Scenes for Teens, by Teens
A collection by Diane Christiansen
by
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TECH SUPPORT By David Phillips (College computer lab. A young lady is sitting at a desk with a sign that reads “Tech Support.” She’s reading Wittgenstein. A young man comes in with computer in case. He looks around and sees the sign, then walks up. She doesn’t look up.) TIM: Um, it’s Audrey, right? We were both in Swig dorm last year, not on the same flat. AUDREY: (Looks up.) Flat? Are you serious? Fine, can I help you? TIM: (Confused.) My…computer has a file and I’ve somehow misplaced it, and I was wondering if you could find it for me. AUDREY: I’m afraid I can’t. TIM: But you’re tech support. Isn’t this your job? AUDREY: What bachelors program are you in? TIM: Well, I’m an English major, but my focus is— AUDREY: —That’s very close to what I asked for. I am sorry, but this table has an intelligence quotient, and I’m afraid you don’t quite make it. TIM: Are you serious? AUDREY: It’s quite the pickle you are in. I’m sure they’ll be able to help you. (She points away and then looks back at her book. He turns and starts to walk in that direction and then stops. There’s no one else. He returns to the desk.) TIM: I’m not entirely sure how to deal with this melee, here. I’m sorry, I feel as if I’ve perturbed you in some fashion. I’m Tim. AUDREY: I know. You lived on a nearby “flat.” And you didn’t use “perturbed” correctly. TIM: Indeed. But you knew what I meant. AUDREY: I really can’t help you, but you would have better luck asking Smarmy Jim. TIM: The janitor with the teeth thing? AUDREY: Yes, Smarmy Jim, the janitor with the teeth thing. TIM: Look, I just need one file off of this bloody computer. AUDREY: You really shouldn’t use English colloquialisms if you’re not English. TIM: It’s one file. AUDREY: I highly recommend it, though. TIM: You recommend the file? AUDREY: I recommend England. I’m not really part of your conversation…I’m accidentally in front of you. TIM: It’ll take you less than five minutes. AUDREY: I genuinely can’t. We’re not supposed to deal with immigrant computers. TIM: Please help me find the file…it’s one file! AUDREY: What is the file? TIM: It’s a paper for class. AUDREY: What’s in the file? TIM: A novella. AUDREY: What’s it about? TIM: I’m not gonna tell you! AUDREY: What’s the title? TIM: Iris. AUDREY: That’s a terrible name. TIM: Excuse me? AUDREY: I’m kidding. All right, let’s have a look-see. TIM: All right. AUDREY: What the…! TIM: Is there a problem? Did you break it…? AUDREY: The file’s right here. TIM: Oh yeah, I know... AUDREY: It’s the only thing on the desktop. TIM: I sort of just needed a way to say hi… AUDREY: You didn’t need me to help you at all? TIM: Yes, this is me hitting— AUDREY: —Are you hitting on me? TIM: Awkwardly, but yes. AUDREY: This is how you pick up girls? TIM: I was going to walk up and kiss you, but this seemed more feasible. AUDREY: Or complicated! TIM: Turned out that way. AUDREY: We know why you don’t date much. TIM: So, it didn’t work? AUDREY: I didn’t say that. TIM: Good, ’cause— AUDREY: —If you had just kissed me, you’d be much further ahead in the game. TIM: Isn’t that a little forward? AUDREY: Can be, but not necessarily. (He leans in to kiss her. She leans back. He realizes...) TIM: No panache, huh? AUDREY: No panache. TIM: I will return. AUDREY: Bring a better pick up line. TIM: I will return prepared. (He smiles and leaves.) AUDREY: Good, because I don’t want to wait any longer to kiss you than I have.
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About the Book
Perhaps more than any other time of life, the teen years are a period associated with distinct social norms, and language patterns are especially important to the social dynamics of teenagers. Their characteristic communication style is their trademark; it’s one of the things that give this time of life such a unique flavor. For teenagers, their vernacular literally gives them entrance into the various subgroups of a culture that depends greatly on particular modes of communication. So what better way for a young actor to prepare than with the language of their peers? The up-to-date communication style in these scenes—written by teens, for teens—is what makes them so accessible to the teenaged actor. “These scenes are playable and organic, with topics that are real and intuitive, and characters that are familiar to teens of the 21st Century. They can slip into these roles as readily as they slide into their own social circles.” “This is what today’s teens can understand and relate to.” “…Diane Christiansen has compiled scenes with the lingo, attitude, and content that provide much of the drama and comedy of a teenager’s life.” If you would like to contact Diane, please visit her website at: http://www.dianechristiansen.com/
About the Author
Diane Christiansen began coaching actors in 1992. Recently voted "The #1 Top Rated Coach in Hollywood" by Children in Film. Acting coach on TLC's show FAKING IT & Danny Bonaduce’s “My Kid’s A Star”. Guest Director at Cal Arts, and recent recipient of the “Mercy Award” for a play festival in Santa Monica, CA. Her career spans three decades as actress, coach, director, dancer , writer. Diane coaches many acclaimed actors on shows like GLEE, Wizard’s of Waverly Place, GOOD TIME CHARLIE, SONNY WITH A CHANCE, CRIMINAL MINDS, GHOST WHISPERER, LOST, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, 24, THE CURIOUS CASE OF BEJAMIN BUTTON, STAR TREK, HOUSE, ALIAS, LAW & ORDER, COLD CASE, NYPD BLUE, ER, WITHOUT A TRACE, CAT IN THE HAT, BRUCE ALMIGHTY, 13 GOING ON 30, & ANTWONE FISHER to name a few. With students on 100's of commercials and recipients of Kids Choice, Golden Globe, C.A.R.E, Young Artist & SAG awards.