High School Heist
Bayport High is on the cusp of victory in a cookie-selling contest until their prized “Golden Bar” treats vanish, snatched by rival school Fairview Academy, and stashed in a campus safe. With time ticking, Bayview’s gutsy hall monitor-in-training rallies a crew of students for a daring heist to reclaim their Golden Bars before the delivery deadline strikes. Amidst the chaos, cheerleaders from both schools stage a dance battle, an over-zealous fire marshal patrols the halls, a tyrannical football coach becomes a suspect in the crime, and the owner of the restaurant Bubba Joe’s Feedbag waits for his delivery while his cookie-craving son Joe Junior pursues an endless sugar rush. After pulling off a successful fake zombie attack to gain some items they need, the heist team undergoes some setbacks until their quest reaches an epic conclusion during the school dance where they must clear the gym with a “sugar explosion” and dodge moving lasers to achieve their goal of opening the safe in time. This 90-minute comedy features a large flexible cast, simple set and fun theme that can be extended into the lobby for a pre-or post-show cookie sale.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
What inspired you to write this play?
I wrote High School Heist because I’ve always been captivated by heist movies. I love the intricate planning, high stakes, plot twists and the thrill of seeing a group of characters pull off something unexpected. I wanted to take that same excitement and energy and place it within the familiar setting of a high school. The contrast between the intensity of a heist and the everyday life of teenagers adds a unique twist, making it both entertaining and relatable.
What's your favorite part or line in the play? Why?
I really love the part in the play where members of the heist team confidently enter the gym in slow motion, accompanied by intense music. It was a lot of fun for our actors to recreate an iconic sequence that you see so often in action movies.
Where did the characters come from? Are they based on people you know?
The play features classic heist movie characters reimagined as high school students. For instance, the classic con artist became the president of the Thespian Club—a dramatic actress who thrived on playing different roles, using her talent for impersonation as a key part of the heist. I don’t actually know any con artists… or do I?
What did you try to achieve with this play?
I put a lot of thought and care into making each role special and memorable. I want every actor, regardless of their experience or stage time, to feel like their character has a unique contribution to the story. I hope that every part in this play, big or small, feels significant and leaves a lasting impression on both the actors and the audience.
Do you have anything else you'd like to add?
This play features glitter cannons, moving lasers, a cheerleader dance battle, dueling school mascots, an elaborate heist planning scene, football drills, makeovers, a simulated zombie outbreak, safecracking and more amid the chaos of a huge cookie sale. Have fun!