Synergy Theatre Arts: ANNIE Script for Class Recital

The recital for Synergy Performing Arts Academy is fast approaching (May 5!), and I think I might be more nervous than the kids.  This entire experience has been jarring, rewarding, stressful and full of valuable lessons about my own creative process.  The most rewarding part for me is seeing the kids really enjoy themselves and trusting the process together.  Although I've had to go through rewrites, dropped students and changes in lineups, I've managed to come up with a couple of scenes for the kids to lead up to the songs.

Without futher ado, here's the script for the kids for ANNIE!  The orphans are named after the kids in the class to keep the script simple.  This skit was actually a compilation of excellent audition monologues I had found and had arranged them into a scene that would lead into their performance of the number "Hard Knock Life."  Enjoy!

The orphans are all asleep in makeshift beds around the stage.  A few make soft, muffled sounds in their sleep while shifting positions.  DRYDEN and her sidekick, TIFFANY, snore in unison rather loudly from their sleeping positions.  Suddenly, MYA starts to stir from a nightmare and starts to talk in her sleep.

MYA (in her sleep):

Mama!  Mama!  Mommy!  Wait, Mommy!  Mama!

MYA continues to toss and turn in bed, waking KHANDACE, KEYANNA and SOMER from their beds, noticing MYA’s dreaming condition and begin to worry.  KHANDACE rushes over to MYA’s bedside.

KHANDACE:

Oh my goodness, oh my goodness!  Molly’s talking in her sleep.  Her eyes are still closed.  She don’t know how loud or soft her voice is when she’s asleep.

KEYANNA:

At least she’s not snoring, like those two.  (She gestures with annoyance over to DRYDEN and TIFFANY, still asleep and snoring.)

MYA awakes with a start and a yell, which startles the other girls awake.  They all stretch from their slumber and look around to see where the noise came from, finally focusing on MYA.

MYA:

Oh, no!  I was dreamin’ ‘bout my Mama.  We were on the merry-go-round and she was smiling and holding my hand, and then she was gone!  I couldn’t stop the merry-go-round and I couldn’t find her no more.

DRYDEN:

Shut up, MYA!  Can’t anyone get some sleep around here?

TIFFANY:

Yeah, can’t anyone sleep?

THE ORPHANS try to shush DRYDEN and TIFFANY silently.

KEYANNA:

Pipe down, or Ms. Hannigan will hear you!

DRYDEN:

What?  You’re telling me to pipe down?  You’re beggin’ for a black eye, pal!

TIFFANY:

Yeah, you’re beggin’ for it!

DRYDEN and TIFFANY both ‘put their dukes up’, ready to take on the crowd.  AALIYAH jumps in the middle of everyone to try to break the tension.

AALIYAH:

Pipe down, all of you!  Do you want Hannigan to hear you?  (She goes to MYA.)  Shhhh, MYA, it’s alright, we’re here for you.  (She pulls a hankercheif out and holds it in front of MYA’s face.)  Here, blow.  (MYA blows her nose rather noisily.  THE ORPHANS react in disgust and worry it was too loud.)  It was only a dream, you know, but it’s after 3am and we’ve all gotta get back to sleep.

SOMER:

ANNIE, why don’t you read us your note again?  It always makes us feel better.  Then we’ll all promise to go back to sleep, yes?

THE ORPHANS all nod in agreement.  DRYDEN and TIFFANY snicker.

TAYLOR (ANNIE):

Alright then, if you’d like … (She pulls out a folded piece of paper from her makeshift mattress and sits beside Molly.  THE ORPHANS gather round and make themselves comfortable, with DRYDEN and TIFFANY hanging back and making fun of the rest of them.  TAYLOR clears her throat and begins to read.)  “Please take care of our little darling.  We’ve named her Annie.  She was born on October 28 …”

DRYDEN and TIFFANY let out a loud, mocking laugh.  THE ORPHANS turn to look at them with daggers in their eyes.

MARTYNA:

So, you’re laughing, are you?  You wanna sleep with your teeth inside your mouth or not?

DRYDEN, TIFFANY and MARTYNA start what becomes an all-out pillowfight brawl all around the stage, until they hear the shrill voice of MS. HANNIGAN.

MS. HANNIGAN:

What is all this!!?!?!???!!!!

THE ORPHANS run into their ‘soldier lines’ and stand at attention at MS. HANNIGAN’S entrance.  She is in a loud and colourful dress with terrible makeup and curlers in her hair.  MARTYNA and DRYDEN are still picking on each other when MS. HANNIGAN isn’t looking while she marches up and down, scowling at THE ORPHANS, who don’t move an inch and follow her with their eyes.

MS. HANNIGAN:

You want to be up in the middle of the night?  FINE! You’ll stay up all night until this dump shines like the top of the Chrysler Building!  Now say it!  Say it!!

ORPHANS:

(Not really meaning it, but fearing her wrath if they don't say it:) We love you, Miss Hannigan.

MS. HANNIGAN:

 (She turns to the audience with a knowing look and mumbles:)  ‘Little girls!’

THE ORPHANS remain in their soldier line positions until MS. HANNIGAN exits.  They turn in her direction and make the silliest, most ridiculous faces and gestures of extreme dislike in her direction.

CUE MUSIC!

Synergy Theatre Class: 'Pinball Wizard' Skit for TOMMY

My biggest challenge yet when it came to my Theatre Arts classes at Synergy Performing Arts Academy was with writing a skit for my class performing 'Pinball Wizard' from the rock musical TOMMY.  Technically, the musical is a rock opera without actual spoken parts, so I wanted to make sure I wrote a scene that would reflect the message of the play; that being yourself, regardless of what makes you different, is the best thing you can offer the world.  I'm really proud of the kids and how they've taken to the material, being such a heavy piece itself, and they took to the message rather with flying colours.

I had written with script excluding our main character, Tommy, who is deaf, dumb and blind throughout most of the play.  Instead, I had picked out a few characters to focus on in the skit who are celebrating Tommy's achievements as they walk the red carpet before the 'Pinball Wizard Spectacular' begins. 

PINBALL WIZARD SKIT – THE RED CARPET ENTRANCE

SALLY SIMPSON and MRS. WALKER, the red carpet interviewers, are already on stage, amongst the cheer and applause of TOMMY’S fans behind them, behind a ‘velvet rope’ and holding support signs, awaiting to enter the concert.  (Think ‘Entertainment Tonight’ with your delivery!)

SALLY SIMPSON

Hi, I’m Sally Simpson, president of the Tommy Fan Club …

MRS. WALKER

And I’m Mrs. Walker, proud mother to the Bally table champion himself …

SALLY SIMPSON

And we’re live at the biggest event of the year – Tommy’s Pinball Wizard Spectacular!  What an incredible feat - this deaf, dumb and blind boy has managed to beat every pinball wizard in the country!

MRS. WALKER

That’s right, Sally Simpson, and with us tonight to celebrate Tommy’s amazing success are his family, friends, and a few celebrities we’re bound to run into here on the red carpet!  Sally, you look rather dashing, who are you wearing?

SALLY SIMPSON

Why, thank you, Mrs. Walker!  I’m wearing … (ad lib)  And tell me a bit about who you’re wearing?

MRS. WALKER

You’re too kind!  I’m wearing ... (ad lib)

SALLY SIMPSON

Hey, look!  I think our first guest is Cousin Kevin, onetime childhood adversary to Tommy.  Tell us how you’re responsible for his success today?

COUSIN KEVIN enters and struts to the ladies.

COUSIN KEVIN

Well, it’s simple, really.   I was trying to make fun of him at first, because what deaf, dumb and blind kid can play pinball, really?  I mean, what are you going to do – smell your way through a game?   Well, he sure showed me!  Those digit counters started falling, and all I could think was “WOOOOW! He sure plays a mean pinball!”

MRS. WALKER

What message do you have for Tommy tonight?

COUSIN KEVIN

Well, Tommy, I’m sorry I picked on you so much all these years, but you’re a big inspiration to all of us, because you show us that we can be ourselves and still be awesome!

PINBALL WIZARD enters and walks over to the fans to sign some autographs.

MRS. WALKER

Thank you, Cousin Kevin!  (COUSIN KEVIN exits, waving goodbye.)  And look who else we have – former Pinball Wizard Champion (name here)!  (PINBALL WIZARD struts over to the ladies.) Tell us about the moment you heard that Tommy, a deaf, dumb and blind boy, beat the highest score on the Bally table of all time, yours?

PINBALL WIZARD

I’ve been playing in arcades all over this country, and I’ve never met anybody like him.  It’s like he becomes part of the machine!  I’m happy to give up my crown to such an amazing player.

SALLY SIMPSON

Any hopes for a rematch?

PINBALL WIZARD

Oh, we’ll see!  I’ve got to get a bit more practice in if I’m gonna try to beat him!  But I’ll be playing a special role in tonight’s concert – my band and I will be introducing the new champion!

SALLY SIMPSON

Well, we can’t wait to see it!  (TOMMY’S FANS roar with excitement.)  My goodness, let’s say hello to the fans!

TOMMY’S FANS, mostly young girls, all holding handmade signs and pictures supporting TOMMY, get into mass hysteria and excitement when the ladies approach them.

MRS. WALKER

Hello, ladies!  You’re all part of Tommy’s fan club, aren’t you?

TOMMY’S FANS all scream at once, “YES!” and proceed to try and talk over each other about how they proclaim to be TOMMY’S #1 FAN.  They are silenced by SALLY SIMPSON.

SALLY SIMPSON

Well, I’m the president and I’ve got a say – you ladies right here are amazing for being here, and I know for a fact that Tommy is so thankful for your support – that’s why you’re all getting front row seats!

TOMMY’S FANS all scream in surprise and proceed to high-five, hug and congratulate each other.

MRS. WALKER

I think we might be due for a few more celebrity appearances – wait!  Is that who I think it is?  None other than PAC-MAN himself!

PAC-MAN enters the stage, and TOMMY’S FANS go absolutely wild!  PAC-MAN approaches the ladies.  PAC-MAN won’t actually talk, but it will be ‘pantomimed’ instead.

SALLY SIMPSON

What an honour to have you here, Mr.  … uh, MAN!  As an arcade legend yourself, do you have any inspirational thoughts for Tommy this evening?

PAC-MAN nods ‘yes’ and goes to say something into the microphone.  Suddenly, a GHOST appears and PAC-MAN is on a mission and chases the GHOST offstage.

MRS. WALKER

Well, I think I know what I can get from that …

MRS. WALKER/SALLY SIMPSON

Practice makes perfect!

CUE MUSIC!

SALLY SIMPSON

The Pinball Wizard Spectacular is about to start, and you’re in for an event you’ll never forget!  (MUSIC STARTS.  Everyone rushes onstage into position, we can’t wait for the concert to start!)  We’ll see you in there!

SALLY SIMPSON and MRS. WALKER take their positions for the beginning of the music number.

Know Thyself: Fear

I've always wanted to write characters and stories, and the writer's cliche of 'writing what you know' does hold true.  I think the reason why I don't write as often anymore is because I'm afraid of what I know.  I've had some interesting experiences in life - both pleasant and never-to-be-repeated - that culminate to who I am today and what I have to offer.  I've got loads of anecdotes and stories I can turn into monologues and characters with depth, but it's a personal fear that holds me back.  I'm comfortable with what's in my past.  I'm not too sure if I'm comfortable with sharing.

It goes without saying that time has a way of healing certain wounds.  You don't forget completely, but you don't consistently dwell on it.  These are events to be reflected on, culminating into the person you are today and will shape out to be.  I've rarely met a person without regret, and I know I have a few of my own.  My regrets shape out into situations in my mind like 20/20 hindsight, finally thinking of those right words that would fix everything, choosing the left fork in the road instead of the right, taking a chance instead of passing.

There's much more that holds me back instead of fear, these invisible shackles that hold me back inches from the keys to unlock me.  I can only wish some days I have the stones to dislocate my shoulder and give that push to reach.  Metaphorically, that could be as slight as just getting out of bed in the morning.  Days where your past comes to haunt you, fear and anxiety rising that you've failed before, and you're barely prepared, despite everything you've done to steady yourself and your self-esteem for a new challenge.  It's a tightrope walk without the net, it seems.  There's no way I'm going out there, I can't risk it.  I'll fall, I'll die, or I'll make it and I'll have to do it all over again.

It's a raging battle.  To appear confident in the face of a past that has shaped most into worst conditions at any point in time.  To keep a strong mind and body, diligently keeping discipline over your thoughts so they won't stray into darker territory.  Even more frustrating is the existence of these dark thoughts themselves, how they overwhelm and accuse you of not succumbing to the grief of past mistakes.  It's hard to ignore, like a mosquito in the room at night.

How to cope with all this?  I use the mosquito's buzz and turn it into a sonnet.  The only force that makes me stronger is creation.  It's where I feel the strongest, where I feel I can make a difference.  It's also where I feel I can tell my own story in a safe way; characters representing ideas, fears and hopes.

First, let's get rid of these vampires.

Synergy Arts Camp: Synergy Magic!

I'm especially excited about this week.  I've loved magic tricks since I was a kid.  I remember Dad getting me a magic kit for my ninth birthday, I perfected each and every one of them in that kit.  I couldn't get enough.  There was a novelty & joke store in the local mall I used to get a bunch of pocket tricks from and carry them around to practice.  I even made up stage names and costumes from Dad's suit jackets and hat collection, performed little shows in the living room every Sunday.  I had so much fun!

I'm excited to pass on the same fun I had to the camp kids this week - three older girls with a passion for dance and fantastic attitudes all around - a perfect way to end the summer!

I had put together a basic Magician's Glossary and a few simple tricks for the kids to perform, each needing props and plenty of practice: the   I had also thrown in a 'bonus trick' from my early years of pocket tricks, and something that they could do at home.

I can't believe I'm doing this - some of you stage magicians might be a little upset with me, but consider it for the love of art and passing on the craft, so to speak.  Take a look at these fantastic and simple tricks - and how you can do them yourself!

Magic Trick Manual

Synergy Arts Camp: Pirate Adventure!

Everyone loves pirates.  Who doesn't love a good swashbuckling adventure?  We couldn't resist ourselves when it came to our love of the original rebels and decided to school our campers this week with a little bit of the seafarin' life!

The kids made their own pirate hats, eyepatches and swords as part of their costumes, and we've been working on a bit of pirate speak, courtesy of International Talk Like a Pirate Day!  Alessandra will have the kids decorate their very own treasure chests to participate in a scavenger hunt!  We're looking forward to that on Friday.  In the meantime, have a read of our Pirate Adventure!

Pirates are celebrating and feasting on fruits and veggies to make sure they don’t get scurvy on their sea journey – they’ve found a treasure map in a bottle!  The map leads to a mysterious island in the middle of the ocean and the legend of the buried treasure of Captain Bluenose!  They’ll have to be brave pirates to battle a sea monster and overcome a terrible storm – and finally find the mysterious island!  They follow the map and dig at the ‘X’, where they find a chest full of pieces of eight, doubloons, precious gems and pearls – and they wondrous treasure of the Magical Invisible Ever-Changing Whirly-Burly Ball – changing into any round object the holder desires!  With their bountiful booty, they sail back home to the Caribbean, where they become the most famous pirates of all for revealing the legend of Captain Bluenose!

Scene:  The pirates are feasting on their favourite fruits and vegetables as they prepare to take a sea journey.  They sing heartily and dance a jig and practice their ‘sword fighting’ until the pirate Captain Sassypants enters with her parrot, Peggy.   The pirates all cheer when the captain holds up a bottle with a message inside.

Synergy Arts Camp: King of the Jungle Script!

After learning about our animal characters and starting on our puppets, we've got our story line all mapped out - now it's just up to me to put it into a script!  And here it is - enjoy!

Explorer

Welcome to our jungle adventure, where we’re on the search for the elusive and rare pink dragonfly!   I’ve been studying about this rare insect for years, and I’ve come to this very jungle – the only jungle where it lives in the world! – to snap a photograph.  When I’m all done, I’ll just get back in my boat and float up the river to the local village, safely back to civilization.  I even have this map with me to help remember the way!  (Pulls out a thick folded piece of paper.)  I’m very glad you’re all here – maybe we can find some other animals on our adventures! 

Like that parrot!  Oh my!

(PARROT puppet flies onto the stage.)

Synergy Arts Camp: King of the Jungle!

This week we're gonna have some fun in the jungle - puppet style!

Puppets are a great way for shy kids to express themselves if they've got terrible stage fright.  It's also a great acting exercise to have a sense of bodily presence outside of yourself, and also learning how to focus on different elements of performance other than physical stage presence.  That, and puppets are just so darn fun.

Welcome to Synergy Arts Camp King of the Jungle Week! 

We’ll be exploring our ‘inner animals’ and learning how to ‘move’ and ‘act’ like our favourite exotic animals in the jungle – lions, monkeys and lizards, oh my!  This week, we’ll play theatre games that will focus on how we can move different parts of our body to ‘become’ these animals, give them personalities and help solve a crisis!

Our explorer is lost in the jungle after being chased by a ferocious tiger and other sneaky fiends, but with the help of a few animal friends – and the protection of the ‘king of the jungle’ himself, Brave Lion! – our explorer finds the boat on the river that leads back to a local village. 

Each animal in the jungle has a unique ability to help our explorer reach her boat and return to civilization.  Animals can do many things that our explorer cannot do, as well – breath underwater, fly in the sky and many more!  What can our animal friends do to help the explorer find the river – and how can they protect her from the predators of the wild? 

Get ready to release your inner animal – the fun’s about to begin! 

Our first day focused on theatre games that helped the kids become uninhibited with their body movements, forming them into animal shapes, taking turns walking and behaving like the animals above after we completed a writing exercise describing them.  Consider how differently you would move when you're a hovering dragonfly, or a slithering snake, or a limber monkey!

The kids will start making their puppets during the art portion today.  Because we've got a number of younger kids this week, we're sticking to the regular 'popsicle stick' puppets.  The older one will be making their puppets out of paper bags.  The lesson plans were inspired by something I found on childdrama.com, with more puppet projects I hope to use with future students, such as the Japanese Doll Theatre or shadow puppets.  Puppetry work is a great tool to have in an actor's kit.

After the kids get a sense of 'character' with their assigned animals, we'll go through a scenario to decide whether they'll help or hinder a lost explorer in their jungle.  That's tomorrow!

Synergy Arts Camp: Synergy Superhero Mission: "What? No Milk?!"

Here it is, friend of friends!  The script to be performed on Friday for Synergy Superheroes week, based on the kids' superhero characters and guided suggestions to solve the mission!  The characters and their abilities are all named after the kids, and they were rather pleased with the outcome.  We'll be rehearsing this skit for the rest of the week to perform on Friday!

 

 Script for Mission: “What? No Milk?!”   

Narrator 

The last we left our heroes, they’ve ready to enjoy their delicious treat of their favourite cookies

(Simran pretends to take cookies out of the oven, while the other heroes are around a table, waiting eagerly.  She pretends the cookie pan is hot, and carefully brings the “pan” over to the table without dropping any cookies.  The heroes at the table cheer!)

Synergy Arts Camp: Synergy Superhero Missions!

The kids had a great time yesterday creating their superhero characters, creating backstories and even a chance to design costumes and 'fighting weapons'.  I had one rule for that - they had to distract the villian, not wound or harm him/her.  One kid had a ray gun that turned everything into frosting.  Pretty nifty!

I had created three 'mission' scenarios that allowed the kids to use problem-solving skills in a group setting, with their selected powers.  It's also a great version of the improv game 'Stunt Double', where you call another actor in to perform a 'dangerous stunt'; example, turning on the hose to wash the car.  The 'missions' themselves are all based on common situations: What? No Milk?! has the superheroes out of milk, thus not being able to fully enjoy their freshly baked treats until they procure some; It's My Party! has the heroes prepare for a friends' birthday and making sure everything is perfect to the last detail; A Clean Room has the heroes performing an important task before they can enjoy the day's crime-fighting.

We had agreed to perform their favourite mission, What? No Milk?!, at the end of the week for the parents - which is perfect, because we've got a delicious surprise for them at the end of the week! 

Synergy Arts Camp: Synergy Superheroes!

It's a week to make heroes!

I was really inspired by the 'fill-in-the-blank' script format that helped me create the script for this week's theme, Synergy Superheroes!  I'll be giving the kids a questionnaire first to help create their superhero identity, followed by a few 'missions' that they'll have to use their superpowers for.

I figure since we only had a week, and kids' imaginations can really turn to the weird and ridiculous, I controlled the options while still making them weird and ridiculous.  Have a look-see!

Welcome to Synergy Superheroes Week!  Although we live our everyday lives in our ‘mild-mannered alter-egos’, there are ‘superhero’ potential and qualities inside each and every one of us – and we’ll be discovering them with each other this week!  Here’s a character-building writing exercise to help discover your superhero name and powers, even your superhero costume!  

Your superheroes will represent some of your actual personality traits, your talents and ‘superpowers’ you would love to have as a hero!  The Camp Teacher will divide you into groups to create your very own Synergy Super Team, where you’ll share you superhero identities to each other.  You’ll then be given a ‘world crisis’ by the Camp Teacher and an opportunity to use each of your teams’ powers to solve the crisis and save the day! 

Remember, heroes – it’s all about teamwork, because no one could solve a crisis alone, big or small!  Let’s get started in designing your superhero!

Synergy Arts Camp: Rapunzel Remixed!

Well, we surrender this week, most definitely.  And Alessandra and I were more than happy to oblige.  It makes our jobs much easier, too!

Simran, a little lady who will be spending a good deal of the summer with us, has clearly stated her healthy obsession of Tangled by means of her backpack, wardrobe, toys and books, even convincing us to play her copy of the movie once a week to watch.  I don't blame her; I had Beauty and the Beast when I was a kid.  I wore out my VHS copy in a matter of a few months or so. 

Thanks to freedrama.net, I think we can give Simran and the rest of the campers next week some unique fun with her favourite story.  I've found a 'fill-in-the-blank' version of the story that will give some unique takes on the classic tale.  I'll be revisiting freedrama.net now and again for some more class activities when I start in September.  They've got great stuff like theatre warm-up games, unique scripts and monologues for all ages and suggestions for class productions.  I've already a few things bookmarked!

Can't wait to see what the kids come up with!

Synergy Arts Camp: 'Toy Story', Day One

Hey hey, welcome to the second week of Synergy Summer Arts Camp, where we've got our very special version of Toy Story: our campers' very own toys will come to life in their own imagination!

Last week was a great learning experience with running the camp.  I have to admit that I was lacking the material I really wanted for the dance portion of camp, and took advantage of how to build interest in the different dance forms I'll be showing the kids this week.  I spent some quality time creating some handouts that would give the kids information about the history of the dance form, warm-ups and stretches, basic dance moves and what to wear for your first dance class.  I'm also really fortunate that I have Rianna, Dante and Simran - The Paper Bag Princess kids from last week, they'll have what they should have received last week!

We've also got Sinead and Deidre, 12-year-old sisters who will be joining us on our Toy Story adventure.  Say hello, girls ... oh, sorry, they look pretty busy, we won't bug 'em!

Our Toy Story scripts are rather unique!  I was inspired to create a couple of fill-in-the-blank scripts, or 'mad scripts' as I like to call them, about the kids falling asleep and becoming their favourite toys in a dream.  I had said that anything goes in their very own dream and there was no wrong answer.  We shared our favourites after we took some time writing them and had a few giggles!  I had also included a writing exercise for the older girls, should they feel the need for a little challenge.

As the Synergy Camp Kids enjoy their free time, they share their favourite toys that they’ve brought to camp with each other.  As the Teacher instructs them that it’s ‘Relaxation Time’, they fall asleep – and become their favourite toys in a crazy dream!

Fill in the blanks to create your toy’s ‘dream scene’!

STORY #1

Let me tell you about my dream – it was really (description), because I was (word ending in -ing) as my toy, (your toy’s name), in my dream!  I was in a (description) (place) on a (weather) day.   There were (things) in the sky, and (favourite candy) grew in gardens everywhere I looked around.  Suddenly, I was surprised by a pile of (kind of vegetable) in the middle of the road, and it made me very (feeling)!  I decided to fly away with a winged (animal) to meet with my other toy friends in (country).  We ate (flavour of ice cream) and played (game)!  I was almost winning … and then I woke up!  I wish I stayed asleep a little longer!

                  

STORY #2

This was the (description) dream I’ve ever had – I dreamed I was (your toy’s name), and it was (holiday)!  I watched as my (relative) put me in a (thing) and wrap me in (piece of clothing).  My heart was beating like a (kind of bug), waiting to be unwrapped.  I would think about all the cool things I’d get to do, like eat (favourite food), play (favourite game) and meet a whole bunch of new toy friends.  I hope I get to meet (the latest toy in stores)!  I’ve heard so much about that toy!  Wait!  I hear (type of sound) – I think they’re ready to unwrap me … and that’s when I woke up!  Oh, nuts – I wish every day was like Christmas!

WRITING EXERCISE

Write a few sentences in narrative and one spoken line you would say as your toy character for each section to complete your scene.  You can include your fellow campers, other toys you own, or even creatures and characters from your own imagination!

Scene One:

This scene will include yourself as your toy and at least one other character.  Give lots of detail about your setting – place, time of day and weather conditions.  (Remember that it’s a dream; the sky could be purple with marshmallow clouds!)

Scene Two:

This is your first action scene!  What happens to surprise you and your cast of characters in the dream?  The Easter Bunny?  A tornado?  A freight train?  A mountain made of mashed potatoes?  Think of something unexpected that you may not see every day!

Scene Three:

This is your second action scene.   How do you all react to this surprise?  Are your surprised?  Shocked?  Overjoyed?  Confused?  There’s no wrong answer!

Scene Four:

This is your third action scene, where you and your cast of characters are leaving the scene.  How would you leave?  Would you all tap dance away?  Would you all climb in a race car?  Would you blast off in a rocket ship, or simply walk away?  Think of something creative!

Scene Five:

You and your friends are now relaxing after your ‘unexpected surprise’.   Think about a place you like to go to celebrate a special event, or an activity you like to do with a group of people.  Anything from tree-climbing to dress-shopping to cookie-baking – the sky’s the limit for what makes you happy!

I'm excited to show you my dance handouts that I've made for this week.  Last week helped me in preparation for this portion of camp, and I'll be posting them separately this week since my camera's being a bit of a jerk.  It's on the fritz, unfortunately, and I'll need to send it back to the shop.  Grrrr.

Looking forward to the rest of the week to see how these Toy Stories turn out!

SCRIPT: 'The Paper Bag Princess' - Synergy Camp Rewrite!

Please enjoy our rewrite of The Paper Bag Princess, specifically tailored to our campers! 

“The Paper Bag Princess” by Robert Munsch

Revised for the Synergy Summer Arts Camp by Cassandra Watsham and the ‘Paper Bag Princess Campers’

Opening Production:

Synergy Performing Arts Academy

Brampton, Ontario

July 4-7, 2011

Scene: A meadow of wildflowers, berries and fruits, with a magnificent castle in the background.  It is a bright and sunny day.  Princess Simran and Princess Rianna are picking flowers and fruits and putting them in their baskets, excited about their upcoming wedding days to their princes.  The Narrator begins.

Narrator

Once upon a time in a faraway land, there lived two beautiful princesses: Princess Rianna and Princess Simran.  They loved being princesses and doing things that princesses do; picking flowers, wearing pretty dresses and living in large castles.  They were going to be married to their princes, Prince Ronald and Prince Donald that very weekend.  They were picking flowers and fruits in the meadow for their wedding bouquets, all the while they sang a lovely song.

(To the tune of ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”)

Princess Rianna

Flower, flower, oh so fair;

I will wear you in my hair.

Princess Simran

Save some for your wedding day!

Please don’t pick them all today!

Both Princesses

Flowers, sun, a song to sing!

What more luck can this day bring?

 

Narrator

Unfortunately, Dante the Dragon heard the princess’ song, and he was very hungry.   He burns the castle to the ground – with the princesses’ wedding gowns and lovely dresses – and kidnaps Princess Simran! 

Dante the Dragon enters from the side and roars! 

Dante the Dragon

RAAAAAAAAWWWRRRR!

Dante the Dragon charges the castle, knocks it down with his ‘dragon fire’ and chases Princess Simran twice around the audience!  Princess Rianna runs for her life offstage!  Dante the Dragon ‘catches’ Princess Simran on ‘centre stage’ and keeps her from escaping.

BACKSTAGE: Rianna exits the stage to change into her ‘paper bag dress’ for her next scene.

Dante the Dragon

Princesses make yummy snacks!  Raaaaaawwrr!

Princess Simran

Princess Rianna!  Help me!

Dante the Dragon exits the stage, ‘dragging’ Princess Simran behind him.  Princess Rianna appears on stage after they have left, wearing her ‘paper bag dress’.

Narrator

With her pretty dresses burnt to ash, and her magnificent castle turned to rubble, the only thing she could find to wear was a paper bag!  She had to rescue her friend to make sure she married her handsome prince.  She was determined and brave!

Princess Rianna

I’m gonna beat that dragon somehow and rescue my friend, even if I have to wear this ugly paper bag!  Yuck!

 

Princess Rianna leaves the stage.

Scene change: A dirt road or path.   There are bones all over the road and all the trees are burnt, meaning the dragon has been through here! The road leads to a great big sign that says ‘Dragons’ Lair: No Unicorns Allowed!’

BACKSTAGE:  Dante is in charge of putting the bones and the ‘Dragon’s Lair’ sign on stage for this scene, and Simran is in charge of putting the trees on stage for this scene.  They will need to go on stage as quickly as possible, and I’ll show you where they go! 

Princess Rianna enters the stage, acting as if she’s very tired and has been walking a long time.  She stops and rests a moment when the Narrator begins to speak.

Narrator

Princess Rianna followed a trail of horses’ bones and burnt trees for miles and miles and miles, because she knew that dragons liked to eat horses and burn up trees to show off.   She has finally reached the end of the trail to the Dragon’s Lair – and to  rescue Princess Simran!

Princess Rianna looks up and sees the ‘Dragon’s Lair’ sign and is relieved!  She’s finally here!  She runs up to the sign and gives three big knocks.

BACKSTAGE:  Dante and Simran bang their feet three times as loud as they can to make that knock loud!  Simran then needs to change the trees to ‘green’ and wait for her ‘cue’ with the red and yellow cheer poms and make the trees ‘burn’.

Dante the Dragon enters the stage after hearing the loud knocks.  He is annoyed because he is hungry and someone has interrupted him!

Narrator

Dante the Dragon heard the loud knock and came rushing to the door.  He was just about to eat his snack – Princess-in-a-Blanket with ketchup!  He looked at Princess Rianna and said in an angry voice:

Dante the Dragon

GO AWAY!  I already have a princess to eat!  RAAAAAAWWR!

Dante the Dragon begins to leave the stage.

Narrator

Before the cranky dragon could leave, Princess Rianna called out:

Princess Rianna

WAIT!

Dante the Dragon comes back onto the stage.

Princess Rianna

Is it true that you make the most fire out of any dragon?

Dante the Dragon

YES!  I am the best dragon!

Narrator

Dante the Dragon breathed in a great big huff and puff, and blew out so much fire that he burned down one hundred trees!  Princess Rianna was a little frightened, but very impressed!

Dante the Dragon uses his ‘fire blower’ to burn the trees.  Princess Rianna watches, astounded!  All that fire blowing has made Dante the Dragon very tired!

BACKSTAGE:  Simran shakes the red and yellow poms to look like flames behind the ‘green’ trees and turns them around to show the ‘burnt’ side.  (Make sure you’re still in your princess dress, Simran!  You’re on stage soon!)

Princess Rianna

Wow!  You are the best dragon!  I bet you are the fastest, as well.  Can you fly around the world in twenty seconds?

Dante the Dragon

YES!  I am the fastest dragon!

 

Narrator

Dante the Dragon flapped his wings mightily and took off into the sky like a lightning bolt.

Dante the Dragon runs around the audience twice and comes back to the stage, feeling rather sleepy from all the flying.  Princess Rianna watches him in amazement!

Narrator

He was so fast and so high up in the sky, it was impossible to see him!  Princess Rianna was very impressed with his speed and agility for being such a big and scary dragon.  Most importantly – her plan was working!  The dragon was so tired from all that fire-blowin’ and flyin’ around the world, he fell into a deep sleep.

Dante the Dragon passes out on the floor and falls fast asleep right on the stage!

Narrator

Princess Rianna wanted to be absolutely sure, so she poked Dante the Dragon twice and called his name into his ear.

Princess Rianna crouches down and yells loudly into Dante the Dragon’s ear.

Princess Rianna

Dante?  Oh, Dante the Dragon!  Are you awake?

Dante the Dragon snores loudly and rolls over, still asleep.

Narrator

Princess Rianna saw the perfect chance to enter the Dragon’s Lair and save Princess Simran – just in time for her wedding day!  She tiptoed over Dante the Dragon’s sleepy scaliness and found herself face to face with – Princess Simran! 

Princess Simran enters the stage from the Dragon’s Lair, and she does not like Princess Rianna’s ‘paper bag dress’!

She had found the exit herself and made her way out – what a clever girl!  Princess Rianna was so happy to see her that she threw her arms around her instantly – but Princess Simran would have none of that!

Princess Simran

Ew! Yuck! Princess Rianna, your hair is a mess, you are wearing no shoes, you’re covered in dirt and you’re wearing a paper bag as a dress!  A princess is always supposed to look like a princess – you’ll never marry a prince!

 

Narrator

Princess Rianna looked at the lovely dress her friend was wearing, and then looked at the dowdy paper bag she wore as a dress.  It was dirty and burnt, covered in ash an soot, and her hair looked like a birds nest.  But she knew it wasn’t what she looked like; it was what she did for her friend and how brave she was to face a dragon!  So, she turned to her friend and said with pride:

Princess Rianna

Princess Simran: your dress is very pretty, your hair is very neat, and you are a very lovely princess, but you are a bum!

Narrator

And the Paper Bag Princess danced away, off to marry a Paper Bag Prince of her own someday.

The End!