I want to create a website for people to publish plays written for use in high schools or middle school. I need to know

Hello there. My name Is ***** ***** I am an attorney licensed in three states. My firm is based in Chicago. I am happy to help you out here and I understand that legal issues can be quite frustrating. In communicating with me we are not creating an attorney client relationship. However I am happy to point you in the right direction and I’m happy to answer questions you have. Thanks!

Are you intending to sell ads or make any money form this website?

Technically you need permission to publish copyrighted plays which means you literally need a license agreement to post/publish.  I believe lots of plays are not copyrighted anymore because they are so old, so I believe those would be fair game without a license. But yes, if they are not yours, you need to be sure whosever they are allows you to post.

If they are original works that is fine.  If they were drafted by another author, they are automatically copyrighted.  There is no formal process to copyright an original work.

I do not understand what you are asking. What do you mean restrictions?  Like preventing people that are gay from going on your website or what?

Or the precise play itself?  I mean, directors discriminate all the time to fill certain roles.  It is perfectly legal the government just can't really do it.

You are not a high school.  You are a private website.  You can do anything you want.

You are welcome.