Here is the first scene from my one act play about deals with faeries:
Scene 1
Setting: the buying offices of Lucky 17. Grey cubicles, open side to the audience, separate the buyers from each other, but when they stand up, they can see each other. When the characters are talking to each other, they are standing up, and when they are talking to themselves and the audience they sit down. Inside the cubicles, there are desks, chairs, and computers. Each cubicle also has a rolling rack with samples of clothing on it, except Candy, who has purses and belts hanging on hers.
The scene opens with all the buyers in place, all on their phones. From stage right to stage left you have Candy, Susie, Lucy and Sean, and then David. David’s desk is fancier than the others.
SUSIE
(On the phone) I don’t care if there was a labor uprising, the boat sunk in the harbor, and there was no paperwork at the dock for customs! Those tees better be in my warehouse by tomorrow morning at 7 am or the entire three orders are cancelled! (She listens for a reply) And stop that whimpering! I’m running a business, not a support group! (She slams down the phone)
CANDY
(On the phone) You’re so funny, Angie! I want to place a reorder on those earrings. I sold them out in the first week. Of course, that’s not surprising- I told you they would be hot! (She listens) You can ship them today? That’s so cool! (She listens) Of course I’d LOVE to see that new musical when we are in New York this Friday. I thought no one could get tickets. (She listens) Front row center- how awesome! See you Friday then, bye bye honey. (She hangs up, jumps up and does a happy dance)
(To Susie, standing up looking over the cubicle) Guess what, Susie?
SUSIE
(Standing up to look over the cubicle, with a sigh) What now, Candy? You dyed your poodle purple again?
CANDY
No, it’s better than that! Angie from Angie’s Things is taking me to see that new musical when we’re in New York this week! Isn’t that crazy?
SUSIE
Personally, anyone who would choose to associate with you in public would have to be crazy.
CANDY
You’re just a crabby kitty because your catalog order is late.
SUSIE
It’s not my fault! Those importers we use are idiots! They can’t even keep their workers under control for one important order. I’m never buying anything from them again.
LUCY
(Standing up to join their conversation) Maybe you should check into the source I found for jeans. I know they have a knit line that seems well priced.
(They totally ignore her and go back to work)
CANDY
Hey Susie, maybe you should check out the source Lucy found for jeans. They also have a knit line that looks cute and well-priced.
LUCY
(Sits down in frustration) That’s what I just said. They never listen to me.
SEAN
Ignore them, Lucy. You don’t need to do their work for them.
LUCY
I know, but I’ve worked here for 5 years, longer than Candy, and I know things! My jeans business has been decent. I just wish someone would notice me.
SEAN
By someone, you really mean David.
LUCY
Shhh! Sean, not too loud. His desk is right over there. Of course, I’d love to have a real conversation with our boss, who wouldn’t?
(David walks in, papers in hand, purposely.)
DAVID
Attention everyone! Here are your plane tickets and hotel confirmations for New York. Tuesday morning we’re meeting at the fashion office at 8 am sharp, no excuses. Make sure you bring your fall plans and assortments. (He passes out papers to each of the buyers.) Also, there is a mandatory meeting at O’Connell’s Pub at 6 pm.
CANDY
What fun! But what if I already have plans for dinner?
DAVID
I know you have a very busy social life, Candy, but our team needs some bonding time. After 8 you’re free to do as you wish.
SUSIE
I’m not sure I want to be bonded to anyone on this team.
CANDY
Don’t be a party pooper! It sounds like fun. Lisa from Tinkles told me that O’Connell’s is an “in”place right now. An old-fashioned tavern with gourmet food, all the right people will be there.
LUCY
It will be great to hang out with each other outside of work.
(They all ignore her.)
CANDY
It will be great to hang out with you guys outside of work!
DAVID
That’s the spirit, Candy! You’re our Lucky 17 cheerleader!
SUSIE
(sarcastically) Go team go!
LUCY
(sitting down and talking only to Sean) Everything I say- someone else gets the credit for it!
SEAN
Now, now Lucy- you’re getting upset over nothing.
LUCY
What about the pencil jeans from last year’s Back to School catalog? I found them first, but Susie brought in the sample to the catalog meeting. Everyone was so excited that David demanded that I order 5000 pairs. They sold out to the last pair at regular price!
SEAN
Well, that was your idea first, but it all worked out, didn’t it?
LUCY
And what about the corduroy jeans for the Christmas catalog? I wanted to shoot the pink color for the cover. I tried to convince everyone but no one listened. Then Candy showed her pink knit scarf at the Monday meeting, and David asked for the pink corduroys to shoot with her scarf.
SEAN
But those are only isolated incidents. Come on, Lucy. You are a talented buyer. No one can take that away from you. If people don’t listen to you, they just don’t know what they are missing.
LUCY
They don’t listen to me because I don’t stand out, that’s all. I am plain and boring. My ugliness prevents everyone from noticing me.
SEAN
If you were really that hideous, I think they would notice. You’re beautiful, in your own unique way. They just don’t take time to really see you.
LUCY
I’m not even remarkably ugly! I wish I was as glamorous as Candy, and or as assertive as Susie- then David would notice me!
SEAN
I’d be careful what you wish for, my friend. Wishes have an awful way of coming true.
(Black out)
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