Shadows and Screens

Run Time: Approximately 35 minutes

Cast: 10 actors with double casting, plus optional Enemy Workers
Larger cast version can use approximately 18 actors plus additional Enemy Workers.

Biblical References: Psalm 119:37; Philippians 2:4; 1 Peter 2:11; 1 John 4; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Matthew 5:16; Philippians 4:8; John 10:10; Proverbs 22:6; Romans 12:2

Sample Script

Scene 1: Driving in the Rain

As the lights come up, we see Madyson, Tyler and Mom sitting on chairs (signify a car) stage left on their way to a volleyball game. The screen behind them is of scenery going by (signifying the car ride) on a rainy day. Sound of rain. Madyson is on her cell phone in the front passenger seat. Mom is in the driver’s seat, hunched over, stressed, and trying to see through the pouring rain while pretending to drive. Tyler is in the back seat on his gaming device, playing video games intently.

MOM: Madyson, would you please search on your phone for the directions to the gym? I hate out-of-town games. And this rain is getting worse! I can’t see a thing. Tyler, did you remember to bring your homework so you can do it during Madyson’s game? Tyler! I’m talking to you!

TYLER: Yeah, Mom. I brought it. Aaaaah! (growls in disappointment) I lost the game! Now I have to start over!

MOM: (Sighs in exasperation) Madyson….Madyson!

MADYSON: (Looking up reluctantly from her phone) What Mom? I’m watching this super cool dance routine Emma sent me. The movements defy gravity! And these girls are killing the choreography!

MOM: Mr. Spitzer says you’re going to fail Pre-Algebra this quarter if you don’t get a tutor. What’s going on? You usually love math and are really good at it.

MADYSON: I don’t know. Math is for nerds. And it’s boring. My friends don’t really wanna hang out with a math nerd.

MOM: Well, you shouldn’t want to hang out with a bunch of ignoramuses!

MADYSON: My friends are NOT igno…ignora…..ignor-whatevers!

TYLER: (suddenly interested in the conversation) Yes, they are “ignoramuses”, especially that Emma girl. She hasn’t got a single brain cell in her head not dedicated to TikTok videos or becoming an influencer.

MADYSON: You’re one to talk, Mr. Joystick Junkie! (she returns to looking at and scrolling on her phone)

MOM: Kids! Now is not the time to start an argument! Madyson, please look up the directions to your game! The rain has gotten so bad I can’t see any traffic signs.

TYLER: (under his breath) You started it, Mom…

MOM: (stressed and panicked) Madyson! Get off your phone and help me! I can’t read any signs for the exit. I need you to look up the exit number and map us there!

MADYSON: (not paying attention) Mmmmmm. ‘K.

MOM: (looks at Madyson) Hey! Pay attention! I need you to look up the directions! NOW!!!

On the screen, which has been passing scenery, a big rig suddenly appears and quickly drives toward the actors. LIGHTS out. Sounds of a crash heard on the speakers

RECORDING OF MADYSON’s VOICE (in the dark): The rain was coming down so hard… I remember being annoyed because I was right in the middle of watching a dance video… I didn't look up…. Then it happened. This truck came out of nowhere! Mom screamed. Tyler dropped his game. My phone flew out of my hands as our SUV spun across three lanes. I remember the sound of metal crushing and glass breaking. Then... nothing.

While this is playing, set up for the next scene

Scene 2: The Crash and J

Lights up. MOM is being interviewed by police officer. Video of ambulance lights on screen.

POLICE OFFICER: Ma’am, it’s going to be ok. They are working to save her. Can you tell me what happened?

MOM: The rain was coming down so hard and I couldn’t see. I was going to pull off when a truck came out of nowhere.

Lights up center stage on Madyson. She is looking confused

MADYSON: The rain is still pouring, but I can’t feel it. Mom! I’m OK. I’m right here!

Screen out. Lights out on Mom and Police Officer – they exit. Lights brighter on center stage.

MADYSON: What is happening? Where did everyone go? It feels so warm…and comforting…like a beautiful summer day. What is happening????

Enter J. who looks intently at Madyson

MADYSON: Who…who are you?

J: Madyson…

MADYSON: What is going on? Where am I? Where is my mom? and my brother? What is HAPPENING???!!!

Madyson starts sobbing

J: Madyson…

MADYSON: Am I dead?

J: (pause) For a little while…but I have something to show you first. Something important.

J. holds out hand and Madyson takes it. They walk to center stage as the lights come up on Maya, Emma, Leah, Zach and their respective shadows scattered around the stage. Each kid holds an electronic device – phone, tablet, gaming device, etc. and is looking intently at his/her device. Behind each kid is a shadow person, mimicking the addicted kid’s movements

MADYSON: What is this?

J: This is what I see every day. These are just some of the children God loves, but they cannot hear Him anymore. They are so obsessed with their electronics and on-line distractions that they can’t see the world around them. It isn’t real to them anymore. And they can’t learn to love God because they’ve replaced Him with these things. And they certainly can’t learn to love their neighbors.

Madyson and J walk around each kid who mimics using their device in some way

MADYSON: (gestures to the “shadows” and moves closer to J) What are those?"

J: The enemy's workers. They speak lies through the screens.

Each kid and shadow exit the stage except LEAH who is seated at the round café table. CHELSIE enters the stage. Madyson and J cross to stage left where they observe each scene.

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