Characters

2

Performance Length

7 minutes

Synopsis

Taken from the longer one-act play “Heel Joseph Heal” by Andrew Kooman, this short, powerful scene is just right for workshops and auditions. "Breaking Up, Breaking Out" on Scriptmore presents an excerpt of a poignant journey of self-discovery and resilience that delves into the complexities of mental health, love, and personal growth. Joseph is a young man navigating his first year at Bible college while grappling with the profound mental health issues. As his life begins to unravel, Joseph turns to Cindy, his lifelong companion, for both solace and guidance. Her presence haunts and captivates his imagination. In a riveting exchange set in a janitor’s closet, Cindy, a powerful manifestation of Joseph's inner struggles, warns him about the potential consequences of his growing affection for a girl named Becky. Becky has become an unexpected confidante, providing Joseph an outlet for sharing his life and talking about his mental health struggles. Cindy does not approve of this budding connection, suggesting it will hurt their own relationship and also pose a risk to Joseph's life. Written to be performed by high school students or adults, "Breaking Up, Breaking Out" will offer the right actors enough complexity and emotional heft to challenge and demonstrate their skills as they inhabit these fascinating characters.

Performance Rating

High School - 18+

Audience Rating

Middle School - 18+