Harnessing Interruptions Curtain Speech

Need a delicate way to ask your audience members to hold all calls while your presentation is running? How do you ask that lovely mother of nine to please contain her children in the nursery area instead of center stage?

This brief drama puts a comedic spin on the typical director’s speech to the audience.

Cast:
This drama involves two people, any age. Actors may be male or female.
Phillip is a very serious person, wanting to ‘get the job done’. Barry tries very hard to be as professional as Phillip, but never quite makes it. Barry definitely enjoys being on stage.

Set, Costume, Props:
No particular set or costume necessary. For props, a cell phone, a camera with a flash,

Sound:
If possible, the actors should each wear a lapel microphone. Also, you will need the sound of a cell phone ringing.

Sample Script

Note: Certain details of this script may need to be altered to fit your performance.

(Scene opens as both actors enter from stage right. They move to center stage, where they will remain for the remainder of the drama.)

Phillip (very serious): Good evening, everyone. We welcome you to tonight’s presentation. My name is, (with flair) Phillip von Lichtenfoldercotinootadoor. Joining me now, is . . .

Barry (interrupting, confused): What did you say yer name was?

Phillip: Why of course, I am Phillip von Lichtenfoldercotinootadoor!

Barry: Likton . . . Liktonfooo . . .

Phillip: No, no! Here - it is simple! (Grabs Barry’s mouth and helps him form the word.) Lich – ten - folder – cotinootadoooooooor. Yes, that’s it! You see, my great-grandfather shortened our name when he moved to this country. Otherwise, it would really have been a mouthful!

Barry: Yeah, okay, sure.

Phillip: Pardon our brief departure, ladies and gentlemen. Now we . . .

Barry: Wait a minute! I thought we just interrupted yer speech!

Phillip: Yes, Barry. But I’ve actually been given the honor of addressing our fine crowd in a brief yet poignant oratory on the benefits of focusing one’s full attention to the activity which will soon unfold as long-prepared before their very eyes.

Barry: But, I thought we were just supposed to tell ‘em not to blow their noses while we’re up here trying to remember our lines!

Phillip (aggravated): Thank you, Barry, for practically choking away any shred of refinement left in this already difficult delivery!

Barry (confused): Yer welcome?

Phillip: Ladies and gentlemen, please understand that Frederick Donwinkelhorst was originally slated to do this speech, but . . .

Barry: Donna-who? Haven’t you people ever heard of Smith or Jones?

Want to see how the story unfolds? DramaShare members get this complete script— and access to our entire library—free! Not a member? You can still grab this individual script and bring it to life.