The Ugly Duckling

The Script & Draaiboek

Maya Alexis

Anne-Wil Monique

Michelle Sara

Joram Jack

Wietske Nikki

Dennis Voice Over (Janitor)

Marit Shelby

Freerk Pippin

Josse Willis

Leanne Senna

Tine Courtney

Wouter Charlie.

Scène 1: Alexis and the voice within

Scène 2: The Welcoming

Scène 3: The Airheads

Scène 4: A Random talk

Scène 5: Pep Talk

Scène 6: The Nerds

Scène 7: Decisions

Scène 8: It’s Getting Darker and Darker

Scène 9: A Choice Made

Scène 10: True Colors

* Licht plan en geluid zijn groen gekleurd*

Lichtplan


Scène 1

Alexis and The Voice Within

[School bell rings (Track 1) ]

[All lights are on]

[Alexis enters the stage and sits at the table 1]

[Voice Over]

Once upon a time, there was a little happy-going, but lonely girl named Alexis. She had just moved away with her parents to a new town. She is about to start at a new school and make new friends. But things in this town are strange. Everything she sees is different from what she knows or in other words… everyone around her is different from what she is.

That’s because her new class is weird and divided into groups.

[Intro sound => soundtrack Star Wars plays softly (Track 2) ]

[Nerds enters the stage while playing games]

[Nerds sit down at stool-group 2]

There were three Nerds, who couldn’t stop talking about gaming and mathematics. They laughed in a funny but cute kind of way, got good grades and are the teachers loved ones.

The only thing that isn’t likeable about them is their choice of clothes.

[Intro sound=> Mother Earth – Within Temptation plays softly (Track 3) ]

[Goths enter the stage while looking uninterested]

[Goths sit down at stool-group 3]

And there are three Goths who walked around in black all day, they like talking about the darkness and you never caught them smiling, not once. And the weirdest thing about them is that they carry sharp things around and never talk to anyone except the other two in their group.

[Intro sound => Girlfriend – Avril Lavigne plays softly (Track 4) ]

[Airheads enter the stage while talking to each other in whispers and flicking their hair back]

[Airheads sit down at stool-group 4]

At last there are four Airheads. The ones you’d rather not have a fight with. These airheads know nothing but they love to pick on everyone who oppose them, just because they are rich and had everything they desire. The Airheads dress up fashionable and carry around their mirrors and make-up in their purse. The most important thing about this group is that it is popular. Being one of them means that you are popular too.

[ Voice-Over ]

But in this crowd, Alexis felt insecure. Who was she and were did she belong?

[ Alexis ]

Well.. here I am.

Plain old me.

Me, myself and I…

[Alexis stands up and walks around]

( Watches the Janitor ) I could be a Nerd! But… that would mean I have to do something about my grades.

Ehm… I could be a Goth. That would be fun, I only need a bit black. (looks at the Airheads) Or I could be an airhead. I’m already stupid if you look at my grades, so that wouldn’t be too difficult and besides… I like being popular. Yes, I could be one of them. I AM one of them.

[Alexis sits down on her seat]

[Spot op Table 1, rest of the lights off]

[Song: Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy starts playing softly (Track 5) ]

[ Voice Over ]

You’re not one of them. You don’t have the money for that kind of clothes and you surely don’t have the attitude.

[ Alexis ]

So what? They don’t need to know about that. And for the attitude… I could make one.

[ Voice Over ]

You think?

[ Alexis ]

I do! It’s easy.

[ Voice Over ]

( Sighs) You’re a silly little girl. Wouldn’t it be easier to just be…

[ Alexis ]

To be what? Alone?

Definitely not. I want to be someone. I want to be popular.

[ Voice Over ]

And what if you could be popular as yourself.

[ Alexis ]

(Laughs) As the boring me? That won’t happen…

Nobody notices me.

[ Voice Over ]

That’s true….

[ Alexis ]

Hey!!

[ Voice Over ]

(Laughs a little)

Okay, try to be one of them if you want too. Don’t mind me.

[ Alexis ]

And I’m going to BE one of them.

Watch me.

[ Voice Over ]

I am always watching you.

[ Alexis ]

( Looks up) That sounds so perverted! Shut up now.

[All lights on]

[ The whole class ]

( Talks about everything the groups are interested in. Nerds about games, Goths are silent, Airheads are checking their make-up/clothes while sharing the hottest rumors and the Hip-Hops are dancing and listening to music)

Scène 2

The Welcoming

[Spots on Table 1 and Stool-group 4 (focused on Airheads and Alexis)]

[ Nikki ]

This place creeps me out. I hate it here.

I want to go to a school with our people.

[ Sara ]

That’s a dream that will never come true, Jack. We’ll have to cope with these… ( Looks around the class) … idiots.

[ Monique ]

Remember when that geek touched me? It took me a month to get completely clean again.

[ Jack ]

Yes, I remember.

(Looks evil to the nerds)

[Spot turn on Stool-group 2 (Nerds) and spot on Stool-Group 4 go out (the Airheads)]

[ Willis ]

(Snores a bit)

I’ve reached level 20!

[ Shelby ]

20? That’s nothing compared to level 45.

(Corrects her glasses)

[ Willis ]

(Looking sad)

(Confident) I’ll defeat you someday! Watch me, Shelby… I’m going to use Expelliarmus!

[ Shelby ]

Don’t use Harry Potter on me! I’ve already owned that game.

(Grins and corrects her glasses ) Twice!

[ Pippin ]

Y-y-y-y-y-you did?

[ Willis ]

Stop drooling Pippin…. (Sniffs) Drooling is against our culture, Pip…

[Spot on Stool-Group 2 goes out and Spot on Stool-Group 3 go on]

[ Courtney ]

(Reading a book ) Can you imagine what it would be like if I had this as a pet?

(Shows a picture of a big black bat)

[ Charlie ]

It would be magical. It would be even more interesting if it was a vampire bat.

[ Courtney ]

Fool. Vampires don’t exist.

[ Senna ]

( Serious ) They do.

[ Courtney ]

Yeah, right…. (Closes the book)

Then how come I’ve never seen one?

[ Senna ]

Because they don’t show themselves to us weaklings!

[ Charlie ]

Besides… if they didn’t exist, then how would you explain the sudden deaths

of some people. My father died with only two dots of blood on his arm.

[ Senna ]

(Laughs) Wouldn’t that have something to do with the needles they put in his arm?

[ Charlie ]

……….. (Looks annoyed)

[ All the groups shut up ]

[ All the lights turn off, except for the spot on Table 1 ]

[ Alexis ]

This is going to be tougher then I thought.

But hey… I love challenges.

Nobody notices me yet, but wait until tomorrow.

Tomorrow I’ll be one of them… (Points towards the Airheads and the lights turn on )

[ School bell rings (Track 1) ]

[ Everybody leaves the stage ]

[ Lights go out ]

Scène 3

The Airheads

[School bell rings (Track 1) ]

[ Spots turn on at Table 1 and Stool-group 5 again]

[ Airheads enter the stage and after them Alexis who sits down at Stool-group 4 ]

[ After Alexis Goths enter very quietly ]

[Monique sits down straight and wants her friends to notice something on her hand]

[ Jack ]

Act normal!

[ Monique ]

(Sighs) Do I have to spell eve-ry-thing out for you to notice…. (Is silenced by Sara’s scream)

[ Sara ]

Kyaaaaaaaa! (Grabs Monique’s hand) Is that… ?

OMG it IS the newest ring from the Tisante collection!

How did you get it? WHERE did you get it?

[ Monique ]

(Takes back her hand) I.. got it from daddy.

[ Alexis stands up from her seat and walks towards the Airheads ]

[ Alexis ]

Ehm….

[ Jack & Monique & Sara & Nikki ]

( Look to their back to find Alexis )

Who… ( Jack ) Are… ( Monique & Nikki ) You…? ( Sara )

[ Alexis ]

( Little bit shy ) I am Alexis.

I came to this school two days ago….

[ All four Airheads look at her ]

[ Nikki ]

How dare you speak to us?

[ Alexis ]

Because you three are the most sane people in this school.

Everyone else is just weird.

[ Monique ]

( Still looking at Alexis ) There’s something very odd about you.

[ Sara ]

I know what’s missing! Make-up. ( Tries to touch Alexis )

[ Alexis ]

Stay off!

I don’t need make-up in order to look beautiful. ( Looks at her fake but shiny ring )

[ Monique ]

( Looks a bit stunned ) Tsss… this kid doesn’t know her place.

[ Alexis looks a bit confused and Monique is getting irritated by it ]

[ Monique ]

( Proud and cocky ) Tell her, Jack! ( flicks with her fingers )

[ Jack ]

( Sighs ) Listen carefully, Selexis…

Our Monique has been beauty queen three times in a row.

[ Monique is showing off her pride and body and Alexis is watching her ]

[ Alexis ]

So? I had seven boyfriends last year.

[ Nikki ]

( Shocked ) How did you manage that?

[ Alexis ]

( Confident ) Easy….

One boy for every day in the week.

[ Sara ]

( Nodding ) I still think you’re a bit odd… but you’re okay. ( Shrugs her shoulders )

[ Jack ]

Don’t say that so easily, Sara… If she wants to be one of us, she has to do a test.

[ Alexis gets a bit scared ]

[ Monique ]

( Suddenly very proud again ) That’s right!

You have to take a test for us to see if you’re really one of us.

[ Spot turns on at Stool-group 3]

[ Sara ]

( Rubs in her hands softly ) Interesting.

Do you see those Goths?

One of them is dating a guy that Monique is very interested in

And if she can’t have him, nobody can…( grins )

[ Alexis ]

( Looking scared towards the Goths )

( Gulping ) Which one?

[ Jack ]

The blond one… But watch the others… they might kill you. ( Laughs )

[ Nikki ]

You look a bit pale, Selexis.. Are you sure you can do it?

[ Alexis ]

The name is Alexis! And yes! I can do it.

[ Alexis is walking towards the Goths ]

[ Alexis ]

Oi ! Blondie…

[ Courtney looks up, glares and keeps on reading her book ]

[ Alexis ]

So you’re not going to talk to me?

[ Courtney is still not interested ]

[ Alexis ]

I want you to stay away from Monique’s boyfriend.

He’s hers and not yours.

[ Courtney ]

( Laughs ) Her boyfriend?

How can he be her boyfriend if he’s already mine?

[ Alexis ]

He should be proud that Monique wants him.

[ Courtney ]

( Stands up ) Well… you can tell little Barbie over there, that MY boyfriend belongs to nobody.

[ Alexis is getting scared and tries to search for another solution ]

[ Alexis ]

If you don’t want to give him up then…

[ Alexis smacks Courtney on her cheek ]

[ Alexis turns around being very proud and is very confident ]

[ Courtney tries to hit Alexis with her book ]

[ She high-fives with Sara who’s staring with open mouth towards the Goths ]

[ Nikki ]

Wow….

[ Monique ]

Thanks.

[ Sara ]

( Clapping her hands ) You’ve got guts, girl!

No one ever tries to go against the Goths…

Even Monique is scared for them.

[ Monique ]

Enough Sara!

Don’t say those things about me.

( Looking at Sara very angrily )

( Suddenly very happy towards Alexis ) You’re the new member of our group.

( Angry again ) Sara! You have to pay for dinner and such now.

[ Sara ]

( Sad ) Why?

[ Monique ]

Did you forget who gave you a spot in my group?

( Grins ) If it wasn’t for me, you’d be alone right now…

Or did you forget that you were voted most unpopular

[ Alexis is looking towards Sara with a sorrowful face ]

[ Sara is about to cry ]

[ Jack ]

Okay, girls… Don’t start a fight.

Let’s get something to eat after class.

[ Monique ]

I’ve got a better idea.

Let’s ditch school.. Sara, you stay here and take notes for us.

Come, Jack… Alexis.

[ Airheads leave the stage with Alexis ]

[ School bell rings (Track 1) ]

[ Sara and Goths leave the stage ]

[ Lights go out ]

Scène 4

A Random talk

[ Spot goes on at Table 1 ]

[ Enter Alexis who sits down at Table 1 ]

[ Airheads enter without Sara ]

[ Nikki ]

Hey Alexis.

How are you doing, today?

[ Alexis ]

Fine.

[ Alexis ]

( Looks around ) Where’s Sara?

[ Jack ]

Sara? Probably showing off her fake nails or something.

[ Monique ]

(Grins mean) Or her fake diamonds.

[ Nikki ]

Or her fake nose…

[ Both Jack en Monique look at Alexis and start laughing ]

[ Jack ]

I told you she had a nose job before.

[ Monique ]

Probably…

And she always brags about her natural beauty..

(Laughs mean)

[ Nikki ]

You’re right. She seems nice on the outside but she actually just as rotten as those Goths.

[ Alexis ]

I thought she was your friend.

[ Monique ]

(Fake laugh)

Sara? Our friend?

I’m only nice to her because my father wants to do business with her family.

[ Nikki ]

Besides… Sara pays for everything. (grins)

[ Alexis looks sad ]

[ Sara comes running on stage towards the Airheads, she’s carrying a book ]

[ Sara ]

Monique ! Look what I found. (Opens the book)

[ Monique ]

Sara.. (Annoyed)

[ Sara ]

Look, Monique!

It’s her! Voted most unpopular girl in the school...

I asked my butler to do some research about her and this is what he found.

[Monique is studying the page which contains Alexis’s photograph]

[She looks towards Alexis]

[ Sara ]

And he found more, Monique. She’s from a poor family!

They had to move here because her father got fired.

[ Monique ]

Well, well… Look what we have here.

We just caught a rat.

[ Alexis gets surrounded by Monique, Sara, Jack and Nikki ]

[ Monique ]

You don’t belong here, Selexis.

You’re a poor little baby with no money and no background.

You’re a nobody.

[ Alexis ]

I AM ALEXIS.

[ Nikki & Jack ]

Nobody shouts at Monique!

[ Sara ]

Be gone, poor girl.

[ Alexis ]

But Monique… (Grabbing Monique’s hands)

[ Monique is pulling her arms back as fast as she can and looks disgusted ]

[ Jack ]

Let’s get out of here..

[ Sara ]

Yes.

Monique… let’s go!

[ Airheads leave the stage and Alexis is left alone ]