A Play a Day Should Be Easy Right?

It is day 6 of the #29PlaysLater challenge and it is challenging to say the least. One of my resolutions for this year was to learn a new craft each month, so February I am learning how to write a play by the seat of my pants….literally. I have been getting up every day around 5 am to tackle an entire script from beginning to the close of the curtain. It seemed monumental at first, but I seem to be getting better at it each day.

Who Is Your Idol?

For today’s play, we were instructed to: Write a play about/with/inspired by/utilizing your idol. As I drove home from work last night I was wracking my brain trying to figure out who I idolize. I ran through names like Stephen King (Don’t get me wrong, I love King’s work, but I don’t idolize him) The next name to pop up in my head was Millie Bobbie Brown, and again she’s an amazing actress who has had great success at such a young age, but I don’t idolize her either. Who could it be?

Then it Clicked:

I pulled up to a red light and I don’t know if it was the song that was playing (I can’t even remember what it was) or what it was, but a picture of my Grandma Ellie popped into my head and I knew who I would be writing about/with/inspired by/utilizing you get the picture.

Make your idol the star.

Now that I had my idol I had to make her the star of the show, or just a star. Without further ado, I present to you my play:

Mile Long Pier

Act 1, Scene 1

The curtain opens to a dream sequence. The main character Renee is walking slowly down mile-long pier, head down, and following behind her group of friends. They are hoping to see the sunset. A beautiful cityscape sits in the background. 

Holly: (looks back at Renee) Do you want us to wait up?

Renee: (picks her head up and looks at Holly) No, that’s okay. You all can go ahead. I will eventually make my way to the end.

Holly: Sounds good. Take it slow, the pier seems a little wobbly today.

Renee: (almost loses balance and is thankfully able to grab onto a bench that magically appears) That was close.

Holly: I told you to be careful. (Holly turns back and runs to catch up with the group.)

(Renee continues down the pier with slow but deliberate movements, just taking it all in. When she finally catches up with the group someone catches her eye. Renee takes a deep breath in.)

Renee: (begins to tear up as her Grandma starts walking towards her) Grandma? (said in a slight whisper, with a hint of confusion)

Grandma: Yes, can we sit? (Grandma gestures to a nearby bench and grabs Renee’s hand to guide her over.)

Renee: (Sits on the bench and puts arms around her Grandma who smells of lavender and love) 

Grandma: It’s going to be okay. Everything is going to be alright. You are a strong and amazing woman and you can do anything. You are going to have great success in life and will ultimately come across many people who will want to stop you and tell you that what you are trying to achieve is silly. Those people do not matter. The only thing that matters is that you strive to achieve your goal. Work towards it every day and do not give up. Never give up. We are watching down on you every single day. (she points up) Do you see that star up there?

Renee: (looks up to a star that is shining brighter than the others) I do.

Grandma: Good. Now anytime that you need anything, or if you are feeling like everything is going wrong and you feel as if you have no one to turn to. All you have to do is look up and we are up there looking right back at you. Me, your Mom, your Grandpa. We all miss you and love you so much. Now and forever. (She pulls Renee in for a big hug and then disappears) 

Lights dim, end scene.

Act 1, Scene 2

The lights brighten to the scene of a bedroom. Renee is still sleeping and then suddenly she awakens and takes a deep breath in.

Renee: (slowly waking up and realizing it was all just a dream) Grandma? I could feel her, smell her perfume, and touch her jacket. It was the most beautiful experience. (Renee begins to cry.) I miss them so much. I miss her so much. (she says through her tears) She said I was going to be okay. I am going to be okay. 

Lights dim, end scene.

The End.

Well if you have made it all the way to the end I thank you for that. If you are new to scriptwriting, do not follow my lead. I have no clue if the formatting is correct. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child playscript has been my guide (somewhat) I am still learning. I appreciate any and all comments and or questions. Cheers!