RUFF! by Jenifer Nii — TYA – Premiére Theatrical Licensing

(For grades K-3 performed by Teens through Adults for Child Audiences)

RUFF! is a metaphorical “tail” of two shelter dogs – Axel and Buddy. Together they discover what’s possible when dogs and their people learn to see past stereotypes and summon the courage to be the best they can be. It explores the issues of self-confidence, prejudice, and overcoming fear. RUFF! received its world premiere in 2015 as part of Plan-B’s third annual Free Elementary School Tour.

Part of the:

Title Art courtesy of Plan-B Theatre Company, Salt Lake City.

PLAY DETAILS

Anthropomorphic costumes, or simple suggestion
Simple setting
About 35 minutes
1M1F
ORDER #3203

Available now!

COMMENTS:

FROM THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS AND TEACHERS WHO SAW THE PLAN-B TOUR

“On many levels RUFF! gave us discussion topics. One tiny reference to making the dogs’ experiences apply to humans caused my students to do just that. One of my students said, “Isn’t that like fake it until you make it?” Profound deeper level tying into our character education. On the basic level of a dog’s experiences in life, our students showed compassion, concern and intense emotion. I personally liked the way the play “parabled” a moral value for all of us. The actors superbly gave us a look at life for our pets.” – Lynne J. Arnold, Third Grade Teacher, Franklin Elementary
“Thank you for coming! The actors were fabulous! The therapy dog and handler were also super excellent additions. I appreciated the thought-provoking messages and the students were very attentive to the acting (it was very well done). We appreciated your willingness to come to our school.” – David Hales, Principal, Valley Elementary
“The actors were great. Even the kindergarteners enjoyed it since the story was fun and the actors did such a good job.” – Riko Reese, Principal, North Park Elementary
“The presentation was wonderful! My students loved it and the dogs were a great treat and surprise! Thanks so much for inviting us to participate in this wonderful program.” – Dahlia Cordova, Principal, Bennion Elementary
“The students at Emerson really enjoyed the RUFF! assembly. They were actively engaged and loved the therapy dog that visited our school. The message was a positive one. The two actors who performed were very personable and great with the kids. Keep up the great work!” – April Reynolds, Principal, Emerson Elementary
“Thank you for bringing Ruff! to our school. I thought the presentation was excellent for the small kids. We try to give our kids experiences with theater and all the other performing arts, and your presentation was well received. All the children were engaged which is no small feat.” – Rae Louie, Principal, Beacon Heights Elementary
“Our students thoroughly enjoyed the performance. There were many messages about acceptance and kindness that will be talked about in their classes.” – Marian Broadhead, Principal, Hawthorne Elementary
“We loved it!!!! Thank you so much for coming to Provo. You were fantastic.” – Lois Bobo, Director, Walden School of Liberal Arts
“Thank you so much for being so great to schedule a time for Plan-B to come and visit Bonneville’s special education program. We had about 60 students that were able to participate. I was a little worried that it might not be age appropriate for some of the students, but they all LOVED it! They had tons of questions for the actors and they were all very engaged during the entire play. The actors also made a great effort to interact with the students before and after the play and get to know them. All around, it was a great experience and we hope to have Plan-B come back and visit Bonneville soon. Thanks again!” – Megan Robertson, Special Education Teacher, Bonneville Jr. High

PERUSAL MATERIALS

PERUSAL SCRIPT: The PDF of 1/2 of the script is available: Ruff! PERUSAL

One suggestion we here at Leicester Bay Theatricals have is for your producing organization team to up with a local animal shelter to receive funds and a little focus from your production. Maybe stage an “adopt a pet day.” In return they can promote your production on their website, maybe even a tour schedule, if you have one.

REHEARSAL MATERIALS

Any PDF purchased will be emailed to your email address — if you need to provide that to us (not the one on your PayPal account), EMAIL us. CDs will be mailed to a snail mail address. Before we ship any rehearsal material we will need your performance dates, the name of your organization and the theatre where you will perform.

Email us prior to your order so we have the info to give you a complete quote. EMAIL us for rights and information. Be sure to give us anticipated performance dates and the address of your group and, if different, your theatre. Please also include a contact name and phone number.

- - Script in PDF format — Order #3203a : $15.00 (will be sent to you by email, from which you will be authorized to print copies for your production)
  - First Performance Amateur/Educational Royalty — Order #3203d : $35.00
  - Second Performance Amateur/Educational Royalty — Order #3203e : $30.00
  - Professional Royalties will be quoted upon application

PRODUCTIONS:

Birmingham Children’s Theatre, Birmingham, Alabama — September 21, 2021 through October 30, 2021 — 25 performances in house and on-tour
PREMIERE: Plan-B Theatre Company, Salt Lake City — 2015
- PUBLIC PERFORMANCES AT GREAT SALT LAKE FRINGE FESTIVAL — August 6, 7 & 8, 2015
- FREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TOUR 2015 —  Salt Lake City School District (with stops in Weber, Utah & Juab Counties)  August 31-September 11, 2015
  Davis School District, presented by Davis Arts Council  — September 28-October 9, 2015
As recognized by the Dramatists Guild of America, Plan-B Theatre Company is the only professional theatre company in the United States producing full seasons of new plays by local playwrights.

Plan-B Tour photos:

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BILLING CREDITS

The following is how the credits should read in all programs, posters, fliers, handbills and other promotional advertising for the show:
RUFF!

by
Jenifer Nii

Originally produced by Plan-B Theatre Company, Salt Lake City

NOTE: The names of the Playwright(s), Composer, Lyricist, and Bookwriter shall be equal in size, type, coloring, boldness, and prominence. No billing shall appear in type larger or more prominent than the billing to the Authors except for the title of the play.

“RUFF!” is presented through special arrangement with Leicester Bay Theatricals. All authorized materials are also supplied by LBT, www.leicesterbaytheatricals.com”

from the catalog of