Relate Theater to Your Major

When signing up for this class, I chose it primarily because it was required. I also thought it might help my future career, as the next Ken Jennings. It also seemed interesting, as I do love to watch movies, so I would at least have a connection with this class. I did not realize, however, that it would not only incorporate my previous readings about World War 2, but also my career path in life. My major is International Studies, with a focus on Arabic. This class, and also its connection with the Academy Awards, has actually helped me learn about many different actors and actresses from across the globe, along with the styles and techniques used to act. Learning another language has similar characteristics to acting, and with those majoring in either subject, practice makes perfect.
During our semester, the Academy Awards, or Oscars, were broadcast across the United States. This feature program not only emphasized what we learned in class about the different occupations that go along with the entire theater productions, but also showed us a worldwide view of the most popular movies with their cultural and historical differences.
Many movies lately have historical and political ties, such as Frost/Nixon. This ties in well with my International Studies major, as I am also taken under the wing of the Political Science Department. This brings much history, factual evidence, and drama to the screen as it portrays the events of Nixon’s resignation and its aftermath. It had five nominations for the Oscars, including Best Motion Picture of the Year, and Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role.
Another movie that was up for five nominations, including Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role and Best Motion Picture of the year combines not only my love of history and culture, but also my accidental hobby of acquiring information about the Holocaust. Doubt, starring Kate Winslet, reaches its climax post-WW2, during an observation of a Nazi war trial. This film is wonderfully dramatic, with its troublesome climax, and the back-story that is hidden from almost all of the characters of the movie.
Slumdog Millionaire, which uniquely ties two interests in theater together -- love of international cultures, along with a yearning to win at a game show-- to win 8 Academy Awards. How did these actors do it? They learned their lines and their acting the same way I learn my Arabic vocabulary: memorization through practice. They must articulate their words to be understood on the big screen, I also must articulate mine if I want a high-paying job from the government someday.
Having participated in a play during high school, I know exactly how hard it is to memorize lines. It is exactly, if not more difficult, to remember words in a completely different language. It is as if I am required to memorize a short play a week. My major has taught me to have more respect for the acting community, and to realize their aptitude at learning, memorizing, and performing their lines in front of an audience or even a camera. This theater class has been useful to me, not only as an International Studies major, but also as an observer of daily theater.

Write a Play

Write a play. You may write an original short play. It should have at least two characters, a clear beginning, middle and end and should contain at least 50 lines of dialogue. (No maximum)



(The setting is central park, on a warm, clear, spring day. Brian and Jean are sitting on a bench, watching a wedding.)

Brian: Isn't that beautiful?
Jean: Yeah, that's nice...
B: You know what? We should get married at central park someday.
J: (looking away) Yeah, someday...
B: Let's go get some lunch.

(they're sitting in a restaurant, Brian orders a beer and Jean, a beer.)

Brian: Check out the jugs on that one. (looks at the waitress' boobs)
Jean: Can you seriously not do that? I don't care if you look, just keep it to yourself. (looks at the waitress' boobs, too)
Waitress: What can I get for you today?
B: I'll have... a garden burger, please.
J: & I'll have... the usual. Thanks.
Waitress: Ok. I'll have it back in a minute.
(waitress walks off with order) (Brian fidgets)
J: What's up with you today?
B: Oh... nothing. Just excited about my garden burger.
J: Yeah, about that. Since when have you been worried about your weight?
B: I don't know... I've just been thinking about it lately...
(waitress returns, Brian's eyes light up.)

Waitress: Here you are. Enjoy your meal. (Waitress lays down garden burger and deep fried Oreo)
Brian: Dig in!
Jean: (picking up fork) This looks delicious, as always.
Jean: (makes choking sounds) cough - help- cough!
Brian: (gets down on one knee) It'll all be over in a second, honey.
J: (coughs up a gold, diamond ring) What's going on?!
B: You know how much I care for you, and how much I always will. I will love you until the end of time. Will you marry me?
J: (startled) Was this why we saw that wedding in Central Park today?
B: I thought it would start the day out nicely. What do you say?
J: (looks uncomfortable) I have something I need to tell you.
B: What is it?! !!!
J: Well, it would be better if I could just show you. Let's go.
(they walk to a discreet apartment building, and walk upstairs)
B: What is this place?
J: I'm sorry Brian. You'll understand everything in a minute.
B: I trust you, Jean.

(they open an unmarked door - Jean walks in, where a group of women looks over.

Group of Women: (in unison) Susie!
B: What is this... (stink eye) Susie?
Jean/Susie: This is the Anonymous Lesbian Bar. ALB has been my past time since I was a teenager. I always just thought it was a hobby, but lately I've been meaning to talk to you about it.
Brian: What was all that one-in-a-million talk? I thought you said I had a chance!
J/S: I know, I know. I should've said something earlier.
Brian: Oh, ho ho. Have I got something to show you then. (hands ball up into fists)
Group of Women: (in unison) Bye Susie!
J/S: (waves) Bye everyone!
(they leave together, Brian leading the way down a different street)
J: What are you thinking about? I'm so sorry!
B: Don't say anything yet. There's something you need to know about me, too.
(they walk into New York's biggest hospital)
B: You know how I come here every week for my internship? Well, that's not the only reason.
(Brian walks over to a nurse, who in turn brings Brian a full needle)
B: Do you know what this is?
J: No...
B: It's testosterone. My name... is Brianna.
J: Really? What?!
B: I fell in love with you a few years ago, when I saw you from across a bar. I knew you would never want or need another woman in your life, so I thought this would be the only way.
J: Oh, Brianna.
B: Don't you see? We belong together! You, a woman. Me, a masculine woman. There's nothing else we will ever need. Do you say yes?
J: Brianna! Yes! Yes! Yes!

(much kissing and hugging follows, nurses and patients applaud)

(In Massachusetts, in front of a court official)
Judge: Do you, Brianna, take Jean to be your lawfully wedded wife?
Brianna: I do.
Judge: & do you, Jean, take Brianna to be your lawfully wedded wife?
Jean: I do.
Judge: I now pronouce you wife and wife! You may kiss the wife!

(Jean and Brianna kiss, and live happily ever after.