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monologue
drama
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The Obsidian Stare

from On the Exhale

Written by Martin Zimmerman

On the Exhale

A college professor recounts the terrifying moment a disgruntled male student reveals a concealed weapon during a grade dispute. The scene explores the power dynamics of the classroom and the visceral, instinctive fear of gun violence.

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THE PROFESSOR: You always imagined it happening to you. Some young student — always male — in your cramped basement office, twitching with anger, fear, about not getting into med school, law school, or the like, about mountains of debt swallowing his stillborn future, and all because of you. Because you dared make him look outside himse

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CharactersThe Professor
Duration1-2 minutes
Age Range30s-50s
Genderfemale
Genredrama
PeriodContemporary
Formatmonologue
SourceOn the Exhale
Tonetense, fearful, analytical
Suitable Fordrama school audition, agent showcase, self tape, competition
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