SHILOH’S WELL
by Chase Owen
Shiloh struggles with anxiety as he navigates a day filled with challenges. Desperate for a change, he goes to a wishing well outside of town and makes a wish for a better day. The wishing well’s spirit awakens to grant his wish but warns him of the consequences. Sending Shiloh back in time to relive the day. Initially, everything seems to go right for him, but soon he realizes that his friends and teachers are facing escalating troubles as a result. In a moment of panic, Shiloh calls on the well spirit for help to wish for another chance to make things right, learning that true change comes from facing challenges. Be careful what you wish for.
- Cast Size: 10+ Any
- Running Time: 90+ minutes
- Royalty Rate: $75 per performance
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About the Playwright
Chase Owen is the Theatre director for Caldwell High School. He graduated from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre. In 2016 he completed his student teaching at Woodville High School with Gem White as his mentor teacher. A highlight of this experience was when WHS was fortunate to advance to the UIL OAP state meet, placing 5th in division 3A, with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” In 2022 he graduated from Texas A&M Commerce with a Master of Arts degree in Theatre. When Mr. Owen is not at school; he is at home with his dog Marlowe, drinking coffee and playing video games.
ALSO BY CHASE OWEN
Shiloh’s Well by Chase Owens is an exceptionally well-written one-act play that strikes a balance between meaningful content and engaging storytelling. The length is ideal for a one-act, making it manageable for rehearsal while still allowing the story and characters to fully develop. The play thoughtfully explores many of the emotions and challenges faced by the average high school student, giving young performers material that feels honest and relatable.What truly elevates the piece is the layered storytelling, especially the mythology woven throughout the play. This element adds depth and intrigue that captivates both performers and audiences.
From a production standpoint, Shiloh’s Well is wonderfully flexible. It can be staged very minimally or expanded with more elaborate designs, allowing directors and students to tailor the production to their resources and creative vision.
Our students absolutely loved the characters and had a fantastic time bringing the story to life. There are countless opportunities for creativity in the staging, characterization, and interpretation of the story, which made the process both exciting and rewarding. Shiloh’s Well is a powerful, accessible, and deeply engaging choice for high school theatre programs, and I would highly recommend it.
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