In the midst of an alien invasion, Jack and Emily take shelter in a loft and inventory supplies while reflecting on their high school social dynamics. Emily confesses that she participated in a cruel prank against Jack to maintain her popularity, but reveals she actually intended to ask him out just before the world ended.
EMILY: Ten toothpastes, twenty bottles of conditioner...
JACK: If we survive, we’ll have thick, shiny hair.
EMILY: I don’t see much use for three boxes of 8-track tapes.
JACK: Yeah, it’s like: we can rebuild civilization...up to 1974. Actually, if we’re starting society over, we should make new laws.
EMILY: Exactly. Gay marriage: legal. Pollution: illegal.
Format: Duologue · Genre: Comedy-Drama · Source: War of the Worms · Author: Unknown · Characters: Jack, Emily
This contemporary duologue, "Jack’s Apology and Emily’s Revelation," unfolds against the extraordinary backdrop of an alien invasion, grounding its human drama in a unique, high-stakes setting. Jack and Emily, seeking refuge, engage in a conversation that quickly moves beyond inventorying supplies to confronting their shared high school past and the painful dynamics of popularity and social exclusion. The scene masterfully blends moments of lighthearted banter about rebuilding civilization with a deep, vulnerable confession from Emily about her role in a past prank against Jack.
Emily is a complex character who, despite her past actions, is now grappling with profound regret and a desire for honesty. She was torn between maintaining her social standing and her true feelings, revealing a hidden vulnerability and even an unrequited affection for Jack. Jack, on the other hand, carries the emotional scars of being an "outsider" in high school, yet he also demonstrates resilience and a surprising capacity for understanding and even forgiveness in the face of Emily's confession. Both characters are forced to examine their identities and choices under extreme circumstances, making them relatable despite the fantastical setting.
This scene is highly effective for auditions because it offers a wide emotional range within a relatively short timeframe, allowing actors to showcase vulnerability, regret, and developing connection. The blend of comedy-drama with the underlying tension of an alien invasion provides ample opportunity for nuanced performance and strong character choices. Actors can demonstrate their ability to handle both comedic timing and deeply felt emotional beats, making it a versatile piece for a variety of casting types in the 18-25 age range.
This duologue is exceptionally well-suited for actors aiming for drama school auditions, agent showcases, and self-tapes where demonstrating vulnerability and emotional depth is key. It's ideal for those cast as a "Teenager," "Everyman," "Girl Next Door," "Outsider," or "Romantic Lead" who need to convey layers of past hurt and present sincerity. The contemporary setting and relatable themes of social dynamics and unrequited love make it accessible and impactful for a wide range of performers.
Actors should focus on the subtle shifts in tone and emotional stakes as the conversation progresses from light banter to heavy confession. For Emily, concentrate on the internal conflict between her desire for honesty and the shame of her past actions; her revelation about wanting to ask Jack out should be delivered with genuine longing and regret. For Jack, embody the journey from casual indifference and past hurt to a gradual understanding and quiet processing of Emily's confession. Pay attention to the contemporary rhythm of the dialogue, letting the comedy arise naturally from the characters' attempts to cope with their extraordinary situation and past grievances.