Trajectory
Trajectory follows “The Solar Flares,” a middle school rocket team, as they prepare for the annual American Rocketry Contest. Guided by a chorus of Sassy Scientists, the students navigate friendship, family drama, and the high-stakes pressures of building and launching their dream rocket, Sheila! The play is ensemble driven with a flexible cast that blends comedy, drama, and science.
It showcases a wide range of students, with meaningful roles for every actor, and opportunities to reassign lines or expand the chorus. Minimal set and prop requirements make the play easy for drama teachers to produce, while creative staging invites student collaboration through movement, sound, and video projections.
Running time about 50 minutes.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
What inspired you to write this play?
I set out to write a play about a rocketry team, and very early on I became obsessed with the idea of a giant rocket flying over the heads of the audience. In many ways, I wrote the entire play to build toward that moment.
What’s your favorite part or line in the play? Why?
One of my favorite moments is Florence’s daydream sequence, where she floats across the stage in a full space suit. She dances through the solar system with an alien. It’s completely absurd, theatrical, and joyful.
Where did the characters come from? Are they based on people you know?
I’ve been a teacher for many years, and the characters in the play are inspired by the students I’ve worked with. They’re not based on any one person, but are instead composites of the personalities and energy I’ve encountered in the classroom and rehearsal room.
What did you try to achieve with this play?
I wanted to create a piece with eight substantial leading roles to challenge my older actors, alongside an ensemble of playful, character-driven parts so that younger performers would feel just as excited to be on stage.