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=Hoptown Realities=

We will be able to collaborate on the script through this - your changes will be tracked and I will be able to see ALL changes made, even if you delete them. In other words: if you put something inappropriate on here, I will see it.

Instructions: type your scenes below and make any comments your feel necessary.


 * Scene 1: High school is...**

Raya: Life changing. Jakiera: Your ticket out of the hood. Kendra: Exciting! Haley: A journey. Devin: Honest. Marley: A place to create yourself. D’Torien: Legit. Tessa: Intense. Skyler: A place to make memories: Teon: Hilarious. Chelsea: A blank canvas.

Lani: But sometimes, high school is also…

Wayne: Lame. Tez: Crazy. Jordan: Annoying. Keke: Full of drama. Nathan: Tiresome. Jason: Hateful. Justice: Kirby: Frustrating. Mi-mi: Full of fake people. Alex: Long. Taylor: Hell on earth.

Raya: We’re not here to lie to you, you sugarcoat the truth, but we are here to tell you that in the end it’s all worth it. We’re here to give you…

All: Hoptown Realities.


 * Scene 2: What you expect/what you’re going to get**

Nathan: “So this is what we expect when we get to high school, right?”


 * Lights to classroom:**

//Rachel Berry character raises hand// Haley: “Mr. Shue, can we sing about our feelings today?” Devin: Why, of course, Rachel! //Glee music plays//


 * Lights switch back to Nathan.**

Nathan: Unfortunately, HS does not give you the magical ability to sing in perfect pitch about whatever you may be going through, and most teachers just won’t go for that. If you try that at real high school, it might look more like this:

//Student raises hand, repeats stuff, and begins singing. Others look at her like she’s crazy and one throws a paperball at her.// Jordan: Shut up! Jason: What are you doing? Kirby: You're such a freak! Raya: You can't even sing! Devin: Rachel, stop making a disturbance before I send you to the office.


 * Lights switch back to Nathan.**

Nathan: Or you might except something like this....

//Student walking down the hall, talking to friend//

Megan: Wow, high school has so much more freedom! I can go in and out of class whenever I want, bring in whatever food, wear whatever I want...this is going to be great! Tatii: Yeah, this will be so much better than the middle school.


 * Lights switch back to Nathan.**

Nathan: But actually, it might look a little like this...

//Same two girls in class, teacher reading the school rules and explaining consequences.//


 * Lights switch back to Nathan.**

Nathan: And for you guys...maybe you think high schools going to look a little something like this....


 * Lights to hallway**

//Guy surrounded by girls, his arms around two of them.//

Tez: Yeah, I'm pulling all the ladies.


 * Lights switch back to Nathan.**

Nathan: But it might look more like this...


 * Lights back to Hallway**

//Tez walks up to Lani//

Tez: Hey baby, you're looking fine - let me get your number. Lani: Um, who are you? What are you thinking? etc., etc.

**Lights switch back to Nathan.**

Nathan: But before you get completely bummed out, don't worry - you've probably also got some more negative expectations that aren't really true either. For example, you might think high school is a little like this....

//Kirby walks down the hallway looking frightened and obviously lost. She stops Mi-Mi and Tessa to ask for directions.//

Kirby: Um, excuse me, could you tell me where room 205 is? Mi-Mi: I sure can!

//The two older girls pick up Kirby and shove her into a locker. (alternately: trash can?)//

// **Lights switch back to Nathan.** //

// Nathan: But actually, it would be much more likely to happen like this.... //

// Kirby: Um, excuse me, could you tell me where room 205 is? // // Mi-Mi: Sure, it's right down the hall to the left. // // Tessa: Yeah, it's on our way. We can take you there! //

The two walk offstage with Kirby.

// **Lights switch back to Nathan.** //

// Nathan: Basically, high school isn't really going to be anything like you see on TV. It's just school, and the people here are just normal people. Instead of setting unrealistic expectations, just try to make this experience your own. //


 * Scene 3: Freshman girls**

Kirby: Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it’s our first year of high school! Marley: I know, right? Kirby: This year is going to be awesome! Marley: So Kirby, you have to promise me two things... Kirby: What’s that? Marley: First of all, we have to stay best friends, no matter what. Kirby: Well duh! Marley: What’s the other thing? Kirby: We both need to find some really hot guys. (they giggle excitedly) Marley: This is going to be the best year ever.


 * Scene 4: Dropout guy**

//Sitting in classroom, listening to teacher going over rules, writing in notebook. He looks raggedy and is obviously quiet.//

__Voiceover__: So, it’s the first day of school, and already I’m thinking this might not work out. Like this teacher up here, going on and on and on about how much work we’ll have, and how much responsibility we’re going to have to take for our homework, and how we need to put school first, and blah blah blah...I just wonder if she knows anything about what I have to do when I go home. How am I supposed to worry about homework when there’s so many more important things at home? Like right now, I’m worried that mom has found where I stashed her booze. What if I come home and she’s passed out again?

Fade out...


 * Scene 5: Stress Step**

Main character: Teon "Stresses" - Lani, Keke, Dominique, Devin, Kendra, Jakiera, Taylor


 * Scene 6: Don’t be that girl**

Raya struts by in ridiculously skanky outfit...boys catcall. OMG she looks like a hoe! “Don’t be that girl!”

Characters: Justice, D'Torien, Lani, Keke


 * Scene 7: Medea goes to ICE**

Lani brings "Madea" into ICE Keke, Teon, Raya, and Dominique are sitting in ICE

G1: She ain't finna get this sea. G2: What you said! //Puts feet in chair//

//"Medea" attempts to sit down, falls, and gets even madder. She hops up://

Madea: Lil' girl you betta give me yo seat. G2: Who you think you talkin' to? G3: Right cuz she ain't talkin' to us! G1: Do you know who her mama is? M: Do you know who I am? I'm Ma - to the damn D-E-A. //Boy stares at Madea//

M: Boy what are you lookin' at? B: I don't know, I ain't figured that out yet. M: Lil boy, lil boy, you just shut the hell up and finish curling yo locks. (?)

//All argue, Medea runs everyone off the stage//.

Narrator enters: Um, don't be that girl.


 * Scene 8: Freshman girls part 2**

//Girls walking down the hall together, making small talk before the bell rings. **Boyfriend** comes up to group, almost angrily.//

Jason: Kirby, why didn’t you text me back last night? Kirby: What? Oh, Jason, I’m sorry, I was studying for my history test. You know, that really hard one I’ve been telling you about? Jason: How do I know you’re telling me the truth? I sent you like 10 messages. If you were "just studying," you would have heard. Kirby: I think my phone was on silent, I didn’t mean... Jason: I don't care what you "meant," I just need you to do what I tell you. Raya: Hey, don't talk to her like that! Jason: You stay out of it! Kirby: Seriously, Jason, we were just studying... Jason: Wait, what? Now it's "we"? Who was with you? (shakes her) Are you cheating on me? Kirby: What? No! It was just Raya! We were studying! Jason: (slamming her against the locker) Liar!

//Freeze scene - dating violence statistic.//

__Raya:__ According to the Coalition Against Domestic Violence, teenagers often experience violence in dating relationships. [|Statistics] show that one in three teenagers will experience violence in a dating relationship. In dating violence, one partner tries to maintain [|power and control] over the other through abuse. Dating violence crosses all racial, economic and social lines.Teen dating violence is influenced by how teenagers look at themselves and others.

__Justice:__ Young men may believe that they have the right to "control" their female partners in any way necessary, that their "masculinity" is defined physical aggressiveness, or that they may lose respect if they are attentive and supportive toward their girlfriends.

__Marley__: Young women may believe that they are responsible for solving problems in their relationships, that their boyfriend's jealousy, possessiveness and even physical abuse, is "romantic,” that abuse is "normal" because their friends are also being abused, or that there is no one to ask for help.

__Raya:__ Teenagers can choose better relationships when they learn to identify the early warning signs of an abusive relationship, understand that they have choices, and believe they are valuable people who deserve to be treated with respect. If you are a teenager involved in an abusive relationship or know someone who is, you need to remember that no one deserves to be abused or threatened. Talk to a trusted adult, a guidance counselor, or the youth service center if you or someone you care about is struggling with this issue.


 * Scene:**

//Tez walks across the hall, super sagging. (Damn it feels good to be a gangster?) Half-way across, he trips and falls.//

Nathan: Don't be that guy.


 * Scene 9: Cliques**

Student Guide: So, this is our cafeteria. It's not much, but lunch is pretty much where everything happens around here. Good luck finding a seat...hope you'll like it here at HHS. New Girl: Thanks.

Song begins playing, "Outside Looking In" by Jordan Pruitt, as the girl scans the cafeteria trying to find a place to fit in. Everyone looks unresponsive, and as the song fades, she walks up to the "popular" clique.

Taylor: Hey, I'm new here - could I sit with you?

Devin: Um, I'm not sure that you're pretty enough to sit with us. Lani: Yeah, where'd you get your clothes, Walmart? Kendra: I don't know about your old school, but there's a hierarchy here. Why don't you try the nerds? You might be a better fit there. Devin: Well, what are you waiting for, permission? She said leave! Taylor: Sorry....

//Taylor walks to the "nerds"//

Taylor: Hey, I'm new here - could I sit with you? S1: There's a possibility - you seem to have potential - what's your GPA? Taylor: 3.... S2: No no no! Indubitably not! Taylor: Sorry...

//Taylor walks to the "emo kids"//

Taylor: Hey, I'm new here - could I sit with you? S1: Is your soul filled with darkness? Taylor: Excuse me? S2: Do you realize the uselessness of all existence? Taylor: What? S3: Is pain your only food? Taylor: Um...no. I'll see you guys later.

//Taylor goes to an empty table and sits down alone//

Nathan: Although it might not be this extreme, high school can be full of cliques. Basically, you can choose to see the differences in people as stereotypes, or you can learn to appreciate those differences.

S1 to S2: You're just a freshman. I don't want to be seen hanging out with you. S2 to S3: You're wearing skinny jeans. Do you cut yourself or something? S3 to S4: You're just a dumb jock. You probably couldn't even follow a real conversation. S4 to S5: You're a nerd. Why would you care that much about school? S5 to S6: You're black - how could we have anything in common?

Nathan: You guys, you guys...this is embarrassing. Let's try to look a little harder. Once again, please.

S5 to S6: Hey, we may not be the same race, but I heard you listening to _______ the other day. She/He's my favorite! I bet we like a lot of the same music. S4 to S5: Hey, I know you're really smart. Could you maybe help me out with my English assignment? S3 to S4: Your touchdown at the game was incredible. Thanks for helping our team win! S2 to S3: Your style is really unique. Maybe we could go shopping together sometime? S1 to S2: Hey, I know it's your first year. How about I show you around?

Nathan: That's better. If you look past the labels, your whole high school experience can be so much better.


 * Scene 10: Raya’s Monologue**


 * Scene 11: Dropout guy part 2**

//Same situation, in classroom, journaling.//

(Voiceover)

My classes just keep getting harder and harder. I had to miss a whole week of school last week to take care of mom...she wouldn’t even get out of bed for most of it. Now, I’m completely lost, but I don’t want to look stupid by telling my teachers that, and I don’t know who else to ask...I don’t really think I have any friends here. I don’t want to seem weird or anti-social, but most times I just have too much on my mind to care about whatever brainless thing these guys are talking about. Maybe high school just isn’t for me. I turn sixteen in a few weeks, and it would really help if I could work more hours at my job. Maybe I’ll just drop out...

__Speaker 1:__

According to all4ed.org, approximately 28% of students in Kentucky fail graduate high school with a regular diploma in four years. When students do not complete their high school degree, statistics are clear that lack of a high school diploma results in lower personal income, and also places an additional burden on the government, because these individuals are more likely to draw welfare benefits than high school graduates. According to dosomething.org, high school dropouts will earn over $200,000 less over their careers than graduates. Every year, over 1.2 million students drop out of high school in the United States. That’s a student every 26 seconds – or 7,000 a day. Don’t be that guy - don’t be that girl.


 * Scene 12: G2 meets guy (G1’s BF?) in hallway, cutting class, invites her to party.**

Justice**:** Hey, Kirby! Where you going? Kirby: Just going back to class...I had to get my jacket from my friend. Justice: Well, you’re already out, so why don’t you just hang out with me? Kirby: I don’t know...my math class is kinda hard... Justice: Whatever, that class is dumb! So, let me tell you about this party on Friday...

//Puts his arm across girl’s shoulder, leads her offstage.//


 * Scene 13: 12 Days of High School**

In the first week of high school, my good friend said to me…math is boring, so let’s just skip it. In the second week of high school, my good friend said to me…skip English too. In the third week of high school, my good friend said to me…it’s just a joke. In the fourth week of high school, my good friend said to me…did you fail that test? In the fifth week of high school, my mother said to me…your teacher called! In the sixth week of high school, my good friend said to me…come to my party! In the seventh week of high school, my good friend said to me…here, have a smoke with me. In the eighth week of high school, my good friend said to me…one drink won’t hurt you. In the ninth week of high school, my boyfriend said to me…hey, come on baby. In the tenth week of high school, my good friend said to me…why don’t you let him? In the eleventh week of high school, my good friend said to me…weed is so awesome! In the twelfth week of high school, my principal said to me…you’ll be a freshman again.


 * Alex’s Monologue**

Smoking in the bathroom
 * Scene 14: Don’t be that guy**

Going up the stairs the wrong way/Falling up the stairs
 * Scene 15: Don’t be that girl**


 * Scene 16: A story of defeating homework**


 * not finished* just like the one in ROC – one main character, a narrator, three “homeworks,” and procrastination


 * Scene 17: Telephone game - how rumors get started**

//Jason and Skyler walk down the hall, talking. Alex sees them and crosses to Megan.//

Alex: Hey, I just saw Jason talking to Skyler in the hallway. Doesn't he have a girlfriend? Megan: Yeah, he's been dating Tatii for like a month. I wonder what's up? Alex: I don't know. Well, I've got to get home. See you later! //Exit.// Megan: //(Crosses to Kendra)// Hey girl! Guess what? I heard Jason was flirting with Skyler in the hallway. Tatii's going to be so mad! Kendra: Oh my gosh, that's crazy. I've got to tell Devin! //(crosses to Devin)// Kendra: OMG, I heard Jason has been hanging out with Skyler instead of Tatii. I think she even went over to his house last night...I wouldn't have thought anything of it, but now... Devin: You know what that means! Just wait til I tell Haley. //(crosses to Haley)// Devin: Hey Haley! So, I heard that Skyler and Jason got it on last night at his house. Haley: No way! Tatii's gonna be so mad...you know, now that I thin about it, I think I saw them coming out of the stairwell the other day, and they looked a little too happy. Wait til I tell Tessa. //(crosses to Tessa)// Haley: So, guess what...Jason's been cheating on Tatii for over a month with Skyler. They've been hooking up, like, every day. Tessa: Oh my god! Do you think she's pregnant? Haley: I bet she is...maybe that's why they were talking in the hall. Tessa: I've got to tell Jakiera. She's Tatii's best friend - she'll know what to do. //(crosses to Jakiera)// Tessa: So I know Tatii is you best friend, and I just thought you should know that he's been cheating on her with Skyler, and now she's knocked up. I know it's her birthday and all, so I didn't want to tell her. Jakiera: Wait, I just don't believe this. Who did you hear this from?

//Jakiera tells Tatii and they go back to each other student until this is finally cleared up.//


 * Scene: Eating Disorders**

//Girl in the school bathroom, looking in the mirror.//

G3: I wish I looked more like (G1). She’s so pretty and thin...I don’t know if I’ll ever look like that. Maybe that’s why I don’t have a boyfriend yet - am I really that repulsive? Maybe if I fixed my hair different (messes with hair) - No, nothing’s going to help as long as I look like a giant blob. I’ve tried not to eat so much, but I just get so hungry...I just need to get rid of it quick....(goes to the toilet and throws up). __Speaker 3__: According to the Renfrew Center Foundation for Eating Disorders, Anorexia is the 3rd most common chronic illness among adolescents. [1] 95% of those who have eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25. [1]  28% of high school males attempt to gain weight through weight lifting. 25% of high school-aged women engage in bingeing and purging as a weight-management technique. 50% of girls between the ages of 11 and 13 see themselves as overweight. 80% of 13-year-olds have attempted to lose weight. 15% of young women in the US who are not diagnosed with an eating disorder display substantially disordered eating attitudes and behaviors For females between fifteen to twenty-four years old who suffer from anorexia nervosa, the mortality rate associated with the illness is twelve times higher than the death rate of ALL other causes of death. Over one-half of teenage girls and nearly one-third of teenage boys use unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, fasting, smoking cigarettes, vomiting, and taking laxatives. If you or anyone you know is suffering from dangerous eating habits, please talk to a trusted adult and consider seeing a doctor, because the results of messing up your body can last a lifetime.


 * Scene: Sexual assault/Friendship dissolving**


 * not finished*

G1 and G2

STILL NEED:

Bullying?

Love and War (Relationships Skit) Wayne: What’s up? I’m John! Taylor: And I’m Tiffany! Wayne: We’re the “It” couple here at Hopkinsville High School. Taylor: **(annoyed)** Duh, we have to be. Wayne: **(offended)** What’s that supposed to mean?! Taylor: I’m the head cheerleader. You’re the quarterback. Put two and two together. It’s like the law of physics or something like that. Wayne: **(realizing)** Oh yeah! **(to the audience)** We’re on the top of the food chain here. Taylor: Yeah, whatever. Anyways, we’re above the Goth Freaks and the Nerd Herds. Wayne: She’s obsessed with her image. Taylor: And you need to be obsessed with some deodorant. Let’s go. Jason: **(standing back to back with Skyler)** Love. Skyler: A four letter word. Jason: that comes from the heart. Skyler: But with love comes heartbreak. Jason: That heart ache feels like the end; like a sunset without the evening sun. Skyler: Like trying to flee without a place to run. Jason: **(stops and spins around to look at Skyler)** And yet, it’s breath taking not being alone anymore. Skyler: And the way you make me feel makes my heart soar. Jason: And I can’t help but feel like Jason and Skyler: I can take on the world with you. Alex: **(very nerdy)** Hiya, I’m Marlon Winkleton! Chelsea: And I’m Elizabeth Cleveland! **(Pushes up giant glasses)** Alex: We met in Chess club. Chelsea: Marlon’s the captain J Alex: Yeah. I’m cool. Chelsea: We’re probably one of the, well, not so popular couples here. Alex: People in high school aren’t very accepting of the differences of others. Chelsea: It’s all about the clothes you wear, the money you have, and who you know. Alex: Which as you can imagine the answers to that are not designer brands, just enough to get by, and not the right people of course. Chelsea: Awe, it is okay Marlon! We still have Chess. Oh, and our calculators! Alex: **(to the audience)** Stupid food chain. **(Go back to playing chess)**
 * Taylor and Wayne walk back to Chelsea and Alex’s place. Everyone shifts.***
 * Jason and Skyler walk back to Taylor and Wayne’s place. Everyone shifts.***
 * Lights fade out***