Worth Keeping

Worth Keeping cover art

One-act drama

Worth Keeping

In a world ravaged by climate catastrophe and human conflict, a small group of survivors embarks on a perilous journey to reach a Keep—one of the last safe havens before an apocalyptic storm renders the earth uninhabitable.

Running time40 to 45 min
Cast9 to 17 actorsMany roles, any gender
SetOne main setLights do the rest
CompetitionYes, with a trimTrim to fit your time limit
ForHigh school and community theater
No application, no approval wait
License today, announce today
Unlimited performances, no royalties on top
Change lines, roles and genders without asking

Pick your license

Billed once for a full year. Nothing auto-renews. No approval wait: your scripts are ready the minute you check out. Paying by purchase order? We take POs.

One-Act Solo
$249 / year
Just this play. Unlimited performances and script printing.
Best value
One-Act Flex
$299 / year
This play plus every one-act we publish, with new titles monthly. Only $50 more.
Llama Plan
$799 / year
Every one-act and full-length, plus Dramallama U curriculum.

The story

In a world ravaged by climate catastrophe and human conflict, a small group of survivors embarks on a perilous journey to reach a Keep—one of the last safe havens before an apocalyptic storm renders the earth uninhabitable. To gain entry, each must endure a Reckoning, a tense, one-minute evaluation proving their usefulness to the new society. Among them is Mo, a young historian documenting the end of the world; Nana, her sharp-witted, blind grandmother; Jackie, a defiant actress willing to risk everything; Dana, a truck driver struggling to find his worth; and Greg, a decorated soldier and engineer questioning the very system they are fighting to enter. As desperation builds and betrayals come to light, they face impossible choices about survival, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be “worth keeping.”

Producing it

Cast9 to 17 actors, with doubling. Many roles can be played by any gender. You can change lines, roles and genders to fit your students.
SetTent-city encampment; other moments in light pools.
TechA single tent city set of tarps. Plan storm sound and lighting, spotlight isolations, recorded intercom voices, sentry visors, and a breakaway suitcase. Two stun-device takedowns to choreograph.
For your scene-stealersFive strong leads carry the story, each with a standalone monologue suited to auditions, plus short cameo roles that are easy to double.

Quick answers

Can I change lines or genders?Yes. Change lines, roles and genders to fit your students. You never have to ask.
Can we take it to competition?Yes. Competition rights are in every plan, with no extra fee and no approval to request.
Can my school pay with a PO?Yes. Request an invoice at checkout. Your access is set up as soon as the PO arrives.
Read it tonight. Cast it tomorrow.
80% of the script is free. Licensing takes two minutes and needs no approval.