LOCKED IN
A Play In One Act
Written By: Tyler Stone
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Malcolm Burton: An arrogant academically advanced Teen who is best described as a wolf in sheep’s clothing
Vinny Hopkins: Teen who is a conspiracy theory fanatic and also believes that the government is after him and all of those around him.
Olivia Frazier: Teen who is believed to be physic but in reality is just one big con artist
Bianca Knox: Teen who believes that she is better than everyone on the planet with a strong sense of fashion… and OCD
Liam Wiley: Teen who struggles to manage his everyday life with his multiple personalities
Jeanette Simmons: Feminist Teen who is sick of women always coming second to men and she is disgusted by the women around her who act “basic”
Ray Pennington: Teen who is blind and is working towards his lifelong dream of becoming a musician
Elaina Monroe: Over Dramatic Teen who will often cry to get out of any situation that doesn’t benefit her
Tanner Kassidy: Teen who likes to hide and watch from afar, he is a “lone wolf” and his dark clothing makes him appear as a threat
Gloria Zendria: Teen who strives to be one with the universe, she enjoys meditating and talking about people’s aura’s.
Alicia Perkins: Teen with an extreme attitude who is always ready to fight anyone who she thinks is disrespecting her
Locked In
The play begins with a setting similar to a classroom with tables and chairs set up, and a whiteboard with writing on it as follows “What does Justice mean to you?” “Does the saying See Something Say Something give people the right to discriminate?” “Do you believe that there is equality in our world today?” The sound of a bell ringing is heard as MALCOLM enters onstage, looking around.
MALCOLM
Hello (look around) Is anyone here?
(walks up to the teacher's desk) Oh, what have we got here?
On the teacher's desk, there is a note MALCOLM picks up and proceeds to read the note out loud.
MALCOLM
(reading the note) My apologies. I had to run to my car to grab a few materials for class. Whoever finds this note please begin taking attendance until my return.
(sets down the note and picks up attendance sheet) So let’s see who’s in this class.
At the finish of the sentence there is a loud chaotic banging on the door MALCOLM stops reading and walks over to the door, looking hesitant to open it, but then he proceeds to do so. As he opens the door VINNY lunges at him making him stumble backwards and fall. He then grabs and twists his arm, staring very intensely at it.
MALCOLM
(struggling to pull arm away) Hey, I’d appreciate it if you’d give me my arm back.
VINNY
(still pulling MALCOLM’S arm) Wait I’ve just got to make sure that they haven’t gotten you I’m trying to protect you kid before it’s too late
MALCOLM
(Snatches arm away and looks at arm alarmingly) Make sure who hasn’t gotten me?
VINNY
The United States Government (walks behind the desk) they’ve been after me for the last year and a half stalking me and watching my every last move
MALCOLM
(getting up and walking towards Vinny) And why would they be doing that?
VINNY
They’re doing it because I’ve cracked the case on the moon landing, Area 51, and now I’m working on just how corrupt the legal system really is, from the racism to the payouts nobody really gets justice anymore, no one ever wins except the government, you see were all just little tiny chess pieces in their huge chess game you feel me? and they wanna stop me!
(turns to Malcolm in a more happy manner) Oh how rude of me I’ve neglected to introduce myself (puts a hand out) I’m Vinny
MALCOLM
(shakes Vinny’s hand) Nice to meet you I’m Malcolm
(grabs the note off the desk and hands it to Vinny) here the teacher left this note she’ll be back in a minute
VINNY
(reads the note and begins to look extremely worried) Oh no, Oh no, It’s too late for her they’ve taken her!
MALCOLM
Who has taken her?
VINNY
The United States Government, they’re coming after me and everyone else around me.
MALCOLM
Hey, let’s calm down (pull a chair up) here why don’t you sit down and take a deep breath, just relax.
VINNY
(sits down for a second then jump up in furry) Wait I see what you're trying to do you sneaky little agent, you’re trying to distract me aren’t you (gets up in anger) you’re gonna pay!
At that moment there is a knock at the door but the door remains shut MALCOLM walks over to the door and opens it and RAY walks in.
RAY
I’m sorry to ask, but could someone please help me to a desk?
VINNY runs over to assist him and leads him to a chair at the table where he sits. MALCOLM then props the door open with a trash can.
RAY
Thank you whoever you are. It really means a lot.
VINNY
No problem and I’m Vinny, Vinny Hopkins self-proclaimed genius wanted by the united states government
RAY
Thank you, Vinny and I’m Ray Pennington and I’m a blind musician. Hey, sorry if I’ve been any inconvenience.
VINNY
Oh stop your fine Ray
RAY
No, I gotta make it up to you. What kind of music do you like? Maybe I can sing you a song.
VINNY
That won’t be needed now, let’s call it an I O U maybe when I get sworn in as president you can sing the national anthem
RAY
Really? Awesome. So I’m fine?
MALCOLM
Yeah your fine and by the way, the teacher will be back in only a minute, hey where’s your aide
RAY
She told me that she had to run to the office, so she led me to the door. She said she’d be back in only a minute.
VINNY
Two adult authority figures mysteriously went missing in a class that I was selected to try out coincidence I think not
RAY
Oh no! What’s going on?
MALCOLM
Okay guys relax, they’ll both be back in a minute, Ray you like music right, why don’t you guys talk about music
RAY
Oh yeah, Hey Vinny, have you ever heard of the pentatonix? They’re the acapella group.
VINNY
I sure have, did you know that the government tampers with their music and puts mind controlling ultrasound waves so that they can easily make us mindless zombies
RAY
Oh no. It can’t be. They’re my favorite group. Why would they do that?
MALCOLM
Okay guys let’s talk about something else and Vinny please stop with the crazy theories
VINNY
Malcolm you can’t stop me from speaking the truth it’s my right
MALCOLM
Vinny I just asked you to-
BIANCA enters with a disgusted look on her face, VINNY mocks BIANCA as she passes.
BIANCA
(looking at Vinny) Oh, when did they let you out of the hospital? I mean I’m gonna need to see that they actually discharged you because I don’t feel safe around you
VINNY
(disgusted) You’ll never change, will you? You’ll always just be nothing more than a two-faced-
BIANCA
I think Queen is the word you’re looking for
(looks Vinny up and down) My god who in their right mind let you walk out of the house like that.
VINNY
(laughing) Bianca, I’m not crazy I can do things for myself, you're just afraid of me because I’m not like you, in fact, I’d say I’m smarter
BIANCA
Oh sis, you're not crazy? (opens book bag and pulls out paper) then what’s this Vinny, it’s on file so you can’t deny and I’m warning you if you try to test me I’ll go file another incident report on you
VINNY snatches up the paper and crumbles it into a ball. The two then get into an intense staredown and then MALCOLM gets between them trying to separate the two.
MALCOLM
Hey guys let’s not do something we’re gonna regret
BIANCA
Oh don’t worry, I don’t waste my time on peasants
BIANCA then goes on her phone and begins taking selfies. OLIVIA makes a grand entrance and the three turn to look.
OLIVIA
Ladies and Gentlemen, It is I the one the only the psychic Olivia, and please no pictures until the end of class
OLIVIA then snatches the phone out of BIANCA’S hand.
BIANCA
You imbecile what do you think you're doing, give me my phone back
OLIVIA
Sweetie, I said no pics until the end
BIANCA
(Laughing) Oh my god do you actually think that I would take a picture of you (snatches phone back) that’s the funniest joke I’ve heard all day
OLIVIA
But I’m a psychic
RAY
Whoa did you say psychic?
OLIVIA
Yes I sure did buddy would you like a reading
RAY
Hecks yeah I would.
OLIVIA
(closes eyes and rubs sides of her head) okay I can see that your name is Ray, am I correct
RAY
Yes
OLIVIA
Okay and I’m suspecting that you are seventeen and blind
RAY
Whoa. How do you know all of this?
OLIVIA
It’s all just coming to me would you like to see into your future
RAY
That would be amazing if it’s not too much trouble on yourself of course.
OLIVIA
Oh no it’s all fine, (slowly) Okay I’m seeing that you grow old and live a long life and that you will make a huge sum of money off of being a musician
RAY
Oh my gosh. How awesome. I’m actually gonna make my dreams come true. Thank you Olivia, it means a lot.
OLIVIA
(opens eyes) Okay now for the payment would you like to pay with cash, card or digital payment
RAY
Oh um I didn’t know that I needed to pay. Do you think that you could wait until Miss Carla comes back? She has my wallet.
MALCOLM
Whoa hold on, when you offered him the reading you never said anything about payment
VINNY
Yeah, and your reading wasn’t that-
OLIVIA
Okay you know what Ray we’ll just call it an I O U then you can pay me back once you’re all rich and famous
RAY
Okay awesome thanks bro (holds out a hand for fistbump)
OLIVIA doesn’t see RAY attempting to fistbump him and then GLORIA enters and looks around the classroom, she spots BIANCA holding a handbag and she freaks out and runs over to her in panic.
GLORIA
(freaking out) You disgusting homo sapien do you know how many precious animals were slaughtered to make that bag
BIANCA
I really don’t care. I mean if I’m gonna have the looks to die for I guess someone or something is gonna have to die along the way
GLORIA
You're heartless, do you have no sympathy in your dark, dark heart
BIANCA
Wait let me check (pauses for a moment) nope.
(gesturing Gloria away) Thank you,
(looks around the classroom in a questioning manner) next?
GLORIA goes to walk to the back of the classroom but then she stops and turns towards MALCOLM.
GLORIA
Oh no
MALCOLM
(confused) What
GLORIA
(shakes head) It’s your aura, it’s so dark, almost like it’s pure evil
MALCOLM
(laughing) What does that mean, anyone who knows me knows that I am a really nice guy
GLORIA
I don’t know, all I can sense is complete darkness around you
BIANCA
I sense a complete psycho next to me
MALCOLM
Well uh (pauses for a moment) Well it’s just life has been a lot lately you know um I’ve been stressing over grades and getting ready for college and I’ll admit it I’ve done some messed up things recently, like copying math homework but I swear, I never meant for any harm to be done, I was just tired the night before and I didn’t want to get a zero that’s all
OLIVIA
Wait, my psychic powers are telling me that… he’s telling the truth (laughing) oh well Gloria guess your aura sensing is wrong
GLORIA
I will have you know that I have never been wrong about someone’s aura you all should know that Malcolm is-
GLORIA is cut off by an entering LIAM he comes in and walks up to BIANCA.
LIAM
(in the Joe persona) Hey baby, me you the street’s of new york all ya gotta say is yes and then we’re outta here
BIANCA
Get away from me now
LIAM
C’mon what’s a beautiful jewel-like ya self-doing out here without a man for protection
BIANCA
(absolutely disgusted) Are really trying catcalling me to my face (slaps Liam in the face) You disgusting pig
LIAM
(staggers backwards) Hey, what was that for, do you know who I am, I am Joe Valenti one of the most high ranking members of the mafia and for you to slap me in the face well I oughta (shakes head and go to back to normal) What… what was I talking about
BIANCA
You were just telling me how you're in the mafia and how you can have me killed because you’re “Joe Valenti”
LIAM
Oh no (rubs head) I truly am sorry, you see my name is Liam and I have multiple personalities, five of them including myself, there’s Arnold who’s an old grump, Joe who you just met, Philip who is an extreme germaphobe, and then the worst of them all Brock who is a Sgt. General from Vietnam
VINNY
Well it sounds to me like you’ve got an interesting little life, too interesting (puts out hand)I’m Vinny
LIAM
Nice to meet you Vinny (touches face) why does my face hurt so much
VINNY
(laughs) Well let’s just say Mr. Joe and Bianca may have had a slight physical altercation
LIAM
(alarmed) oh no he didn’t hit her, did he?
BIANCA
No, it was more like I slapped him for catcalling me
Just as BIANCA finishes her sentence the late bell rings ELAINA enters and moans loudly with her head down.
ELAINA
(overly dramatic) I literally didn’t ask to be in this class my guidance counselor forced me in here and I came all the way from the G wing and I had to take the long way to my locker so I could put my gym clothes away, so you might as well write me up now and send me to ace (looks up) um where’s the teacher
RAY
She said that she had to run out to her car.
VINNY
She’s been captured by the government because of her connection to me
OLIVIA
Vinny, what do you mean?
VINNY
I’m trying to tell all of you that the government is after me and all those around me, we’re all in grave danger
BIANCA
Don’t listen to him (pull another paper out of the folder) See he’s on file for being crazy
VINNY
That’s what you think
BIANCA
No sweetie it’s what I know
ELAINA
Ugh I don’t know why they put me in this class, I literally applied for senior release
BIANCA
(excited) Oh my gosh Elaina I didn’t know you were in this class
ELAINA
Yeah I am unfortunately
BIANCA
I’m just excited that someone in this class actually has the same taste of fashion as me
ELAINA
Oh yes and is the teacher really gone or-
MALCOLM
No, she just had some unfinished business that she had to deal with
ELAINA
Oh my gosh I literally hate this school and my life
BIANCA and ELAINA walk to the back of the classroom and sit by GLORIA and begin talking indistinctly.
MALCOLM
(grabs attendance sheet off the desk) well, it looks like we only have two more people missing Tanner and-
JEANETTE enters and approaches MALCOLM with a pass in hand.
JEANETTE
(hands Malcolm the pass) I’m not late see I have a pass
MALCOLM
Oh I’m not the teacher, I was just taking the attendance like she had asked
JEANETTE
(Snatches the pass back) Oh then I was on time, and I’ll be keeping this
MALCOLM
I wasn’t gonna mark you late anyway the teacher isn’t here so technically you’re on time
ALICIA enters and she is angrily talking on the phone, and everyone stares at her.
ALICIA
(speaking loudly) and why would I do that, please explain to me why you know what you aren’t worth my time
(hangs up phone) What are you all staring at?
BIANCA
Oh believe me nothing much, Alicia but you did scare them when you came in here acting like a buffoon
ALICIA
(shocked) Excuse me, do you know who I am!
BIANCA
Oh yes, someone…. Below me like the rest of the people in the school
ALICIA
Okay now you wanna act all big and bad (pulls out hair tie) c’mon we can go and get it right here and just so you know I’m undefeated
BIANCA
(sarcastically) oh, that’s cute, what are you 0-0?
ALICIA
No sweetie, I’ 5-0 and I’ve fought girls twice your size, you’ll be light work
BIANCA
(with an evil smile) oh did you say work, (pulls out phone) because I’m pretty sure that your mom works for my dad and you wouldn’t wanna make daddy’s little princess upset, would you?
ALICIA
Oh sweetie I’ll do a lot more than make you upset
ALICIA lunges at BIANCA and she grabs her by the hair and begins swinging VINNY tries to break them up by ALICIA pushes him out of the way and she continues swinging, then it take four of the teens to get ALICIA off of her.
ALICIA
That's the difference between you and I, I’m the queen of talking shit then I’m backin it up
BIANCA
That’s why you’ll always be a second class citizen, real women don’t fight (blows a kiss to Alicia)
MALCOLM
Okay now that everyone is calmed down (looks back at sheet) has anyone seen Tanner Kassidy-
TANNER suddenly enters wearing all black and he looks almost demonic as he speaks to MALCOLM.
TANNER
I swear if you write me up I will end you
MALCOLM
Okay then I’m guessing your Tanner
TANNER
Yes I am is there a problem
MALCOLM
No, there’s no problem at all
TANNER
Good and there won’t be a problem if you stay out of my way
LIAM
(in the Arnold persona) aye son if you would’ve said something to me like that back in my golden days I would’ve dragged you all over this classroom
TANNER
If a fight is what you desire I can easily put you out of your misery
GLORIA runs over and shields LIAM from TANNER.
GLORIA
You lay a single finger on him and I swear I’ll break every bone in your body
LIAM
Yeah what she said freak boy, she’ll break every bone in your body
TANNER
Your a tiny little girl who I can easily deal with
This catches the attention of JEANETTE who runs over to put herself in front of GLORIA.
JEANETTE
Oh who says little girls can’t do anything, I’ll have you lying flat on your back in the next two point five seconds if you come an inch closer
OLIVIA now walks over and grabs TANNER by the shoulder.
OLIVIA
Ooh I’m getting a reading now, it says that your future looks like you getting your ass kicked by two
(smiling at Jeanette) Strong and powerful females and myself, and ya know I’m always here if backup is needed, which I don’t think will be necessary
RAY
Things are getting spicy in here.
TANNER
Shut it, kid, why don’t you go and read a book or something
JEANETTE makes the most disgusted face, then with amazing force, she slaps TANNER in the face making him fall to the floor.
ALICIA
(Holding phone out to record) WORLDSTAR!
JEANETTE
One more Ignorant comment out of you and you’ll receive much more than a slap
MALCOLM
I have an idea
MALCOLM then walks over to the whiteboard.
MALCOLM
Hey guys while we wait on her to get back why don’t we just start discussing some of the topics on the board
(looks at the board quickly) here let’s do this one, “Do you believe there is equality in our world today”
JEANETTE
Absolutely not, White men in this world are still getting paid way more than men of color and women. Whether we like it or not there is still racism, sexism, and discrimination in general and that’s why we all need to change and stop the hate
ALICIA
Facts, people act like just because slavery and segregation doesn’t exist anymore, that there isn’t racism still in this world
LIAM
(in the Brock persona) What are you talking missy don’t you know that a woman's place is in the kitchen where she is supposed to be cooking for her man, we just won over in Vietnam the least you could do is make me a goddamn sandwich
ALICIA
Who are you talking to, because I know damn well that you ain’t talking to me?
LIAM
I was talking to that one (points to Jeanette)
JEANETTE
(in complete and utter shock) Did you actually just say that? this is what I’m talking about societal garbage like yourself like there must be something actually mentally wrong with you
VINNY
There is he has-
JEANETTE
Stop trying to make excuses for him he’s-
LIAM
Hey did you not hear me I said get back in the kitchen, I’d like a sandwich on white bread with salami and provolone cheese
JEANETTE
Excuse me, do I look like I work at subway and furthermore if you think that I would ever do anything for you then you’re-
LIAM
Whoa what’s with you and the tongue today, I don’t think you remember why you're here so I’ll refresh your memory, your here for my pleasure, to carry my child, and to cook and serve me
JEANETTE
Oh that does it
JEANETTE lunges towards LIAM and tries to attack but both are held back, JEANETTE breaks free and jumps on LIAM and then begins throwing punches as the teens try to separate the two once more, an announcement comes on and all of the teens stop and listen.
VOICEOVER
Attention all Hubbard students and staff we are going into an immediate lockdown due to an intruder being in the building. All of the doors have been automatically locked and police will be on their way shortly, we ask that you all stay calm and relax as we get this issue solved. We will provide updates as much as we can, please be safe.
All of the teens look at each other in complete and utter terror, they all then go and sit on the chairs and there is a brief moment of silence.
BIANCA
Welp here we go again
OLIVIA
(fearfully) We’re in Lockdown, Surprisingly I didn’t see this coming
ELAINA
(dramatically crying) Oh my gosh we’re all gonna die
(pulls out phone) and I’m not even getting a good signal right now
RAY
No. Why does this have to happen now? I have my biggest performance tonight in front of one hundred and fifty people at the Shawnee Playhouse. Could this day get any worse?
ALICIA
The one day that I actually decide to come to class, this happens! You’ve gotta be kidding me.
LIAM
(back to normal) did someone say lockdown, what is going on?
JEANETTE
Are you deaf or something you pig, didn’t you just hear the announcement
LIAM
What announcement?
VINNY
Woah Woah Woah Jeanette, Liam has multiple personalities and the one you just fought with was one of them
JEANETTE
Multiple personalities, what that’s an actual thing
LIAM
Yeah, I’m sorry for any mess that one of my personalities caused
JEANETTE
Apology accepted
BIANCA
Oh my gosh I’m so stressed, I’m literally about to pass out
ALICIA
I could knock you out if you’d like
BIANCA and ELAINA make the “What Ever Major Loser” sign with their hands.
GLORIA
Don’t stress it’s not good for your aura, hey would everyone be down for a group meditation, it would relieve some of the stress and tension in here and then we all can be one with the universe
TANNER
I don’t wanna be one with any of you
ALICIA
And neither do I, you really think that I wanna be one with some knock-off Cheryl Blossom?
BIANCA
She’s broke I’m not by the way and too bad you don’t have a choice, Gloria please start us off if you will
GLORIA
Okay everyone close your eyes take a deep breath in and relax
The teens all do except for TANNER who gets up from his chair and sneaks to the back.
BIANCA
(meditating) Money…. Gucci…. Chanel…
ELAINA
(complaining) ugh I literally don’t wanna do this anymore, let’s barricade the door so I can sleep
GLORIA
Just relax Elaina, Okay now everyone think peaceful thoughts, breathe in
(pauses for a moment) and out, think beautiful thoughts and-
Just at that moment TANNER trips and falls on the floor, this leaves the teens startled with BIANCA jumping up screaming into LIAM’S arms.
LIAM
(in the Philip persona) oh my gosh get off of me
(pushes Bianca off) I don’t know what kind of germs you people are carrying,
(rushes over to bookbag and pulls out gloves and a face mask) you can never be too safe (puts both on)
JEANETTE
Another persona I’m assuming
GLORIA
Most likely, but maybe this one is a good one
ALICIA
No there is something wrong with him
ELAINA
Oh my gosh can’t we just get out I literally have not had lunch yet or even my coffee in the morning
JEANETTE
(angerly) I swear I cannot stand women like you
ELAINA
Women like me, what are you trying to say
JEANETTE
You’re basic, a stereotype and the type of person who drives me as a feminist insane
ELAINA
Oh sis are you mad just because guys actually like me and I’m not out there “fighting for my rights”
ALICIA
You need to be out there fighting for your rights, some guy wanted to give me attitude at the mall once and I slammed him on the floor Because I refuse to be disrespected.
BIANCA
Facts sis is just mad because she doesn’t know how to be a real woman like us
ALICIA
Oh if your such a real woman then why don’t you take a beating like one sis?
JEANETTE
Exactly they prove my point, you just sit around and take what you’re given but unlike you, I’m not like most girls I don’t take what I’m given I fight for more and more
ELAINA
That’s a lot of work no thank you
JEANETTE
So you're okay just always coming second to men
ELAINA
I really don’t care, there’s only one thing I care about in this world
JEANETTE
And what is that
ELAINA
Money sis
ALICIA
Okay, and do you even have any? I mean like look at the way you dress
JEANETTE
Elaina you do realize that women are still coming second to men in-
ELAINA
To be honest I really don’t care
RAY
Olivia, you’re psychic. Can’t you see a way that we can get out?
The teens all turn towards OLIVIA as she stands up.
OLIVIA
(nervously) well here’s the thing, I’m uh I’m not psychic at all
There is a huge gasp from all of the teens.
BIANCA
What do you mean, you’ve always been psychic
OLIVIA
You call it psychic, I call it lucky guessing
RAY
But how’d you know all that stuff about me then?
OLIVIA
We had a class together last year but we didn’t talk because I sat on the other side of the room
JEANETTE
But the day before my birthday in third grade you told me that I was getting a puppy for my birthday and the next day I got a puppy, how do you call that lucky guessing
OLIVIA
Your parents asked my parents if the dog could stay with us for a week because they wanted to surprise you
JEANETTE
Oh my god my whole life is a lie
LIAM
But Olivia how did you know that I had broken my arm in sixth grade after the bike crash
OLIVIA
You were crying like crazy and your arm was bent in a really funny way so I just assumed
MALCOLM
Okay but explain how you knew that the patriots were gonna win that Superbowl match against the Rams?
OLIVIA
Ehh they were the underdog in the match I just thought it’d be interesting to see if they could pull off the victory
VINNY
Hey maybe she’s a time traveler
OLIVIA
If I had those powers I wouldn’t be here right now
VINNY
I don’t know I’m gonna keep my eye on you
OLIVIA
Listen, I really am sorry it just started off as something fun but then when I learned that I could make a profit off of it it just turned into an obsession and it basically became my job
GLORIA
(Stands Up) Okay, guys, I have something to admit too, I really just got in touch with the universe to escape the stress of high school, I didn’t think anything of it at first but then suddenly I was able to just read people instantly, it was a miracle and now I embrace my power.
ELAINA
(Freaking Out) Oh no are we starting to admit to all the things we’ve done wrong in hopes that the lord might have mercy on our souls, man we really are gonna die
TANNER is in the back of the class with an evil grin on his face, watching the other teens
TANNER
This is amazing everything is falling into place
BIANCA
What are you talking about freak?
TANNER
You’ll all see in time
VINNY
(Stands Up On Chair) I, I, I had so many hopes and dreams, I wanted to expose the united states government for what it truly is, a bias unjust and unfair place where the house always wins no matter what. I wanted to show the world that it may seem like we have the freedom to know what’s going on in this world but we don’t they still have a huge blindfold over all of our eyes when it comes to the point of what really happens. I just wish that I didn’t have the go out like this, without a way to fight back and show the world what I know
VINNY sits back down in a saddening way with tears in the corner of his eyes but he quickly wipes them not letting a single drop come out of his eye, ELAINA gets up and approaches VINNY.
ELAINA
And there is still time to do that, we still have a chance of making it out of here alive
RAY
You know I wanted to become one of the most famous musicians who was also blind, I wanted to inspire others in the blind community to go and pursue their dreams and to not let their disability hold them back.
ELAINA
Guys stop saying I wanted to, look we’re all still alive why don’t we work together and try and find a way to safety, there has to be some way out of here
OLIVIA
No there isn’t,they said the doors are locked,there’s nothing we can do
RAY
But what she is saying is that we can at least try.
JEANETTE now stands up with her fist clenched and she looks like she is ready to give an empowering speech, the spotlight shines on her.
JEANETTE
I had so many things I wanted to do throughout my life,(Walks to the center of the stage) I wanted to become the first female president of the united states. I wanted to show every woman big and tall, thick and thin, that they can do anything they want if they put their minds to it. I wanted to show the children of the world that they’d have the opportunities to be treated equal and have the same opportunities and pay no matter their gender, race, religion or sexuality. I wanted to change the world for the better but I guess I can’t I guess I’ll just be nothing but (breaks down in tears) another statistic
ELAINA
(crying) Guys, please stop like we’re still alive right now let’s stop talking about what we wanted to do and let’s try and stay positive like there has to be a way out somehow
MALCOLM
Elaina’s right guys, I mean are we really gonna sit around here and just mope around, we just need to stay positive
BIANCA
So what you didn’t wanna do anything with your life, did you really just wanna sit around here and become a nobody
ALICIA
There you go again constantly running your mouth, maybe he does have stuff he wanted to do with his life and he was about to say it but then you cut him off like usual
MALCOLM
No, I had a lot that I wanted to do like
(begins twitching hand) like (starts staring straight ahead) like-
MALCOLM falls to the floor and begins having a seizure, The Teens rush over to help him.
ELAINA
(crying) Oh my god what’s going on
OLIVIA
He’s having a seizure
LIAM
(in the Philip persona) oh my god, a seizure, (grabs mask) is it contagious?
RAY
Turn him on his side.
The teens turn towards RAY.
JEANETTE
What why would we do that
RAY
It helps keep his airway clear: it’ll make the seizure stop.
BIANCA
Hurry someone turn him on his side
OLIVIA turns him on his side and slowly MALCOLM seizure stops, and then he comes back to reality.
MALCOLM
(sits up) what, what, what happened
ALICIA
You had a seizure
MALCOLM
(In a questioning manner) I did
ELAINA
Yeah, I was so stressed out I literally thought that you were gonna die
LIAM walks over to MALCOLM with a bottle of hand sanitizer.
LIAM
You need to put this on
(squirts hand sanitizer in Malcolm’s hand) I don’t know if seizures are contagious or not but we’re not taking any chances
VINNY
Good call
There is now another announcement, The Teens all turn in fear to hear what has to be said.
VOICEOVER
Attention students I am deeply saddened to inform you that the police have been blocked from entering the school so at this time I suggest that everyone begin barricading the doors and-
The announcement is cut short and the teens are startled all except for TANNER.
TANNER
(eerily) You’re all gonna pay today
VINNY
What did you just say
TANNER
I said that not a single person will leave this room alive and that’s just the facts
JEANETTE
You're absolutely disgusting
LIAM
You guys don’t think that-
VINNY
Tanner is the intruder
ALICIA
Yo, this kid is freaking me out, I’m about to start swinging!
OLIVIA
Gloria read his aura quick!
GLORIA
(closes eyes and then make a worried face) Oh no his aura is, absolutely horrible it’s almost, like, he’s the devil reincarnated
The rest of the teens turn and look scared at TANNER.
MALCOLM
Tanner, what class did you just come from? you were the last one to come to class, in fact, you came just minutes before the announcement went off
TANNER
It doesn’t matter what class I was just in, in fact, it is absolutely none of your business
VINNY
Tanner, you need to tell all of us where you were last period or we can detain you, and just so you know I’m a black belt in karate
TANNER
If you really think I’m scared of you, you’d have another thing coming
JEANETTE
(enraged) Oh so would you prefer me to leave my handprint on your face again
TANNER
Touch me and I’ll put you out of your misery in a short few seconds
There is a moment of intensity with everyone staring down TANNER but then OLIVIA tries to reason with him.
OLIVIA
Wait guys let’s calm down and let’s give Tanner the chance if he will explain why he’s doing this
BIANCA
Objection why should we let that freak talk, let’s just knock him out and get out of here
ALICIA
You know for the first time in my life I actually agree with you Bianca
The two smile at each other.
OLIVIA
Overruled, Tanner if you would, please tell us what’s going on
ELAINA
Wait no he can tell the cops that, Tanner you need to tell us how we get out of here now because unlike yourself I wanna make it to tomorrow
TANNER
Why should I explain myself, so that you can reason with me, feel sympathy for me? Every single one of you is disgusting and all of you have wronged me in one way or another. Vinny in second grade you spilled glue in my hair and I didn’t tell anyone and then I had to shave half of my hair off making me look like a freak
VINNY
Tanner that was second grade how could you-
TANNER
I don’t wanna hear your explanation, Liam your so-called multiple personalities have publicly embarrassed me on more than one occasion, you sprayed me with Febreze because you said I stunk, you punched me because I was “too soft”, you threatened me because I talked back to you shall I go on
LIAM
Tanner, I don’t know if you know this but I have Dissociative identity disorder which is also known as Multiple personality disorder, it’s not my fault I cannot control it
TANNER
Excuses, Excuses Bianca you called me out on the first day of freshman year for wearing “poor people clothes” do you know that only up until recently people have still been taunting me with that phrase and Alicia you punched me square in the face on the first day of freshman year because I “disrespected you”
ALICIA
You were talking back and so I had to put you in your place
BIANCA
Yeah and that’s honestly not my problem Tanner, maybe you should learn how to dress. But don’t worry I’m sure you’ll look lovely in orange or white or black in prison
TANNER
And I’m sure you’ll look lovely on your obituary card
BIANCA
Drop dead
TANNER
Olivia last year you gave me a reading in front of a large crowd you said that I was gonna be a nobody and make it nowhere in life, well it’s only funny now because you’ve been proven to be a fake and the thing is I will be someone, the sole survivor of this classroom
RAY
Please don’t kill me. I swear I won’t say a single thing, I have a chance to go tonight to fulfill my dreams.
TANNER
(in a mocking manner) close your eyes, shut your mouth, dream a dream and get us out, dream, dream, dream, dream, dream, dream (laughs)
OLIVIA
Disgusting, your absolutely disgusting I hope you know that, but don’t worry we’ll just detain you until the cops get here
TANNER
Oh I’d love to see any of you stop me, you see while I may be evil, I am not the one to take credit for this, in fact, I’ll be leaving now to let the rest of you figure out who the true intruder is
TANNER goes to run out but he is knocked out by a running forearm from MALCOLM. TANNER falls to the floor and looks to be knocked out cold as MALCOLM stands over top of him and he looks nervous.
BIANCA
Oh my gosh thank you, finally someone with some actual sense in this class
LIAM
(In the Joe Persona) Yea man that was absolutely sick, hey we may need a guy like you in the mafia
MALCOLM
Uhh.. guys
VINNY
Uh yes
MALCOLM
I… I uh, I have something to admit
OLIVIA
Like what
BIANCA
Oh please do tell, and try not to stutter this time
MALCOLM
There is (he pauses) no intruder
The Teens all gasp.
ALICIA
What do you mean there’s no intruder?
JEANETTE
But we all heard the announcement, what do you mean there is no intruder
RAY
Yeah the announcement said as clear as day “there is an intruder in the building”
MALCOLM
I… I set it up
VINNY
(Jump up) Ah ha I knew it, I knew you were working with the government, c’mon guys lets get him
MALCOLM
Wait wait wait, I can explain everything
ELAINA
It better be a good explanation, do you know how stressed I was, I nearly had a stroke
MALCOLM
It was a social experiment that I set up
JEANETTE
A social experiment, you didn’t even get my consent
MALCOLM
Actually, I did, you see when you got put into this class, you had to sign that little sheet remember
ALICIA
That was forever ago, do you know how many things I sign a day, that must have been forever ago
ELAINA
Yeah I can’t even remember what I ate for dinner last night
LIAM
(In the Arnold Persona) Forever ago, say little missy are you trying to talk about my age
BIANCA
Nobody was talking about you, your irrelevant
VINNY
Can everyone just shut up and let Malcolm explain himself
MALCOLM
Okay, this all started a few months ago when I was starting to tally up costs for college and the University of Pennsylvania comes in at almost 50,000 dollars and money doesn’t grow on trees. So I started to think of how I could get a full ride or just a scholarship and then it came to me what if I did the most unthinkable social experiment that no one else would dare try. So I started a petition to get this class added to the school and I got all of your signatures and got Mrs. Churchill on board to teach it and the school allowed it. Tanner overheard once when I was talking to my friend on the phone in the bathroom so that’s why I just knocked him out so that he wouldn’t mess it up, but I guess it’s too late.
OLIVIA
But why us, why were we the “lucky nine” that you chose
MALCOLM
You were the ones that I chose because you all are unique in your own little way and I thought it would be amazing to see how all of you would react with each other locked in a classroom during what they thought was a lockdown drill, (points to camera in the back) you see I’ve been recording the whole time and I’m gonna take this footage to the colleges and see what offers they’ll give me for my results
GLORIA
But then how did you know me, we’ve never met or even talked before today
MALCOLM
Well let’s just say that you stick out among others, and I may or may not have seen a video of you fighting with a girl over her wearing a fur coat
GLORIA
But what was I supposed to do just sit down and be okay with the fact that she’s wearing a precious on her back
MALCOLM
But that’s a good thing, you know why because you’re passionate and your not afraid to speak your mind or express your views, exactly what I needed
GLORIA goes to the back and begins to meditate again as TANNER sits up and looks around.
TANNER
See what did I say, It wasn’t me. Now if you’ll all excuse me
TANNER then gets up and exits the room.
BIANCA
Well then it’s obvious why you chose me to be in your experiment, just look at me, there is not another woman in this building that can compete with God’s greatest creation (flips hair) am I right?
MALCOLM
That’s not why I chose you, you always cause problems and you sorta remind me of Regina George from Mean Girls so
BIANCA
Whoa, whoa, whoa stop it right there now, first off how dare you compare me to a fictional peasant, I am a queen and I’ll have you know that-
MALCOLM
Just shut it if you want, you can leave now
BIANCA
You don’t tell me when I can leave, that’s up to me
VINNY Walks over towards MALCOLM and BIANCA.
VINNY
Before I decide to make my departure, you’re sure that the government had absolutely nothing to do with this “experiment”
MALCOLM
Yes, I’m sure Vinny why would-
VINNY
Okay, now to go dig up some more dirt on the government and expose them for what they really are. (look at Malcolm and Bianca) Sorry but I gotta blast
ALICIA
(grabbing Vinny’s arm) Wait
VINNY
Wait for what?
ALICIA
I’m coming with you
VINNY
Why? You always say that my theories are stupid
ALICIA
I mean they are but, you said the government is after you and everything so I was thinking that maybe you’d like some protection?
VINNY
Like a bodyguard?
ALICIA
Yeah only I could be your bodyguard, I am undefeated in fighting ya know
VINNY
Undefeated! Amazing it’s a deal!
VINNY grabs ALICIA’S arm and the two-run offstage. JEANETTE walks over and LIAM follows behind her.
JEANETTE
I’ll have you know that you will be hearing from my lawyers very, very soon and-
LIAM taps on JEANETTE’S Shoulder.
JEANETTE
What do you want
LIAM
Well here’s the thing, I feel absolutely awful for what may have happened between you and whichever one of my personalities and I’d uh, I’d like to make it up to you
JEANETTE
And how would you do that
LIAM
By taking you out to dinner, let’s say Texas Roadhouse?
JEANETTE
(With a big smile) Texas Roadhouse, that’s my favorite restaurant, I especially love the buns with the cinnamon butter and-
LIAM
So it’s a date? (puts hand out)
JEANETTE
Yes it’s a date (takes hand)
JEANETTE and LIAM exit holding hands and smiling.
ELAINA
Bianca let’s go, I don’t know why we’re even still sitting in here
BIANCA
But don’t you wanna know why he chose you
ELAINA
Sure why not, Malcolm why’d you choose me for this dumb experiment
MALCOLM
(laughs) Because you’re overdramatic
ELAINA
(overdramatically) Me overdramatic?
MALCOLM
Yes watch this
MALCOLM lightly pushes ELAINA’S Shoulder and she throws herself back to the floor.
MALCOLM
My point is proven
ELAINA
Bianca, help me up and let’s get out of here
BIANCA
An excellent idea, I’ve been around too many peasants for too long
BIANCA helps ELAINA up and then the two exit. OLIVER walks over to GLORIA who is still meditating, he taps her to get her attention.
OLIVIA
Hey, I know we may have gotten off on the wrong foot but I was wondering if you wanted to go and take a walk with me or get a mani-pedi or something?
GLORIA
And why would I do that?
OLIVIA
Oh I don’t know maybe you could teach me about reading auras and stuff
GLORIA
This is about you making more money isn’t it
OLIVIA
How’d you know, are you psychic
GLORIA
No, but I can tell when someone is about to offer me something
OLIVIA
But I’m not offering you anything thing am I?
GLORIA
Yes, you want me to go into business with you, do you not
OLIVIA
Yes!! C’mon it’ll be perfect Imma psychic, you read auras I mean we could make some serious bank!
GLORIA
Yes we could and I’ll accept your offer only if 15% of all of our profits goes to charity
OLIVIA
15% have you lost your mind
GLORIA
Fine 10% but I’m not going any lower, do we have a deal or not (Puts out a hand to shake)
OLIVIA
Oh boy do we (shakes Gloria’s hand)
OLIVER and GLORIA exit as MALCOLM turns to RAY.
MALCOLM
They all do realize that it’s only sixth period
RAY
Probably not
MALCOLM
Welp Ray, I guess it’s just you and me left
RAY
Yeah, do you think that you could take me down to the office so I can see where Miss Carla is?
MALCOLM
Yeah I sure can buddy
MALCOLM helps RAY to the door and before they exit MALCOLM turns towards the classroom.
MALCOLM
Man I really hope this gets me a scholarship, that or life in prison
THE END.
