William Shakespeare is often studied as part of the high school English curriculum. Many of his stories will be familiar to high schoolers (as cultural touchstones and thanks to countless adaptations). Because Shakespeare plays contain universal themes and often feature young protagonists, they are a popular choice for theater teachers who want to supplement students’ education and to provide them with challenging roles within classic stories.
Here are some of the most popular Shakespeare plays for high schools.
Romeo and Juliet
This classic story of teen love, angst, and disapproving parents will undoubtedly resonate with high schoolers. There are a wealth of films and other plays based on or related to the story of Romeo and Juliet that you can use to help immerse students in the story.
Check out Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 Romeo + Juliet starring Leonard DiCaprio, Steven Spielberg’s 2021 West Side Story, and even the musical & Juliet currently running on Broadway.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Shakespeare is king of the love triangle, and this story of mixed-up lovers that’s all about “who likes who” will be familiar territory for teens. They’ll also enjoy the fantasy realm of mischievous fairies and the play-within-a-play comedy. Creative costumes that students will enjoy designing and wearing are another plus for A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Check out the 2001 teen film Get Over It with Kirsten Dunst and Mila Kunis for a modern retelling set in high school.
Hamlet
For the original story of teen angst, look no further than Hamlet. You get a broody, acerbically witty teenager, a mom who doesn’t understand him, and a difficult stepdad (to say the least). Throw in ghosts, swordplay, doomed love, and what more could you want in a high school play?
Check out Franco Zeffirelli's1990 Hamlet starring Mel Gibson, or for a modern retelling try New York-set Hamlet (2000) starring Ethan Hawk. Don’t forget Disney’s The Lion King is also based on the story of Hamlet.
Julius Cesar
While political or historical plays might not seem like the obvious choice for a high school play, students find Julius Cesar to be one of the more engaging Shakespeare plays. With conspiracy, manipulation, betrayal, and assassination, the play is full of action and intrigue, enough even to get teens to pay attention to history.
Check out Julius Caesar (1953) starring Marlon Brando, or for something slightly left field, try Mean Girls (2004) (or the 2024 musical version) as a translation of power politics from the Roman Senate to a modern high school.
Macbeth
One of the fastest-paced Shakespeare plays, shorter scenes keep this play moving and can be more accessible for teen readers. With witches, prophecies, regicide, and war, Macbeth’s action-packed story will keep high schoolers engaged.
Check out Macbeth (2015) starring Michael Fassbender for an intense action-thriller adaptation of the play.
Twelfth Night
Particularly relevant to modern teens, this comedy of disguises, mistaken identities, and mixed-up lovers includes gender-switching and plenty of LGBTQ+ undertones. Twelfth Night is a fun choice for high schoolers, and LGBTQ+ teens will find plenty to connect to in the pages.
For a faithful version check out Twelfth Night (1996) starring Helena Bonham Carter, and for a modern teen adaptation check out She’s the Man (2006) starring Channing Tatum and Amanda Bynes.