Watts Riots 1965 Readers Theater Script | Grades 9-12

Experience six turbulent days of the 1965 Watts Riots as residents, police, and community leaders grapple with systemic inequality and seek justice in Los Angeles.

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• Grade bands: 9-12
• Characters: 12
• Word count: 2500

Perfect For

• Civil rights & urban studies
• Sociology discussions
• ELA evidence‑based analysis

(a single PDF with links to Google Docs/Slides, if print format is preferred you can download from your Google Drive to word/pdf/ppt/etc)

What’s Included

• Student script (~2500 words, 10 scenes, DOCX/PDF/Google Doc)
• Teacher guide (~12-14 pages, DOCX/PDF/Google Doc)
• Student worksheet (~25 Google Slides)
• Self-graded Google Forms quiz (20 questions)

Teacher’s Script Summary

• Scene 1: Arrival in Watts, August 11 1965.
• Scene 2: Marquette Frye’s arrest sparks unrest.
• Scene 3: Riots escalate across Watts.
• Scene 4: National Guard deployment.
• Scene 5: Damage and aftermath.
• Scene 6: McCone Commission investigates causes.
• Scene 7: National civil‑rights wake‑up call.
• Scene 8: Rebuilding programs honor Watts legacy.
• Scene 9: Watts Towers symbolize resilience.
• Scene 10: Reflecting on systemic change.

Standards Alignment

CA HSS 11.10.7; CA HSS 11.10.5; RI.11-12.1; RI.11-12.2; RI.11-12.9