ME: a campus play about identity

This feature play was written, performed and directed by students at Valparaiso University to raise issues and start conversations about personal identity, campus life and faith. Read the story about how this drama was created and why.

Cast of Characters

Major characters

Chloe is a freshman in a new place struggling to find out who she is — or wants to be — by comparing herself to others. During the play, she goes through different identity phases which are reflected in her clothing, vocabulary, activities and friendships.

John is a sophomore without direction or motivation. He struggles with depression-like symptoms and can’t find any answers, no matter where he looks. He anchors himself to practical solutions because that makes the most sense to him.

Allie is a junior far from family and friends back home. She is a fixer who wants to be involved with everyone’s lives and help them. Because she is a wonderful listener, a lot of people trust her with their problems. Her phone is attached to her ear, partially because it is her safety net.

Will is a good guy who wants to make everyone happy, but he’s having trouble following the steps that he is “supposed” to take in life because they do not seem to match up with what he needs or wants. As a senior, he feels a lot of pressure from academics and relationships. He is very passionate about his career and puts 100 per cent of himself into all that he does.

Kate is Will’s long-term girlfriend who is also struggling with the transition out of college, but in different ways. She doesn’t want things to change, or expects change to follow societal rules. She feels pressure from all of her engaged friends and she is struggling with her faith in the midst of so much change.

Minor characters (can be added to, or left out, as preferred)

Matt is John’s roommate. He is a go-with-the-flow, loud-personality guy.

Dr. Triscik is a professor at the University and has been a major influence in Will’s life and college career.

Kelly is the companion to the preppy side of Chloe’s personality and is obviously stereotyped.

Val is a senior and one of Allie’s best friends. She acts as Allie’s voice of reason when necessary.

Rachael is a friend of Will and Kate who adds pressure to their relationship by buoyantly announcing her recent engagement.

Fiancé/Brent is Rachael’s fiance who adds pressure to Will’s life by seconding Rachael’s opinion that Will and Kate are next to be engaged.

Cassie is another stereotyped companion to Chloe’s changing personality.

Jake is Will’s good friend who listens attentively and adds perspective and encouragement to Will’s life when he needs it most.

Scene 1

Chloe’s dorm room, just after saying good-bye to the ’rents, the room is decorated neutrally, not very distinct, just yet. Her roommate is nowhere to be found. Chloe is dressed in mostly beige and browns, with her hair in a pony-tail.

Chloe: ’Bye Mom, ’bye Dad … I’ll be fine, no really … yes, call me when you get home; that’s a great idea … Okay, yes, I love you guys too. Drive safe!! See you at Thanksgiving! (under her breath) Thank God!
She turns around from the door to the audience and walks toward her desk chair, then sits down while looking around at her new “home.”

Chloe: (to herself) Eeeee-yay! Finally, on my own for once! No one knows me or my family, no older, perfect siblings to live, I mean, “look” up to. She gets up and looks around the room, mostly at her roommate’s side, as if to figure out how to define her. Hmm, apparently Sarah is (she picks up paper from desk and reads) an engineering major who spends any of her free time volunteering. Great. I get to have a non-existent roommate. She catches a glimpse of herself in their mirror. She is still looking at herself in the mirror when phone rings. Hello? Oh!! Hey, Becca. Okay, so I just got the best idea ever… so my Mom left me with an “emergency” credit card, let’s go shopping … hmm? Oh, why? I don’t know, retail therapy! She says this like she’s trying to come up with some random excuse). Chloe picks up her coat, scribbles a quick note to Sarah and walks out the door, talking about the shopping trip, life and transitions. Exits through “door” and walks down the hallway and bumps into John.

Scene 2

Chloe: Sorry, dude, girl on a mission!
John: Don’t mind me, I’m just a fellow human being … (sighs). Just another reminder that no one cares where they’re going in life. He enters into his room, and “flips on” the light. He tosses his binder/papers and himself down on his bed. At least I know that I don’t want to be an advisor. You’d think that after all these meetings I’d have some idea what I want to do, but no, one year down, another advisor meeting and I’m still an “undefined” major. He picks up one of the papers scattered on his bed and reads aloud. “Talents”… None. “Hobbies”… Wasting my parents’ money on classes to help me find my true calling, whatever that is. “Goals in the next year”… Pick a major, wow, that was easy. “Goals in the next five years”… Um, how ‘bout I pick a major first, then I decide that. God! Why am I even doing this? Is there some magic piece of paper that’ll actually tell me what to do? After this last exclamation, John’s roommate suddenly pops out of bed, scaring John, himself, and the audience.
Matt: (sits up, takes out i-Pod ear buds and shakes head, groans) What is going on?! I was having the best dream … one word: Spring Break.
John: Um, that’s like seven months from now, why get excited now?
Matt: Everyone needs a dream, right?
John: While you’re living in your little fantasy world, I’m actually trying to figure out what I want to do with my life.
Matt: Oooh, fancy! What happened to just enjoying the ride? That was last year’s theme. Since when do you think so much?
John: What’s wrong with thinking about the future? I don’t plan on being a student forever; at least I don’t think so. Don’t you think you’re going to get tired of paying a bunch of money to sleep, eat and barely pass your classes?
Matt: See, that’s just it, I don’t think about those things. Once I get through today, I’ll wake up tomorrow and think about tomorrow. That’s as much as I want to think … it works for me, and it used to work for you, didn’t it?
John: Exactly, it used to work for me. But you try getting pounded by questions from my little bro all summer about “could he go to school to be an astronaut,” and “what do I want to be when I grow up,” not to mention my parents asking the same questions over and over again.
Matt: … and that’s why they make I-pods. Advancing technology makes it so much easier to tune them out …
John: Whatever, I kinda just want to figure this out. Right now I feel like I don’t know what I’m doing, and I don’t like it.
Matt: Okay, seriously, you need to chill. Let’s get some food. Leave the paperwork here.
John: (puts down the handful of papers, picks up his keys and walks toward the door) Alright… .
Lights dim as they both walk out. They continue reminiscing about good times from last year as they pass by Allie, talking on her cell.

Scene 3

Allie walks into a lounge, puts her backpack and stuff down and paces while finishing the conversation.
Allie: I keep telling you, you need to dump him. Seriously, he’s not good enough for you and he never has been, but no … I’m just your best friend since pre-school, what do I know? Alright, alright, Jen, I’ll back off. But you know you’d be lost without my relationship advice, admit it! That’s what I thought! Okay, you’re right, we should both go, I’ve got homework to do. Later, babe. Allie sits at a table, opens her books and smiles a “hello” at the other people in the lounge. Phone rings.) Hello? Hey! Oh my gosh, Ryan, I haven’t talked to you in months! What is new in life? Oh really? You guys are still together! I’m so glad … no, I’m serious, you guys work, sort of. Anyways, yeah, I’m good … it’s hard being so far away from everyone again. But, this is my second home, so I’m dealing. How’s life as a transfer student? I know you were worried about transitioning in as a junior. Good … remember what I said though, call me anytime you need someone to listen to you ramble. Listen, it was so great to hear from you but I kind of need to study for an exam. I know, right? Second week of classes, and I already have an exam. Junior year is tough. Listen, you take care, okay? Miss you too, talk to you later! Bye. (As soon as she puts down her phone, her text message alert sounds, and she looks at her study “companions” guiltily). Sorry, I swear I’m normally not this popular … (quietly) Hmm, mom … what? (She gets up, grabs her stuff, while calling her mom back). Hello? Oh hey mom, why exactly did you text me a picture of the cat? You know you’re just going to make me miss them more … (sighs) . Seriously though, you know you don’t have to use Snowball as a premise to talk to me, just call and tell me how Grandma is driving you crazy … Okay, okay! Start from the beginning, no, I’m not doing anything important, just studying… . She waves a quick hello at Will as they pass, but he barely notices because he’s involved in his own phone conversation.

Scene 4

Will: … No, Kate, I’m sorry. I know we had lunch plans, but we’ve got orientation for the new DJs going on and Jake asked me to cover his lunch spot. I owed him from last weekend, you remember, so we could celebrate our ten-month anniversary? Yeah, I thought so … I’ll meet you for dinner instead, honey. Okay, okay, you’ll be fine. I promise. I love you too. Later.
Will picks up his walking pace only to be stopped by his favorite professor for a quick yet painful discussion.
Dr. Triscik: William! Good to see you again, enjoying your senior year?
Will: Oh, yes sir, it’s the only one I’ve got, right?
Dr. Triscik: (jokingly) That’s right, unless you plan on failing on me. So what are your plans for next year?
Will: Oh, wow … believe it or not, that’s the first time I’ve heard that question … in the last hour. Well, I could tell you what I’m expected to do, or I could tell you what I want to do, do you have a preference, sir?
Dr. Triscik laughs, but before he can respond, enter Jake, walking quickly by with some good news.
Jake: Hey, Will, I’m glad I caught you. I got someone, okay? Gotta run!
Dr. Triscik: Speaking of running, I should as well. I’ve got an Intro Comm class to teach and freshman to intimidate, I mean, motivate. Don’t forget, you can always stop by my office if you need help with anything. Take it easy, Will.
Will: (distracted by the possibility of free time, responds a little too late.) You too, Dr. T. Well, I guess I’ll go work on my senior project.

Scene 5

Will walks back the direction he came from, looking around a little confusedly, because he’s not sure where he’s going just yet, as usual. He checks his watch absently and looks up just as John walks by. They both look up and awkwardly smile and pause.
Will: Oh, uh, hey …
John: … hey! How’re you?
Will: I’m okay (pause). We met at …
John: … that one time at that place …
Will: Yeah! That’s right, um … J- John?
John: Yes, but, remind me again, what’s your name?
Will: Will Richards (he reaches out and they shake hands). Good to see you again.
John: Yeah. You’re a senior, right? (They start walking together in the same direction towards a place to sit.)
Will: Yup. And you’re a … ?
John: Sophomore, yeah …
Will: That’s right. What’s your major again? (It is clear that both are stalling for time, because they feel like they have nothing else to do or nowhere else to really go)
John: (awkward laughter) Um, I don’t know actually. I’m still trying to figure that out.
Will: Aw, well don’t worry about it too much; you’ve got lots of time left to decide.
John: (At this point they’re both sitting down). I wish people would stop telling me that. (Sighs and drops his binder, spilling papers everywhere. They both bend down to pick them up.) I don’t care how much time I’ve got, it sucks to be wandering around this place with no idea where I’m going.
Will: Dang, man … got enough Career Center pamphlets? Take my advice: they don’t tell you anything anyway. I know from personal experience. If I had paid any attention to those things, I’d be a bio-chem major and miserable right now.
John: I know they’re probably a waste of time, but at least I feel like I’m doing something when I fill them out.
Will: No, you were right the first time — they’re a major waste of your time. The best thing is experience, just going out and doing things until you figure out what you wanna do. I joined a bunch of clubs to see what they were like, and one of the clubs did stuff for The Source. (NOTE: This is our campus radio station; you may customize this example for your own campus.) That’s where I met Dr. T.; he’s the faculty in charge of the radio station. It was Dr. T. who suggested I try working with the soundboard, and I found I really enjoyed it. They walk away while Will goes on; John has an almost interested look on his face and appears to be listening rather intently for once.

Scene 6

The lights dim and come up once more to reveal Chloe and Kelly sitting in her dorm room, with Chloe’s roommate nowhere to be seen, and the girls chatting and giggling a lot about this past weekend’s excursions. The room has a little bit more decoration, and messier than last time; Chloe’s first outfit is lying around the room. The girls are dressed stereotypically as preppy girls who have spent just a little bit too long getting ready, so every thing is a bit overdone.
Chloe: (giggling and finishing re-telling a story from the party that they went to the past Saturday night) … and then, when that adorable guy with the grass skirt and the yellow flowers winked at me, I almost died …
Kelly: Who, Dan? Was that before or after he was dancing with me?
Chloe: Bef.. wait, he totally didn’t dance with you at all. And that’s not his name, he told me his name it was … Daniel, there’s a difference. Dan was the one who passed out in the middle of the dance floor.
Kelly: Dan, Daniel, it doesn’t matter, whoever it was he was still checking me out and not you.
Chloe: How would you know, I never saw you without a drink in your hand.
Kelly: Twenty bucks says I still had more fun than you …
Chloe: C’mon, it doesn’t matter. We both had fun AND it’s time for class, so let’s go …
(They gather their matching purses, large sunglasses and, oh yeah, their BOOKS, and start to leave. Chloe stops in front of the mirror and double-checks herself from head to toe until Kelly has to drag her away from the mirror. They start to walk towards class and are approached by “the” guy. Both girls smile and fix their hair or adjust their clothes.)
Kelly: Hey Dan!
Dan: Oh, hey, Kelly, how’s it goin’? (Kelly shoots a triumphant glance at Chloe.)
Kelly: (flirtatiously) Oh, it’s great. You remember … (she gestures at Chloe)
Dan: Um, oh yeah … it’s Christie, right?
Chloe: (flatly) It’s Chloe. (She looks away.)
Dan: (looking only at Kelly) So, where are you lovely ladies headed?
Kelly: Class, possibly … (Chloe stands there not knowing if she really is included in this conversation or not.)
Dan: Really? That’s too bad, because I was just going to meet a couple of my friends for food, Tom and Adam, you remember them?
Kelly: Of course I remember them, they were hilarious. So do you have room for two more?
Dan: Yeah, if they’re you two.
Kelly: Perfect! (She looks around as if she just remembered Chloe was there.) You in?
Chloe: Um, no, I’m gonna pass. I’ve got my Theatre class to go to, but thanks.
Kelly: ’K, bye! (She and Dan walk away together, chatting happily. Chloe walks downstage towards the audience shaking her head and appearing to think deeply.)

Scene 7

As Chloe is walking, Allie passes her while on the way to class, on the phone once again.
Allie: Are you sure she’s doing okay, Mom? The surgery she had was really invasive … You know that I’m okay with coming home no matter what day of the week it is, or anything like that …Yes, Mom, I understand that my schoolwork comes first … I’ve been doing this for three years, I know what my priorities are … okay … okay, thank you. I love you too. Call me if anything changes, and I’ll pick up. Mom, you know I want to be informed about things. Okay, okay. Love you too, bye. Allie waves as a friend of hers walks up and takes a deep breath after she hangs up.
Val: Where have you been all my life, Allie? The two girls hug as if they were sisters.
Allie: Ha, ha, very funny. You act like we haven’t seen each other in weeks.
Val: Allie, seriously, we haven’t. At least, I haven’t talked to you in weeks. I almost hate living off-campus because I can’t spend as much time with all of you guys anymore.
Allie: You know I’m always a phone call away, silly girl.
Val: If anyone can get through on your phone line, that is. You’re always on your phone, all the time. How many face-to-face conversations have you had today, or in the last week even?
Allie: You know that I want to really stay connected with my friends and family back home, and this year it’s harder because I’m even busier than I was the past two years.
Val: Just don’t forget to talk to the people around you too … but I know you’ve been going through some stuff with your grandma, right?
Allie: Yeah, and a friend of mine is going through some relationship stuff, so she’s been calling me to vent more often than she used to in the past. There’s just a lot going on, and the best way to get a hold of me is my phone, ya know?
Val: Yes, yes, I know … but I feel like all you’re doing is listening to people talk about themselves, like you’re taking on everyone else’s problems. Are you? You’ve done this in the past, and we’ve had talks about controlling this tendency of yours.
Allie: Okay Val, I hear you. I’m fine, I’m fine. How many times do I need to say it?
Val: You could tell me 100,000 times that you’re fine, but I wouldn’t believe you because you’re not acting like it.
Allie: (joking half-heartedly) Whatever do you mean?
Val: I get so tired of you doing that! Whenever you get defensive, you use humor to distract the person talking to you.
Allie: Val, I know you’re a psych major and all, but I’m not a research project, I’m your friend. You don’t need to analyze me.
Val: I’m not trying to analyze you … I’m trying to have a conversation with you!!
Allie: Fine, talk to me then!
Val: (sighs defeatedly): I’m just saying that it sounds like your center is off again.
Allie: What does that even mean?
Val sits down, trying to gather her words to communicate clearly a sensitive point.
Val: You know what it means, and you know it’s hard for me to talk about stuff like this, especially to you. How many conversations have we had like this where you are the one checking me on my behavior?
Allie: Oh! Now I get it! Sure, judge me because I want to help people myself, because I care enough to actually do something about it. I don’t just sit back and tell people, “It’ll be okay, Jesus loves you!” and then turn my back and walk away.
Val: Do you really even believe what you’re saying right now, because I don’t. This isn’t the Allie I know or the one who constantly inspires me to grow stronger in my faith. And it’s not because you’re struggling right now, because we both struggle together, through a lot of things. What is going on with you?
Allie: My grandmother’s dying and my best friend from home is suicidal … is that what you want to hear?
Val: No, of course not! I don’t want you to be miserable, that’s why I want to know what’s going on… .
Allie: Well, there, now you know. I’m feeling a lot of pressure right now and a lot of guilt because I can’t do anything about those two situations, except for talking on my phone either to my mom, my grandma, or my friend. That is what keeps me sane right now. As Allie goes through this line she becomes quieter and closer to tears, with more emotion and fear showing through, and she sits by Val.
Val: Oh Allie … Val puts her arm around Allie and hugs her. This is why I want to help you remember that you don’t have to fix these things, that you probably can’t, and that someone else can.

Scene 8

Chloe passes by in skinny jeans, a band t-shirt, converse shoes, black eye-liner, and her I-pod head phones in, there’s a streak of color in her hair. She’s apparently engrossed in the music that she’s listening to, until … her phone rings.
Chloe: Hello? Oh my GOD, hey! How are you? Yeah, I’m super excited for this weekend, I was listening to “Their” new album before you called … no, it’s frickin’ sweet, especially track seven. Are you sure we can get a ride to the venue with your friend? You don’t mind me tagging along? Okay, sweet, because I’ve never been to a local show like this before. Yeah, alright, see you then. Peace! Chloe hangs up and puts her headphones back in and rocks out as she walks off stage.

Scene 9

John comes into the cafeteria, sits down by himself and starts eating. He will remain sitting by himself throughout the rest of this scene. Allie comes in, talking on the phone, as usual. She sits down and eats a bit, but is more focused on her conversation. When Will and Kate enter, Allie’s conversation turns to silent mouthing of the words. Will and Kate are eating supper.
Kate: I finally picked who would write my letters of recommendation, so I can be finished with my app to Loyola.
Will: Oh, really, hon? Good. I’m glad. What about those schools on the East Coast you were looking at, the ones closer to your family?
Kate: Those will get finished soon enough, but you know that Loyola and University of Chicago were my top priorities, especially with the job offers you’ve gotten in that area.
Will: I know, but I really don’t want you to limit your options because of me.
Kate: Will, it’s not because of you, it’s because of us. And it’s not limiting my options; it’s planning for our future, isn’t it?
Immediately, Kate’s roommate, Rachael, practically runs in with her new fiancé in tow, out of breath and glowingly in love.
Rachael: Guys! Kate! Will! Look! She shoves her ring under Kate’s nose and wiggles her fingers to make it sparkle.Guess what happened!?
Fiancé: (amused) Well, I don’t know, Rae … I don’t think you’ve given them enough hints. Rachael whirls around to face Fiancé and gives him a dirty look before turning back and jumping up and down while being hugged by Kate. As the girls stand in the background sharing details, Fiancé and Will shake hands and slap each other’s backs.
Will: Congratulations, Fiancé.
Fiancé: That’s not my name, dude.
Will: But that’s what you’ve become, and that’s all you’re going to be from now on, at least until you become Husband.
Fiancé: (sarcastically) Ha, ha. You’re next buddy. At this statement, the girls turn back and rejoin the conversation. All sit. At this point, John leaves.)
Rachael: It’s true. Although, the pressure is on for you, Will, since Kate heard the romantic way Brent swept me off my feet.
Kate: Yeah, I can’t wait to see what he comes up with.
(At this point, Allie has also left.)
Will: Yeah, thanks for that, because I’m not under enough pressure already. They laugh uncomfortably, and Kate gives Will a look that says, “oh, we’ll talk later, mister.” My senior project is more than enough. Did you know …
The scene will end when they all finish eating and go to dump their trays.

Scene 10

Chloe walks by as if coming from a different part of the dining hall to throw her stuff away. She is dressed in the clothing of the day, sweat pants and a sports t-shirt with her hair up and pulled back by the typical sports headband, giving every appearance she really is part of the soccer team. She walks with a girl dressed almost identically, who is chattering excitedly about the last soccer game, giving highlights of her own performance.
Cassie: And then! The defender face-planted so I had to kick the ball over her to score the goal!
Chloe: (nodding gamely) Sweet. You guys totally crushed them, like a massacre. By the way, when’s your next game? It was great to warm up with you guys last time.
Cassie: Oh yeah, about that … Coach was kind of mad about having a non-player on the field, so I don’t think you can do that anymore …
Chloe: Oh. That’s cool … Her tone of voice implies that she is disappointed, but already thinking about her next persona. Cassie and Chloe continue walking and discussing soccer things… .

Scene 11

Allie is walking to her night class as usual when — surprise! — her phone rings. She pauses just outside the classroom to answer it as she sees it is from her mom.
Allie: (you can tell by her face that her heart is racing because she understands this phone call is not good news) : Hey mom … oh, dad? What’s wrong? What? No wait, what?! Oh mom … When? How? Are you and Mom … oh. Okay. No, I’m glad you told me … What? Class? Oh, right. But, I need to start looking for plane tickets. (yelling) That’s more important right now! Sorry… I didn’t mean to yell. Yeah, oh wait, someone’s calling … (She checks and sees it’s a friend who’s been very needy as of late… she feels compelled to take the call even though it’s the last thing she needs to do.) You’ve got to be kidding me, Jennifer, (she says to no one in particular, then goes back to her dad). Dad? I’ve got to go. I’ll call you back later. Love you too. (She hits the appropriate button and prepares to talk to Jen, there is a change in her posture and a forced tone to her voice, as if she’s trying to separate herself from the news she just got and steel herself for more news.). Hey Jen? What’s up? No, I’ve got time. Don’t worry about it … What’s going on? Why are you crying? He what?! When? Why?! Do you want me to come home and beat him up, cuz I will. I’ll be there in a few hours, all I have to do is grab a flight… . (Then she realizes, as her eyes get bigger and bigger and she almost loses control while it sinks in, that she can’t go home to help anyone.) Um, sorry, I zoned out, what’d you say? Uh-huh… wait, I can’t hear you … Jen? Jen? (She takes the phone away from her ear and sees that the battery died.) What?! You’ve GOT to be kidding me!! CRAP!! I charged you this morning! (Tears start to fall as she rips through her stuff looking for her charger and rushes, most likely, to find an outlet.)

Scene 12

Will: (looking up) Hey hon, how are you?
Kate: Ugh, I have way too much stuff happening right now. I already have a ton of homework that’s due on Monday. PLUS for Theo I have to go to a bunch of different churches for the next month and write a paper about all of them.
Will: So what’s wrong with that, besides having to write another paper?
Kate: It means I have to actually wake up on a Sunday and go to a church I don’t know and somehow decipher what they believe and compare it to what I believe … when … I don’t know …
Will: Are you having doubts?
Kate: There’s just so many questions that I’ve been having since I’ve been taking this Theo class, so much stuff that doesn’t make sense.
Will: I’m sorry, Kate, I didn’t realize you’ve been going through this. I guess I’ve just been really busy with school work and all the TV station stuff.
Kate: I know. You’ve been really busy lately, do you even care anymore?
Will: Kate, I love you. I’ll help you through this, okay? As much as I wish I could tell you what to do, I don’t know what to tell you. (This line is approached carefully, like he’s going out on a limb.) Even though you’re doubting, God can still do way more for you than I can.
Kate: (exasperated) Will …
Will: Can we pray about it like we used to?
Kate: Will! I don’t need prayer right now. I need answers! Why is it that people just think praying about things is going to help me? I’m sorry, Will, I’ve gotta go.

Scene 13

Chloe is in her room on her computer, her many facades are strewn about the room, she reaches over to adjust the music from her laptop. The song “Beautiful” by Bethany Dillon starts to play and Chloe sings along, obviously able to relate to the lyrics, there is sincerity in her voice. At some point, the vocals fade out and it is only Chloe’s voice and the music. This continues for the entire song, until the end when Bethany’s vocals fade back in and the lights drop out completely.

Scene 14

Lights come up and Will and Jake are walking and sitting down in Will’s room.
Will: shaking his head I don’t know, Jake. Things are great with Kate, but I still don’t know. It seems like every day another couple gets engaged, and walks up with a ring and a story.
Jake: Well, you won’t get any trouble from me. I’ve got enough to worry about as it is.
Will: That’s my point. I don’t think I can handle “our” future right now; I don’t know if I can handle my own future. I love her, and she knows this, and things are great — the way they are …
Jake: So what’s the deal, then?
Will: You know Kate … she’s very logical, and the next logical step for us is engagement. But I don’t know if we’re really ready for that step, or maybe I’m just not ready. It’s like she sees it as all or nothing — either we get engaged or we’re done — while I see us needing to grow together still. I don’t know; it’s hard to put into words.
Jake: I know that it’s huge, Will. I understand that, and I don’t have answers except, well, can I pray for you?
Will: Um, yeah, thanks.
Jake: prays for Will and the situation and, as they finish, the lights either fade out or just turn off after the “amen.”

Scene 15

John, looking at more paperwork, but this time happily. Walking somewhere …
John: (intensely reading to himself the sheets of paper he’s holding) I think this will work, finally. (A couple of people (Cassie and Dan?) pass as he continues to study the papers, double-checking that everything is going well. Then he stops.) No! No, no, no, this is NOT happening. (He reaches into his bag and pulls out a catalog as if to look something up.) Am I really that stupid? Two-tenths of a point away from getting the class that I need? (He yells a frustrated noise.) Seriously! (He looks around and sees that he’s alone, then he glances upward and gives a short, spontaneous prayer about direction and what God is doing — or trying to get him to do, if anything — all with a lot of frustration and unanswered questions. He sees someone (Val?) coming and, a bit embarrassed, walks offstage.)

Scene 16

Allie, in her room, sitting on her bed, is very subdued, with her head down looking at her phone. You can tell she’s been crying for a while, almost as if it’s a normal state of being right now. An official looking letter is on her bed, but a little far away. She picks it up and reads part of it: “Thank you for the presentation you will be giving at our conference.” (Her white board has “presentation tomorrow” written on it, and she realizes she is unprepared for it.) She gets up, restless, and walks around turning her back on her bed and crossing her arms, leaving both the phone and the letter there, not wanting to look or think about either. She turns around suddenly and picks up the letter, crumples it and throws it in the garbage. She sits back down on her bed and picks up her phone again, as if holding it gives her security. But instead of using it, she gets up and goes to her desk, picks up her Bible, and leaves the room quickly.

Scene 17

The lunchroom scene is back and the main characters enter and seat themselves in separate groups, Chloe and Becca; John and his backpack; Will, eating alone, until Kate approaches him and asks to sit down with an apologetic or concerned face; and Allie and Val.

Fade into a song and, as the music builds, the lights go down.

END

 

Find more drama ideas and resources in the Drama Team Handbook and the Drama Team Sketchbook from InterVarsity Press.

Skits, anyone? Read about students who created fun skits for their weekly large-group meetings.

 
© 2007 by Amanda Stenzel and Brittni Emery. Published by StudentSoul.org with permission from the copyright holders. InterVarsity chapters and other campus ministries may perform this work and customize it to fit their campuses, as noted in the script text, as long as this original copyright notice and attribution are retained in any printed copies, including customized work.