Tess Has Dinner with Laird

Written by Bradley Cooper and Will Arnett & Mark Chappell for the contemporary comedy-drama film Is This Thing On?, this two-minute duologue captures a dinner conversation between two former athletes. As they discuss the psychological challenges of transitioning out of professional competition and into coaching, their professional discussion turns deeply personal. The conversation shifts naturally from athletic identity to the awkward reality of midlife divorce and sudden singlehood.

Both Laird and Tess are seasoned competitors learning how to redefine themselves outside of their former sports careers. Laird is warm, encouraging, and charming, having found purpose and emotional stability through coaching after his marriage ended years ago. Tess is open, observant, and reflective, wrestling with missing the sport while quietly dealing with her own fresh marital separation. Their dynamic blends mutual respect with an underlying spark of romantic possibility.

This scene offers actors a fantastic vehicle to display grounded conversational realism, charm, and nuanced vulnerability. Rather than relying on overt conflict, the stakes come from internal career transitions and the tentative steps of dating in midlife. Casting directors get to see performers handle comedic timing and poignant personal reveals in a tightly contained, realistic environment.

This piece is ideal for actors in the 45-55 age range fitting Leading Man, Leading Lady, Romantic Lead, Charming, or Everyman casting types. Due to its intimate staging and conversational dialogue, it functions exceptionally well for self-tape submissions, agent showcases, or general scene study practice.

Lean into the relaxed camaraderie of two people who share a common athletic background, letting that shared history establish quick trust and easy physical comfort. Keep the comedic beats deadpan and natural rather than playing them for broad laughs. Pay close attention to active listening, particularly when the conversation pivots from professional coaching advice to personal family updates, allowing the unspoken realizations between the characters to linger.