Plays & Performance Licensing
Original, age-appropriate stage plays for schools, youth theatre groups and drama clubs.
Licensing handled via New Play Exchange
The Snoops and The Hidden Switch
A mystery play for young performers
When curiosity leads Katie, Ben, and Ella into a mystery involving a hidden switch, teamwork and clever thinking are the only way forward. This lively stage adaptation is designed to suit school productions, with short scenes and practical staging.
- Recommended age: 7–12 (flexible up to 12)
- Running time: approx. 45–50 minutes
- Cast size: Flexible ensemble
- Staging: Simple sets and props
Looking to explore the script before staging it?
Classroom-use script available on Teachers Pay Teachers
Performance Licensing
School Performance Licence (Required to Perform)
A performance licence is required for any rehearsal, staging, or public performance of The Snoops and the Hidden Switch.
This licence grants permission to:
- Rehearse the play with students
- Stage and perform the play for an audience
- Advertise the production (school newsletters, websites, programmes)
- Use the authorised rehearsal script for the licensed production
What the Performance Licence Covers:
- Issued per school / organisation
- Covers one production run
- Includes permission for rehearsals and performances
- Includes access to the official rehearsal script
What the Performance Licence DOES NOT include:
- Lesson plans or classroom teaching materials
- Worksheets, rehearsal checklists, or production resources
- Multiple productions or future performances
Downloading or reading the script does not grant permission to rehearse or perform the play.
A performance licence must be secured before rehearsals begin.
All plays listed here are available for licensed performance in schools and educational settings.
For general information about performance licensing, permissions, and extended use, please see our Plays & Performance Licensing page.
What’s Included with a Licence
All materials are supplied digitally.
What’s included in your Licence:
- Rehearsal Script (PDF)
- Read-only Performance Script (PDF)
- Performance Licence Certificate
- Teacher & Director Notes
- Programme credits wording
- Email support
Licensing Options
Suitable for schools and youth theatre groups within the UK
Important: Scripts are licensed, not sold.
A licence is required for any public performance, including school productions
UK School Licence
Worldwide Licence
Covers a single production run
Available for international or touring productions.
- Recommended age: 7–12 (flexible up to 12)
- Running time: approx. 45–50 minutes
- Cast size: Flexible ensemble
- Staging: Simple sets and props
How To Licence a Play
You can license my plays in one of two ways.
Licence via NPX
Direct Enquiries
Plays are available through NPX for secure licensing and payment, making the process straightforward for schools and youth theatre groups
If you have questions, need a custom licence, or aren’t sure what you need, you’re welcome to contact me directly.
If you have questions, need a custom licence, or aren’t sure what you need, you’re welcome to contact me directly.
Why These Plays Work Well in Schools
- Written specifically with young performers in mind
- Flexible casting for different group sizes
- Clear structure with manageable scenes
- Minimal technical requirements
- Straightforward, transparent licensing
Teacher Resources (Free)
Free Rehearsal Checklist for Teachers & Directors
A calm, practical one-page guide to running The Snoops and the Hidden Switch as a school production — designed for busy teachers with limited rehearsal time.
✔ Rehearsal planning
✔ Behaviour and focus tips
✔ Performance-week essentials
For more detailed rehearsal plans… a full Teacher Pack is available below.
Teacher Resources (Paid)
Full School Performance Teacher Pack
For teachers who would like more structured support, the full Teacher Pack includes:
- Detailed rehearsal guidance
- Scene-by-scene notes
- Performance-week planning
- Classroom-friendly staging tips
The pack is delivered digitally and is suitable for UK schools, drama clubs, and youth theatre groups.
The Teacher Pack is optional and not required to obtain a performance licence.
Secure checkout via Teachers Pay Teachers (instant download)
What Teachers Should Know
- Suitable for non-professional school productions
- Designed for classroom and hall performances
- Flexible casting allows adaptation to group size
- Clear licensing process with support availableThis reassures without sounding legal or theatrical.
Planning a school production?
I’m happy to help you find the right licence and answer any questions.
UK School Licences from £45.00
For multiple performances, international productions, or questions about licensing, please get in touch.
NPX requires a free account to read or download scripts.
Rights & Credits
All plays © A. J. Bolster 2025.
Unauthorised copying, sharing, or performance is not permitted without a valid performance licence.