Author Archives: briang

Secret Kindness Agents: Operation School Transformation…..a middle grade novel

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In 2024, I was accepted into a middle grade/young adult WRITING A NOVEL IN A YEAR cohort through the Story Studio in Chicago.  The ten of us aspiring novelists were lead during the year by the incredible YA novelist James Klise. 

Throughout the year, I worked on adapting my play Secret Kindness Agents into a novel for middle grades (4-8th grade). I’m really excited to continue to learn and grow as a writer as I explore this new medium.

This March, my husband got permission for the Third Grade Book Club at Anderson Grove Elementary in Papillion NE to read my second draft.  I had a great time meeting with these young readers, answering their questions, and learning about my book.

I’m currently revising the novel and brainstorming possible sequels!

Secret Kindness Agents! The Play!

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My newest play SECRET KINDNESS AGENTS had its premiere at The Omaha Theater Company for Young People at the Rose in January.  Inspired by my amazing friend Dr. Ferial Pearson’s work, the play highlights four young people who join the SKA to make their school a kinder place.

Dr. Pearson started the first SKA group at her high school in response to the Sandy Hook tragedy.  She then wrote a book with those agents about their experience, created a TED talk about the project, spoke to numerous schools and community groups, and published a follow up EDUCATOR’s GUIDE to SKA.  The Secret Kindness Agents Project is in over 500 schools internationally, including in Canada, Spain, Qatar, Cameroon, Kenya, Fiji, Pakistan, Phillipines and Australia. . The project is in early elementary, upper elementary, middle school/junior high, high school, and university level classrooms in urban, suburban, and rural schools as well as homeschool co-ops.

Our production in Omaha sold out our school shows, reaching over 800 school kids.  A high school in Kansas then produced the play for their community this spring.

Popularity Coach premiered at The Rose

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My original play had its premiere on the main-stage of The Rose Theater in Omaha NE.  The show had 12 public performances and two weeks of school shows.

Parents and teachers always say “popularity doesn’t matter,” but for 4th graders Cooper and Mia, it is very important. Cooper is just not like the sports-playing, superhero-loving boys in his class. Mia also finds it challenging to be friends with her female classmates. When a popular 7th grader named Blake offers to be their Popularity Coach (for a low, low price) Cooper and Mia sign up, hoping maybe they’ll finally figure out how to win friends. But will Blake’s slick lessons on “How To Be Popular” make matters better…or worse?

Trolls

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When the Olsen family camping vacation goes awry during a thunderstorm, the parents start telling campfire stories about trolls.   These stories come to life in the kids’ imagination as they hear the stories of  Buttercup (about a young boy who is tricked by two troll hags), the Eating Competition, and more.

Production History
2010 Omaha Theater Company Acting Class final project (Cutting),  2008 Papillion La Vista Network (youth production),

Click here to read a scene sample from Trolls

Go to the contact page to request a perusal copy of the play or inquire about royalties

Super Adventures of Nutrition Man and Dr. Exercise, The

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The Super Adventures of Nutrition Man & Dr. Exercise begins with the invited audience getting to see Nutrition Man’s top secret hideaway.  Unfortunately, the Super Sickly Slug has also infiltrated the secret lair.  When the villain eventually removes the memory of  Nutrition Man and his partner Dr. Exercise, the audience has to help the superheroes remember the importance of healthy choices before its too late!

Awards

2010 American Alliance for Theater Education (AATE) Unpublished Play Reading Winner

Production History
2008-current Professional Touring Production Omaha Theater Company (touring into the schools for 60 performances a year), 2010 Imagination Stage professional production

Cast Size:  for a minimum of 3 actors (2m/1f or 2f/1m) with doubling  can be easily expanded to 10

Click here to read a scene sample from the Super Adventures of Nutrition Man and Dr. Exercise

Go to the contact page for a full perusal copy or to inquire about royalties

Holiday Time Around the World

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An audience interactive play introducing audience members to holiday stories from Germany, Israel, Africa, Mexico, China and Russia

 

Production History
2011 Main-stage professional production Omaha Theater Company, 2007 Touring production CATS Theater in Arlington Texas, 2005 & 2006  Main-Stage professional production Omaha Theater Company, 2002-2004 Black Box Main Stage professional production Omaha Theater Company

Cast Size:  for a minimum of 2 actors (1m/1f), a 4 person version is available, could be adapted for a large youth production

Click here to read a scene sample from Holiday Time Around the World

Go to the contact page for a full perusal copy or to inquire about royalties

Where the Red Fern Grows

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Billy Colman, a young boy growing up in the Ozark Mountains during the Depression, is infected with the wonderful disease of puppy love at age 10.  His family can’t afford hunting dogs, so he saves dimes and pennies for 2 years to buy his dogs.  Billy teaches Ol’ Dan and Lil’ Ann everything they need to know about raccoon hunting.  These beloved hunting hounds end up teaching Billy about friendship, faith, and life itself.

Awards Winner of the 2002  American Alliance for Theater & Education Unpublished Play Reading Project

Selected Production History: mainstage production Omaha Theater Company in January 2000 as a mainstage production, national tour Omaha Theater Company 2001-2002, Lexington Children’s Theater 2004, Apple Tree Theater in Chicago 2006, A.D. Players in Houston 2007, Town Hall Theater in Dayton 2008, Barter Theater (regional tour) Virginia 2008

Cast Size a minimum of 2f/4m with several puppets, can be easily expanded to a cast of 10

Where the Red Fern Grows script sample

Go to the contact page for a full perusal copy or to inquire about rights

Old Yeller

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When his Papa leaves on a long cattle drive, fourteen year old Travis has to become the man of the family. Then Old Yeller, a mangy one-eared thieving mutt, shows up, and Travis wants nothing to do with him.  Old Yeller however proves to be a huge help to Travis and his family on the wild Texas frontier.  Strong and courageous, Old Yeller earns Travis’s love when the dog helps save the family from a bear, wild pigs and a rabid wolf.  However, when Old Yeller gets hydrophobia and must be shot, Travis is faced with the most difficult duty of his young life.

Awards: 2008 American Alliance for Theater and Education Unpublished Play Reading Award Winner

Production History: 2006 Omaha Theater Company Main-stage Production.  2007-08 Omaha Theater Company National Tour

Cast Size: a minimum of 3f/2m with lots of puppets, without doubling,cast can easily be expanded to a cast of up to 10 performers

Sample Scene from Old Yeller

Go to the contact page to get a full perusal copy or inquire about rights.