What is happiness? Philosophers have struggled with this question for centuries. But sometimes answers are found by simple people with humble aims. What could be more simple than a scarecrow? The Happy Scarecrow has been referred to as a delightful "morality play" about giving. It has become not only a popular contest play but also a favorite play for the Easter season because of its subtle hint of the Easter story. It is popular with churches as well as with theatre groups. But just as its costumes and set are timeless, the play is appropriate any month of the year.

The story: A meany of a witch dares a frilly little fairy to prove there's such a thing as happiness. So the fairy brings a scarecrow to life and promises to make him a real man if he can find happiness. It's a strange search, sometimes comical, sometimes sad—and the scarecrow meets a variety of characters, each providing an insight into human relations as well as an excellent role for your actors and actresses. The Scarecrow's search evokes a little smile, a little fright, and perhaps a little tear.

Simple exterior; colorful costumes, modern and period. A Director's Script (prompt book) is avaliable from the publisher. It contains drawings of costumes and set, details on all technical aspects of staging, discussion of characterization, plot, and theme. It also suggests the complete blocking and full stage directions for all movement and business. For Upper Elementary to professional Children's Theatre.

"Thank you for The Scarecrow. Never have I directed a play quite like it. The cast loved it. At District Festival we received the Superior Rating and everybody raved and asked, 'Where did you get that play?'"—Marion, Virginia. "The cast enjoyed working on the production so much that they requested to repeat the play as a pre-Easter activity for the children of the community."—Longview, Washington. "We presented your play The Happy Scarecrow last spring and it was a great hit."—River Oaks Methodist Church, Fort Worth, Texas. "First Place Trophy in the state finals!"—Sacred Heart H. S., Salina, Kansas. "We have just presented The Happy Scarecrow at the Oklahoma State Play Contest at which we won first place. I was determined to prove that there is drama in inspiration and positive attitudes as well as violence. Thanks for helping me attain my goal."—Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. "Our tenth grade church school class has secured copies of your play, The Happy Scarecrow, and would like to present this as a play reading to the combined 9th and 10th grade classes on Easter morning as a means of discussion and study."—Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, Houston, Texas. "We won honors at District, Regional, and State."—Jerry E. Miller, Chatham, Va., High School. "My small Sunday School Class has agreed to put on The Happy Scarecrow for our family night...I have used your play a couple of times in the past, and still think it is fun to do."—Jo Smith, Faith United Methodist Church, Austin, Texas.

Clark's original plays: The Christmas Dream, I Hate War, It's a Dungaree World, Once Upon a Texas