Just the Way You Are
Written by Denise Montpetit © Cat.Chat Productions
Characters:
-Riley (Main character)
-Beth (Friend)
-Joey (Friend)
-Jesus
-Teacher
Props:
-Colorful Hawaiian shirt
-Backpack (for Beth)
-Pile of books and paper (for teacher)
-Baseball cap (for Joey)
-White robe (for Jesus)
Riley walks on stage smiling. Jesus is standing in the corner.
Riley: It’s going to be a great day today!
Beth: Walks on stage. Hey, Riley. How’s it going?
Riley: Awesome! Just heading to school.
Beth: Are you wearing that shirt to school today?
Riley: Yeah, do you like it? My mom bought it for me.
Beth: Ah… well… no one really wears shirts like that anymore. Here, try this one. It’s really cool. Takes the Hawaiian shirt out of her backpack and gives it to Riley.
Riley: Not feeling comfortable in it. Are you sure this looks good?
Beth: Oh yeah, you look great. It totally suits you. She walks off.
Riley: I don’t feel comfortable in this. Teacher walks in holding pile of books. Hi, Mrs. Rogers.
Teacher: Riley, I just finished marking your English test. What happened? I know you can do better than that.
Riley: Aw… Mrs. Rogers… I studied, I really did. I guess the test was too hard for me.
Teacher: Hands him a pile of books. I want you to study even harder. Your sister did so well in this class last year. Teacher walks off leaving Riley standing awkwardly with a pile of books in his hands.
Riley: I guess English isn’t one of my strong subjects.
Joey: Walks on stage. Hey, Riley.
Riley: Hi, Joey.
Joey: How’s it going?
Riley: Fine, I guess.
Joey: You don’t sound too happy.
Riley: It’s been a long day.
Joey: Well, I’ve got just the thing to cheer you up! Why don’t you try out for the baseball team. Being part of the team will make you feel better. Actually, on second thought, I’ve seen you play before. Maybe you should just forget about it. Slaps a ballcap on Riley’s head. See you later, Riley.
Riley: Gets down on his knees to pray, head down.
Jesus: Quietly walks on stage.
Riley: Still with head down. What am I supposed to do, Jesus? I was feeling so great and then Beth said that I didn’t look very good, and my marks aren’t as good as my sister’s, and I’m not really good at sports. What’s wrong with me? Am I just not good enough? Riley takes off the Hawaiian shirt and tosses the things (shirt, books, ball cap) on the floor.
Jesus: Riley, do you remember how you felt before everyone made those comments. You felt great. That’s because you are great. Look at you, you are awesome just the way you are. You are worth so much more than the stuff you have, or the things you do! I have great plans for you. Let’s spend lots of time together and I can tell you all about it!
Riley: Looks up to Jesus. Sounds like a great plan. Thanks, Jesus. Hi-fives Jesus and they both walk off.
The End.
