books » Fairy Tales & Folklore / Adaptations

These 5 folk tales feature clever beings outwitting others. The scripts are for kids 8-11. Running time is 30-40 min, & casting of 20-32. The scripts are not royalty-free; contact info is at the end of the book. Play titles: The Annual Conference of the Genii in Regard to the Peculiar World of Humans; The Bremen Town Musicians; But Why; Just So, It Happened; The Tiger, the Brahmin, & the Jackal

5 Fun Plays for Kids to Perform Vol. III: Modern Tales by Marian Scadden

Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 33,550. Language: English. Published: February 6, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Plays & Screenplays » Anthologies, Fiction » Children’s books » Performing Arts / Theater

There are animals, magic & mystery in these modern tales for children. Each run 30-ish min, with 20-ish characters. The scripts are not royalty-free; contact info is at the end of the book. This collection includes: At the Zoo, Boxes, Christmas Magic, The Dropped Note, It’s Elementary.

Four Fables of Aesop Cuatro Fabulas De Esopo by Marian Scadden

Price: $1.99 USD. Language: English. Published: December 5, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Fairy tales & fables, Fiction » Children’s books » Performing Arts / Theater

In this adaptation for children, 4 fables are in Spanish and English. The fables are: The North Wind and the Sun, The Tortoise and the Hare, Belling the Cat, and The Ants and the Grasshopper. NOTE: Permission required to perform this play. Contact info at end of book.

5 Fun Plays for Kids to Perform Vol. II: Fables by Marian Scadden

Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 39,320. Language: English. Published: November 7, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Plays & Screenplays » Anthologies, Fiction » Children’s books » Fairy Tales & Folklore / Adaptations

There are actually 6 plays in this volume of plays for children. Each run 30-ish min, with casts of 18-25. The scripts are not royalty-free; contact info is at the end of the book. This collection includes: The Crows and the Coral Snake Eggs; Everybody Knows That; Fables; Three Fables of Aesop & Four Fables of Aesop; A Tortoise and a Hare in Africa, Two Fables.

5 Fun Plays for Kids to Perform Vol. I: Tall Tales by Marian Scadden

Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 24,830. Language: English. Published: October 3, 2020 . Categories: Plays » American / African American, Fiction » Children’s books » Fairy tales & fables

These fun plays with songs are great for kids, 8-11. The plays run 30-ish min, with casts of 20-30 and doubling possible. These scripts are not royalty-free; contact information is at the end of the book. This collection includes: The Adventures of Pecos Bill; The Encounters of Paul Bunyan; The Legend of Annie Christmas; It Could’a Been (a play with three storylines); When Elvy Caught the Rainbow.

72 Silly & Short Monos* for Kids (Or Whoever) by Marian Scadden

Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 13,390. Language: English. Published: September 27, 2017 . Categories: Plays » American / African American, Fiction » Children’s books » Performing Arts / Theater

*"monos" is short for "monologues." These 72 monologues have 100-200 words, perfect for short performance pieces in class, in a talent show, or in the living room. There's a variety of genres ranging from contemporary to sci-fi to fantasy. The topics are an eclectic assortment, appealing to many interests. Some of the titles are: Blood; A Bug; Carnival; The Secret Frog; Where's the Remote; Zoo.

Short Scripts for 4-6 Kids by Marian Scadden

Price: $3.97 USD. Words: 13,190. Language: English. Published: November 23, 2015 . Categories: Plays » American / African American, Fiction » Children’s books » Performing Arts / Theater

Here are 15 scripts for small groups of children to perform and enjoy. Each script runs approximately 2-8 minutes. Some of the plays are adapted from well-known stories and some are originals. Basic stage terms and notes are included.

White Fire by Marian Scadden

Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 56,570. Language: English. Published: September 23, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Fantasy, Fiction » Fantasy » Historical

(5.00 from 1 review)

Delsina returns with water to her home and mentions a stranger was asking about them. Her peaceful family reaches for their weapons as her oldest brother, Talem, picks her up and runs. She watches as the stranger who carries fire in his hands burns her home and family. As they make their journey away from Sethrum, Man of Fire, Talem reveals to Delsina who she really is.

Treasure Island, A Stage Play for Children by Marian Scadden

Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 7,600. Language: English. Published: July 4, 2014 . Categories: Plays » American / African American, Fiction » Children’s books » Action & Adventure / Pirates

This play is humorously based on the book by Robert Louis Stevenson. Well-known characters are still part of the play: Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver, & pirates! NOTE: Permission required to perform this play. Contact info on copyright page.

Ruby Lou and the White Gold Saloon by Marian Scadden

Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 7,120. Language: English. Published: May 1, 2014 . Categories: Plays » American / African American, Fiction » Children’s books » Performing Arts / Theater

Ruby Lou & the rest of the town only drink White Gold (except for three people who drink Black Gold); it’s the best thing west (& east, some say) of the Mississippi. A stranger comes to town with Purple Nugget for everyone to try & he won’t take “no” for an answer, even if it means forcing the town to change. NOTE: Permission required to perform this play. Contact info on copyright page.

It Could'a Been by Marian Scadden

Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 5,740. Language: English. Published: April 25, 2014 . Categories: Plays » American / African American, Fiction » Children’s books » Fairy Tales & Folklore / Adaptations

A children’s play with music highlighting 3 tall tales: Johnny Appleseed, Sal Fink and Febold Feboldson. Johnny loves to give apple seedlings to passing pioneers. Sal Fink is the tough & big-hearted daughter of keelboatmen Mike Fink. Febold Feboldson is on the great plains of Nebraska & wants neighbors. NOTE: Permission required to perform this play. Contact info on copyright page.

The Annual Conference of the Genii in Regards to the Peculiar World of Humans by Marian Scadden

Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 6,760. Language: English. Published: April 23, 2014 . Categories: Nonfiction » Children's Books » Performing Arts / Theater, Plays » American / African American

This play for children, based on the Arabian Tales, is about a group of genii who get together each year to discuss and laugh about the behavior of humans. Ali Baba and Sinbad come up in conversation as well as Baba Abdalla, and the Fisherman. NOTE: Permission required to perform this play. Contact info on copyright page.

Digging for Leprechaun Gold by Marian Scadden

Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 8,860. Language: English. Published: February 11, 2014 . Categories: Plays » American / African American, Fiction » Children’s books » Fairy Tales & Folklore / Adaptations

(For 2 adults to perform for children) Fergal doesn't want to work and she won't have to if she can catch a leprechaun and get his gold. She has to use a lot of brain power to catch a tricky Leprechaun. Will Fergal get him? This interactive show is based on the Irish tale The Field of Boliauns. Aye, 'tis. NOTE: Permission required to perform this play. Contact info on copyright page.

Fables by Marian Scadden

Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 5,100. Language: English. Published: January 16, 2014 . Categories: Plays » American / African American, Nonfiction » Children's Books » Performing Arts / Theater

Three fables are retold in this play. In Aesop's fable, the grasshopper plays all summer but the busy ants have to gather food. In a Texas fable, the armadillo and her young students mosey along on a field trip. A lion is terrorizing everyone in The Foolish Lion and the Clever Rabbit, a tale from India. NOTE: Permission required to perform this play. Contact info on copyright page.

Just So, It Happened by Marian Scadden

Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 5,280. Language: English. Published: January 10, 2014 . Categories: Plays » American / African American, Nonfiction » Children's Books » Performing Arts / Theater

Based on Rudyard Kipling's “How the Elephant Got His Trunk” and “How the Camel Got His Hump”, this play has a delightful cast of animals. The curious young elephants are disturbing everyone in the forest with their non-stop questions. The camel is being lazy and all the other animals must work harder because of it. NOTE: Permission required to perform this play. Contact info on copyright page.

Everybody Knows That by Marian Scadden

Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 5,980. Language: English. Published: January 8, 2014 . Categories: Plays » American / African American, Nonfiction » Children's Books » Performing Arts / Theater

Princess Ada realizes that everyone knows things that she just doesn't know. So she strikes out to learn for herself. Meanwhile Alexandria Dragon is having the same problem in her town. NOTE: Permission required to perform this play. Contact info on copyright page.

Three-3-III by Marian Scadden

Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 6,490. Language: English. Published: January 4, 2014 . Categories: Plays » American / African American, Fiction » Children’s books » Performing Arts / Theater

In these tales of three, the three pigs must outsmart three wolves; the three billy goats Gruff have three trolls to deal with (and one of the goats is female so she’s Betty Goat Gruff); and the three bears face Goldilocks and her sisters Curlilocks and Purplelocks. NOTE: Permission required to perform this play. Contact info on copyright page.

Boxes by Marian Scadden

Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 3,950. Language: English. Published: January 3, 2014 . Categories: Plays » American / African American, Fiction » Children’s books » Performing Arts / Theater

The parents are at it again and they've kicked their kids out of the house to go play. Several groups of children are trying to think of something to do when they come across some boxes on the ground. Then the imagination takes over. NOTE: Permission required to perform this play. Contact info on copyright page.

The Tremendous Traveling Melodrama and Vaudeville Show by Marian Scadden

Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 5,010. Language: English. Published: January 2, 2014 . Categories: Plays » American / African American, Fiction » Children’s books » Performing Arts / Theater

A traveling performing troupe has come to town. The owners get everyone organized; the actors make some changes; the stagehands go spread the word through town; and the townspeople arrive. What a show as the villains take on the heroes and the vaudevillians perform in between acts. NOTE: Permission required to perform this play. Contact info on copyright page.

Four Fables of Aesop: The North Wind and the Sun, The Tortoise and the Hare, Belling the Cat, The Ants and the Grasshopper by Marian Scadden

Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 7,500. Language: English. Published: January 1, 2014 . Categories: Plays » Ancient & Classical, Fiction » Children’s books » Performing Arts / Theater

This play starts with Anthula, a Greek girl, just returned from the marketplace. There, a man named Aesop told some exciting stories. She’s confused about the morals, so she tells the stories to the audience who sees them unfold before them. Characters are clothed in ancient Greek costume but have modern attitudes. NOTE: Permission required to perform this play. Contact info on copyright page.

The Other Art: Theater Skills to Help Every Child (School Edition) by Marian Scadden

Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 16,770. Language: English. Published: November 5, 2013 . Categories: Nonfiction » Art, Architecture, Photography » Performing arts » Theater / general, Nonfiction » Education & Study Guides » Teaching

In this easy DIY manual, teachers with little to no theater experience can teach theater skills to their students that boost esteem, confidence, and creativity. This step-by-step school edition was designed with teachers in mind. Each lesson has two short activities, an enrichment game and a true story of children in theater. Just open the book and begin!

The Other Art: Theater Skills to Help Every Child (Home Edition) by Marian Scadden

Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 15,760. Language: English. Published: October 14, 2013 . Categories: Nonfiction » Children's Books » Performing Arts / Theater, Nonfiction » Art, Architecture, Photography » Performing arts » Acting & auditioning

In this easy DIY theater manual, parents, grandparents & others can enrich a child's life with theater skills that boost esteem, confidence, and creativity. This step-by-step home edition was designed for an adult and child - or a few children - to enjoy together. Each lesson has two short activities, an enrichment game and a true story of children in theater. Just open the book and begin!

Short Scripts for 2-3 Kids by Marian Scadden

Price: $3.97 USD. Words: 12,070. Language: English. Published: February 7, 2013 . Categories: Plays » American / African American, Fiction » Children’s books » Performing Arts / Theater

Young actors can have fun performing 15 short (2-5 min.) plays with a sibling, cousin or friend, in the living room, backyard, or wherever the opportunity exists. Many of the scripts in the collection are humorously based on well-known tales with twists so they can be performed by a cast of 2 or 3. Four of the plays can be performed by more. Basic stage terms & notes are included.

Marian Scadden's tag cloud

acting acting for children activities for children activities for growth and improvement aesop fables aesops fable animal fables annie christmas arabian nights arabian tales belling the cat bilingual play child acting children 3 to12 children 8 and up children acting children learning activities children perform children skits childrens play childrens plays childrens scripts childrens theater childrens theatre christian play christmas play for children classic fables classic literature community plays contemporary plays dragon dragons elementary age elementary school art projects fables fairy tales fantasy fiction for young adults febold feboldson fire magic funny fables genies grandparents and grandchildren activities grasshopper and the ant holiday play for children homeschooling curriculum humor humorous plays india tale irish tale johnny appleseed journey just so stories kids plays leprechauns marian scadden melodrama miniature dragons monologues monologues for kids musical mystery plays for kids new fables north wind and the sun parables parables of jesus christ parables play paul bunyan pecos bill perform performing pirates adventure pirates gold play collections play for children play with audience participation plays for children plays for young people plays from fairytales plays from folktales plays with songs princess rudyard kipling rustlers sal fink saloon scripts scripts for children scripts for kids scripts with songs short plays skits skits for kids spanishenglish play stage play stage plays talents of power tall tales teen fiction texas adventure texas tale theater education theater humor theater play theater script tortoise and the hare treasure island two actors world fables world folk tales young actors