# Joan of Arkansas

## Metadata

- Slug: joan-of-arkansas
- Type: Full-length Play
- Genre: Comedy
- Acts: 2 acts
- Duration: 90–120 minutes
- Cast:
  - Small (1-6)
  - Medium (7-14)
- Cast Summary: 4f, 1m, 1 any gender
- Movement Requirements: Minimal
- Technical Requirements: Flexible
- Performing Groups:
  - Professional Theatre
  - Community Theatre
  - College/University
  - High School/Secondary
- Primary Image: https://content.uproartheatrics.com/va7wk6amxtrkkkemata88uhvikv0

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## Authors

- By Paige O’Connor (author slug: paige-oconnor)

## Overview

**What would you do if you were called by God to dedicate your life to something… kinda dumb?**
High school senior Joan's car is a death trap, college admissions aren’t calling, and her well-meaning parents’ only advice is to “pray on it.” So she does.  And then JOAN OF ARC SHOWS UP.  Yup, that one: saint, warrior, and deeply unimpressed spiritual guide. She delivers human Joan's divine calling—not to lead an army or save a nation, but to rescue the gilled residents of her pet store job: betta fish.
What begins with confusion, doubt, and frantic Googling (“are betta fish important?”) spirals into a full-blown sit-in protest as Joan tries to save the oppressed aquatic creatures from their terrible pet store conditions, all while tackling the idea that purpose only matters if it’s big/impressive/profitable. With Joan of Arc at her side, she learns to trust her instincts, stand her ground, and defend a calling no one else takes seriously.
**Perfect for all audiences (whether Catholic high school alum or not) **Joan of Arkansas** examines the idea of purpose, how we find it, and the importance of staying true to your passions when others may doubt you. Loosely inspired by the legend of Joan of Arc, playwright O'Connor’s zany new take purposefully foregoes any religious preachiness to wrap ya up in a gorgeous message about humanity through her deeply entertaining characters, fast-paced storytelling, and hilarious comedic moments.
*Original show artwork by Christina Staggs*

## Script Versions

***Two versions available:***
**Standard:** this is the full-length original version.
**Extra Saintly Edition:** the full-length standard version, minus anything that would raise an administrative eyebrow.

## Cast

| Name | Role | Description |
| ---- | ---- | ---- |
| JOAN | Principal | (18, F) - genuine, a little naive, brave.  |
| JOAN OF ARC | Principal |  (Eternally 19, F) - absolute badass. A 19 year old girl who also happens to hold the wisdom of centuries of saints. |
| MOM | Supporting |  (40s-50s, F) - classic suburban Mom. Loves her family and God, cares a lot about what the neighbors think.  |
| DAD | Supporting |  (40s-50s, M) - like a sitcom Dad in that he's always just a liiiittlle behind. Loves his family and God, cares a lot about what his co-workers think.   |
| GUIDANCE COUNSELOR | Supporting | (30s-40s, Any gender*) - overly peppy in a way that is slightly condescending, wears a lot of Talbots/L.L. Bean. Has a puppet named Mr. Prickly Porcupine to help connect with their students. The puppet says very dark comments in a very cheery, cartoonish voice.
(*Pronouns and titles for this character can be changed in performance depending on the actors’ gender expression. Current versions of the script use he/him pronouns.)
 |
| JARED | Supporting |  (early-mid 20s, M) - the guy at your first high school job who was always stoned. Aims to be Tik Tok famous.  |
| MECHANIC | Supporting | (30s-40s, F) - slightly disgruntled, professionally sarcastic local auto shop owner. Gruff on the outside, good heart on the inside. |

## Materials

### Available for additional fee:

| Name | Description |
| ---- | ----------- |
| Video Recording License | License to create an archival recording of the show that may be distributed to the cast and crew. This does not allow publicly posting the performance. |
| 60-Minute Talkback with the Creator | A 60-minute Zoom/Google Meet with one or more of the show's creator. Licensees and guests can ask questions, share experiences, and hear about the artistic journey of the show and creative team. This can be scheduled before or after the performances. If we are unable to make scheduling work, the cost will be refunded. |