A Lunch Line
Contemporary Scenes for Contemporary Teens
by Caleen Jennings
A collection of short contemporary plays, scenes and monologues, with an introductory essay, "Directing Scenes with Teenagers." 92 pp, paper bound. $ 8.95
How many of you teachers and directors identify with this situation? "Suddenly I was standing in a classroom face to face with ten very serious, very talented young students who wanted to do monologues and scenes. None of the material I came across seemed appropriate for them. Most plays hinged around a single star. What to do with the other nine kids in the class? Existing scenes were either on the level of Dick and Jane or A Streetcar Named Desire, with little or no middle ground. What to do with kids who were still kids, but who wanted more meaty, substantive pieces with real drama and conflict?"
Caleen Jennings ended up writing her own material. Inspired by the format of A Chorus Line, A Lunch Line flashes a roving spotlight on a random collection of adolescents, and provides center-stage moments for every student in your class or club. You'll find it easy to gather material to highlight their talents and stretch their abilities in scenes that to put their own lives and concerns on stage.
A Lunch Line is conveniently indexed by subject matter (Friendship, Being Cool, School, Boy/Girl, Racial Issues, etc.) as well as casting requirements (Scenes for Four Boys, Scenes for Two Girls, Monologues for Girls, etc.) You'll be able to recommend it with confidence to young people who want to put their own lives and concerns on stage.
Caleen Jennings deals with contemporary issues with a significant flair that speaks to the teen of today. With wit, perception, love and respect, her work cleverly addresses subjects that are important in our very complex society. Ethics, peer pressure, moral dilemmas and self-worth are just a few of the sensitive topics of her work.
Gail Humphries Breeskin
American University
Washington, D.C.
"A Lunch Line was probably the most important contribution Caleen made to BAPA (Bethesda Academy of Performing Art)," said Bonnie Fogel, the Academy's Executive Director. "BAPA students continue to use and enjoy the scenes and monologues that are neither too babyish nor too much of a stretch. Caleen has a great gift and accessible writing style that children relate to easily. The children believe 'the persona I'm taking on could be me.' BAPA uses Jenning's work informally in classes and also has staged her plays."
Ellyn Wexler
The Montgomery MD Gazette
Sample Pages
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