A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Based on the novel by Charles Dickens
Script by Michael Ranieri
A Play
45 minutes
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31 speaking parts
(doubling encouraged)
Ages 11–15
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RUN TIME
Approx. 45 minutes
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CAST
30 or 31 speaking parts
4 non-speaking parts
2 groups: partiers and carolers
Character Doubling encouraged
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AGES
Ages 11–15
FORMAT
Play
A Second Chance at Christmas
Ebenezer Scrooge is a cold-hearted miser who has little patience for Christmas, generosity, or the needs of others. On Christmas Eve, he is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him that a life ruled by selfishness and greed leads only to misery.
That night, three spirits take Scrooge on an extraordinary journey through his past, present, and possible future. He is forced to confront the choices that hardened his heart, the joy and suffering of those around him, and the lonely fate that awaits him if he refuses to change.
Shaken by what he has seen, Scrooge awakens on Christmas morning transformed. Filled with gratitude and joy, he discovers the freedom of generosity, compassion, and love — and sets out to make amends while there is still time.
Rich in humour, warmth, and memorable characters, A Christmas Carol is a timeless story of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of a second chance.
“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”
— Scrooge
Created With Young Performers in Mind
A meaningful, flexible, and rewarding play for young performers
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MEANINGFUL ROLES
Scrooge, the Cratchits, the three spirits, and a colourful cast of characters give young performers opportunities to explore humour, compassion, generosity, and change.
FLEXIBLE CASTING
With 30 or 31 speaking roles, additional non-speaking parts, ensemble groups, and encouraged doubling, the play offers plenty of flexibility for school casts.
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CLEAR & ENGAGING LANGUAGE
Faithful to the heart of Dickens’s story, the adaptation uses accessible language so young performers and audiences can follow Scrooge’s journey with clarity, warmth, and humour.
REDEMPTION & HOPE
At its heart is a story of forgiveness, renewal, and the transforming power of love — reminding young performers that every heart can change and every life can begin again.
The Author's Note
A few words from the writer about the heart behind the play
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This adaptation of "A Christmas Carol" was created especially with children in mind. While faithful to the heart and spirit of Charles Dickens’s beloved classic, it has been written in clear, engaging language so that young audiences can easily understand and enjoy the story. Every scene is designed to help children follow Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey—from cold-hearted miser to joyful, generous friend—with warmth, humour, and meaning they can grasp. Unlike many modern versions that soften or overlook the religious dimension of Dickens’s tale, this adaptation restores the strong biblical and moral foundation that inspired the original story. Dickens wrote "A Christmas Carol" not only as a story of kindness and charity, but also as a parable of redemption—reflecting the Christian message of forgiveness, renewal, and the transforming power of love. Throughout this play, those truths shine clearly. It is my hope that this version will help children see beyond the familiar ghosts and carols to the deeper message of the story: that every heart can be changed, every life can be renewed, and that the true spirit of Christmas is found in faith, hope, and love.
Michael Ranieri
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Ready to Bring A Christmas Carol to Your Stage?
Here's what you'll need.
1
Scripts
Choose one format:
Digital Scrips
C$10
per cast member
Delivered by email
Minimum 10
Printed Scripts
C$11
per cast member
Professionally printed and shipped
Minimum 10
2
Performance
Rights
C$79
per performance
Choose the number of performances you're planning
