This is a one-scene play written to be submitted for possible use by a summer camp for kids hosted at Westminster College.
5 round tables sit onstage, surrounded by chairs. Four of the tables have someone sitting at them. Mike, 14, walks on from stage right with a tray in hand. There appear to be various items of low-quality food on it, with a half-pint of milk. Mike looks around nervously and approaches the nearest table.
Mike: Do you mind if I sit down?
Seated guy: (looks annoyed) Football players only. I don’t recognize you.
Mike: Well, soccer is called football in some places…
Seated guy: Get out of here!
Mike backs away, looking slightly paler. He moves to a table where a young woman is seated.
Mike: Ca-Can I sit here?
Seated girl: (turns up her nose and begins pointing at chairs as she speaks) Well, Jenny is coming, and Kayla, and Tiffany, and Julie, and Julie’s BF Bobby. There’s no room for you.
Mike shyly looks down and moves away to another table. He approaches a person wearing glasses with his/her head in a book.
Mike: (looking hopeful) Excuse me… (pause) Um… Do you care if I sit here? (pause) Hello?
Seated person: (looks around confusedly, then narrows eyes at Mike) What!? I’m trying to do my homework. I can’t believe it’s the first day of school and I already have homework.
Mike: (tries to look sympathetic) Well, can I sit down with you? I’m just trying to sit down so I can eat.
Seated person: No. No, definitely not. I’m meeting people here to make sure I understand everything, and I need space for everyone. Plus your food will distract us.
Mike: (shoulders slumping) Sorry… (He looks around and spots his older brother seated at another table)
Mike: Jason, can I sit with you? I just need to eat and then I’ll leave. 5 minutes.
Jason: Are you kidding me? I’m not going to let anyone see me sitting with a freshman. Your friends will want to sit here, and then I’ll look like a total dork. Go find someone else to sit with, little bro.
Mike: (looks exasperated) You suck! I’m telling mom about this when we get home. I hope you get grounded for a week.
Jason: (shrugs) Whatever. She knows you’re a little dweeb.
Mike looks around sort of dejectedly, and makes his way to an empty table. He sets his tray down, but pushes it aside as he sits and stares at the table. As he stares off, two 14 year old boys and a girl approach, each with trays in hand. Mike looks up, surprised, as they sit down around him.
Boy #1: Mike, where have you been, we were looking all over the cafeteria for you.
Boy #2: Yeah, man. Did you have class with Mr. Black yet? He’s the coolest teacher I’ve ever met. Why didn’t they hire cool people in junior high? Are you going to watch the football game Friday night? My dad can give us a ride.
Girl: (eyes light up) I’ve been waiting all day to tell you, I was talking to Tina first period, and she thinks you are so totally cute. I think she’s going to the football game too. Maybe you can sit together…
All three: Ooooooooooooo (make kissing noises and start to laugh at their collective comic genius)
Mike smiles and starts eating. Lights fade to black as they chatter away.
benknauff 