Incomplete film script for performance art musical

Been thinking a lot recently about unrealised ideas. Below is the in-progress script I began last year for a high budget film about an aspiring actress/dancer who discovers performance art and her life is transformed. The start of the script is based on John Travolta's Staying Alive

WORKING TITLE: Staying Live

Synopsis:

The protagonist, Laura is an aspiring performer (dancer/actor). She’s taking dance classes and going on auditions with little success. To support herself she works in a night club as a cocktail waitress, she can’t even get a gig as a dancer in the club like her friend Jane. At the start of the film we get a glimpse into Laura’s hand-to-mouth existence and see her envy of her friend Jane’s success in both an audition and at the club.

On a notice-board at her dance school, Laura spots an advertisement seeking performers with a certain body type for a performance in a prestigious art gallery and she goes for it. She, Jane and Deborah (her mentor/dance instructor) are all offered roles. Laura thinks she’s finally getting lucky and that her career is about to blossom. Unfortunately, the opportunity is not quite what she expected and is very demanding and demeaning work. They all have to have their hair cut and dyed and to be fully waxed. They stand completely exposed and as motionless as possible for hours in high-heeled shoes that are the wrong size so their ankles swell and feet blister – all for the perfect photo. The photos are taken at the direction of the artist who is always mysteriously absent from the shoots/rehearsals which are run by her assistant.

(Scene idea: the girls talking ‘backstage’ as they change. Unlike Laura and her two friends, some of the other girls come from modelling background and others from a fine art background. The models say they would never have put up with this shit for a regular modelling gig, but they were willing to do more because it was ‘for art’. The artists explain that they were interested in being part of a performance art piece but gripe about the lack of criticality of the work, how it doesn’t compare to 70s feminist performance art. Laura listens and is curious, but doesn’t completely understand the arty girls.) 

One night Laura has a surreal dream that Jane takes over the performance by pulling a colourful scarf and beads from her vagina. This is sort of day residue as we have seen Jane perform a burlesque number in the club using a similar scarf but in a different way. When she’s getting ready for the performance she confides in Deborah about the dream, and one of the arty girls overhears and laughs and says that would be awesome, better yet she should pull a scroll out just like Schneemann did.

Laura is intrigued by this and googles Schneemann which propels her to learn more. Montage sequence: Laura stretching in empty dance studio, wrapping her feet and ankles in bandages (à la Flashdance) intercut with shots of her at the library searching the stacks (à la Legally Blonde) for books on feminist performance art.

Before the day of the gallery performance Laura has a dream. The dream sequence merges canonical performance art pieces with hollywood musical dance numbers and original songs. 

By the end of the film Laura becomes a performance artist and finds love. 

Characters: 

LAURA/ MODEL 1 (scroll-reader) 

JANE/MODEL 2    

DEBORAH/MODEL 3 

MODEL 4 

DIRECTOR

ADDITIONAL DANCERS/MODELS 5-12

DIRECTOR’S ASSISTANT 

 

SCENE 1 / Opening Credits: INT – THEATRE – DAY

 

DANCERS & MODELS doing 80s jazz/pop choreography like the start of Staying Alive (1983)[1]. DIRECTOR and ASSISTANT eye up dancers, choose dancers to go through to next round, dismissing the others. Montage of wide and medium shots of dancing groups and close-ups of DIRECTOR and ASSISTANT is inter-cut with shots of JANE and LAURA as they stretch, warm up and mentally prepare for their turn. JANE and LAURA’s group takes to the stage, LAURA fumbles almost immediately and steps out discouraged and upset. JANE goes onto next round. Shot of LAURA at back of theatre watching in envy.

 

SCENE 2: EXT – LONDON STREET - DAY

 

LAURA exits stage door into crowded streets. She walks for a while (dissolve shots) into shot of LAURA entering Dance Studio (camera pulls up to reveal sign above door).

 

 

SCENE 3: INT – DANCE STUDIO – DAY

 

DEBORAH is warming up in an empty dance studio. LAURA enters.

 

LAURA

Hi.

 

DEBORAH

Hi. You’re here early. Class doesn’t start for another half hour.

 

LAURA

I know. I got out of my audition early.

 

DEBORAH

How’d it go?

 

LAURA

I fell flat on my ass on the first turn.

 

DEBORAH

Oh, shit… at least you’re putting yourself out there. That takes courage.

 

LAURA

Not sure if it’s courage or temporary insanity.

 

DEBORAH

                                    (consolingly)

Cheer up, kid, there’ll be other auditions. You’re just learning, be patient with yourself.

 

LAURA looks forlorn.

 

DEBORAH

       (jokingly)

Quit feeling sorry for yourself, it’s bad for your complexion!

       (more serious now, but smiling)

Come on show me the routine they had you do…practice makes perfect!

 

LAURA puts her stuff down and starts to dance – she’s competent but awkward.

 

DEBORAH

       (encouraging and passionate)

Look in the mirror at yourself, you love to dance! Give it some attitude!

 

LAURA gives it a bit more pizzazz and is noticeably better.

 

                        DEBORAH

That’s it! You’ve got potential, real potential here.

 

Other classmates start to arrive and gawk at her. LAURA starts to look more exhausted.

 

OTHER CLASSMATE

Why does she get private lessons?

 

SCENE 4: EXT – LONDON STREET - SUNSET

 

LAURA runs across street in front of traffic and enters council flat.

 

SCENE 5, INT – (MONTAGE) LAURA’S HALLWAY/ BEDSIT/ BATHROOM/ HALLWAY/ CLUB – EVENING

 

LAURA walks up flights of stairs and passes trashy (possibly tranny) homeless person sitting on steps.

 

Enters Bedsit, throws her bag down and takes off her jacket, hangs it up, then pulls off her top.

 

LAURA is in the shower, her back to the camera – she’s washing her leotard, tights and bra with a bar of soap as she showers.

 

LAURA walks down stairs, again passing homeless person.

 

Establishing shot of night club, extras dancing, LAURA is carrying a tray of drinks, navigating a circuitous route through crowd, trying not to spill them. LAURA brings drinks to a table, change is left on the tray for her to pocket. Male and female clientele take turns winking or otherwise flirting with her. She does spill a few drinks discombobulated by the crowds of dancers. She heads to the bar to pick up a new set of drinks.

 

LAURA

            (to bartender)

I need another round of my last order. Last one ended up on the floor like my ass did at my audition earlier.

 

BARTENDER

Tough break.

            (fixes drinks and hands them to LAURA bemused)

                            Better hurry it up, the entertainment’s about to start.

 



[1] See intro credits for Staying Alive

The Do It All Dating Game - Script

This is the Script I wrote back in January when The Do It All Dating Game was just a dream. On Tuesday it will be a reality and probably quite different (especially since the cast of characters will be entirely different). 

 The Do It All Dating Game - Script

Stage is illuminated, spotlights swivel around stage area. Theme song plays (this tune: http://paulettenichols.bandcamp.com/track/do-it-all-dating-game with lyrics written and sung by Paulette Nichols)

 Projection Screen illuminates and John appears, introducing himself as the host of the show.

 

                                                            John

                        Welcome to the Do-It-All Dating Game, I’m your host John

                        Kilduff, otherwise known as Mr. Let’s Paint! I’m joining you via                                       
                        cyberspace all the way from Sunny California. Tonight we have

                        some very special guests who will be putting their multi-tasking

                        skills to the test all in the name of love. But first I want to introduce

                        you to my lovely assistant Oriana.

 

 Oriana enters stage wearing something snazzy like Vanna White, smiling and waiving.

 

                                                            John

                        Oriana is going to introduce you to this evening’s eligible

                        bachelors…

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Thank you Mr. Let’s Paint. Tonight we have with us a very manly

                        group of bachelors, let’s meet them.

 

Bachelor Number 1 spotlight is illuminated and he waives and smiles. Applause from audience.

 

                                                            Oriana cont’d

                        Bachelor number one is a graphic designer originally from London.

                        He describes himself as a quirky romantic, he enjoys warm waves, cool                              
                        breezes and existential philosophy…give a warm welcome to Robert  Bowes.

 

Bachelor Number 2 spotlight is illuminated, he waives and smiles. Applause from audience.

                                                            Oriana cont’d

                        Bachelor No. 2 lives here in Nottingham and one of his favourite

                        places is The Broadway. A martial arts instructor with a sensitive side,

                        he can’t live without a good cup of tea and his dog Sparky. Say hello

                        to Paul Chappel.

 

Bachelor Number 3 spotlight is illuminated, he waives and smiles. Applause from audience.

 

                                                            Oriana cont’d

                        And last but certainly not least, Bachelor No 3 is a school teacher from                              
                        Liverpool - we ladies love those Scouse accents. He’s a junky for politics                                 

                        and loves the opportunity to rally for causes and campaigns, Ken Murray.

                       

Applause.

                                                            Oriana cont’d

                        Over to you John.

 

                                                            John

                        Now to prevent our bachelorette from hearing anything about our

                        bachelors, we’ve kept her in isolation backstage. Let’s find out

                        out more about her before we bring her on stage…She’s from Newcastle

                        and works as an advertising executive. She’s also a keen singer and is

                        a member of her community chorus. She says she’s tired of dating                                      

                        wimps and needs someone who can step up and be a man. Welcome     
                        Shelley Smithson.

 

Bachelorette comes to the stage, stands by Oriana who shakes her hand. Bachelorette then smiles/waives at audience. Applause from audience.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Hi Shelley how are you? What does a guy have to do to prove

                        he’s the man for you?

 

                                                            Bachelorette

                        Well, Oriana I’m a very strong, independent woman and a lot

                        of guys are intimidated by that.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Oh, I know honey, you don’t have to tell me.

 

                                                            Bachelorette

                        So I need a man that can handle me.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Well, you’ve come to the right place Shelley, we’ve got

                        three eligible and capable bachelors here for you and we’re going to

                        put them to the test.

 

                                                            John

                        That’s right. Our three bachelors are not only going to be

                        answering your questions Shelley, but they’ll also be

                        exercising, drawing and making sandwiches.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        I hope you boys are ready for this creative cardio-challenge!

 

The three bachelors jump on their mini-trampolines.

 

                                                            John

                        So we’ll get back to bachelor number one to say hello to Shelley.

                       

                                                            Bachelor No 1

                        Hey there Shelley. I’ve got a pastrami on rye coming up for you

                        right here.

 

                                                            Bachelorette

                        Sounds great.

 

Applause.

 

                                                            John

                        And bachelor number 2…

 

                                                            Bachelor No. 2

                        Hi Shelley, this is bachelor number 2, if you need someone strong

                        who can go the distance, then I’m the man for you.

 

                                                            Bachelorette

                        Wow, hi bachelor number 2.

 

                                                            John

                        Bachelor number 3 say hi to Shelley.

                       

                                                            Bachelor No. 3

                        Good evening Shelley. I’m going to be drawing a picture of the

                        Breath-takingly beautiful spot I’ll be taking you to on our first

                        romantic getaway.

 

Applause.

                                                            Bachelorette

                        Oooh, sounds lovely, nice to meet you bachelor number 3.

 

                                                            John

                        Alright gentlemen, good luck to you. Shelley let’s play the dating game.

 

Applause.       

                                                            Bachelorette

                        Ok bachelor no 1, I’m wood and you’re sandpaper, tell me the sound I                              

                        make when you rub me the wrong way.

 

                                                            Bachelor No. 1

                        I’d only rub you the wrong way if you wanted it baby. So I imagine

                        It would sound something like (in a falsetto voice) oooh oh, that’s

                        the spot!

 

Hooting and applause.

                                                            Bachelorette

                        Ok. (giggles and covers face in embarrassment) Bachelor no. 2, what’s                              

                        your secret to beautiful skin?       

 

                                                            Bachelor No. 2

                        Well, I was born with good skin, but to keep it that way I need

                        you beside me, keeping me blushing.

 

Aw-ing and applause.

                                               

                                                            Bachelorette

                        I’ve often been compared to Princess Diana because of my

                        poise and charitable nature, which member of the royal family

                        have you been compared to and why?

 

                                                            Bachelor No. 3

                        Thankfully, I’ve never been compared with any members of the royal                                

                        family although I do have Prince William’s charm and just like Will

                        wooed Kate, I’m going to woo you.

 

                                                            John

                        All this talk of wooing, Oriana let’s see how they’re doing.

 

Oriana approaches the bachelors.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Well, John it looks like all three bachelors are breaking into a sweat

                        here. Bachelor No. one how’s that sandwich coming along?

 

Oriana makes some small talk with each one with John adding in the odd comment.

 

                                                            John

                        I think it’s time for the next round of questions Shelley.

 

Oriana goes back to Bachelorette side.

 

                                                            Bachelorette

                        Bachelor No. 2, you are a Carnival Leader standing outside Bachelor No. 1’s tent, let’s hear about the bizarre things I’ll experience if I step inside.

 

                                                            Bachelor No. 2

                        Ladies and gentlemen step right up! In the corner you will see the Thinnest Man on earth as he wrestles with his B.L.T., sweating profusely and trying to draw what looks like a bun, behold bachelor number one.

 

Laughs and applause.

                                                            Bachelorette

                        Thank you. Bachelor No. 1 same question about Bachelor No. 2.

 

                                                            Bachelor No. 1

                        Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, step right up and behold this man

                        is stuck in 1985, he looks like Ferris Beuller, he’s obsessed with John Hughes movies and he thinks Margaret Thatcher is still the Prime Minister.

 

Laughs and applause.

 

                                                            Bachelorette

                        Bachelor No. 3, now I know you’re not a Scotsman, but if you were you’d wear a kilt. Tell me some of the joys of skirt-wearing for men.

 

                                                            Bachelor No. 3

                        Well Lassie, if I were a Scotsman I’d be enjoying the breeze right now from bouncing up and down on this trampoline and the audience would

                        be amazed when they catch a glimmer of my manhood.

 

Hooting and applause. The show would continue as such. (We have to decide how much time to give to questions). A sound cue will signal the end of the question round.

 

                                                            John

                        That sound means we’re out of time on the question round. Thanks for those very thought-provoking and revealing questions Shelley.

                                               

                                                            Oriana

                        You’ve got a tough choice to make Shelley.

 

                                                            Bachelorette

                        I sure do.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        These guys are really standing up to the challenge though.

 

                                                            John

                        Yes, indeed Oriana. But maybe we can help Shelley make her decision a little more easily. Now it’s time for our bachelors to supply their sandwiches for a taste-test. Let’s see whether or not the way into Shelley’s heart is through her stomach.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Mmm. Good idea John. Now you bachelors can keep busy making some finishing touches on your drawings.

 

                                                            John

                        Keep going bachelors, show Shelley what you’ve got!

 

Oriana retrieves sandwiches from the Bachelors, placing them on plates on a tray with toothpick flags stating Bachelor numbers to avoid confusion. Bachelorette tastes each one and makes comments. John also makes comments in response to the appearance of the sandwiches and the look on the bachelorette’s face as she tastes them.

 

                                                            John

                        For our final round, gentlemen it’s time to reveal your creative side. Let’s give Shelley a peek at those drawings.    

 

Oriana goes and retrieves each drawing from bachelors, placing blank covering sheet with bachelor numbers over each one. An easel is set up near the Bachelorette for Oriana to display them on.

 

                                                            John

                        Which masterpiece will capture Shelley’s attention? Will it be bachelor No. 1’s!?

 

Oriana removes the covering sheet from top drawing and holds arms out framing the drawing (as if on ‘The Price is Right’). The audience ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ fixated on the bachelorette’s reactions. John comments on drawings and her reactions.

 

                                                            John

                        Will it be Bachelor No. 2’s?

 

Oriana reveals No. 2’s drawing.

 

                                                            John

                        Or will Bachelor No. 3’s drawing open Shelley’s eyes to love?

 

Oriana reveals No. 3’s drawing.

 

                                                            John

                        Which is your favourite Shelley?

 

                                                            Shelley

                        Well, it’s a tough choice, but I like bachelor No.1’s drawing the best.

 

                                                            John

                        Nice choice, but will your two hearts beat as one?

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Let’s take a pulse check gentlemen while Shelley can take some time

                        to mull over her decision…

 

                                                            John

                        Gentleman step of off your trampolines and find your pulse.

 

Ticking clock sound begins and runs for 30 seconds. Meanwhile John explains the details of how high verses low pulse rate indicates health.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Bachelor No. 1, tell me your count.

 

They run through the numbers one at a time.

 

                                                            John

                        Now that you know all the facts Shelley, you’ve got to make your selection. Will it be Bachelor No 1?

 

Applause.

 

                                                            John cont’d

                        Or Bachelor No. 2?

 

Applause

 

                                                            John cont’d

                        Or will it be Bachelor No 3?

 

                                                            Shelley

                        They all sound wonderful but I’m gonna go with Bachelor No. 1

 

                                                            John

                        Number 1.                              

Applause.

 

                                                            John cont’d

                        Why bachelor no. 1, what did he do or say to get you interested?

 

                                                            Shelley

                        Well, I liked his painting and his answer to the questions, he

                        sounded very spontaneous and I like that.

 

                                                            John

                        Ok, well before you meet him, let’s introduce you to the two

                        gentlemen you didn’t choose. Bachelor No. 2 lives locally and

                        is a martial arts instructor with a sensitive side. His name is Paul

                        Chappel. Come on out Paul!

 

Bachelor No. 2 comes and greets Bachelorette with a kiss on the cheek.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Thanks for coming on the show Paul.

 

Oriana indicates for him to steps to the side.

 

                                                            John

                        And you didn’t choose Bachelor No. 3, he’s a school teacher from                                     

                        Liverpool and a junky for politics. He’s Ken Murray. Come on out

                        Ken.

 

Bachelor No. 3 comes and gives Bachelorette a hug.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Hi Ken, thanks for your efforts, better luck next time!

 

Oriana takes his arm and leads him to a spot next to Bachelor No. 2.

 

                                                            John

                        He seems rather dejected, doesn’t he?

 

                                                            Bachelorette

                        Awe.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Well, he shouldn’t be… because he and Bachelor No. 2 aren’t

                        going home completely empty-handed. They’ll each receive

                        our consolation prizes, these 100% cotton T-shirts with Mr. Let’s

                        Paint’s motto “Embrace Failure”.

 

                                                            John

                        Words of wisdom boys, take them to heart. Now Shelley, you did choose Bachelor No. 1, before he comes out let me tell you about him. Bachelor

                        number one is a graphic designer originally from London. He describes himself as a quirky romantic, he enjoys warm waves, cool breezes and existential philosophy. His name is Robert Bowes. Come out Robert!

 

Bachelor No. 1 comes out and kisses bachelorette on the cheek.

                                                            Oriana

                        Congratulations Robert!

 

                                                            John

                        We’re going to send you guys on a great date.

 

Oriana or John gives details of date.

 

                                                            John cont’d

                        Congratulations to Shelley and Robert! I hope you have a swell time on                             

                        that fantastic evening for two. Relax and enjoy the delights of Nottingham.

                        Thanks to all our guests and to my lovely assistant Oriana. And remember

                        folks…

 

John will adlib parting words leading to the interval between rounds.

 

                                                            John con’td

                        Let’s give a final round of applause to the happy couple.

 

Applause.

 

20 min Interval. This will allow John and Oriana to prepare introduction paragraphs for new contestants.