Recommended Plays and Musicals for Cultural Festivals, School Festivals, and School Performances
Want to make unforgettable memories with your school festival play? We’ve got you covered with a variety of works, from fairy tales and musicals to anime and trending hits.
Disney titles, Studio Ghibli films, and beloved classic stories—each one is full of charm that will captivate your audience.
There are plenty that are fun to perform, too, so bring your class together to create a moving stage filled with acting, dance, and music.
It’s sure to become a memory you’ll cherish for life.
You’re bound to find the perfect piece for your class!
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- [For High School Students] A roundup of recommended attractions for the school festival
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- [Short Movie] A collection of video project ideas you can use for cultural and school festivals
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- [By Genre] Cultural Festival / School Festival Booth Catalog [2026]
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Stage adaptations of modern anime and manga (11–20)
Death Note
The globally popular manga Death Note has garnered widespread acclaim not only as an anime, but also as a TV drama, film, and stage production.
The Death Note, the Shinigami, and the genius who wields them… It’s a suspenseful, thrilling story that students can enjoy.
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
With its straightforward good-versus-evil storyline and the simple, unmistakable “sailor uniform,” there are few works that look this striking on stage.
You could cast a talented actress in the lead for a serious take, or go all-in with an all-male cast for a comedic angle—the presentation will change completely depending on how you choose to approach it.
Touken Ranbu
How about the musical “Touken Ranbu,” based on the game that personifies Japanese swords? It might be challenging to gather enough male performers and prepare many swords and costumes, but please give it a try.
Making it yourselves is also one option.
The Prince of Tennis
This is a stage adaptation of the youth tennis manga The Prince of Tennis.
Many young, handsome actors appear in it, making it a musical that’s extremely popular among women.
Let’s use spotlights to stand in for tennis balls.
It’s especially recommended for junior high school students, just like in the original.
Mr. Osomatsu
How about turning the hugely popular anime Osomatsu-san into a stage play? Try taking on the challenge with comedic elements and some dance! Even just preparing the characters’ hoodies will be enough to convey the vibe, so the stage set can be simple.
After that, use the anime as your reference!
One Piece
Beloved by a wide range of people from children to adults, the well-known manga and anime One Piece features a multitude of unique characters.
The story is sure to be exciting, and it also seems like a work that could be enjoyed as a musical by incorporating songs and dance.
Stage adaptations of contemporary anime and manga (21–30)
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Among Studio Ghibli works popular with elementary school students, I’d like to recommend Kiki’s Delivery Service for a play.
The protagonist Kiki is 13 years old, which might make her feel relatable to younger students.
Plus, distinctive characters like the cat Jiji and Tombo would be adorable and amusing when played by children.
Kiki’s Delivery Service also explores the theme of becoming independent in the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Through performing the play, the children may learn something or gain new insights.
