It’s that time of year again where I get back in the habit of writing every day thanks to Threshold Theater in Minneapolis!
Answer to “How are you doing?” a la The Princess Bride:
Now where were we?
Oh, yes. The pit of despair!
Looking for a way to not feel so hopeless? I’m going to be posting mutual aid and nonprofits organizations that also won’t have anything to do with my writing!
Today’s nonprofit is dontcallthepolice.com. Don’t Call The Police was founded in June 2020 and is an online directory of local resources available as alternatives to contacting law enforcement. They have directories for over 80 cities in 40 U.S. states giving numbers for mental health, housing, and other immediate needs so 911 won’t have to be the default.
I will continue these highlights throughout the month of November so if you have an organization you’d like a shout out, let me know!
Threshold Prompt:
Day 16 - First Times and Regrets
And now for my completely unrelated writing:
Lead in from lines previously written:
TOBY
Who knows, though, you might get lucky.
THEA
I’m not saying I never thought about it… I did used to sing a set here every now and then, but after things with my ex… I just would rather not sell out and I don’t think there’s a way to be a queer country singer.
TOBY
Well, someone will be, so why not you?
THEA
I’ve already got a broken heart from a girl, Toby. I don’t want one from my music as well.
TOBY
I’m not saying you gotta try for a record deal or anything. I’m just saying maybe it’s time you get on stage again. For more than just a sound check in an empty coffee bar.
THEA
Oh, don’t sell yourself short! It’s not empty! You were here.
TOBY
Yeah, well, I hardly count.
THEA
You count to me.
TOBY
Are you flirting with me in an attempt to distract me?
THEA
Is it working?
TOBY
No, but smart. A lesser man than me might fall for it. Why don’t you want to sing, really?
THEA
When did opening shift become a therapy session?
TOBY
What do you mean? It’s always been. It’s warm up for when we have customers come to the bar.
THEA
Speaking of, it’s about time to open doors!
TOBY
I’m going to keep asking.
THEA
And I’m going to keep doing the work we were actually paid to do.
TOBY
Ever heard of multitasking?
THEA
Didn’t you hear? It’s a myth. A person can’t really split their focus without decreasing the quality of the tasks they are attempting to accomplish.
TOBY
All the better for me, because you’ll be worse at avoiding the topic.
THEA
Touché.
TOBY
Un guarde!
THEA
You are ridiculous.
[TOBY gives THEA a look]
Stop it.
[Look continues]
I mean it!
[Eyebrows raise]
Uggg, fine! I’ve had anxiety about performing ever since my girlfriend dumped me to try and make it big. It feels like I’m trying to like, follow in her footsteps, single white female her.
TOBY
Was that so hard?
THEA
Was that information so important for you to have?
TOBY
Yep! Because now that I know you don’t have crippling stage fright and your only worry is that people will think you are sour graping your way through a set, I don’t feel guilty.
THEA
Why would you feel guilty?
TOBY
No reason.
THEA
Toby?
TOBY
Nothing, really, I just… put your name in the open slot tomorrow and told Cory he doesn’t have to keep looking to fill it.
THEA
Toby…
TOBY
Stop it with the murder eyes. It’s the first slot in the morning, they’ll probably be like 10 people here tops. Best way to dip your toes back in to the performing pool.
THEA
I’ll use my murder eyes if I want to.
TOBY
Fine. But don’t act on it, because otherwise you’ll have to open solo and perform tomorrow and given how long it takes to get rid of a dead body, you would not have the energy for it.
THEA
Fine. I’ll wait until Thursday.
TOBY
I think premediated is worse.
THEA
Good thing I’m taking care of the only witness to the planning.
It’s actually considerate of me to give you the couple days to get your affairs in order. I think that makes the crime less… malicious.
TOBY
Pretty sure the law disagrees with you.
THEA
Yeah, well.
I’m going to unlock the doors now.
TOBY
Sounds good. We’re all set here.