Research for themes seen in my script

Research for themes seen in my script

Eating Disorders
A theme that is apparent in my script is eating disorders. The character Emma is very stressed and feels she needs to stop eating to make herself look thinner for her mum to notice that she isn't well and that her mother is pushing her too far.

I have found this website http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-22985310 
which talks about an interview with a ballet dancer and a struggle she went through with an eating disorder. It also gives statistics of people with eating disorders and also states that eating disorders are more common in dancers. 

Adoption
The character Danielle becomes pregnant by accident and feels she can't and wouldn't be able to look after the child but would not be able to abort the child, so she decides that she will have the baby and put the child up for adoption. I got this inspiration from the film Juno where a young girl becomes pregnant and then puts her baby up for adoption and chooses a couple who aren't able to have children to have the baby.  

Juno Plot Summary   

Cats questions- before the show

Pre-Show Questions - Cats

• How did you initially react to the script? How did your relationship with the material change?

I initially was very excited that we were to be taking on the show 'Cats' as from a very young age I watched the filmed stage version on video and would dance around my front room pretending I was a Cat. I don't feel my relationship with the material changed as I was very knowledgeable of the script as it was, s I have watched it countless amounts of times and was very familiar with the script and its context. The only way my relationship with the script changed was when we were told that we were going to change the concept of 'Cats'.

• What did/do you think of the concept of changing the context to the fashion world?

At first I wasn't sure how to think of the change of concept because could not see it working as it was so different and we were changing it completely to be humans and not an animal I was very uncertain of the idea. I was unsure that the new concept would make much sense to us as performers interpreting a new context to the piece and as a result the audience as the original show doesn't have a very in-depth story line that this new concept would confuse matters even more. I was in some ways disappointed that we weren't going to be dressing up as cats with all of the make-up and costumes as this has been a life long goal to be able to do this show and I was disappointed that it wasn't going to be in it's original concept.

• How has that worked in practice?

In practice and rehearsals I wanted to keep an open mind and tackle this new concept as it would be unproffesional to not be a part of the practice of it. I did find it hard to adjust to the idea of not being a cat but as rehearsals went on I was slowly managing to see how it would come together as we started talking about costume ideas and set designs and all of us thinking about how our characters would then be different in our new narrative.

• What has changed about your understanding of the narrative/characters?

The way that my understanding has changed to the narrative and characters is that although that we are no longer cats the characteristics of the cats in the original are being followed through to our concept. For example my character Munkustrap in the original is the protector cat and is second in command of the Jellicle Cats to Old Deuteronomy. In our version I still adopt the characteristics of being what was the protector cat as I look out for all the models and I am concerned for them all and take pride in making sure they are all okay and not in danger or trouble. I am still second in command to Old Deuteronomy

• Discuss a number of the ideas/possibilities that you have tried out whilst rehearsing

Ideas and possibilities that we tried out in rehearsals was experimenting the Macavity Fight. In the original piece Macavity takes away Old Deuteronomy and then Macavity returns impersonating Old Deuteronomy and then it is revealed that it is Macavity and then Munkustrap and Macavity have a fight (Mime/Dance fight). As that is what is the original we had to consider how we were to do this in our concept of fashion, we agreed the possibility that there is a scandal in the company which Macavity has made and Old Deuteronomy goes after Macavity to confront him. We then did have the idea of having Macavity come back in Old Deuteronomy's coat impersonating her. But then we thought why would this happen in our concept? We then decided on an idea that a person wouldn't be able to just come into a design house and the security you would have to go through would know that Macavity was an impostor. So Rachel (Director) thought of the idea having Macavity be a courier and come into the office with a parcel and then be having a look around trying to find designs to steal. As this is all to music and there is no dialogue it is all interpretive and mime to the music to create the story of this happening, I then wonder who is in the office and ask around and then it is uncovered that it is in fact macavity. This was something that took a bit of work experimenting with ideas as we have a new concept it is making sure it stays true to it and also making sure as it is not spoken this section and it is mime that from an audience point of view it makes sense. 

• Explain a few ideas that worked and ones you needed to reject?  ...and why?

Whilst rehearsing we have tried out and experimented the use of spacing. As we have a cat walk in the middle of our staging this is a factor which we have to consider when choreographing as when we are supposed to be doing some leaps across the stage fr example we then have to take into consideration the staging. Ways that we have come about this specifically is when we have done 'The Jellicle Ball' I choreographed the piece and didn't really take into account the cat walk as when I first choreographed this song we weren't in the studio or theatre where we could have built the cat walk we were in a different part of the college rehearsing. After we set the dance we then were able to use the cat walk to see how spacing would work, we managed to sort out the dance to split people and split lines to have people evenly spread on each side of the cat walk, however there were times where there was dancing that would need to go straight over it so we had to reject that idea and rearange the spacing so that we were either side of the cat walk and not having to trample over it. The reason why that had to be changed was because it made the choreography messy and un even so it was easier for people to start each side of the cat walk.  There was a moment where 3 lines of dancers come in from the sides of the stage and need to slide and step turn over the cat walk and as this is at a fast pace and everyone does it, it doesn't look too messy compared to when the odd person here and there needs to cross it during choreography. 

• Explain the thought processes behind your character choices in a thorough manner? (consider vocal & movement choices) 

The thought process I went through behind my character was that I really wanted to portray my status through the clothes that I wear and even by the way I walk and hold my posture. I have a high status in the company of Deutoronomy's Designs and I felt that just by the way I have a poise and carry myself across the stage would show the status I hold. Vocal choices are that I needed clear diction as there a lot times where I make announcements in the show and need a clear diction and pronunciation when it comes to making these speeches. The song that I sing ' Pekes and Pollicles' I needed again a clear diction as the song is very wordy and it needs to have clear pronunciation of the words and its very fast and as an audience member they would not be able to understand what is being said. 

Final Script Evaluation

Final Script Evaluation

Now that I have finished my script I feel that my final script was a success. I took on board what Deborah - The lady from the National Theatre - said about the further developments that I could make to to my second draft. After our discussion I then wrong a scene about the character Emma having a private dance lesson and she is exhausted and isn't able to perform properly and keep up with the physical stress of dancing. Emma's mother is then pushing her to keep going and stop being silly and insisting that Emma is fine. There is a conversation between Megan who is taking the private lesson and Sharon - Emma's mum - about Emma's condition that she is getting thinner and that she isn't well and Sharon is being defensive and denying all knowledge that she knows of her daughter's health. 

Megan: I am concerned about Emma Sharon

Sharon: Why?

Megan: Did you not just see how she was then? The poor girl is exhausted, and no wonders because she hasn’t eaten all day.

Sharon: Well that’s not my fault?

I have also added another scene where I have given Emma a monologue looking in the mirror looking at how thin she is becoming and talking about the stress that her mother is causing her.  

"I thought well, maybe if I started getting thinner my mum would see, and see that this entire dance thing is killing me and making me ill. I can’t do it anymore I really can’t."

I feel that those 2 scenes are working really well in my script and fills the gaps and gives the script a better flow. It also makes it longer to reach the length the play should be and a final important note is that it gives the script more detail and goes more in depth for the characters Emma, Sharon and Megan. Which I feel has really enhanced Megan's character with an extra scene that she is involved with and also it has gone into more depth of Emma's struggle. 
Another element that has worked with my script is that I have looked over all of the dialogue and proof read it all and made sure that it all makes complete sense and that the language used isn't superficial. I really wanted the language to be natural and not forced and written in a way that people wouldn't speak. 
Lastly I feel that all of the main characters (Alice, Danielle, Megan, Phil, Emma & Sharon) have a good character built and all have good story line. I feel that they all have a purpose within the story and all have the one thing that links them - The dance school. 

Things that I would have liked to develop in the script further would be to state music and sound effect choices in the stage directions as I only stated one specific song in the dancing scene. I would also like to have included lighting choices as well and give specific washes and colours as the only lighting choices I have made is discussed where on the stage some people will be placed and if its a split scene with 3 people in the same location then i stated I would like the stage split in either 2 or 3 parts. I would also like to have included more stage directions for the actors and the way they would portray lines and where on the stage they should enter and exit. I included the location of where some of the scenes were based however I feel there could have been more detail given about the scene changes, lighting choices, stage directions and sound choices. 

I feel that I have achieved what I set out to do. I am proud that I have managed to write a whole play and that the content is relatable to my personal experience of what I witnessed being at a dance school. All of the dilemmas in the play are all dealt with and I don't feel that there are any loose ends to the play as all scenes are complete and all dialogue is finalized and finished and it isn't rough. I have enjoyed this challenge of writing a play as it is a skill that I can take with me and say that I have done and has been a challenge and a task to take on. 

Script Writing - Final Script

Script Submission Cover Sheet

Name: Sophie Shepherd 

School: Worthing College

Age: 18

Title of Play: What’s the pointe?

Biography (50 words) I am currently studying for a Diploma for Musical Theatre at Worthing College. I have been dancing at a dance school from the tender age of 2 and half. As part of my college course we are currently working towards our musical ‘Cats’ for which I am playing the role of ‘Munkustrap’. I am also studying A Level dance where I have created a solo dance based upon the professional work ‘Cry’ by Alvin Ailey. I am currently auditioning for places at universities and drama schools to study Higher Education in Musical Theatre come September.

Synopsis of your play (50 words) following the different stories of people within a dance school. 3 groups of people going through struggles and facing big decisions to make that could essentially affect their whole life choices and future. Will Danielle audition? Will Emma Carry on? Will Megan leave?

What have you got out of New Views so far? I feel that I have experienced a different way of learning and exploring creativity. I chose this topic as I have grown up training at a dance school for over 15 years and I felt I was able to write and create a script based on situations I have witnessed over the years.

How would you like to develop your play to be a full 30-minute script? I would like to create an interesting story line with good detailed and thought out plots.

Scene 1

At a dance school, 2 friends (17 & 18 yrs. old) Alice and Danielle sitting in a changing room.

Mother and Daughter (11 year old daughter and 36 year old mum) Sharon (Mum) Emma (Daughter) talking with the dance teacher

Girl waiting in the waiting room ready to teach, Megan (23 years old)

Alice: 3 weeks until our audition Danni! I am so excited

Danielle: I know I cannot wait. This party tomorrow night is the last time I'm drinking until after the audition

Alice: yeah me too, alcohol isn't good for your voice so 3 weeks of no alcohol will be fine I'm sure we can cope (Laughing together)




Danielle: It's crazy though isn't it, us growing up. We have been going to this dance school since we were 3 years old and we could potentially be leaving this place to go off to drama school.

Alice: I know its crazy, God what is Miss Jenkins going to do without us! Losing 2 seniors might as well kill her now!

Danielle: Bless her

(Lights go down on changing room section of the stage and then go up on Mother and daughter - Sharon and Emma talking to Miss Jenkins)




Sharon: Okay so I want to push Emma to do as much as she can through the dance school and do all the classes she can plus all festivals and competitions and do as much as possible

Miss J: Okay, well make sure you don't tire her out she's 12 years old and she needs to still focus on school work, its good you have a passion for what your daughter enjoys doing but you need to think about the strain on Emma. How do you feel about all this Emma…?

(Emma goes to speak)


Sharon: She's fine, she can do it all

Miss J: if you say so, but please don't tire the poor girl out and make sure she has time for her studies

Sharon: I want my daughter to be a star and she is going to be a star one day so I need to make sure she does as much as possible to get better and better, don't you think that’s right that she does all these extra classes and performances?

Miss J: Yes to an extent but she needs time to play as well as work

Sharon: This is play, she loves it. I pay for it all she should love it.

Emma: Can I say something…

Miss J: What’s that Emma?

Emma: I am quite tired already I don't want to do too much more

Sharon: She doesn't know what she's talking about! You need to do all this flower to get better; you want to be a star don't you?

Emma: I guess so

Sharon: Yes mother I do want to be a star. For goodness sake stop slouching and stand up, no one wants to hire a hunchback now come on you've got your private dance lesson in a bit and you need to get ready. Thank you for this Talk Miss Jenkins

Miss Jenkins: You're welcome…I guess

(Lights down on them and up on Megan in the waiting room, she's sitting on her phone)




Danielle: Alright Meg!

Megan: Oh hiya Danielle, how you doing today?

Danielle: Not too bad thank you, I'm looking forward to your lesson we always can't wait for your Thursday lessons you work us so hard and help us so much and it’s always so much fun!

Megan: Aw thanks Danni that’s really lovely, but between me and you I 'm not sure how much longer I'm going to be staying here…

Danielle: What?! Do you mean you are leaving?!

Megan: Possibly, I've been offered a job abroad

Danielle: Wow that’s amazing! But such a massive thing to go and do! You've got a boyfriend haven't you?

Megan: Yeah Phil we've been together for 2 years now

Danielle: Wow, you guys are seriously perfect for each other though, how long will it be that you are away for?

Megan: 6 months…

Danielle: 6 months?! Jeeez! How does Phil feel?

Megan: I haven't told him yet because I don't know what to do

Danielle: Come on talk to Danni

Megan: It's just my life is here and he is the love of my life! But 6 months away from each other is such a long time that I don't think that he would be able to deal with being away from me that long, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity! I've heard he might propose to me soon which I would say yes to but 6 months which could possibly roll to a year is way too long to be away from him. Ugh I don't what to do

Danielle: Well you obviously love him, and you are thinking of more reasons not to go than to go…

Megan: That’s true, but if we truly love each other 6 months apart shouldn't jeprodise our relationship surely? He should be happy and proud of me?

Danielle: I know but you are going to be in a foreign country and away from him like that’s a hard thing to do!

Megan: I don't know what to do; this is a life changing thing to happen to me

Danielle: But how will Phil see this? He loves the bones of you, you are his world and 6 months will really take its toll on him.

Megan: I just need to think about it more. Thanks for this chat Danielle. Now go get your kit on and I'll see you in there we are starting in 10 minutes.

Lights go down on the stage

Scene 2: Dance lesson with Emma and Megan and Sharon

Megan: Hi Emma sweet, sorry I’m 5 minutes late! Alice and Danni wouldn’t stop chatting away to me at the end of my last lesson!

Emma: That’s okay

Megan: You know what they are like they chat for England! So how are you feeling? Your exam is in 3 weeks, you feeling okay about it?

Emma: I think so

Sharon: Not ‘I think so’ Emma, you are most definitely ready for this exam.

Awkward silence between the three of them

Megan: Okay well I’ll tell you what Emma we will go through your solo dance for the festival instead today yes?

Emma: Okay thank you Megan.

Megan puts on music to ‘wherever you will go’ and Emma starts to dance a contemporary dance routine and part way through falls over and her knees give way

Megan: What happened there? Are you okay?

Emma: yeah I don’t know I just felt really dizzy.

Sharon: (sharply) Pick yourself up then Emma and do it again

Megan: Do you want to try again Em?

Emma: Okay yes please

Megan: Be careful this time

Megan puts the music on again and Emma starts again still stumbling and again comes crushing down as her body gives way

Megan: Seriously Emma are you okay? You don’t look well at all; take a breather for a minute.

Sharon: Excuse me; I am paying for this private lesson for her to dance and not for her to be sitting around?

Megan: Sharon, Emma looks like she is going to pass out she needs some water and some food for a minute to catch her breath and get her energy up, she looks absolutely exhausted.

Sharon: I’m sure she is fine and just wants the attention.

Emma: No mum I just don’t feel that great.

Megan: Have you got any food on you?

Sharon: I’m not sure I’ll have a look (Looks through Emma’s bag) Oh Emma you didn’t eat your lunch today? Why is that?

Emma: I wasn’t hungry. Sorry.

Megan: Tell you what, take 5 Emma and go out to the changing rooms and have your sandwich and a glass of water, you know what Miss Jenkins is like about eating food in the studio.

Emma nods and walks out of the studio (walks down stage left as if out of the room and throws away her sandwich)

Megan waits until Emma is out of the room and speaks to Sharon.

Megan: I am concerned about Emma, Sharon

Sharon: Why?

Megan: Did you not just see how she was then? The poor girl is exhausted, and no wonders because she hasn’t eaten all day.

Sharon: Well that’s not my fault?

Megan: No, I never said it was. But that’s not the first time I’ve known her to come to dance without eating for the day. She is getting very thin Sharon and I’m worried about her.

Sharon: She’s losing weight because she is working hard.

Megan: Yes she is losing weight because she working hard, and not eating at the same time. She’s got to keep her energy up otherwise she will get worse and become extremely ill.

Sharon: Are you trying to tell me that I am a bad mother and not feeding my child?

Megan: (sternly) No I am not! I am saying I think Emma may be getting ill. I think you need to keep an eye on her and not push her so much and make sure she is eating.

Sharon: Do not tell me what to do.

Megan: I am just expressing my concern for a pupil of mine and I want to address you as you are her mother. I am not telling you that you are a bad parent I am just worried about her health. She is 12 years old for crying out loud.

Sharon: I do know how old she is I was there at the birth you know! I don’t need to listen to this. (Shouting) Come on Emma do your dance again!

Emma comes back into the room.

Megan: Are you feeling a little better now you’ve had something to eat?

Emma: Yes thank you. Right let’s do it again

Megan: Okay

Megan puts the music on

Megan: 5, 6, 7, 8

Lights fade on Emma dancing

Party Scene: Scene 3

Danielle is talking to group of 2 girls and Alice comes running up to Danielle

Alice: Danni! I've found you! Isn't this such a good party!

Danielle: Yeah it is good I’m enjoying myself.

Alice: How can you? You’re not drinking! Come on get it down ya neck girl (Offers her bottle of vodka)

Danielle: I'm not feeling alcohol; I’ve got a bit of a headache. But I’m still having a good time I don't need alcohol to have a good time

Alice: Come on! Live a bit! Please I love drunk Danni!

Danielle: Fine I will have a bit!

Alice: That’s the spirit girl! Ha spirit, we are drinking spirit! (Taken back) Wow I really am drunk

Danielle: Maybe having a few won't be a bad idea I want to talk to that guy over there

Alice: Who who who?!

Danielle: Tom… I literally fancy him so much

Alice: Omg look he's giving you the eyes! Get in their Dan

Danielle: Jeez I’m just so nervous. Ok give me the bottle please (Takes big swig of drink)

Alice: Okay take it easy Danni

Danielle: It will calm my nerves

Alice: Okay come to the toilet with me then we will powder our nose and top up our lipstick

Danielle and Alice walk to go off to the toilet and pass Megan with Phil talking

Phil: It's a good party isn't it?

Megan: Yeah it is good

Phil: You look beautiful by the way

Megan: Awh thank you honey (They kiss)

Phil: There is something chewing you, what’s wrong?

Megan: Just a lot going on at the school like pushy mums and what not just had a long week

Phil: Yeah I get you, its such a hands on job I admire your dedication to it though Meg

Megan: You're so lovely and understanding. Thank you.

Phil: Of course well I support you 100% with everything so anything you want to talk about I will be there

Megan: Thank you

Phil: Are you sure that’s all there is to it?

Megan: Well there is something else that has cropped up

Phil: What’s that?

Megan: Well I’ve been offered a job

Phil: That’s amazing! Where is it?

Megan: That’s the thing… I would be away for 6 month abroad teaching.

Phil stays silent

Megan: Please say something

Phil: are you going to do it?

Megan: I don't know its 6 months, but then this is such a big opportunity

Phil: What about us?

Megan: I know that’s the thing I don't want to be away from you for that long

Phil: You know I support you in everything you do, but I’m not sure if I can with this

Megan: But you just said that you support me 100% with everything I do?

Phil: I know but not this

Megan: Why not?

Phil: Because its 6 months Meg, I love you and I can't be without you for 6 months. Do you know what I was planning on doing?

Megan: You know I love you too but please don't guilt trip me. And what were you planning?

Phil: I am not guilt tripping you! Ugh you know what forget it!

Megan: No tell me, I knew you would be upset about this but I thought you would at least be supportive. I haven't even made a decision, but looking at the way you have reacted has given me a better idea of what I'm thinking of doing.

Phil: I just can't let you leave, Meg you are my world and you belong in it and I can't let you leave me for 6 months have you thought of what it will do to me? And what do you mean?

Megan: You are being so selfish. I just wanted you to be at least happy for me and then we could be adults and talk about it properly and see what happens from there but the way you are reacting makes me want to go if you are going to be like that.

Phil: Fine you go then, leave me and I won't propose to you Megan...

Megan: (Shocked) What?! You were going to propose to me?

Phil: Yeah but it doesn't matter now because you are leaving me for 6 months.

Megan: I don't know what to say

Phil: There is nothing to say. It seems you have already made your decision. I don't know if we can do this anymore

Megan: Please don't do this here we will talk about it more later please

Phil: I don't think anything you can say will make this better because I know you want to go, See you later Meg.

Phil exits leaving Megan speechless

Lights back to Alice and Danielle

Alice: Right there he is, go over there and talk to him

Danielle: (Staggering slightly) Okay I’m going. (Trips into chair) Who put that there?

Alice: Stand up straight and take it easy. (To her self) God who’s stupid idea was this to get her to talk to him. (Alice then goes and talks to other people)

Danielle: Okay I can do this…(Goes up to Tom) Hey Tom

Tom: Oh hey Danielle, you ok?

Danielle: I am great thank you, how are you? Great party isn’t it

Tom: I’m good; yeah it is a great party… So are you here on your own?

Danielle: No I came with my friend Alice… but oh I think she’s gone

Tom: Well looks like we are on our own together then, my friends have ditched me. Say, I’m going home on my own tonight so if you wanted to, you can come with me … You’re looking great tonight by the way

Danielle: Oh thank you, and sure that would be good thank you. What so I can get a lift home?

Tom: No to stay with me…

Danielle: Sure okay… (Tom goes to kiss her)

Lights go down on the stage.

At Sharon and Emma’s house – Scene 4

At Sharon and Emma’s house and Sharon is pushing Emma too far with her performing and Emma lets out a little bit of how she feels but is still very contained.

Sharon: Emma come on its time to go to Ballet. Right have you been practicing your pirouettes ready for today? I asked Miss Jenkins what you were struggling with and she said pirouettes so I said I would make sure you practice. Emma are you even listening to me?

Emma: Yes mum

Sharon: I don’t feel you respect me Emma. I do so much for you and push you to do all these things and I don’t feel you appreciate what I do.

Emma: I do mum

Sharon: You have an exam in 3 weeks and you need to be on top form for it. I expect you to come out with a Distinction in it otherwise I will be really disappointed in you.

Emma: The ballet exam is really difficult…RAD is the hardest dance board so even a Merit would be really good. That’s what Miss Jenkins said.

Sharon: I do not care what Miss Jenkins said. I want you to come out with a Distinction. You bloody well should seeing how much money I pay for your training!

Emma: Mum stop!

Sharon: Excuse me?

Emma: Just please lay off the pressure I…I’m finding it difficult to keep up. I am always tired.

Sharon: I don’t want to talk about this. If you are tired go to bed earlier, but all I am doing is make sure you have every experience possible and be the star you want to be. I would have failed as a parent if you don’t come out on top.

Emma: Let’s go to dance I can’t do this with you now.

Sharon: Good. Now your leotard is getting a bit big there for you?

Emma: (brush off comment) No no its fine! Look at the time you are right we will be late!

Scene 5

Megan and Phil are talking on the phone. One half of the stage lit with Megan on the Phone, the other half lit with Phil.

Megan: Hey you

Phil: Hi

Megan: Please talk to me. I haven’t seen you or spoken to you for almost a week since the party. I need us to sort this.

Phil: You want to go and take the job, but I think it will be too hard for us to not see each other for 6 months… do you not agree that is a crazy amount of time?

Megan: Yes but if we truly love each other we can make it work surely?

Phil: Yes of course I love you but what about the deposit for our new home together what about that? We’ve spoken about our future and plans and it’s on hold for 6 months where we aren’t even going to be together for that time.

Megan: We’ll work it out?

Phil: I can’t cope without you for 6 months it’s too long. So I am going to let you go so you can go off and do your thing. You know I’m so proud of you just I wont be able to deal with it.

Megan: (Starting to cry) Please Phil we can do this and work through it. Please don’t leave me.

Phil: I’m not leaving you; I’m letting you go Meg. You can do what you have always wanted to do. Speak to you soon, I love you.

He hangs up leaving Megan speechless.

Emma monologue – Scene 6

Emma is looking in a mirror holding her top up looking side on. She is becoming very ill from an eating disorder.

Emma: What am I doing? I’m killing myself doing this. I am working myself into the ground and not eating. Why Emma why? You stupid idiot. I just wanted to lose a bit of weight but then I stopped eating and it got a bit far. But then I thought well, maybe if I started getting thinner my mum would see, and see that this entire dance thing is killing me and making me ill. I can’t do it anymore I really can’t. I am hungry and have pains in my stomach like no one has felt before. But then the thought of food makes me feel ill. I have nibbles of food here and there. But I haven’t eaten a proper big meal in…I don’t even know. My mum clearly doesn’t care about me because she hasn’t even noticed. I heard what she was saying to Megan in that private lesson. All she thinks about is her pride of being a ‘Good mother’ and having a trophy daughter to show off and make me a ‘star’. Well she can forget it I am not doing it anymore. I will do this ballet exam and that be it. I have made myself ill because of the amount I am doing and to make a point to my mother for her to see with her own eyes because she will not listen to my cries in pain. Enough is enough now, its time to make my voice heard.

Scene 7

Its 1 day before Alice and Danielle’s audition and Danielle is looking at a positive pregnancy test (3 weeks after the party)

Danielle: Shit. Oh shit.  This can’t be right. This can’t be right it’s got to be wrong. But then again how can two positive tests be wrong? I am sure we were careful, but then again I was so drunk I can’t even remember what happened.  But what the hell do I do? I have an audition tomorrow which would essentially be the start of my career and the next step in my life but I can’t do it if I’m pregnant? But I could not forgive myself if I was to get rid of the child. Because what happens if I get rid of the baby and I don’t get in then I couldn’t live with myself. But then again I am 17 almost 18 years old I can no way take on this responsibility. Alice will just be like (Imitating) ‘How could you be so stupid to have gotten pregnant’ my mum, jeez my mum will absolutely kill me. She will throw me out. I can’t tell Tom because it was a one night thing and I can’t just go to him and be like ‘Oh hi yeah um you slept with me at a party and you are now the father of my child’.  I seriously don’t know what to do. I just don’t have the mentality to end an innocent baby’s life because of my stupidity. I will go to the audition and just see how I feel about it all tomorrow. Tomorrow may influence my decision on the whole situation. Oh fucking hell Danni.

Scene 8

Alice and Danielle are waiting at the station for their train to go to their audition

Alice: I’m so nervous

Danielle: Same

Alice: But I’m excited as well

Danielle: yep

Alice: I’m totally gonna nail it I can feel it

Danielle: mmhhmm

Alice: What’s the matter with you?

Danielle: Nothing

Alice: is it because you’re nervous and you don’t want to talk? Because I don’t want you to be like this all day you will just stress me out

Danielle: just leave it yeah

Alice: no because this is a big day and if you go to the audition like that you won’t get in take it from me, I know how it works.

Danielle: Its not that its just ugh you won't understand

Alice: Okay whatever I have no time for you today if you are going to be like that.

Oh my god look over there, that girl she's in our year, do you remember her she dropped out of college and now she is pregnant, you must be stupid to get pregnant at this age. 17 wow I couldn't do it. Such a shame.

Danielle: Well you never know she could have done all the right things and one of the little guys just swam and got through if you know what I mean.

Alice: Still I wouldn't keep it. Like has she thought about it finically? She is not going to have a life for the next 18 years 

Danielle: Leave her alone will you; you don't know how she feels or what she is going through

Alice: seriously what is wrong with you today?

Danielle: nothing just leave it out will you

Alice: well at least tell me what’s going as I said it’s a big day for me, I mean us, I mean come on who is likely to get in me or you… oh shit, sorry I didn’t mean it like that

Danielle: yes you did you have always thought that you’re better than me and have always put me down I want to do well its just I have a lot going on

Alice: I’m sorry it came our wrong I don’t know It’s just your attitude right now I just don’t understand why you can’t just try and be happy about this audition. This could change our lives. Oh look the train should be here in 3 minutes

Danielle: I can't do it 

Alice: What?

Danielle: I can't get on the train 

Alice: oh come stop being a drama queen you will be fine once you get in there just keep calm, take deep breaths and…

Danielle: … I’m Pregnant

Alice: I’m sorry what?

Danielle: I'm pregnant…knocked up… up the duff how else would you like me to say it?

Alice: Yeah alright…just, are you sure?

Danielle: No I just said it for a laugh, yes I’m sure!

Alice: I can't believe it. Is that why you've been all tense about today because you are pregnant?

Danielle: Yeah I just don't know what to do. Being on stage is all I wanna do and going to drama is the start of my future, but I'm carrying a child, like what do I even do? Do I get rid of it? But then if I do get rid of it and go to the audition and don't get in anywhere then I have got rid of a life, but if I do get in what the hell am I supposed to do? Alice please help me

Alice: Okay one thing at a time babe. You are pregnant. So who’s the father?!

Danielle: Seriously?

Alice: Okay yeah sorry, right tell me that one later then. Well maybe if you go the audition today see how it goes and maybe the decision of what happens with drama schools will make you come to a decision about keeping the baby. 

Danielle: I guess. I just want to go to drama school so bad, but I wouldn't forgive myself for getting rid of it 

Alice: Go to the audition today, see what happens and see what the outcome is and maybe that will influence your decision rather than decide right now

Danielle: It's just such a big decision Al

Alice: Danni I know, but you've got to do this audition for you and see what the outcome is and maybe then it will influence your decision.

Danielle: You know what, I can’t do this.

Alice: What do you mean?

Danielle: I just can’t get rid of it, so I am going to keep it

Alice: You are going to keep it?! Do you understand the responsibility of a child? You wouldn’t be able to cope.

Danielle: No I am not going to keep it for myself. I will put the child up for adoption meaning a family can look after it with the care that I wouldn’t be able to provide right now. I know it’s a big decision but I thought about it all last night. I will just take a year out and re-apply for drama schools the year after. I just couldn’t forgive myself if I was to have this child now and not be able to look after it like I should and would want to

Alice: Well are you absolutely sure?

Danielle: Yes I really am. I've just got to tell my mum now.

Alice: It’s going to be hard you know giving up your child to another family.

Danielle: I know

Alice: Well I can’t tell you what to do, but know I’ll be here to support you.

Danielle: Thank you. Now, go and have a good audition. You will nail it.

Alice: Thank you, see you later

Danielle: Good luck

On the other side of the platform are Megan and her Mother Deborah

Deborah: I am so so proud of you Meg. This is such an amazing opportunity for you!

Megan: Mum I am scared

Deborah: I know you must be feeling scared but just remember how amazing this opportunity is for you and your future.

Megan: What if I have made an awful mistake leaving Phil behind?

Deborah: He made it clear to you that he wouldn’t be able to cope for 6 months. He was an arse if you ask me

Megan: But that’s the thing will I be able to cope without him? He’s the love of my life mum.

Deborah: So you are going to give it up for a guy?

Megan: He’s not just any guy; he’s the one I want to be with for the rest of my life. And don’t you dare say that mum you did the same when you were my age you stayed to be with my dad and had me so don’t be a hypocrite.

Deborah: I just think this is best for you.

Megan: No mum this is what you want because you didn’t do it. I just don’t feel I can….

Phil: MEG!

Megan: Phil?

Phil: (Running towards her) I’m sorry, I am so so sorry for all of the things I said. I was an absolute arse to you. I just thought about myself.  We can make it work! I can come out to you as many times as I can. We can do it and make it work I don’t why I was being so stubborn. I guess I just thought I would be losing you.

Megan: Phil you don’t know how much that means to me. But thinking about it I don’t feel I can leave now.  So I am going to take this opportunity to say… Phil, I love you so much and I know this was something you were going to do, but I feel I should ask… Will you marry me?

Phil: Of course I will it would be my pleasure. So does this mean you are staying.

Megan: Yes I am, sometimes you’ve got to stop and think about the things that make you happy, and you are what makes me happy. I love you

Phil: You have no idea how that makes me feel. I love you too

Deborah: As long as this is the right decision for you Meg then I support you

Megan: This is the right thing mum

Deborah: Okay then.

Further down the station are Emma and Sharon. Emma is about to go to her ballet exam

Sharon: Are you feeling confident about this exam? Of course you are no need to ask that question

Emma: Yes I guess so

Sharon: Come liven up a bit I expect a distinction from you and nothing less.

Emma: Mum I need to talk to you

Sharon: (Sharply) About what?

Emma: I respect everything you do for me; just I feel it’s too much. You need to let me do what makes me feel happy and not what you want me to do. I can’t cope with how intense you are about my training.

Sharon: But you are going to be a star one day?

Emma: That’s just it mum. It’s too much you are pushing me too hard and I’m starting to dislike it. I am doing everything you want me to do and not for what I want to do.

Sharon: I have done everything for you to give you every opportunity possible

Emma: I know I am so thankful. I just need to cut it down a bit please.

Sharon: I don’t understand you

Emma: Please mum, I will do this exam, just when we get home can we sort everything out and think about cutting down some of my commitments because I feel so drained and run down.

Sharon: Fine. I hope you know what you are doing

Emma: Yes, I am doing what is best and what will make me happy. I’m not very well I’m getting thinner, my energy is just going and I’m so weak and exhausted. Please mum let do what I think will be best for me.

Danielle, Megan and Emma all walk to front of stage and say together

Emma/Danielle/Megan: This is the right thing to do