Script Activity: The Diner

This script extract is set in an 1950s American diner. Two of our main characters Danny and Sonny (high-school ‘greasers’) are ordering food. Danny spots Sandy, a girl he likes, in the diner with another boy. Danny and Sandy have fallen out. He would like to be friends but can’t express how he really feels because he wants to protect his ‘cool’ reputation.

Task 1: What happens next? Will Danny do the right thing or will he end up making a fool of himself trying to be ‘cool’? You will need to finish the scene by completing the script. Try using some of the old slang terms these teenagers would have used back in the 1950s. The words in brackets are stage directions telling the actor what to do. These are not read aloud.

Sonny: Yo Danny! Order me a hot dog won’t ya? I’m just parking the wheels.

Danny: No sweat. Want fries with that?

Sonny: Why not.

Danny: (Now inside the diner. To the waitress) Hey, can I get a hot dog with all the trimmings, some fries and a coke. Oh and a double chocolate sundae.

Sonny: (Joining Danny inside). It's antsville in here tonight. Cheers dude. How much dough do I owe ya? Hey isn’t that chick Sandy? What is she doing with that goofball?

Danny:.......

Task 2: Once you have a complete script, act the scene out in small groups. Don't forget to test out those American (Mid-Western/ Chicago) accents!

Key things to consider:

• How will you show the audience that you are in a diner? (Eg. props)

• How does Danny feel when he sees Sandy?

• Danny can’t tell his friends how he really feels so how will you communicate to the audience that Danny is hiding his true emotions?

• What characteristics will you include in your acting to show that the boys in this scene are greasers?