Staged Reading Preview Guide for The Last Shot
This production was written by teens for teens;
and is a product of the 2010 KIDSTAGE Company.
Staged Reading: April 12, 2010 at Francis J. Gaudette, 303 Front Street North, Issaquah
Patrons have different ideas of what material or themes are appropriate for them or their families. For this reason, we provide the following information:
The Program and Process
Village Theatre KIDSTAGE Company Originals is excited to produce The Last Shot a brand-new musical play created by the teens and adults of the KIDSTAGE Company. The characters, storylines, scenes and songs are created through a process of improvisation and collaborative writing that aims to tell stories relevant to teens, with characters, conflicts, behaviors and language reflective of the diversity of teens today.
This year The Company Originals process began with the writing team. Teen writers worked with an adult writing mentor to learn the basics of dramatic script writing. Next the writers used those skills and exercises--along with research and group discussion—to create an outline, plot, themes and characters for the show. Those characters were further developed in improvised conflicts and scenes by teen actors. A writing team of four teens worked with an adult mentor to observe these scenes and transform them into a written story, while suggesting further ideas for improvisations.
Drawing on the actors’ improvisations and writings, with input from the adult creative team, the writing team worked together to write and revise the scenes. An adult composer and adult lyricist create songs based on the ideas and conflicts in the improvisations and writing, and the adult writing mentor and directors assemble and edit the script for performance.
Created by teens, for teens, The Last Shot strives to depict the teen experience honestly and authentically. The goal is that the serious issues raised will provoke thought and discussion among teens and their families, and move teens toward stronger communication, deeper understanding, and better choices.
The Reading
· The Last Shot may not be appropriate for children ages 13 and under.
· The Last Shot was written by teenagers and edited by a professional directing team. It is about issues teens face. The language and content is realistic.
· The Last Shot reflects various perspectives and explorations on teen relationships and contemporary subject matter including peer pressure, the healing power of art and facing and overcoming ones fears.
· The challenging material is treated with respect and humor to assure the story is truthful and compelling.
Versions available to preview: As this is an original work, the information provided below is subject to change and there is no electronic version available to preview. A working script is available at the Francis J. Gaudette Theatre Box Office in Issaquah for you to read.
Reading length: The show will run approximately two hours, including one 15 minute intermission.
Synopsis: Set in present day Western Washington, The Last Shot explores how the healing power of art can help people overcome fears and find strength and peace, while telling the story of a high school senior/aspiring filmmaker who takes a cast of fellow students to shoot a movie over Memorial Day weekend. When the filmmaker's best friend's screw-up forces the group to relocate to an old abandoned, and possibly haunted, hotel, the students are forced to confront their worst fears about the future, while still trying to complete the film.
Themes: The differences inone's own self image versus the image one projects to the world. Being able to express oneself to others and the value of true friendships, facing and overcoming ones fears and being truthful to yourself.
Script Content Details
Please note: the following information contains plot spoilers.
Violence: There are two “catfights” between female characters; one character accidentally punches another character. Both of these are stylistically depicted for the reading.
Sexual content: Teen relationships are central to the story of The Last Shot. The writing team has written dialogue that is authentic and sounds as if it was lifted right out of a high school hallway or locker room. Characters kiss on stage. One character tries to seduce another character in order to gain knowledge of the project, but is rejected. There is a song that pokes fun that “stalking isn’t crazy if it’s love”, the stalking is not serious but more of a high school infatuation.
Language: The story is set in an environment where adults are virtually absent. Language, including sexual references and innuendo, name-calling and swear words realistic to the characters and situations are heard throughout the production.
Substances: The consumption of alcohol is depicted on stage. Characters talk about smoking, being stoned, and buying pot, “magic” brownies but it is not depicted on stage.
Other: One of the characters is spiritual and at some points is teased because of her beliefs. One character is illegally in the country. There is back story that contains a father than has been unfaithful to the children’s mother resulting in the parents divorce.