TED: Billy, sometimes when a mother and a
TED: father are divorced, there's a
TED: discussion about who the child should
TED: live with, the mother or the father.
TED: Now there is a man who is very wise.
The Judge's Decision — Kramer vs. Kramer
A father sits his young son down to explain that a judge has awarded custody to the mother. He attempts to remain strong while answering the child's practical and fearful questions about where he will sleep and who will protect him from nightmares.
Format: Duologue · Genre: Drama · Source: Kramer vs. Kramer · Author: Robert Benton · Characters: TED, BILLY
About This Scene
This poignant duologue from Kramer vs. Kramer presents a heartbreaking conversation between a father, TED, and his young son, BILLY. TED is tasked with explaining the difficult news that a judge has awarded custody of Billy to his mother, Joanna. The scene masterfully captures the deep emotional toll of divorce on a child, as Billy grapples with the practical implications of this life-altering decision, raising questions about where he will sleep and who will care for him.
Character Analysis
TED is a father grappling with immense emotional pain and the responsibility of delivering devastating news to his child, all while attempting to project strength and reassurance. He is clearly vulnerable and on the verge of breaking down, trying desperately to maintain composure for Billy's sake. BILLY, a young boy, represents the innocent and often unarticulated fears of a child caught in the middle of a parental separation. His questions, though seemingly simple, reveal profound anxieties about security, familiarity, and protection.
Why This Works for Auditions
This scene is a powerful vehicle for actors to showcase a wide range of emotions with subtlety and depth. The raw vulnerability of TED, coupled with the innocent yet weighty questions from BILLY, provides ample opportunity for dramatic tension and authentic character portrayal. It allows actors to demonstrate their ability to convey complex internal struggles while interacting with another character, making it ideal for self-tapes, agent showcases, or general practice.
Best Suited For
This duologue is exceptionally well-suited for male actors in the 35-45 age range who can embody a "Leading Man," "Everyman," or "Parent" archetype with a strong dramatic and vulnerable core. It is particularly effective for those looking to portray a character dealing with grief, loss, and the immense pressure of shielding a child from pain. Actors comfortable with exploring deep emotional landscapes will find this scene particularly rewarding.
Performance Tips
When approaching TED, focus on the internal struggle between his desire to comfort Billy and his own overwhelming sadness. The key is to convey his effort to remain stoic, allowing cracks in his facade to show through subtly. For BILLY, the performance should center on genuine curiosity and burgeoning fear, with each question building on his earlier anxieties. Both actors should pay close attention to the subtext, understanding that much is left unsaid between the lines, and allow the weight of the situation to inform their physicality and vocal choices.