Make-Up Artist(2 Characters)

SCENE: In the front of an empty frame representing a mirror. The mirror should be Down Center so the mime faces the audience to look into the mirror. Also, you’ll need a real stool for mime to sit on during make-up application.

CHARACTERS: GLAMOUR GIRL: a well-dressed, stylish young lady.TOMBOY: a girl who would rather not pay attention to dress or

appearance.

GLAMOUR GIRL enters and begins to look at herself in the mirror, facing the audience. She is pleased with what she sees, but she puts corrective touches to make-up and hair. TOMBOY enters and walks to the mirror, but not to look at herself; she just wants to wash her hands. She turns on the water, full force. It splashes GLAMOUR GIRL, TOMBOY apologizes and tries to wipe water off of her victim, but only makes her more angry. GLAMOUR GIRL turns on the water and splashes TOMBOY. This action, however, fails to bother TOMBOY. TOMBOY motions to her own face and hands and shows GLAMOUR GIRL she is not bothered, because she is not wearing make-up, GLAMOUR GIRL shows an expression of sadness and apologizes to TOMBOY. She offers to apply make-up to TOMBOY to make amends for the incident. TOMBOY accepts the offer. GLAMOUR GIRL unzips her purse and begins to remove the tools necessary for the job. TOMBOY watches in wonder; her eyes widen and she turns to leave. GLAMOUR GIRL grabs her arm and sits TOMBOY on the stool facing stage right as GLAMOUR GIRL faces stage left. TOMBOY looks to the side

and can face the audience as she looks in the mirror. GLAMOUR GIRL picks up a brush and brushes hair from face of TOMBOY to prepare for make-up application. She returns the brush to the counter and picks up a small bottle. She shakes the bottle as TOMBOY leans forward on her stool to watch the procedure. GLAMOUR GIRL opens the bottle, puts a small amount of liquid on her index finger. She dots this onto face of TOMBOY and blends over entire face and neck. TOMBOY looks into the mirror and back at GLAMOUR GIRL as she shakes her head. GLAMOUR GIRL shakes her head and begins to apply eye make-up. TOMBOY manages to wiggle and gets something into her eye. She makes a fist and rubs her eye as she frowns. GLAMOUR GIRL grabs TOMBOY’S hand, cleans up the damage and begins work on the eye again, holding TOMBOY’S chin. Next is lipstick, GLAMOUR GIRL shows TOMBOY how to hold her lips for the application. TOMBOY looks into the mirror and thinks this is very funny. She makes faces at herself until GLAMOUR GIRL again grabs her chin for the application. TOMBOY manages to get some of the lipstick into her mouth and makes a big fuss over the taste. The next step is application of power. This causes TOMBOY to cough and choke. She turns to look in the mirror but GLAMOUR GIRL is not ready for the final look. She picks up the brush and arranges TOMBOY’S hair. She is satisfied with her work and steps back and smiles. Then she motions with her hand for TOMBOY to look into the mirror. TOMBOY looks with disbelief at the next image. She points to herself and shakes her head. GLAMOUR GIRL smiles and also looks into the mirror as she nods her head in approval. GLAMOUR GIRL and TOMBOY look at each other, shake hands, and pick up the make-up tools together. They place the

items in the purse. They move to the door and than stop for one last look. GLAMOUR GIRL and TOMBOY look at the audience and than into the mirror, smile, bow their hands and turn to exit from the stage.

(This can be done with two boys who pretend to be girls for a very comic mime.)

Basketball Lesson(2 Characters)

SCENE: Outdoors, with basketball goal attached to back wall of a garage or house. The goal should be Up Center.

CHARACTERS: STUDENT: someone who loves basketball but cannot play. TEACHER: someone who loves basketball and can play very

well,

(the characters may be two friends of the same age, or may be played as a father –and-son team.)

TEACHER dribbles ball, pivots to face goal and easily loops the goal. He circles around the playing area and performs the same routine, making the goal again. TEACHER continues to practice his obvious skills with an expression o satisfaction. STUDENT enters, Stage Let. He watches the antics of the TEACHER in amazement. STUDENT walks to the TEACHER and attempts to get his attention. After several unsuccessful attempts, the STUDENT manages to get the attention of the TEACHER. The TEACHR is obviously irritated by the interruption, and resumes his play with he basketball. STUDENT manages o disengage he basketball from the TEACHER as he dribbles past for another shot. The STUDENT clutches the ball to his chest, as if he is hugging a pillow. He smiles as the TEAHCER motions for him to return the ball. STUDENT refuses, but offers to play a game with the TEACHER. The offer is not accepted. TEACHER continues to attempt to retrieve his basketball, with no success. Finally, SUDENT wins, as the TEACHER agrees to play.

TEACHER motions to STUDENT to begin play. STUDENT attempts to bounce the ball, but is not successful. TEAHCER picks up the ball and demonstrates the technique for the dribble of the ball. He hands the ball to the STUDENT. STUDENT promptly drives the ball into the ground with such force that it bounces and hits him in the face, and causes him to fall backwards. TEACHER helps the stunned STUDENT to his feet and brushes the dirt from his clothes.

TEACHER picks up the ball and demonstrates the dribble technique a second time. STUDENT takes the ball and manages to produce two bounces in a row. He is excited that he jumps up and down, ignoring the ball. The STUDENT becomes entangled with the forgotten ball and trips, falling to the ground.

The TEACHER again helps the STUDENT to his feet and realizes the technique cannot be taught, so he attempts another lesson. TEACHER demonstrates wrist control necessary to achieve a successful goal. He hands the ball to the STUDENT and shows him how to position the ball for a goal. The STUDENT raises the ball over his head and drops the basketball behind his back. The TEACHER retrieves the ball and demonstrates the technique again. The STUDENT takes the ball and attempts to copy the action of the TEACHER. Again, he drops the ball behind his back.

The TEACHER collects the ball from the ground and turns the STUDENT to face him instead of the basketball goal. The TEACHER demonstrates the wrist movement once again. The STUDENT nods his head to show understanding. TEACHER takes his pupil’s right hand and places it on the ball. TEACHER then takes STUDENT’S left hand and places it on the ball and shows STUDENT he is not to let go of the ball. The STUDENT nods agreement, and attempts to duplicate the movement. The STUDENT still faces his TEACHER, and he

raises the ball over his head, he lets it go with such force it lands on top of the TEACHER’S head The TEACHER falls to the ground, stunned from the attack. The STUDENT rushes to the side of his victim. He helps the TEACHER to his feet, brushes his clothes to remove the dirt. The TEACHER brushes aside the STUDENT’S hands and waves away the offers of help as he begins to stumble Offstage. The STUDENT rushes to his side to stop his exit. The TEACHER shakes his head and leaves he stage.

The STUDENT walks to Centerstage, faces the audience and raises his hands, palms up. He shrugs his shoulders and looks around for the ball. The STUDENT picks up the ball and begins to dribble it around the stage with ease. He pivots and turns to face the goal, taking a shot. The result is an easy basket. He continues the same routine that was displayed by the TEACHER at the beginning of the mime. After showing off his talent for the audience with several successful shots, he exits with fancy dribble movement.

Dancing Doll(2 Characters)

SCENE: Interior of a house. No furniture is needed. A stool may be used for the introduction of the first character, but it is not required. The mime requires enough clear space for dancing.

CHARACTERS: CLUMSY CLOD: may be male or female; bored soul who loves

to dance, but can’t. DANCING DOLL: a mechanical figure brought to life for a

dance lesson

(the characters may be two friends of the same age, or may be played as a father –and-son team.)

CLUMSY CLOD enters and paces around the stage. She shows the audience she is bored. She may pick up a magazine and thumb through the pages. Finds nothing and tosses the book aside. She has the bright idea of listening to music. She turns on the radio and attempts to dance. CLUMSY CLOD quickly shows the audience why her name fits the character. She slumps onto a stool or sits on the floor with her chin in her hands to show that she has given up.

CLUMSY CLOD places her hands to her ear as she hears a knock offstage. She exits and returns with DANCING DOLL in a compact box. (The box is mimed. DOLL is bent at the waist so she can be walked onstage with ease.) After much struggling, CLUMSY CLOD manages to remove the box from DANCING DOLL. CLUMSY CLOD displays delight by clapping hands and jumping up and down. She rushes to turn on the radio, but is puzzled because nothing happens. CLUMSY CLOD walks over

to the debris from the box and finds the directions. When all else fails, read the directions.

CLUMSY CLOD realizes she must wind the DANCING DOLL. She locates the key. Using both hands, she lifts the large key and inserts it into the slot in the back of DANCING DOLL. As CLUMSY CLOD turns the key, the DANCING DOLL slowly come to life. The process is complete and the doll is snapping her fingers in time with the music. CLUMSY CLOD discards the key upstage and claps her hands in glee.

DANCING DOLL becomes human, very flexible, and starts to dance. CLUMSY CLOD attempts to copy the movements, but falls to the floor. DANCING DOLL snaps her fingers to signify and idea. She turns and locates the discarded wind-up key. She inserts the key into the back of CLUMSY CLOD. As she slowly turns the key, CLUMSY CLOD finds the rhythm of the music and CLUMSY CLOD begins to snap her fingers. The wind-up is complete. The key is again discarded.

CLUMSY CLOD and DANCING DOLL proceed to dance a perfectly timed dance routine, their movements perfectly matched. The magic of the wind-up key is shown to the audience by a perfect dance. CLUMSY CLOD is very pleased with her performance and shows her happiness with an enormous grin. As the routine nears its end, DANCING DOLL and CLUMSY CLOD both show their movements and gradually come to a complete stop. They bend at the waist and they both become completely limp. DANCING DOLL and CLUMSY CLOD have wound down.

(Music is necessary for this mime. You cannot perform the dance without background music. If you desire a longer mime, insert the key again and continue the dance.)

Runaway Arm(2 Characters)

SCENE: A park bench. May be suggested by two stools or chairs.

CHARACTERS: Two mimes who enter to sit on the bench.

FIRST MIME enters and takes a seat on the park bench. He looks around to admire his surroundings. Breathes deeply and removes the newspaper he has tucked under his arm. He unfolds the paper and begins reading.

SECOND MIME enters from opposite side of the stage, looks around, sees the bench and takes a seat on the opposite end of the bench. He looks around, breathes deeply and enjoys the beauty of the park. Without warning, he begins to drum the fingers of his right hand in a steady rhythm on his right knee. After a few moments, he notices this and grabs his right hand with his left hand. After some struggle, he manages to calm the hand. He sighs in relief and pats the hand with his left hand. He checks to his right and sees FIRST MIME is still reading his newspaper. While he enjoys the park again, the right hand rises slowly and lands on his head. In horror, the SECOND MIME grabs his hand and places it back in his lap. He looks at the FIRST MIME with a small grin.

FIRST MIME looks at SECOND MIME in disbelief. He turns his attention to the newspaper again. He shifts his weight so his back is turned to the other mime. He turns a page in his paper and glances over his shoulder to check the other mime. Satisfied that all is safe, he begins reading again.

SECOND MIME sighs in relief, but too soon. The right hand begins to jerk violently. He attempts to regain control by placing the hand under his right leg. The entire leg begins to jump. He takes his right hand in his left hand again to control the movement. After calming his arm, he places his right hand in his

lap again and pats it with his left hand. He glances in the direction of the FIRST MIME, who returns the glance with a look of horror. SECOND MIME smiles and FIRST MIME returns to his newspaper.

All is quiet again until the hand reaches across the bench and places itself on the knee of the FIRST MIME. SECOND MIME grabs hand and regains control quickly. FIRST MIME rolls his eyes toward the sky in disgust at SECOND MIME.

After only a few seconds, the right hand of the SECOND MIME places itself on the head of the FRIST MIME. As before, SECOND MIME grabs the hand and smiles an apology. FIRST MIME makes a fist and shakes it in the face of SECOND MIME. He displays a direct hit the next time he is attacked.

SECOND MIME pats his right hand with his left and attempts to protect himself from attack. The right hand quickly reaches across the bench to thump the newspaper of the FIRST MIME. SECOND MIME grabs his right hand with his left.

This is the last straw for FIRST MIME. He rolls his newspaper into a weapon. He begins his own attack of the runaway hand and chases SECOND MIME offstage as he delivers blows with his newspaper.

Who’s Minding the Class?(2 Characters)

SCENE: Interior of a classroom. Student desk or stool for seating of student is required.

CHARACTERS: TEACHER: Classic, no-fuss professional who is called out of the

classroom. Can be male or female.STUDENT: Classic pain who is only interested in disturbing the

learning process. Can be male or female.

TEACHER writes assignment on board, upstage, with her back to the audience as the scene begins. STUDENT rushes into class, tardy, and drops his books on the floor. TEACHER turns, with a stern look, to point a finger toward the assigned seat for the STUDENT. The STUDENT nods agreement and sits. He turns in his seat to face the student seated behind. The TEACHER walks to the desk and opens the STUDENT’S book to the correct page. The TEACHER returns to the board. This is a clear invitation for the STUDENT to throw a paper ball across the room.

The TEACHER turns just in time to see the STUDENT celebrating. The STUDENT is again scolded and told to begin work. The TEACHER turns again to the board. The STUDENT is facing Stage-Right, so audience has a view of his action. STUDENT is obviously board with the lesson. An unheard knock summons TEACHER to the door. When she answers the door, she steps outside and closes the classroom door behind her.

The STUDENT rushes to the door to locate TEACHER. The coast is clear. The STUDENT assumes the body posture of the TEACHER and begins to shake his finger in an imitation of the instructor. The STUDENT marches to the board. Turns quickly to face the student desks in a corrective measure. The

exaggeration is a clear mockery of the TEACHER, who just exited Stage-Right. The STUDENT continues to the performance. With his back turned to the board, the STUDENT does not notice the TEACHER’S entrance. The STUDENT turns in the midst of the imitation to face his TEACHER. The TEACHER responds by taking the STUDENT by the wrist and throws him in his chair, and then points to book indicating for the STUDENT to keep studying. TEACHER begins writing on board again. STUDENT then proceeds to write a note about TEACHER, visibly folds it and tries to pass it to another student beside him. TEACHER turns as STUDENT is stretching out. STUDENT quickly retracts arm and pretends to be interested in lesson. TEACHER walks slowly to STUDENT and demands to see the note. STUDENT shakes head in denial. TEACHER asks a second time. STUDENT shrugs shoulders in denial. TEACHER grabs STUDENT by the collar and makes punching motion with other hand. STUDENT produces note. TEACHER reads note while STUDENT looks embarrassed. TEACHER is furious, throws note to the ground, and grabs STUDENT by the ear and escorts STUDENT from the classroom. Their exit at Stage-Right leaves little doubt as to the fate of the STUDENT.

(If done well, the note should be completely mimed)

The Telephone Booth(2 Characters)

SCENE: Outside on a street corner. A public telephone booth is located in the center of the stage.

CHARACTERS: BUSINESS MAN: A stressed out worker, wearing a tie and

briefcase. Appears to be late and in a rush. GOSSIP GIRL: A chatty teenager with all the time in the world

to chat on the phone. She does what she wants.

BUSINESS MAN walks across room holding briefcase. He stops in center-stage to adjust tie and take a look at his watch. BUSINESS MAN is shocked to see what time it is a quickly enters the telephone booth to make a phone call to his boss. BUSINESS MAN lifts receiver with one hand and searches through pant pocket fro change with the other. Upon finding a quarter, BUSINESS MAN tries to insert coin in the phone, but the coin falls down and rolls out of the phone booth. BUSINESS MAN exits phone booth and begins searching on the ground for lost quarter. While searching, GOSSIP GIRL walks into scene and enters the telephone booth. She lifts receiver, puts a coin in the device, dials a number and begins talking with her friend. GOSSIP GIRL looks as if she is just gossiping away.

Eventually, BUSINESS MAN finds coin and goes to walk back into telephone booth, but notices GOSSIP GIRL is now there. He waits for a second staring, looks at watch in a stressed fashion, and then knocks on telephone booth and with his hands indicated that she should hurry up. GOSSIP GIRL looks at BUSINESS MAN in an unimpressed fashion indicates 1 minute, then turns around and continues talking on the phone as she was

before. BUSINESS MAN gets very angry and goes to other side of the phone booth, knocks on glass, and indicates for girl to hurry up. GOSSIP GIRL in unimpressed, indicates 1 minute, and turns around again. She keeps talking like before.

At this point, BUSINESS MAN is furious and stressed over his lateness. He begins looking around for something to get GOSSIP GIRL out of the phone booth. He eventually looks up and sees the telephone cables that connect to the phone booth. BUSINESS MAN grabs a chair and gets on chair in shaky fashion. Once on chair, he reaches up and grabs cable with both hands. BUSINESS MAN then reaches into coat pocket with one hand and pulls out a pair of scissors and tries to cut cable. BUSINESS MAN is electrocuted for three full seconds. BUSINESS MAN then gets down off chair in very shaky fashion, and has residual effects from electrocution. GOSSIP GIRL watches all this occur, but then continues talking facing audience.

BUSINESS MAN, even more upset, looks around for another plan. BUSINESS MAN spots a garden hose stage-right and pulls enough hose to the base of telephone booth. BUSINESS MAN then grabs the top of the hose, climbs on chair, and puts the hose into the top of the telephone booth. BUSINESS MAN then goes stage right and turns the valve of the water on.

GOSSIP GIRL shows that water is coming into telephone booth with her hands. She then open purse, pulls out an umbrella and open it. With her other hand, she indicates that the water is rising by showing the water level rising inside the booth.

BUSINESS MAN is shows happiness as the telephone booth fills, and stand in front of it to mock GOSSIP GIRL. Once in front of booth, GOSSIP GIRL closes umbrella and opens the door to the telephone booth, causing the water to knock over BUSINESS MAN. BUSINESS MAN is now furious and goes to Stage-Left, imitates a bull, and then charges at the booth. GOSSIP GIRL indicates that the booth tips a bit, but she keeps

talking. BUSINESS MAN repeats action. Booth tips a little further, but GOSSIP GIRL keeps talking. BUSINESS MAN attempts a third run. Booth tips and then falls over. GOSSIP GIRL keeps talking facing audience on the ground. BUSINESS MAN stands behind telephone booth on his knees begging.

GOSSIP GIRL eventually finished conversation, hands up the phone, and open the swinging doors. She steps out looks at man in annoyed fashion and then walks off stage-right.

BUSINESS MAN is excited and goes to the top of booth, and lifts the telephone booth up with great effort. Once he gets the booth in the upright position, he demonstrates to audience his exhaustion. While huffing and puffing, GOSSIP GIRL returns behind BUSINESS MAN. She looks at him, looks at the empty booth and assumes he is done. She enters the booth unseen by BUSINESS MAN. BUSINESS MAN then looks at watch and panics. He checks pockets, finds coin, holds it up to audience as a personal triumph, and then turns to enter booth. BUSINESS MAN is shocked to find GOSSIP GIRL in both again. BUSINESS MAN drops to his knees and begins weeping. GOSSIP GIRL sees this, shrugs shoulders, and keeps talking. Lights fade out.

Movie Matinee(2 Characters)

SCENE: Exterior of movie theatre, at ticket window. Interior of movie theatre, chairs or stools needed for seating. Actors face audience when seated.

CHARACTERS: MOVIE BUFF: A serious movie-goer who wants to enjoy every

second of the film.BRAT: A complete nuisance who accompanies MOVIE BUFF.

Younger brother or sister.

MOVIE BUFF and BRAT enter stage together. They pause Centerstage, facing the audience. The ticket booth is the site of their consideration. Both look upward at the list of possible movies. MOVIE BUFF makes a selection and points to the choice with his finger as he nods to the BRAT. BRAT, true to character, shakes his head in opposition. He point finger to his choice and nods to the movie BUFF. An argument follows, but they finally work out a compromise.

Both exit and re-enter to show entrance in to the movie theater. Both step sideways to indicate rows of seats in a movie theater. MOVIE BUFF takes his seat, but BRAT remains standing. MOVIE BUFF grabs his elbow and pulls him down to the seat beside him. The movie has not begun. The BRAT points to the screen an looks at the MOVIE BUFF, who shows the BRAT his watch to indicate it is not time yet for the matinee to begin.

BRAT demonstrates eating popcorn and asks MOVIE BUFF for a box. MOVIE BUFF refuses, while BRAT continues to beg and rubs his stomach to indicate hunger. MOVIE BUFF leans over to extract money from his pocket to give to the BRAT.

The BRAT exits, stepping over the people in the seats as he works his way to the aisle.

BRAT returns and climbs again to his seat. By this time, the movie has begun. MOVIE BUFF points to the screen and put is finger to his lips to command silence. BRAT nods agreement and begins to stuff handfuls of popcorn into his mouth. (don’t forget to chew and swallow. Most mimes forget this step in a scene with food.) BRAT offers MOVIE BUFF some of his popcorn. MOVIE BUFF declines.

The movie patron on the other side of the BRAT motions for silence. (this indicated by showing a tap felt on this shoulder, then mime points to himself, raises his finger to his lips and assumes a questioning expression.) BRAT shrugs his shoulders and resumes his attack on the popcorn. He suddenly has a brilliant idea. He begins to take pieces of popcorn and drop them into the hair of the person seated in front of him. MOVIE BUFF takes the box of popcorn from the BRAT and places it under his seat out of reach of the BRAT. MOVIE BUFF points to the screen and motions for the BRAT to follow the action of the movie.

The BRAT agrees and, for a few seconds, watches the movie. He becomes thirsty and asks MOVIE BUFF for money to get a drink. MOVIE BUFF refuses. BRAT asks again. The MOVIE BUFF gives him a stick of gum instead. The BRAT chews the gum, which of course is bubblegum, and begins to blow bubbles. The sticky mess is covering his face and hair. MOVIE BUFF instructs him to remove the gum, and wrap it in the gum paper. BRAT removes the gum, but places it under the seat instead of in the wrapper as instructed. MOVIE BUFF turns his attention to his companion and asks where the gum is. BRAT shows him.

MOVIE BUFF is furious and instructs him to remove the gum. BRAT does as instructed and quickly plops gum in his mouth before MOVIE BUFF can stop him.

MOVIE BUFF reaches into his pocket to give BRAT money for a drink. BRAT exits with much fuss and returns shortly with the paper cup of liquid. He asks MOVIE BUFF to hold the drink as he takes his seat. In the process, he manages to spill the contents of the cup in the lap of the MOVIE BUFF, who reacts to the sudden cold, Stands up and grabs BRAT’S hand.

Together, both mimes exit. The BRAT is pleases with his antics, but the MOVIE BUFF displays his anger with the force of his exit.

See How They Run(3 Characters)

SCENE: In the park, on the street or anywhere joggers can be seen practicing their sport.

CHARACTERS: MALE JOGGERS: Not a real athlete. Comes to jog only to meet

women and be seen.FEMALE JOGGER: Comes to jog. A real athlete.SECOND FEMALE JOGGER: Not a real athlete. Jogs to be

seen and to be helpful.

MALE JOGGER enters stage right. Begins warm-up exercises Centerstage. These are full-body warm-ups to stretch both legs and arms. After stretching, MALE JOGGER bends over and touched toes several times, then begins to run in place. He now feels prepared. He jogs in circle around stage and exits stage right, settling down to an easy pace. FEMALE JOGGER enters stage right. Begins warm-up exercises, also Centerstage. These are full-body warm-ups, also. She stretches both arms and legs. FEMALE JOGGER does toe-touching routine. Before she finishes, however, MALE JOGGER enters from stage right after completes the warm-up routine. FEMALE JOGGER exits stage left. MAKE JOGGER grins at the audience to display interest, and he also jogs offstage left in pursuit of the FEMALE JOGGER.

A few months pass and FEMALE JOGGER reenters at right and jogs comfortably off right. MAKE JOGGER follows, but is out of breath as he follows off right, also.

SECOND FEMALE JOGGER enters form stage left and stops at Centerstage. She removes a compact from her stylish jogging attire ad proceeds to apply powder to her nose with the

puff from the compact. FEMALE JOGGER enters stage left, the jogs easily across the stage behind mime onstage and exits, stage right. After a few moments, the MALE JOGGER follows. The SECOND FEMALE JOGGER is interested in the latest jogger to cross the stage, so she exits after him, after stopping to deliver a knowing grin to the audience.

FEMALE JOGGER crosses stage again, left to right. Several seconds pass before a very tired MALE JOGGER follows. The SECOND FEMALE JOGGER follows with a lasso (Rope) swinging cowboy-style over her head. After a quick exit, the SECOND FEMALE JOGGER backs onto the stage at right with rope in hand. MALE JOGGER has been caught and is in tow.

FEMALE JOGGER re-enters to assist SECOND FEMALE JOGGER. They tie the hands of the MAKE JOGGER. They tie the hands of the MALE JOGGER behind his back. He is left standing Centerstage. Both women joggers smile at each other, then the audience. They shake hands and exit at opposite ends of the stage. The MALE JOGGER looks to the left, then to the right, and collapses on the floor in an exhausted heap.

(This scene is often played to fast and not enough attention is given to fatigue, intrigue, and actions. Facial expressions must tell the story. Don’t rush)

Recycled Gum(4 Characters)

SCENE: A park bench, in a busy city park. The bench may be suggested by a stool. No other props are necessary.

CHARACTERS: YOUTH: Loves basketball ad bubblegum, may be a real athlete;

may be male or female.STUDENT: A real bookworm. Just wants to read. A real brain.RUNNER: A real athlete, but not in shape yet.DANCER: Just gotta dance, gotta dance. A real show off.

YOUTH enters, chewing large wad of bubblegum and bouncing a basketball. Stops Centerstage and loops an imaginary goal. YOUTH misses the goal and displays disgust. YOUTH decides gum is tasteless. Removes gum from mouth. Looks for place to discard. Finds nothing. Checks both ends of the stage and deposits gum on seat of park bench. Happily dribbles ball Off Left.

STUDENT enters, Stage Right. Looks around the park. Sees the bench. Pulls paperback book out without looking. STUDENT reads the book for several seconds. He closes the book and decides to leave. STUDENT is attached to the bench by gum. He rocks from side to side to loosen the gum. After much effort, the mime stands and extracts the sticky stuff from his seat. He looks at the mess in his hand with disgust. STUDENT scans park for place to deposit gum, finds nothing. Checks both ends of the stage. Sets Up Center. STUDENT deposits gum on a tree Downstage. This takes a lot of effort because the gum has become very warm and very sticky. STUDENT smiles at his own brilliance when the job is done. Walks Upstage, picks up his book and exits Stage Left.

RUNNER enters from Stage Right. Sees the tree, down center. Leans against the tree with one hand to remove shoe. RUNNER shakes dirt with shoe from one hand. As he begins to replace the shoe, he realizes the hand is attached to the tree by, you guessed it, the gum. RUNNER shows disgust, drops the shoe and begins the process of removing his hand from the tree. This takes considerable effort. RUNNER pulls each finger with his free hand. After he is free, his other hand becomes attached. RUNNER paces foot against tree and after several attempts, pulls both hands free. He rubs his hands together to combine the sticky mess. RUNNER has gathered the gum into one compact ball. He now looks for a place to discard the gum. RUNNER looks at both ends of the stage. The coast is clear. Grins as he plots the deposit of the wad. He places the gum on the ground, Centerstage. RUNNER returns to down-stage position, sits on floor and puts on his shoe. RUNNER stands and jogs off left.

DANCER enters stage right, large boom box-type radio on his upstage shoulder. He is involved in his music and dances to Centerstage. DANCER cannot proceed across the stage, no matter how great the beat – the gum is stuck to his feet. DANCER puts radio down and works to extract his foot from the sticky mess. DANCER displays same look of disgust and works just as long as the other two mimes to free his foot. DANCER rolls gum into a compact ball. Chooses the park bench. DANCER places bubblegum in center of seat of the park bench. He walks down-stage, picks up radio, selects station and demonstrates dancing ability. When the dance is completed, DANCER exits stage-right.

YOUTH enters from stage-left. Still dribbles basketball. He walks to center-stage, looks at bench and spots gum. YOUTH looks at audience in disbelief: Could this be my gum? YOUTH looks again to check. Yes, it must be his gum. He removes the substance with some effort, looks at both ends of the stage and sees no one. YOUTH places gum in his mouth and begins to

chew. He chews with exaggerated pleasure as though it has new flavour. He pats his stomach to show approval of the taste. YOUTH collects the basketball from the ground. He dribbles the ball off stage-right, delighted with the bubblegum he had rediscovered.