Approved draft: runtime estimate about 15 minutes, based on a timed read-through (actions and pauses included). Your staging may run slightly longer or shorter.
The Lost Lantern
Two travelers lose their only lantern at dusk. As they search the forest, each admits a small fear, and together they find the lantern — and a little courage.
- Performers
- 2–3
- Reading
- Early reader
- Performance
- About 15 min*
- Prep level
- Minimal
Roles
Traveler Wren
Observant and cautious; learns to ask for help and act despite a fear.
Reading load: Medium
Traveler Pip
Enthusiastic and forgetful; learns to listen, admit a mistake, and share responsibility.
Reading load: Medium
Narrator
OptionalBuilds the imaginary forest and connects the action.
Reading load: Light
Casting options
- With 3 performers, one person reads the Narrator and Wren and Pip share the action.
- With 2 child performers, a parent reads all Narrator lines — or Wren reads the Narrator lines in Scenes 1, 3, and 5, and Pip in Scenes 2 and 4.
- Both traveler roles contribute throughout; no essential lines are omitted in either arrangement.
What you need
Required
- A battery-powered flashlight or LED lantern (a paper lantern works too)
- A chair for the big oak tree
- A scarf or small cloth for fallen leaves
- Two paper trail signs: a leaf and a circle
Optional extras
- Two small bags for the travelers
Getting ready
- Preparation time
- About 5 min*
- Performance time
- About 15 min*
- Clear a small performance space and keep the room comfortably lit — no real darkness.
- Place the lantern beside the oak chair, partly under the cloth.
- Place the two paper signs flat outside the walking path, several steps apart.
- Decide who operates the battery light before performing.
- Read through the script once and assign roles.
*Preparation is approximate. Performance estimate is based on a 15-minute timed read-through including actions and pauses; staging may vary.