Readers' Theatre from 38 Weeks Till Summer Vacation by Mona Kerby

Readers' Theater for 38 Weeks till Summer Vacation

#1 Live from the Girls' Bathroom
#2 A Real Live Author

Readers' Theater #1 based on "Live from the Girls' Bathroom" from 38 Weeks till Summer Vacation

I am _________________, and I play the Narrator.

I am _________________, and I play Nora Jean.

I am _________________, and I play Chip.

I am _________________, and I play Mr. Miller, the principal.

I am _________________, and I play the television reporter.

Narrator: It is a hot September afternoon at school, and Chip and Nora Jean have just finished cleaning the erasers by beating them outside. Inside the school, they stop by the water fountain, and Nora Jean steps into the girls’ bathroom.

Nora Jean: (screams and then yells) Chip, come here!

Chip: Gee whiz, Nora Jean. I can’t go in the girls’ bathroom.

Nora Jean: You’re gonna miss it if you don’t!

Narrator: Nora Jean stares at the toilet. She flushes. Nothing happens.

Nora Jean: Chip! This may be your last chance!

Narrator: Chip tiptoes into the girls’ bathroom. Both of them stare at the toilet bowl. A big black snake stares at them. That’s when the commotion starts. The girls in Mrs. Carter’s class come in, and they start screaming. Mrs. Carter comes in, Mr. Miller comes in, and someone calls the fire department. After the students go back to class, Mr. Miller comes to the room.

Mr. Miller: Come with me, Nora Jean and Chip.

Narrator: Nora Jean and Chip obey, but they think they are in trouble.

Chip: Mr. Miller, Nora Jean and I didn’t put the snake in the toilet, honest. And I’m sorry for going in the girls’ bathroom, but I thought Nora Jean was gonna puke. Honest.

Mr. Miller: What’s that?

Narrator: Mr. Miller seems to be thinking of something else. He straightens his tie.

Mr. Miller: Oh, sure I understand. Listen, kids. There’s a Channel 5 reporter who wants to ask you a few questions on camera. You’ll be representing us, so be on your best behavior, okay?

Nora Jean: (gulps) Yes, sir.

Narrator: The reporter wants to film the story in the bathroom. Mr. Miller, Chip, and Nora Jean line up in front of the stalls. Behind them, the fireman work on the toilet.

Reporter: Folks, we’re standing here in the girls’ bathroom of R. B. Nolen Elementary School. A most unusual event occurred here today. It seems that a rattlesnake from the sewer swam up the pipes into one of the toilets. Well, little girl, what do you have to say?

Nora Jean: It was a sight to behold.

Reporter: And little boy, I take it you rushed in to aid a damsel in distress. What do you have to say for yourself?

Chip: I wish we could have snakes in the toilet every day.

Reporter: Ho-ho, out of the mouths of babes. And here is the principal, Mr. Eugene Miller. Speak your words of wisdom, Mr. Principal.

Mr. Miller: (fiddles with his tie and pulls up his pants) Uh, yes. We try to provide all kinds of learning experiences here at R. B. Nolen Elementary.

Reporter: Well, well. And who said Texas couldn’t improve its schools.

Narrator: At this moment, the fireman finally kills the snake in the toilet by slicing off the snake’s head.

Chip: Eew, gross.

Reporter: Hush, kid. And so, once again, our fireman have saved us. Back to you, Brad.

Narrator: The reporter reminds them to watch the six o’clock news, then he leaves the girls’ bathroom of R. B. Nolen Elementary School.

Everyone: And that is just another ordinary day at school.

THE END

Readers' Theater #2 based on the chapter "A Real Live Author" from 38 Weeks till Summer Vacation

I am ____________________, and I play the Narrator.
I am ____________________, and I play Nora Jean.
I am ____________________, and I play Chip.
I am ____________________, and I play the author, Anne Knox.
I am ____________________, and I play Student #1.
I am ____________________, and I play Student #2.
I am_____________________, and I play Student #3.

Narrator:   The famous Anne Knox is coming to speak to the students in Mrs. Carter’s class. Nora Jean and Chip are waiting on the porch to greet her.
Nora Jean:    I am glad Mrs. Carter picked us to be the hosts for the author.
Chip:    Me, too. My uncle says this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Nora Jean:    I wonder if she’ll be driving a limousine?
Chip:    Probably. Authors are rich.
Nora Jean:    You think she’ll wear a mink coat?
Chip:    Naw. It’s too hot.
Narrator:    An old beige station wagon pulls into the school driveway.
Nora Jean:    You think that’s her?
Chip:    Naw. Look at that car.
Nora Jean:    But she’s got brown hair and that’s how Mrs. Carter described her. Run out there and be sure.

Narrator: It is Anne Knox. Nora Jean unrolls red construction paper which she has taped together and which she hopes looks like a red carpet. Chip and Nora Jean introduce Anne Knox to everyone they see before they bring her to Mrs. Carter’s class. Anne Knox talks about books and writing.

Anne Knox:   I’ve talked long enough. Do you have any questions?
Student #1:    How many books have you written?
Anne Knox:    I’ve had five published and I’ve written many more that are unpublished.
Student #2:    Why did you write about roaches?
Anne Knox:    (smiles) Everyone loves roaches, don’t they?
Student #3:     Eew-yuk!
Nora Jean:    Do you like to write? I was going to be a writer, but I was too busy.
Anne Knox:    Interesting question. I like to write because I like to think. But sometimes I goof off.
Chip:    Do you get mugged at airports?
Anne Knox:    Pardon me? I’m not sure I understand.
Chip:    You know. Since you’re so famous. Do people mug you and ask for your autograph?
Anne Knox:    (laughs) I’m really not famous at all. I’m just an ordinary person.
Nora Jean:    Well, at least you’re a live author instead of a dead one.

Narrator: This time, the whole class laughs. Mrs. Carter then invites everyone to have some cake.
Everyone: Hip-hip-hooray! THE END