Title: "Paths of Pressure"

Setting: A schoolyard with benches, trees, and a backdrop of lockers, creating a realistic school
environment.

Characters:
· Friend 1 (Alex) - Supported by their family; confident and happy.

· Friend 2 (Jordan) - Pressured by their family to pursue a passion they don’t like; struggles with
drug use.

· Friend 3 (Taylor) - Pressured by their family to pursue a passion they don’t like; ultimately
succumbs to despair.

Scene 1: The Schoolyard (1 minute)

(The scene opens with all three friends sitting together on a bench, laughing and sharing snacks.)

Action:
· Alex animatedly shares stories, gesturing wildly and laughing.

· Jordan smiles weakly, occasionally glancing at Alex, but looking uncomfortable.

· Taylor sits apart slightly, fidgeting and avoiding eye contact, reflecting a sense of
isolation.

Scene 2: The Family Influence (1.5 minutes)

(Alex receives a text on their phone and beams with joy.)

Action:
· Alex mimics a conversation with their supportive family, gesturing with thumbs up and
smiles.

· They pretend to say things like “I’m so excited!” and mime celebrating a recent
achievement.

(Jordan looks at Alex and sighs deeply.)

Action:
· Jordan pulls out their phone, reading messages from their family. They mime receiving
 pressure to pursue something they don't enjoy (e.g., mimicking sports practice).

· They shake their head, showing frustration, and mimic arguing with their parents
silently.

(Taylor’s phone buzzes, and they read a message.)

Action:
· Taylor's face drops as they mimic harsh criticism from their family. They fold their arms,
appearing small and defeated, as if carrying a heavy burden.

Scene 3: The Struggle (1.5 minutes)

(Jordan stands up, pacing back and forth, visibly anxious.)

Action:
· They mime looking for an escape and then reaching into their pocket, pretending to use
drugs. Their expression turns from relief to guilt.

· They stumble slightly, as if losing control, and sit down heavily, head in hands.

(Taylor watches Jordan with concern, stepping closer.)

Action:
· Taylor mimics trying to reach out but then hesitates, feeling their own pressure. They
mime expressing their emotions through gestures but feel ignored.

· The tension builds as Jordan and Taylor’s expressions reflect their struggles, creating a
silent dialogue.

Scene 4: A Moment of Connection (1 minute)

(Alex notices the tension and stands up, walking toward Jordan and Taylor.)

Action:
· Alex gestures for both friends to sit together, trying to foster a sense of unity.

· They mime asking, “What’s wrong?” with hand gestures, encouraging openness.
(Jordan and Taylor exchange glances.)

Action:
· Jordan starts to mime their frustrations about family pressures, exaggerating their
emotions to show how heavy it feels.

· Taylor mimics feeling overwhelmed, shaking their head and pretending to pull at their
hair in frustration.

Scene 5: The Breaking Point (1 minute)

(Jordan’s demeanor worsens; they stand up suddenly, miming a breakdown.)

Action:
· Jordan clutches their head, looking around desperately for an escape, then collapses to
the ground, overwhelmed.

· They mime taking out drugs again, looking conflicted but feeling unable to stop.

(Taylor watches, eyes wide with concern.)

Action:
· Taylor reaches out to help Jordan but then stops, mimicking their own despair. They sit
back down, feeling trapped in their emotions.

Scene 6: The Tragic Decision (1 minute)

(The mood darkens as Taylor sits alone, staring blankly.)

Action:
· Taylor mimes holding something heavy (representing despair) and weighing it in their
hands, looking back and forth as if considering options.

· They pretend to breathe heavily, representing the anxiety building within them, and
slowly shake their head.
(Taylor finally mimics taking a deep breath, signaling a tragic decision.)

Action:
· They mime putting their head in their hands, showing a profound sense of hopelessness.
The light dims slightly as Taylor’s presence fades.

Scene 7: The Aftermath (1 minute)

(The scene shifts back to Alex, now alone in the schoolyard.)

Action:
· Alex looks around, confused and heartbroken, searching for their friends.

· They mime recalling happy moments with Jordan and Taylor, smiling briefly before their
expression turns to sadness as they realize they’re gone.

Scene 8: A Call for Understanding (1 minute)

(Alex stands center stage, looking out at the audience with determination.)

Action:
· They mime reaching out to the audience, conveying a message of empathy and support.
Their gestures emphasize the importance of listening and being there for friends.

· Alex gestures towards the empty space where Jordan and Taylor were, indicating the
void left by their struggles.

(The lights dim slowly as Alex continues to mime, emphasizing the need for awareness and
communication about mental health.)