The Earring

A widowed father and teen daughter living through the death of a wife and mother.
The realities of having no experience in dealing with their own, and the other's, journey. The father is overprotective and the daughter feels smothered. Something as unimportant as a boyfriend's earring causes disruption in parents' and daughter's lives, yet strangely, this earring became the means for resolving the dilemma, and rekindling a respectful love.
This script was one of the key productions in the early growth of the DramaShare ministry, and one of my favourites.

Cast:  2

• Dad - late 30's
• Melody - mid-teens

Bible Reference:    Proverbs 16:3

Set:      family room with back of TV downstage, couch upstage, chair

Lighting:        2 spotlights, one is offstage "shinning in the side window"

Sound:     wireless mics,

Song:     none

SFX:     Taped sounds, (a car engine, a car door slamming, a house door opening and being shut)

Costumes:      standard

Props:     magazine, end table, remote control, couch, a chair, a TV, rug on the floor,

Special Instructions:   Position the TV downstage in the extreme right or left position so that the back of the TV is seen from the audience, yet not blocking the view from any part of the audience. Preferably, use a real TV so that the light from the TV will reflect on the dad as he "watches" TV. It will add to the drama if the TV has a remote in order that Dad can flip through the channels to indicate his upset state of mind. (Have sound turned very low or disconnected so it will not be audible to the audience). A picture on back wall above couch and window with curtains on the side wall. Since the drama happens late at night, the "view" from the window should be dark except when the car drives into the driveway.

Time:     12

Sample of script

Dad sits on the couch reading a magazine. He puts it down beside him on the end table, stretches, looks at his watch. He then picks up the TV remote control, watches TV, flips through the channels. He looks at his watch again, stands up, goes to window and looks outside. He will then sit down again and, restlessly, watch TV.

After a few minutes a car is heard driving up. (Play taped sounds of car driving up). Turn on spotlight outside set, arc across the window to give impression of car lights in driveway. Play taped sounds of car door slamming.)

Dad quickly gets up and goes to the window, pulls the drapes to the side, looks out, (must give the impression that he is spying on what is going on outside in the driveway, trying not to be seen by those outside).

Melody’s voice (from outside, not on mic): Thanks for the ride, Dan. See you in school tomorrow guys!

Dad quickly returns to his chair. Play tape of door opening and closing. Melody enters downstage left, kisses Dad on cheek.

Melody: Hi Dad.
Dad (continues to look toward TV, frowns): What time is it, young lady?
Melody: Time? (Glances at her wristwatch.) It’s about nine o’clock.
Dad (sarcastic): About nine o’clock? Guess again! It’s almost nine-thirty!
Melody (hurt): Dad! (Looks again at her wristwatch.) It’s eleven minutes after.
Dad: Be that as it may, young lady, the fact is that it is NOT nine o’clock. Did we, or did we not, have a discussion earlier this evening, something about nine o’clock?
Melody (exasperated): Dad! Yes, I said I would be home by nine o’clock. We left church in lots of time but there was a train crossing the tracks. You must have seen it. After all, you were looking out the window at us as we drove up. And the tracks are just down the block.
Dad: That is not the point! The fact is that we made an agreement and you did not keep your part of the bargain.
Melody (hurt): Dad! Be fair! Because of a train we were eleven minutes late! And it’s not as though we were doing anything wrong. We were at church, Dad, you know that!
Dad: You were with that young Henderson kid! That’s where you were!
Melody: Father, his name is Dan! And yes, I was with Dan. Dan drove me and some of our friends home. Why is that wrong?
Dad: You know that I do not approve of that kid!
Melody: But why, Dad? You don’t even know him. But you do know his parents. The Hendersons have been going to our church since before Dan or I were born!
Dad: I will say no more! I do not approve of that young man. And I forbid you to see him!
Melody: See him? What do you mean, see him? Dan drove me and some of my friends home from church! That hardly means that we were out on a date or anything. But I don’t understand, Dad. Why are you treating me like a child?
Dad: I am treating you like a child because you are a child!
Melody: Dad, I’m fifteen.
Dad: Yes and I’m thirty-nine, and furthermore I’m your father. You will do as I ask!
Melody: Dad!

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