Kath's Solo

By Avery Jorgensen

SETTING: Backstage changeroom

BLOCKING: KATH at counter, CHARACTER 2 across the room

KATH

I can’t- I can’t do it. (Breathing harder and harder)

CHARACTER 2

Hey, calm down. Breathe. 

CHARACTER 2 rushes across the room to put their hand on KATH’s back.

CHARACTER 2

Listen, you can do this. I’ve watched you prove that a hundred times.

KATH

But you watching is a lot different than an entire audience watching.

Speaker crackles.

STAGE MANAGER

Kath, you’re on in three minutes!

KATH begins hyperventilating again. CHARACTER 2 puts their hands on KATH’s shoulders and turns her towards them.

CHARACTER 2

Katherine, look at me. You are an incredible dancer. You have an incredible solo. This-

KATH

But I keep messing up my-

CHARACTER 2 shakes KATH’s shoulders gently as they speak.

CHARACTER 2

It doesn’t matter if you mess up! None of these people know your solo! And as far as we know, none of them are experts or critics or anything. All they will see is a beautiful dancer who makes a weird face when she does three turns instead of four.

KATH

(Laughs softly and blinks away tears) 

I guess so, (sniffles) But even if they don’t know it, I’ll know that I’ve messed up. I’ll know that I could have done it better.

CHARACTER 2

Well, luckily for you, you have two more shows to do it better. This is just the first time, not the only time.

KATH

But-

CHARACTER 2

No more buts! Speaking of, get your butt on that stage. You’re going to be amazing. I know it.

KATH

(Rolls eyes) Thanks.

KATH walks to the door, looking back to smile at CHARACTER 2 before exiting.

END SCENE

By Avery Jorgensen