Just A Drill | A Suspenseful Drama Short by Julianne Donelle

Summary

The script depicts a school's active shooter drill, which takes an unexpected turn when realism blurs with reality. Drama students are incorporated as actors, adding an eerie authenticity to the exercise. Tensions rise as the drill progresses, with teachers and students alike grappling with the gravity of the situation. Amidst the chaos, a student's plea for help suggests that the drill may have become more than just a practice, leaving the audience on edge.

Takeaways

• 🏫 The script is set in a school environment during a lockdown drill for an active shooter situation.
• 🎭 Drama students are involved in the drill, playing the roles of actors to simulate the scenario.
• 📚 Teachers and students are expected to follow specific procedures and protocols during the drill.
• 📢 The principal announces the drill over the loudspeaker, emphasizing the need for quick evacuation and adherence to the drill's rules.
• 📝 Teachers, like Miss Walker, are responsible for managing their classrooms and ensuring student safety during the drill.
• 👨‍👦 Simon, a student, tries to make up for a missed quiz, but Miss Walker explains the rules for make-up tests and the importance of following them.
• 🚨 Security personnel communicate via radio, providing updates on the shooter's supposed location within the school.
• 🔒 Students and teachers are instructed to lock down, barricading doors and collecting cell phones to simulate real-life responses.
• 🚨 The drill escalates with simulated gunshots and urgent calls for help, increasing the intensity and realism of the situation.
• 🆘 There's a moment of confusion when a student, Simon, pleads for help, suggesting that the drill may have become too realistic or that there's an actual threat.
• 🤔 The script ends on a tense note, leaving the audience uncertain about the nature of the events, blurring the lines between drill and reality.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the drill mentioned in the script?

The drill is an Active Shooter Drill, designed to be realistic and to prepare the school for the steps of communication in case of an actual active shooter situation.

Who is Eva and what is her role in the script?

Eva, also known as Miss Walker, is a teacher at the school. She is involved in the drill and interacts with students and other staff members throughout the script.

What is the significance of the hall pass mentioned at the beginning of the script?

The hall pass is a permission slip allowing the person to be in the hallways during the drill, indicating that they are part of the props department for the drill.

What is the role of the drama students in the drill?

The drama students are acting as actors in the drill, presumably playing the roles of victims or participants in the scenario to make the drill more realistic.

Why does Jay feel like he needs to get used to feeling like a grown-up?

Jay is likely a new staff member or a teacher who has recently started at the school and is still adjusting to his role and responsibilities.

What is the significance of the bell ringing in the script?

The bell ringing signals the end of a period or the start of an event, such as the Active Shooter Drill, and prompts students and teachers to prepare for the next activity.

What is the principal's instruction regarding the students who are not designated volunteers?

The principal instructs that students who are not designated volunteers must leave the campus as quickly as possible before the drill starts.

Why does Simon want to make up for last week's quiz?

Simon missed the quiz because he went on a fishing trip with his father, and he is seeking to make up for the missed quiz to improve his grade.

What is the policy for making up missed quizzes according to Eva?

The policy requires a note from a doctor or a parent's call for permission ahead of time to make up a missed quiz.

What is the role of the security personnel during the drill?

The security personnel are responsible for communicating over the walkie-talkies, providing updates on the shooter's location, and ensuring the drill proceeds as planned.

What is the reaction of the participants when they hear gunshot sounds during the drill?

The participants are startled and concerned, with some questioning whether the gunshots are part of the drill or something more serious.

What is the final plea from Simon to Miss Walker?

Simon is desperately knocking on the door, pleading for Miss Walker to let him in, claiming that the situation is not part of the drill and that he is in danger.