The Great Works Project scripts

a new script: “The Great Works Project: Season Four, Episode Four” by Thomas Typewriter

scripts, The Great Works Project scripts

———–<.thom.>———–

THE GREAT WORKS PROJECT

a puppet play in many parts

Season 04, Episode 04

By Thomas Typewriter

(c) 2022 Thomas Typewriter

———–<:type:>———–

FADE IN TO BLACK

From the bottom center of the screen scrolls up the following text: “04-04”. It continues upward, pausing briefly in the center, and exits off the top of the frame.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

INT. THE DEEPER HALLWAY, EVENING
A hallway of wood paneling, soft fluorescence, and frosted glass spreads out before us as we view the Deeper or the third floor of offices under the Alphabet Mice Writer’s Room. Stairwells bookend the hallway with A-Mouse’s, S-Mouse’s, D-Mouse’s, F-Mouse’s, G-Mouse’s, H-Mouse’s, J-Mouse’s and K-Mouse’s offices in between.

MS OF S-MOUSE’S OFFICE DOOR

The door opens and out walks A-Mouse. She walks down the hallway to D-Mouse’s door.

PAN TO FOLLOW

A-Mouse KNOCKS on the door of D-Mouse’s office.

D-MOUSE
(off-camera) “Come in.”

A-Mouse enters D-Mouse’s office.

CUT TO SHOT OF D-MOUSE’S OFFICE FROM THE DOORWAY

D-Mouse’s office is like a dance studio with a delicatessen in the back. The left and right side walls are floor to ceiling mirrors with a dancer’s beam across the middle. A deli counter with display case fills the majority of the back wall except for a space to the left for an entryway to the deli and doorway. The doorway is solid wood. It leads to D-Mouse’s apartment. On the doorway is a poster of an anthropomorphic donut hanging from a tree branch with the following caption: “Don’t discount determination”. The entire space is brightly illuminated by rows of recessed ceiling lights. The deli counter’s lights, by contrast, are turned off. On top of the deli counter’s display case is a CD Stereo. As A-Mouse enters the office, she finds D-MOUSE stretching his legs on the beam.

D-MOUSE
“What brings you to my humble studio?”

A-MOUSE
“Y-Mouse is calling an all-nighter so I am on food. You want anything.”

D-MOUSE
“No thanks. I’ll make myself something later.”

A-MOUSE
“Okay.”

A-Mouse leaves. D-Mouse goes over to the stereo and presses play. A LOW RUMBLING CHANT emerges from the speakers. He starts to spin on one leg. He spins and spins.

CUT TO HALLWAY

A-Mouse reemerges from D-Mouse’s office and walks to the next office. She KNOCKS on the door to F-Mouse’s office..

F-MOUSE
(off-camera) “Come in.”

A-Mouse opens the door and enters.

CUT TO SHOT OF D-MOUSE’S OFFICE FROM THE DOORWAY

The inside of the office is dominated by a large table covered in various books and maps. A globe stands to the side of the table. The walls of the office are wooden shelves covered in a selection of books, maps, anatomy diagrams of mythical beasts, and illustrations of various fey folk. F-MOUSE stands at his desk looking through a magnifying glass at stills from the Patterson Bigfoot film. A-Mouse enters.

F-MOUSE
(without looking up) “What is so important that you disturbed my research.”

A-MOUSE
“Y-Mouse is calling a writer’s conference.”

F-MOUSE
(looks up) “That is serious. I take it you have been tasked with retrieving our food orders.”

A-MOUSE
“Yes.”

F-MOUSE
“And where are you going?”

A-MOUSE
“Guttenberg’s Deli.”

F-MOUSE
“A little pedestrian, but it will have to do. I’ll take a Farro salad.”

A-MOUSE
“Farro Salad? Nothing else.”

F-MOUSE
“If I wanted more I would have said more. Just a Farro Salad if you please.”

A-MOUSE
“Okay, Farro Salad.”

A-Mouse writes it down and exits.

CUT TO LS OF HALLWAY

She enters, reemerging a moment later, then walks to the next office, G-Mouse’s. She KNOCKS on the door.

G-MOUSE
“Come in.”

CUT TO OVER SHOULDER SHOT OF G-MOUSE’S OFFICE

G-Mouse’s Office has a look very similar to a greenhouse. Frosted glass panels make up the left and right walls. Poles run along the sides filled with many plants in hanging planters. Under the hanging plants are wooden greenhouse benches. The stage-right side has a a collection of gardenia seedlings in small pots, a few bags of potting soil, and a few tools. One can see that G-Mouse is in the process of replanting the seedlings into larger pots. The stage-left bench bears a few finished replanted seedlings in their larger pot. G-MOUSE, dressed in a smock and wearing gardening gloves, is in the process of moving some more larger pots over to the stage-right bench.

G-MOUSE
“Hey A-Mouse. What’s up.”

A-MOUSE
“I’m going on a food run. What would you like?”

G-MOUSE
“Where you going?”

A-MOUSE
“The Guttenburg Bagel”

G-MOUSE
“Ok. I’ll have a Gyro and Garden Salad.”

A-MOUSE
(writing in notepad) “Got it.”-she writes it down.

A-Mouse turns to leave.

G-MOUSE
“Could you make sure you shut the door on your way out. The seedlings are sensitive to the cold when I transplant them.”

A-MOUSE
“Absolutely.”

A-Mouse exits.

CUT TO LS OF HALLWAY

She reemerges and walks to H-Mouse’s office. She knocks on the door.

H-MOUSE
“Hold on, I’m not decent.”

A-MOUSE
“I don’t need to come in, I just need to know what you want to eat tonight.”

H-MOUSE opens the door dressed in a Santa’s costume and holding a jack o’lantern.

H-MOUSE
“Why, is something going on?”

A-MOUSE
“Wait. Why are dressed like that.”

H-MOUSE
“Like what?”

A-MOUSE
“The suit and the pumpkin.”

H-MOUSE
“Oh, this. I’m stuck on idea and doing some research to hope I can get unstuck.”

A-MOUSE
“What’s the idea?”

H-MOUSE
“The King of Mars comes to earth.”

A-MOUSE
“Sounds interesting.”

H-MOUSE
“Yeah, it is suppose to be a holiday story but I can not decide what holiday. You got any ideas.”

A-MOUSE
“Oh no. I’m stuck myself. In fact I was trying to unstuck myself when Y-Mouse called.”

H-MOUSE
“What was your story idea and also what did Y-Mouse want.”

A-MOUSE
“Y-Mouse is calling an all-nighter abnd wants me to get food orders.”

H-MOUSE
“Hoagie with cheese and chips.”

A-MOUSE
“Got it.”

H-MOUSE
“What was your story idea?”

A-MOUSE
“There was a brother and sister and the sister was in a band. And that is where I got stuck. I can see them clearly and how it opens but I can not see what happens after that.”

H-MOUSE
“Maybe we should help each other out. Compare notes.”

A-Mouse smiles.

A-MOUSE
“Serious.”

H-MOUSE
“Sure. It couldn’t be any worse than this suit. It is itchy like crazy. I’m dying in here.”

A-MOUSE
(giggles) “Sure, I’d like that.”

H-MOUSE
“Awesome. Let’s see how late this meeting goes and then we’ll figure out a time to get together.”

A-MOUSE
“Got it.”

H-MOUSE
“Well, I need to change.”

A-MOUSE
“And I have to get the other orders.”

H-Mouse closes the door. A-Mouse does a little skip of joy and moves down the hallway.

J-MOUSE
(off-camera) “You getting food?”

CUT TO SHOT OF H-MOUSE’S AND J-MOUSE’S OFFICE DOORS

J-Mouse is leaning in the door to his office, looking at A-Mouse.

A-MOUSE
“You saw that?”

J-MOUSE
“Oh yeah.”

A-Mouse’s expression shifts to embarrassment.

J-MOUSE
“It’ll be our secret and good luck.

A-MOUSE
“Thank you.”

J-MOUSE
Where you going?”

A-MOUSE
“Guttenberg Bagel.”

J-MOUSE
“Bagels and lox.”

A-Mouse writes the order down. She then walks past J-Mouse.

A-MOUSE
“Got it.”

J-MOUSE
“And some of those potato squares.”

A-MOUSE
“Potato squares, got it.”

J-MOUSE
“Better make it a triple order. I know people are going to want me to share.”

A-MOUSE
“Triple potato squares.”

AS A-MOUSE REACHES THE EDGE OF THE FRAME THE CAMERA PANS LEFT SO AS TO FRAME J-MOUSE’S OFFICE AND K-MOUSE’S OFFICE.

J-Mouse goes back into his office and shuts the door. A-Mouse KNOCKS on K-Mouse’s door. There is no response. She tries again with still no response. Opening the door, she peeks inside.

A-MOUSE
“Hmmm.”

She closes the door and walks over to L-Mouse’s office. KNOCK KNOCK go her knuckles on the door.

L-MOUSE
“It’s open.”

A-Mouse walks inside, shutting the door behind her.

A-MOUSE
(off-camera) “Have you seen K-Mouse?”

FADE OUT

new script: “The Great Works Project: Season Four, Episode Three” by Thomas Typewriter

scripts, The Great Works Project scripts

———–<.thom.>———–

THE GREAT WORKS PROJECT

a puppet play in many parts

Season 04, Episode 03

By Thomas Typewriter

(C) 2022 THOMAS TYPEWRITER

———–<:type:>———–

FADE IN TO BLACK

From the bottom center of the frame scrolls up the following text: “04-03”. It moves up along the center of the frame, pausing for a moment in the middle of the frame before ultimately exiting through the top.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

INT. S-MOUSE’S OFFICE, AFTERNOON
An oblong office with walls lined by ornate cabinets made of carved wood overlain with intricate metal screens. The shelves of the cabinets are overflowing with various dioramas inside large clear glass bottles. A heavy wooden desk sits in the center of the room with S-MOUSE mid project. His various tools sit off to the side next to the base of a swivel arm light and magnifying glass. Behind the desk stands the one area of the wall not covered by cabinets. A small gap in the cabinets allows room for a door to S-Mouse’s Apartment. The door currently has a motivational poster of a snake hanging on a tree limb with the text: “Snakes Seldom Shiver”.

FADE IN FROM THE BLACK TO A VERY CLOSE SHOT OF THE INSIDE OF THE GLASS BOTTLE ON S-MOUSE’S DESK.

We can see S-Mouse through the curved glass of the bottle, which he refers to as a Story-in-a-Bottle. He pulls out a jar of white sand and pours it into the bottle. He then uses a long tongue depressor to smooth out the sand. Soon S-Mouse switches to a long thin needle-nose plier. He wiggles two tall canyons drawn onto paper and cut out to an upright position. KNOCK KNOCK from out of the frame.

CUT TO MS OF S-MOUSE AT HIS DESK

S-MOUSE
“Come in.”

A-MOUSE enters the office. S-Mouse rises and wipes off his hands. A-Mouse walks to the desk and they shake hands.

S-MOUSE
“Hi.”

A-MOUSE
“Hi.”

S-MOUSE
“Here, have a seat. (points to an open chair) Can I offer you anything? A drink maybe.”

A-MOUSE
“Thanks, but no. On the drink I mean. I have to be leaving soon.”

S-MOUSE
“So this is not a social visit.”

A-MOUSE
“Unfortunately not. I came by to get your food order. Y-Mouse is calling an all-nighter tonight.”

S-MOUSE
“Sounds serious.”

A-MOUSE
“Don’t know. I hope not, but my mind always races to the worst.”

S-MOUSE
“So it does. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

A-MOUSE
“Hopefully. So what would you like to eat at the meeting.”

S-MOUSE
“Where are you going?”

A-MOUSE
“The Gutenberg Bagel over at Mall X.”

S-MOUSE
“I think I have one of their menus somewhere around here.”

S-Mouse reaches behind him and opens a drawer. He rifles through the desk before pulling out a menu for The Gutenberg Bagel.

A-MOUSE
“Can I ask you something?”

S-MOUSE
(putting on reading glasses) “Sure.”

A-MOUSE
“Do you think it’s serious. The meeting tonight. The reason for it I mean.”

S-Mouse pauses and looks over the menu at A-Mouse

S-MOUSE
“Honestly.”

A-MOUSE
“Yes.”

S-MOUSE
“Well, then yes I am concerned. Thomas seemed troubled, exposed. Things will probably get worse for him before they get better.”

A-MOUSE
“Oh.“

S-MOUSE
“No, don’t take it like that. It is not all doom and gloom. Things will get better. Absolutely. When things seem unsure, when we feel exposed, when our sense of self gets rattled, that’s when change happens. Growth is movement against weakness, the conversion of absence to fullness. When we are capable of true empathy, true growth.”

A moment of silence passes.

S-MOUSE
“You okay?”

A-MOUSE
“Yes, no, yes..no not really. I’m feeling really anxious.” (gestures to all around) “Why are we even here.”

S-MOUSE
“Oh.”

A-MOUSE
“Thomas could easily write stories on his own but instead he imagines us, this funhouse mirror version of a 1950’s TV show writer’s staff.”

S-MOUSE
“I think we’re more of a riff on a bit from the Monkee’s.”

A-MOUSE
“Sure but what if he realizes he doesn’t need us. What if we fix his stories, fix his life, and then he outgrows us.”

S-MOUSE
“Maybe that is the reason he came up with us.”

A-MOUSE
“But what happens to us.”

S-MOUSE
“We go to oblivion till he needs us again.”

INSERT CS OF A-MOUSE’S ALARMED EXPRESSION

S-MOUSE
“No, I can see that did not help. Let me rephrase: We face oblivion regardless. Sure Thomas could realize we are a coping mechanism as you fear and outgrows us. But he will also die at some point, and by extension we will die too.”

A-MOUSE
“How do you live with that?

S-MOUSE
“I remind myself that with each day the time we have with those we care about grows less, never grows more. I can spend my shrinking time looking at what I have lost or spend it looking at what remains. Filling the shrinking jar with listening, laughing, loving, telling stories.”

A-Mouse perks up a little bit. S-Mouse pulls out a scrap piece of paper and pen and starts writing.

S-MOUSE
“Here is my order, along with a kind word or two from a friend in case you start feeling lost again. (hands note to A-Mouse) You better go on now.”

A-Mouse stands up and walks out. She pauses at the door.

A-MOUSE
“Thank you.”

S-MOUSE
“You’re welcome.”

A-Mouse exits. S-Mouse returns to his desk. He feeds into the bottle three thin paper elements.

CUT TO EXTREME CLOSE SHOT OF INSIDE OF BOTTLE

Using the long pliers, he sets them up. A tree, a road sign, and a woman in white dress stand before the far canyon walls on a plain of white sand.

CUT BACK TO MS OF S-MOUSE AT DESK.

S-Mouse scoots back from his desk and takes a final review of the story-in-a-bottle. He nods approval. Standing, S-Mouse walks the finished story-in-a-bottle to an empty shelf. He returns to his desk, opens a drawer, and removes two shot glasses and a bottle of scotch. He returns to the shelf with the newly finished story-in-a-bottle, pours a shot for himself and one for it. He grabs his glass and holds it up in a salute.

S-MOUSE
“To our now, to our future, and to all our points in between.”

He clinks his shot glass against the story-in-a-bottle’s and downs his. He picks up the second shot glass.

S-MOUSE
“If you’re not going to drink that, do you mind if I do? No?”

S-Mouse drinks the second shot glass of scotch. He picks up the glasses and the bottle of scotch. He returns them to the desk. Sand CRUNCHES underfoot.

S-MOUSE
“Got sand everywhere. Better sweep up. Now where did I put that broom.”

S-Mouse goes over to his apartment. Exits through the door.

FADE OUT

new script: “The Great Works Project: Season Four, Episode Two” by Thomas Typewriter

scripts, The Great Works Project scripts

———–<.thom.>———–

THE GREAT WORKS PROJECT

a puppet play in many parts

Season 04, Episode 02

By Thomas Typewriter

(c) 2022

———–<:type:>———–

FADE IN TO BLACK


From the bottom center of the screen scrolls up the following text: “04-02”. It continues upward, pausing briefly in the center, and exits off the top of the frame.

FADE OUT
FADE IN

INT. A-MOUSE’S OFFICE

OPEN ON A LS OF THE OFFICE LOOKING IN FROM THE DOOR

A-Mouse’s office sits on the Deeper, or the second floor of the Alphabet Mice offices. The offices are situated across five floors in total, each with their own designation. The Writer’s Room is on the fifth or top floor. The next floor down or the fourth floor is the Numbertarium, housing the office of #-Mouse. Below the Numbertarium is The Deep or the third floor, housing the offices of Q-Mouse, W-Mouse, E-Mouse, R-Mouse, T-Mouse, Y-Mouse, U-Mouse, I-Mouse, O-Mouse and P-Mouse. The Deeper, or the second floor, houses the offices of A-Mouse, S-Mouse, D-Mouse, F-Mouse, G-Mouse, H-Mouse, J-Mouse, K-Mouse, and L-Mouse. Below The Deeper is The Deepest, housing the offices of Z-Mouse, X-Mouse, C-Mouse, V-Mouse, B-Mouse, N-Mouse and M-Mouse. There is also a level below The Deeper, reached by descending a long staircase, called The Subterranean. The Alphabet Mice prefer to avoid The Subterranean, except Z-Mouse who swam in the Circular River flowing through its depths. Each office, except for the Numbertarium, have similar layouts. All are wider than deep, with a door to the hallway on one side, and a door to the office holder’s apartment on the opposite wall.
The office itself features a wooden desk topped by a small TV with a built-in VCR, a lamp, and a rotary phone in the back center of the room. Behind the desk stands a door flanked by wooden cabinets alternating in style between Art Nouveau and Art Deco. The cabinets spread out along the outside walls of the office. A motivational poster hangs on the door. It depicts an aardvark hanging on a tree branch with the caption “ALWAYS ATTEMPTING”. A-MOUSE stands stage-right getting a vhs cassette and an abacus from one of the cabinets. She returns to her desk.

CUT TO A MS OF A-MOUSE AT HER DESK

A-Mouse pops a videocassette out of its case and inserts it into the VCR slot on the TV. Static bursts dance onto the screen before the first images of the “Yes, Virginia there is such a thing as an Abacus” instructional tape starts playing.

CUT TO OVER SHOULDER VIEW OF MONITOR

PAN IN TO MONITOR

TRANSITION FROM A-MOUSE’S OFFICE TO INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO

INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO

FADE IN TO LS OF THE SCHOOL

EXT. POTSANDPANSTOWN’S SCHOOL FOR IMPOVERISHED CHILDREN
Over the school, in the center of the screen, in an ornate Edwardian font, appears the following title: “Yes Virginia, There is an Abacus.” The title stays on the screen for a few moments, then fades away.

PAN FROM LS TO MS OF SCHOOL DOORS

A 1910’s style schoolhouse of all stone, more angle than graceful curve, The Potsandpanstown School for Impoverished Children has ended another day. Children, excited and playful, spill out of the school’s doors. They dance away in their restitched patchwork clothes and grimy faces. VIRGINIA WESTVIRGINIA exits the school.

PAN FOLLOWING VIRGINIA WESTVIRGINIA AS SHE LEAVES THE SCHOOL GROUNDS.

At the front gate, Virginia’s pace quickens, trying to avoid THE CAROLINA TWINS leaning against the fence. As she steps past them they call out.

SOUTHANNE CAROLINA
“Hey Virginia.”

NORTHENGALE CAROLINA
“Where you going so fast.”

Virginia stops, face scrunching at a bad taste, and turns.

CUT TO MS OF THE THREE

VIRGINIA WESTVIRGINIA
“Carolina. Carolina.”

NORTHENGALE CAROLINA
“What, you don’t have time for your friends?”

VIRGINIA WESTVIRGINIA
“I have to get home. My dad is…”

SOUTHANNE CAROLINA
(interrupting Virginia)”You still believe in Abacuses?”

NORTHENGALE CAROLINA
“Yeah, still believe in that fairy tale?”

VIRGINIA WESTVIRGINIA
“Yes they are real. My dad told me so.”

NORTHENGALE CAROLINA
“No uh, they’re not.”

VIRGINIA WESTVIRGINIA
“Uh-huh.”

SOUTHANNE CAROLINA
“Nuh-uh.”

VIRGINIA WESTVIRGINIA
“Uh-huh.”

NORTHENGALE CAROLINA
“No they’re not.”

VIRGINIA WESTVIRGINIA
“Yes they are.”

SOUTHANNE CAROLINA
(interrupting) “Only babies believe in faerie tales.”

NORTHENGALE CAROLINA
“You a baby Virginia. You wearing a diaper. You like rattles. Are your skull bones still fusing.”

VIRGINIA WESTVIRGINIA
“I am not a baby, and Abacuci are real.”

NORTHENGALE CAROLINA AND SOUTHANNE CAROLINA
“Baby butt windshield wiper! Look at the diaper. Look at the crier! Baby butt windshield wiper! Look at the diaper. Look at the crier!”

Virginia runs away.

TRANSITION FROM SCHOOL TO APARTMENT

INT. APARTMENT 41, AFTERNOON

CUT TO LS OF APARTMENT 41

Apartment 41 is a drab sparse apartment, almost stereotypical, located in a tenement that is low price as it is run down. Peeling paint barely covers the wood panel walls. The Westvirginia’s have few appliances and furniture. Oddly, the furniture they do have is made up of smaller bits of the same furniture. The television is a small black and white set on top of a larger console television. The kitchen table is made up of smaller tables and stools stacked on top of each other and taped together. Lines of laundry hang across the open front room, dividing the kitchen area from the living room. OLD DA, Virginia’s father sits in his chair. It is cobbled together from parts of many different chairs, feet propped on a coffee table constructed from a broken espresso machine and empty coffee cans. He relaxes reading his favorite newspaper “The New News Newspaper”. Off to the other side of the apartment stands OLD MA, Virginia’s mother, at the kitchen sink washing dishes. A CLICK OF THE DOORKNOB and VIRGINIA WESTVIRGINIA runs into the room. She throws herself on the table sobbing. Old Ma and Old Da exchange glances.

CUT BETWEEN ALTERNATING SHOTS OF OLD MA AND OLD PA

Old Ma gestures for Old Da to console Virginia. He shakes his head no and gestures for Old Ma to do. She responds gesturing more emphatically he should. He gestures no, you really should. They go back and forth a few more times until Old Ma gives him a hard stare and he relents.

LS OF ROOM.

Old Da folds up his paper and stands. He crosses over to the table.

OLD DA
“Everything okay honey.”

VIRGINIA WESTVIRGINIA
“They made fun of me daddy.”

OLD DA
“Who did?”

VIRGINIA WESTVIRGINIA
“Some kids at school. All because I said I believe abacus are real.”

OLD DA
“Oh. Is that all. Here I thought it was something serious.”

INSERT MS OF OLD MA AND OLD DA.

Old Ma gives Old Da a giving a withering glance at his answer. She then gestures for him to try again. He notices the gesture and winces.

CUT BACK…

OLD DA
“I mean that is horrible.”

VIRGINIA WESTVIRGINIA
“How do I convince them daddy?

Old Da thinks a moment then answers.

OLD DA
“The New News Newspaper. Write to the paper and when they say it’s true then everyone will know your right.”

VIRGINIA WESTVIRGINIA
“But, I thought their slogan was all the news fit to wrap a fish with. Nobody is going to believe me if it is printed in that.”

OLD DA
“You’re thinking of the Monday, Wednesday and Friday editions. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday its Truth, truth, and more truth.”

VIRGINIA WESTVIRGINIA
“ Wait, what their slogan on Sunday’s”

OLD DA
“Id rather be fishing.”

VIRGINIA WESTVIRGINIA
“Oh.” (thinks a moment) “Can we go fishing Sunday? I need some new boots.”

OLD DA
“Sure thing honey.”

CUT TO CS OF VIRGINIA WRITING AT THE TABLE BY CANDLELIGHT.

VIRGINIA WESTVIRGINIA
(voice over) “Dear Editor. My father says if it is in The New News Newspaper it has to be true. My problem is my friends make fun of me for believing in something no one has ever seen. But I say just because we haven’t seen it does not mean it doesn’t exist. I have never seen tomorrow before it arrives, but every sunrise I find a new day. So I ask, am I wrong to believe in abacuci? “

Virginia finishes writing and steps away from the table. A few moments later, the paper is caught in a draft and blows off the table.

CAMERA FOLLOWS THE PAPER

The paper drifts across the room and out an open window. It continues across the city. It reaches the docks and continues out to sea. Moving past dolphins and rainbows it drifts to an island.

CUT TO…

INT. ABACUS MANOR MAIN OFFICE, DAYTIME.

LS OF THE OFFICE

A large library study, the main office of Lord Abacus sits on the ground floor of Abacus Manor. Various suits of armor and stuffed trophy animals line the walls. The manor’s main butler, CALCULATOR THE BUTLER, stands at the ready with a silver platter. LORD ABACUS sits at his desk busily working on paperwork. The letter drifts through the open window and lands on the silver platter.

CUT TO MS OF CALCULATOR THE BUTLER.

He looks down and notices the letter.

CALCULATOR THE BUTLER
“Sir, another letter has drifted to you.”

CUT TO CS OF LORD ABACUS

LORD ABACUS
(turning and looking over sunglasses) “Well, bring it over my good man.”

CUT TO LS OF DESK.

Calculator the Butler brings the latter to the desk. He lowers the silver platter towards Lord Abacus. The Lord takes the latter and starts to read it. His face turns grim.

LORD ABACUS
“Calculator, get my walking shoes ready.”

CALCULATOR THE BUTLER
“Excellent sir. Shall you be gone long.”

LORD ABACUS
“Only as long as it takes to restore a young girl’s faith in the world.”

CALCULATOR THE BUTLER
“So, forever.”

CUT TO MONTAGE OF HIM DRESSING IN RUNNING GEAR WITH A SERIES OF QUICK CUTS.

Lord Abacus, in his full running gear and with water bottle and running waist pack, gives a thumbs up to Calculator the Butler. He then power walks out the door.

EXT. ABACUS ISLAND DOCKS, DAYTIME
A long dock runs out from the sandy beach of Abacus Island. A path leads from Abacus Manor on the hilltop to the base of the dock. There are only two boats currently tied up at the dock. A sporty speedboat named the MAGNUM PIE and a larger sailboat named ROCKFORD FLYER. The dock has a series of crates in the gap between the sailboat and the speedboat.

LS OF DOCK FROM END LOOKING UP THE TRAIL WITH THE MANOR IN THE DISTANCE

Lord Abacus power walks down the trail, heading for the Magnum Pie.

CUT TO SHOT OF THE DOCK AND CRATES WHERE A GROUP OF ARMED MEN COME OUT.

THE MENTAL MATH TOUGHIES GANG emerges from the shipping crates and hiding places on the dock, stopping LORD ABACUS. There are ten gang members, each wearing a windbreaker emblazoned with a number from 1-10 and the letters MMT. Lord Abacus skids to a stop. BOSS DRIFTING DIGITS emerges from the crate clapping.

BOSS DRIFTING DIGITS
“Off to help another troubled child in the world Lord Abacus. Everyone clap for the good Samaritan.”

The Mental Math Toughies Gang claps. They clap too long so Boss Drifting Digits sharply gestures them to stop.

BOSS DRIFTING DIGITS
“Always so willing to help the children of the world. All children. Like you helped my children. MY CHILDREN! Where are they, Lord Abacus!”

LORD ABACUS
“Somewhere you can never hurt them again.”

BOSS DRIFTING DIGITS
“Wrong answer. Get him.”

The Mental Math Toughies gang members run down the dock towards Lord Abacus, weapons drawn.

LORD ABACUS
“Oh well if you’re looking for the correct answer, then I would have to say…MY FOOT!.”

Lord A jumps into a flying kick that shoots across the dock cutting through six gang members. He then pivots into a handstand, sticks his foot in a seventh gang member’s mouth and proceeds to spin. The seventh gang member is spun around like a weapon knocking the remaining three gang members. Lord Abacus flips up to a standing position, crouched and ready for more action.

CUT TO BOSS DRIFTING DIGITS

Boss Drifting Digits pulls a missile launcher. He starts yelling at Lord Abacus as he takes aim.

BOSS DRIFTING DIGITS
“NOT TODAY LORD ABACUS! TODAY YOU BURN! YOU BURN IN THE HOT SPOT!”

He launches a missile.

CUT TO LORD ABACUS

Lord Abacus looks left and right quickly taking stock of the situation. He starts to run left and whistles. He jumps off the edge of the dock while the missile zooms towards him.

CUT TO SLOW MOTION OF LORD ABACUS JUMPING OFF THE EDGE OF THE DOCK AND OUT OVER TO WATER.

A dolphin jumps up out of the water in response to Lord Abacus’ whistle. He lands on the dolphin. The missile races in close. Spinning on one foot, he kicks the missile back towards Boss Drifting Digits.

CUT TO THE MISSILE RACING TOWARDS BOSS TROUBLE.

INSERT CS OF BOSS DRIFTING DIGITS

BOSS DRIFTING DIGITS
“Gulp, looks like I forgot to carry the one.”

The dock is consumed in a fiery explosion as Boss Drifting Digits is vaporized by the missile.

CUT TO A SECOND DOLPHIN JUMPING OUT OS THE WATER.

CUT TO LORD ABACUS FINISHING HIS SPIN KICK ROTATION IN TIME TO PLACE HIS FOOT ON THE SECOND DOLPHIN.

Lord Abacus rides the two dolphins into the sunset.

CUT TO…

EXT. POTS’N’PANTOWN DOCKS, MORNING

VIRGINIA WESTVIRGINIA and OLD DA are at the dock fishing. From the distance speeds Lord Abacus straddling two dolphins. He reaches near the dock and the dolphins launch into the air. He flips, landing softly on the dock next to Virginia. The dolphins land back in the water and swim away.

LORD ABACUS
(holds up the letter) “Are you Virginia Westvirginia? The Virginia Westvirginia who wrote this letter?”

VIRGINIA VIRGINIA-WEST
“Yes.”

LORD ABACUS
“Good, because I am here to tell you, yes Virginia there is such a thing as an abacus…”

VIRGINIA WESTVIRGINIA
“Yes! I knew it!”

Then the scene splits in two behind Lord Abacus. It moves off to the sides, off screen, revealing the new setting.

VIRGINIA WESTVIRGINIA
“Wait, what is going on here?”

INT. LEARN-U-CATIONAL EDU-STUDYMENT CLASSROOM, DAYTIME
A bland college classroom, Lord Abacus stands in front of the classroom addressing a group of students. Virginia Westvirginia and Old Da are in the front rows, a little confused as to what is going on. Every student has an abacus on their desk.

MS OF LORD ABACUS FROM THE BACK OF CLASSROOM

LORD ABACUS
“…and anyone can easily learn how to operate it. Okay students, pick up your abacus and prepare to learn with me over the course of the next twenty-two easy lessons.”

TRANSITION FROM VIDEO TO OFFICE A

A-Mouse sits at her desk. Following along with the video, she pulls out her abacus. The PHONE RINGS. A-Mouse pauses the video and answers the phone.

A-MOUSE
“Hello. (pause)He said what? Sure, I’ll help. Let me ask everyone on this floor what they want and then I’ll meet you at the elevators. Ok. Cool. Bye.”

A-Mouse hangs up the phone then leans over and grabs a pad of paper and pencil from the desk along with a set of car keys. She turns off the monitor and puts on her jacket. She walks out of the office and turns off the lights.

FADE OUT

a new script: The Great Works Project: Season Four, Episode One by Thomas Typewriter

scripts, The Great Works Project scripts, Uncategorized

———–<.thom.>———–

THE GREAT WORKS PROJECT

a puppet play in many parts

Season 04, Episode 01

a prologue

By Thomas Typewriter

(c) 2022 thomas typewriter

———–<:type:>———–

FADE IN TO BLACK

From the bottom of the screen scrolls up the following text: “04-01”. It moves upwards, pausing a moment in the center of the frame, then continues upward, exiting the frame at the top edge. Shortly thereafter, from the bottom center of the screen scrolls up the following text: “a prologue”. It moves upwards, pausing a moment in the center of the frame, then continues upward, exiting the frame at the top edge.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

THE VELVET CURTAINS

The darkness slowly transitions to a backdrop of dark black and deep purple velvet curtains. THE VELVET TOUCH, a Helping Hand wearing black fingerless gloves and black fingernail polish, comes into frame. It grips the side of the frame.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
(Voice-over) “Have you ever looked inside something while it was too close?”

The Velvet Touch pulls image in the frame loose as if printed on a large card. The card rotates around. On the back of the card is the image of The TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE.

LS OF THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE.

The main curtains of the The Typewriter Abstract Puppet Stage part.

TRANSITION FROM THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE TO THE HIGH-STAGE.

PAN FROM LS TO MS TO CS OF THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE. AS THE CAMERA NEARS THE STAGE IT ALSO PANS UPWARD TO EVENTUALLY FACE THE HIGH-STAGE AREA.

HIGH-STAGE: CURTAINS CLOSED

The Narrator’s Door opens. A light from beyond the doorway spills out as a faint breeze blows past rippling the High-stage curtains.

THE CAMERA SOFTLY PANS UP AND LEFT SO AS TO ALLOW A MORE DIRECT VIEW INTO THE AREA BEHIND THE NARRATOR’S DOOR

A small apartment spreads out behind the Narrator’s Door. We can not see all of it but we can see the room immediately behind the door. It is the kitchen/living room combo of a studio apartment. The kitchen stands off to stage-left and the living room to stage-right. An L-shaped counter divides one area from the other. A wicker couch sits off the stage-right. Across from the Narrator’s Door we can see a sliding door and part of a deck beyond that.

TRANSITION FROM HIGH-STAGE TO APARTMENT Y

THE CAMERA PANS IN TOWARDS AND THROUGH THE NARRATOR’S DOOR. IT CONTINUES THROUGH THE KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM, MOVING THROUGH THE SLIDING DOORS TO THE DECK OUTSIDE.

EXT. APARTMENT Y’S DECK, EVENING.

A wrought iron deck of the edge of the apartment, the deck contains an art deco inspired metal railing. A deck chair and small table sit off to the side from the sliding door. The view from the deck looks out at sloping hills of autumnal trees. Their fiery colors flow across the treetops like living oceans.

THE CAMERA ROTATES TO THE RIGHT

Y-MOUSE sits in the deck chair, holding a yellow Memory-stone in one hand and a small drink in the other, looking out at the sunset on the hills. Lost in thought, he rubs his thumb across the thin stone in his hand.

Y-MOUSE
“Why did you come to talk to us? What is going on in that head of yours?”

The stone starts to glow. It takes a moment for the light to catch Y-Mouse’s attention. He sets down his drink and looks into the glow.

CS OF Y-MOUSE LOOKING DOWN INTO THE STONE. YELLOW HIGHLIGHTS SPREAD ACROSS HIS FACE AS THE STONE’S GLOW INCREASES.

CUT TO CS OF STONE.

Shapes and figures start to appear in the inner glow of the stone. Images of Thomas Teenager’s bedroom begin to form.

TRANSITION FROM APARTMENT Y TO THOMAS TEENAGER’S BEDROOM

ZOOM IN ON THE IMAGES IN THE MEMORY STONE

INT. THOMAS TEENAGER’S BEDROOM, EVENING

An unmade bed covered with folded blankets runs long ways across the stage. To the stage-left side of the bed sits an old-style bankers desk and a pair of windows. To the stage-right side of the bed sits a vintage lamp lamp, an old chair, and the bedroom door. On the wall over the bed various shelves of stuffed animals and action figures attempt to share space with posters of teddy bears. From off-stage we can hear MUFFLED YELLING mixed with CHRISTMAS SONGS. The door opens and THOMAS TEENAGER enters the room. He slams the door behind him.

THOMAS TEENAGER
“I hate him. Hate him. Hate him.”

Thomas falls onto his bed.

THOMAS TEENAGER
(softly)“…hate myself…”

Thomas draws a deep breath.

THOMAS TEENAGER
“Why does he always say that I am greedy and selfish. Why can he see it but I can’t. I thought I was doing good, that I was finally being a good boy at Christmas. I stopped asking for presents, pretended I was happy at all the events, laughed when everyone else laughed, did my chores…but still…(chokes up)”

Thomas starts to cry, but just as quickly it passes. He looks even more upset.

THOMAS TEENAGER
(narration) “Why can’t I cry. I was about to but then something shifted and I stopped. No tears. No release. Still feel sad. Feel even worse. (takes a deep breath) Three years. Three years of no escape. Swallowing everything, stuffing it down. Feeling worse every day.”

Thomas lays down on the bed clutching his stomach and rubbing his throat.

THOMAS TEENAGER
(narration) “Maybe I can’t cry because I haven’t gotten sad enough. Maybe I need to overload my emotional dam and break it. Shock my system.”

Thomas sits up and wipes his eyes. He walks over to the desk. He opens the lid and moves some comics and RPG notes out of the way. He pulls out a piece of paper and a pen then sits down and starts to write.

THOMAS TEENAGER
(narration) “List of bad things I have done. 1. I ask for too many toys at Christmas, 2. I do not finish my school assignments 3. I said mean words to my brother 4. I did not compliment my mother on her new haircut soon enough. 5. I forgot to wash the dishes yesterday 7. I shoved a broom at Sadie when a toddler. 8. I burned that pizza that one summer because I was distracted playing Mario Brothers. 9. I feel awkward around my classmates. 10. If I wasn’t born my Dad wouldn’t have to work a job he hates. That should be number one.”

Thomas grabs a new sheet of paper and starts to recopy the list.

THE SCREEN CHANGES TO A BRIGHT YELLOW GLOW

TRANSITION FROM THOMAS TEENAGER’S BEDROOM TO APARTMENT Y

EXT. DECK OF APARTMENT Y, EVENING

THE BRIGHT GLOW FADES OUT RETURNING US TO A CS OF THE YELLOW STONE IN Y-MOUSE’S HAND.

The stone stops glowing.

CUT TO CS OF Y-MOUSE’S FACE

Y-MOUSE
“Oh Thomas…”

CUT TO MS OF Y-MOUSE

Y-Mouse stands and walks over to the sliding door. He goes inside.

CUT TO LS OF…

INT. APARTMENT Y KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM, EVENING

Y-Mouse enters through the sliding door, closing the door behind him. He holds the Memory-stone in his hand. He walks over to the couch and pulls a case out from under the sofa. Inside is a large amount of foam padding with slots. In each slot sits a stone similar to the yellow stone but in different colors: red, blue, green, orange, purple, white, black, brown and one empty spot. Y-Mouse places the yellow stone into the empty slot. He closes the case and slides it back under the sofa. Walking over to the phone, he picks it up. DIALTONE. BUTTON BEEPS FOR DIALING 3 3 *. RINGING. RINGING. CLICK OF PICKUP ON OTHER END.

Y-MOUSE
“Hi. Busy. No, good. You better go and get food for everyone. Going to be all-nighter. Yeah, it’s that serious. Have A-Mouse help you. Thanks.”

Y-Mouse hangs up the phone and walks off camera

FADE OUT

From the desk of Thomas Typewriter: The William Cell Overture …or… TGWP Season 3, Episode 13 script

From the desk of Thomas Typewriter, Puppet play, scripts, The Great Works Project scripts

———–<.thom.>———–

THE GREAT WORKS PROJECT

a puppet play in many parts

Season 03, Episode 13

“The William Cell Overture”

By Thomas Typewriter

(c) 2021

===========<:type:>===========

FADE IN TO BLACK

From the bottom of the screen scrolls up the following text: “03-13”. It moves upwards, pausing a moment in the center of the frame, then continues upward, exiting the frame at the top edge. Once the first text exits the frame, the following text scrolls up from the bottom center of the screen: “The William Cell Overture”. It scrolls up to the top of the screen, pausing a moment in the center. The second text resumes scrolling exiting through the center top of the frame. From off-screen the sound of TYPEWRITER KEYS CLICK CLACKING sounds out.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE

LS OF THE ENTIRE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE THEN PAN IN TOWARDS THE MID-STAGE AREA UNTIL PROPERLY FRAMING THE MID-STAGE.

MID-STAGE: CURTAINS CLOSED

The Mid-stage curtains part and the stage-lights turn on with the sound of A LIGHTSWITCH CLICKING ON, revealing…

MID-STAGE: INT, THE ELMHOUSE LIVING ROOM, DAYTIME.

A couch sits to the stage-left side of the stage, while a large flat-pack bookcase stands to the stage-right. Various toys and laundry are scattered about. THOMAS TYPEWRITER is pacing while talking on the phone. He maneuvers around unseen toys on the floor.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“So you’re all done. Great. What did the they say. Oh. Uh-huh. Wow. Well, we always suspected something was going on and now we know. I’ll be right over to pick you two up. See you soon. Love ya. Bye.”

Thomas hangs up. He puts the phone into his pocket.

TRANSITION FROM MID-STAGE TO SLIDING TUBE TRANSITION

CUT TO…

INT. THE SLIDING TUBE

The Sliding Tube is basically a tube or slide of some fashion that allows transition from the pants pocket to The Pocket Dimension.

CS OF BEGINNING OF THE SLIDING TUBE

At the beginning of the sliding tube, it looks like a regular pants pocket. From the top slides in the cell phone Thomas Typewriter was speaking on. Given Thomas’ finances at the time it is not a smartphone, but a more generic flip phone.

FOLLOW THE CELL PHONE AS IT SLIDES DOWN THE SLIDING TUBE

The cell phone slips out of the bottom of the pocket and slides through a tube of crinkled frame and blinking lights. Midway through the sliding, the cell phone goes through a series of unilluminated sections. As it passes through the darkness it changes from a regular phone to WILLIAM CELL. He reaches the bottom of the Sliding Tub and slides out.

CS AS WILLIAM CELL SLIDES OUT OF THE END OF THE TUBE AND OUT OF THE FRAME.
TRANSITION FROM THE SLIDING TUBE TO THE LOW-STAGE

CUT TO MS OF THE AREA BELOW THE MID-STAGE OF THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE.


The lower part of the Typewriter Abstract, the typewriter keys area, splits in the middle and opens up revealing a hidden stage. This is the LOW-STAGE. It takes up most of the area hidden behind the keys, but it does have a decorative side panel on each side of the stage, and under the front of the stage.

PAN INTO PROPERLY FRAMING THE LOW-STAGE.

LOW-STAGE: EXT. THE POCKET DIMENSION, DAYTIME

A flat grassy hill sits in front of a backdrop of rolling hills. The hills recede into the distance. The front of the stage is decorated with small wildflowers.

WILLIAM CELL falls in from the top of the stage. lands on a flat plain. He gets up, dusts himself off, and then starts to pace and think. He pushes one of his number buttons. It makes a BEEP. William shakes his head at it. He hits a different number, making a different beep. He nods approval. Tying different buttons, he begins composing his symphony.

SLOWLY PAN OUT SO AS THE LOW-STAGE AND MOST OF THE PANEL BENEATH ARE VISIBLE.

The UNDER-PANEL, or the panel under the Low-stage, opens revealing the ORANGE SCREAMER. It is a floating head against a dark background, illuminated by a green light.

ORANGE SCREAMER
“Chirp.”

The noise startles William Cell. He looks for the source of the noise but does not see anything. William shakes his head and goes back to composing.

ORANGE SCREAMER
“Chirp. Chirp.”

William twists looking for the source of the noise, losing his place again. A little more frustrated, he returns to composing the melody.

ORANGE SCREAMER
“Chirp. Chirp. Chirp.” (pauses then repeats)

William Cell lurches. In a fit he starts to jump and shout. He rips away at the plants. He rages.

WILLIAM CELL
“Shut up. Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!”

The Orange Screamer shrinks back at William’s outburst. It falls silent. William goes back to composing and pacing.

SLOWLY PAN OUT ENOUGH OUT TO ALLOW THE LOW-STAGE, THE UNDER-PANEL, AND THE LEFT-PANEL IN THE FRAME.

The LEFT-PANEL or the stage-left side panel of the Low-Stage, slides open revealing the GREEN SCREAMER. Another head floating in an empty space, only this one is illuminated by a green light.

GREEN SCREAMER
“Ring.”

William Cell glares stage-left.

ORANGE SCREAMER
(looking to at Green Screamer)”Shhh.”

The Green Screamer winks at the Orange Screamer. The Orange Screamer nods back.

GREEN SCREAMER
(softly)”Ring. Ring. Ring” (repeats)

ORANGE SCREAMER
(softly) “Chirp. Chirp. Chirp.” (repeats)

William stops pacing. His fingers hover over the keypad, waiting for the Screamers to stop. When they do not, he rubs the sides of his head, takes a couple deep breaths, then goes back to pacing and composing. Every time he walks to the left, the RIGHT LOW PANEL slides a little more open. Inside is the PURPLE SCREAMER watching him pace.

PURPLE SCREAMER
(Once the panel has fully receded) “Notification. Notification. Notification.”
William is startled. The Green and Orange Screamers, look towards the stage-right, excited to see the Purple Screamer.

ORANGE SCREAMER
(loudly) “Chirp. Chirp. Chirp…” (repeats)

GREEN SCREAMER
(loudly)”Ring. Ring. Ring…” (repeats)

PURPLE SCREAMER
(loudly) “Notification. Notification. Notification…” (repeats)

William puts his hands over his ears trying to block out the Screamers cacophony. He falls to his knees. Unable to take it anymore, he starts to pound on the keypad, hoping to drown out the din with his own bedlam of mangled notes.

WILLIAM CELL
“STOP IT! STOP IT! STOP IT!”

THE CAMERA PANS OUT,UNTIL MID-STAGE AND LOW-STAGE ARE IN THE FRAME.

Up in MID-STAGE…

MID-STAGE: INT. DOCTOR’S OFFICE WAITING ROOM, DAYTIME

A row of chairs sits in front of a sterile wall. A door stands at one end of the chairs, potted plants the other end. A table covered passes the time in front of the chairs. THOMAS TYPEWRITER sits calmly and patiently in a chair reading a magazine. A nervous jitter betrays his anxiety.

Meanwhile down in LOW-STAGE…

William continues blaring notes hoping to overcome the Screamers continued noises. The noise from LOW-STAGE fills the two stages, building to an uncomfortably loud level.

Meanwhile back up in MID-STAGE…

Thomas’ nervous jitter grows as the volume increases. When the sound reaches a crescendo, the Doctor’s office door opens. The CLICK OF THE DOORKNOB TURNING supersedes all other sounds.

Meanwhile down in LOW-STAGE…

The Screamers fall silent. All the PANELS start to slide shut as the light illuminating each Screamer dims. William stops as well, surprised by the silence. He looks around in surprise.

While at the same time up in MID-STAGE…

Thomas looks to the door. He sets down his magazine and stands. Out runs PRIMO TYPEWRITER-OPERAHOUSE, followed by OPHIDIA TYPEWRITER-OPERAHOUSE. Timbre runs over to hug Thomas. Ophidia gives each a kiss on the head. They start walking stage-right.

ZOOM BACK IN TILL FRAMING ONLY LOW-STAGE, NOT LOW-STAGE PLUS THE SIDE PANELS.

William looks around in disbelief. It is silent. It is peaceful. He stands. He tentatively plays a note on his keypad. It rings through the air and William smiles. He plays another note. Smiling, he returns to the peace of composition.

THE CAMERA SLOWLY PANS OUT FROM THE LOW-STAGE

The lower part of The Typewriter Abstract Puppet Stage that had parted to reveal the LOW-STAGE, slides back into place.

FADE OUT.

From the desk of Thomas Typewriter: a new TGWP script

From the desk of Thomas Typewriter, Puppet play, scripts, The Great Works Project scripts

———–<.thom.>———–

THE GREAT WORKS PROJECT

a puppet play in many parts

Season 03, Episode 11

By Thomas Typewriter

(c) 2021

===========<:type:>===========

FADE IN TO BLACK

From the bottom of the screen scrolls up the following text: “03-11”. It moves upwards, pausing a moment in the center of the frame, then continues upward, exiting the frame at the top edge.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

EXT. UNROOM NOT.SEVEN IN THE UNDOCUMENTED SPACE, TWIXLIGHT

CS OF A SCRIPTBOOK

We open on a page of the scriptbook currently being read by the Outer One from the previous episode. The pages are the blanks between episodes. Their hand of blue scrolling abstract text and glitches turns the page. The new page reads as follows:

———–<.thom.>———–
THE GREAT WORKS PROJECT
a puppet play for those looking for their many parts.
Season 03, Episode 11
By Thomas Typewriter
(c) 20??
===========<:type:>===========

FADE OUT AS THE OUTER ONE’S GLITCHEY HAND TURNS THE PAGE.

FADE IN

THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE

LS OF THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE

In the darkness unseen lamps turn on illuminating the TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE hiding in the dark.

TRANSITION FROM TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE TO MID-STAGE

THE CAMERA PANS IN ON THE MID-STAGE AREA

MID-STAGE: CURTAINS CLOSED

The Mid-stage curtains part and the stage-lights click on with the sound of A LIGHT SWITCH CLICKING ON revealing…

MID-STAGE: INT. THE SOUTH MEN’S BATHROOM OF THE SILVER SCREEN THEATRE, LATE AFTERNOON

A simply decorated bathroom sits on the stage. On the stage-left side of the stage stands a large mirror and two sinks. In the center of the stage stand three urinals. Then on the Stage-right side of the stage stand four stalls with locking doors. THOMAS TYPEWRITER rushes in from stage-left, hurrying past the sinks and urinals to one of the stalls. His stomach RUMBLES and his pace quickens. Locking himself inside a stall, we can hear the explosive noise of his DIARRHEA.

TRANSITION FROM MID-STAGE TO HIGH-STAGE.

THE CAMERA PANS UPWARD, UP ALONG THE MID-STAGE SETS, PAST THE SET TOPS AND UP ALONG THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS. REACHING THE HIGH-STAGE AT THE TOP OF THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS, THE CAMERA SLOWS IT PAN. IT STOPS ONCE HIGH-STAGE IS PROPERLY FRAMED.

HIGH-STAGE: CURTAINS CLOSED

The Narrator’s Door opens and out steps Y-Mouse.

Y-MOUSE
“What vindications asks the interrupted idea, lost to its own agency, as it wanders across a nowhere.”

Y-Mouse exits and the Narrator’s Door closes behind him. There is a sound of A COMPUTER BOOTING UP then the curtains part revealing…

HIGH-STAGE: THE FAR EDGE OF THE FOREVERCAGE

The screen is an empty blankness, dark and static. From the stage-right side of the stage a scale model of THE SPACE EGG flies on-stage. It moves in such a way that it looks like it is flying but not really moving too far across the stage. From the stage-right side of the stage a scale model of THE WARDROBE OF A THOUSAND AND ONE COSTUMES slides into view. The Space Egg flies towards the Wardrobe of a Thousand and One Costumes. When it crosses the center-line of the High-stage, it rotates the front doors towards the stage front.

CUT TO CS TO THE BOTTOM OF THE WARDROBE’S DOORS, WHERE THEY MEET.

The two doors of the wardrobe dwarf the stage, extending out of the frame. On both doors, the bottom corner has worn away creating a gap. It is just large enough for the Space Egg to fly through. The Space Egg does just that and flies out of view into the Wardrobe of a Thousand and One Costumes. The The sound of A COMPUTER TURNING OFF rings out followed by the High-stage curtains closing.

TRANSITION FROM THE HIGH-STAGE TO THE MID-STAGE

THE CAMERA PANS DOWNWARD. IT FOLLOWS THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS DOWN . IT CONTINUES DOWN AND DOWN. THE MID-STAGE SETS PEAK UP FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAME. THE CAMERA CONTINUES DOWNWARD ALONG THE MID-STAGE UNTIL PROPERLY FRAMING THE MID-STAGE.

MID-STAGE: INT SCREEN 8 OF THE SILVER SCREEN, EVENING

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE is sitting in the dark watching the movie. The film’s MUFFLED SOUNDTRACK can be heard in the background. She is looking off-stage.

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“Where could he be?”

The Mid-stage curtains close then reopen revealing…

MID-STAGE: THE SOUTH MEN’S BATHROOM OF THE SILVER SCREEN THEATRE, LATE AFTERNOON

From one of the stalls we hear THOMAS TYPEWRITER MOAN as another bout of gastrointestinal distress shudders his body. The Mid-stage stage-lights turn off with the sound of A LIGHT SWITCH CLICKING OFF. The Mid-stage curtains close.

FADE OUT

From the desk of Thomas Typewriter: a new “The Great Works Project” script

From the desk of Thomas Typewriter, Puppet play, scripts, The Great Works Project scripts, Uncategorized

———–<.thom.>———–

THE GREAT WORKS PROJECT

a puppet play in many parts

Season 3, Episode 8

By Thomas Typewriter

(c) 2021

===========<:type:>===========

FADE IN TO BLACK

From the bottom center of the screen, the following text scrolls upward: “03-08”. It moves up the center of the frame eventually exiting the top center of the frame.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

INT. THE UNROOM NOT.SEVEN IN THE UNDOCUMENTED SPACE

A large cavernous room of indeterminate volume, the Unroom Not.Seven bears few decorations. In the possible center of the unroom sits a wooden disc. Surrounding the wooden disc on one side, like radiating waves, are rows of grey hued carpet squares. A faint light radiates from spindly metallic lamps at the ends of each row. On one of the carpet squares THE OUTER ONE sits looking at the floor.

OPEN ON POV OF THE OUTER ONE

The Outer One is stacking golden coins in various arraignments, seeing the different patterns that emerge. As they move the coins, the injury on their right hand is visible. The flesh of the fingers and a portion of the knuckles have been replaced with a bluish glow. The glow is filled with scrolling abstract text in a different hue of blue. The injury does not impair the Outer One’s ability to use the hand. From off-camera the sound of TYPEWRITER KEYS CLICK CLACKING sounds out.

POV OF THE OUTER ONE LOOKING UP FROM THE FLOOR TO LOOK AT THE WOODEN DISC.

In the center of the wooden disc, and facing towards the Outer One, sits THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE. Unseen lamps above it slowly turn on.

PAN IN TOWARDS THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE.

The main curtain starts to open as the camera pans in.

TRANSITION FROM THE UNROOM TO THE HIGH-STAGE

PAN IN TOWARDS THE HIGH-STAGE AREA OF, STOPPING ONCE THE HIGH-STAGE IS PROPERLY FRAMED.

HIGH-STAGE: CLOSED CURTAINS

The High-stage curtains part revealing…

HIGH-STAGE: EXT. THE FOREVERCAGE

A vast field of nothingness empty and frozen, the Forevercage spreads in all directions. A small sparkle, THE SPACE EGG, glints stage-left.

CUT TO LONG SHOT OF THE SPARKLE

The Space Egg slowly spins in the distance as it drifts across the Forevercage.

THE INNER-SPACE MAN
(barely audible from off-screen) “…1, 098, 896…”

CUT TO MEDIUM SHOT OF THE SPACE EGG AS IT DRIFTS ACROSS THE FRAME.

THE INNER SPACE-MAN
(faintly from off-screen) “…1, 098, 897…”

Now that we are closer, we see the middle band on the Space Egg briefly HUM and light up.

CUT TO CLOSE SHOT OF THE SPACE EGG AS IT DRIFTS ACROSS THE SCREEN.

THE INNER SPACE MAN
(off-screen) “…1, 098, 898…”

The mid-band of the Space Egg briefly lights up while also emitting a soft HUM. It drifts off screen stage-right.

TRANSITION FROM HIGH-STAGE TO MID-STAGE

THE CAMERA PANS DOWNWARD FROM THE HIGH-STAGE TO THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS, ALONG THE CURTAIN TO THE TOPS OF THE MID-STAGE SETS, OVER THE TOPS AND DOWN TILL FRAMING THE MID-STAGE.

MID-STAGE: INT. SKOLNIC’S ICE CREAM DELI’S FRONT COUNTER, DAYTIME

A counter, for ordering, stands on stage-left while a series of ropes and standards, for customers waiting to order, stretches across the width of the stage. An “ORDER HERE” sign over the counter while a “ENTER HERE TO ORDER” sign hangs at the end of the customer queue. Menu boards hang behind the ordering counter. ABELARD ABLE stands behind the counter ready to take orders. Five customers currently stand in line waiting their turn to order.

ABELARD ABLE
“Next.”

The first person in line, SKOLNIC’S CUSTOMER #1, approaches the counter. Everyone else moves forward. THOMAS TYPEWRITER and OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE enter from stage-right and stand at the end of the queue.

SKOLNIC’S CUSTOMER #1
“Could I have a Reuben on Waffle Cookies with a small Cesar Salad Shake.”

Abelard punches in the order.

ABELARD ABLE
“That’ll be $6.98”

He pays. Abelard hands him a receipt.

ABELARD ABLE
“Here is your receipt. Your order number is 8896. Pick it up at the other counter. Next.”

Skolnic’s Customer #1 exits Stage-left. SKOLNIC’s CUSTOMER #2 walks up to the counter. All the other customers in the queue move forward. From stage-right enters SKOLNIC’s CUSTOMER #7. She enters the queue behind Thomas Typewriter and Ophidia Operahouse.

SKOLNIC’S CUSTOMER #2
“A Monte Cristo on sugar cookies, with a scoop of ranch on the side please.”

ABELARD ABLE
“That’ll be $4.76”

Skolnic’s Customer #2 pays and Abelard hands her a receipt.

ABELARD ABLE
“Here is your receipt. Your order number is 8897. Pick it up at the other counter. Next.”

Skolnic’s Customer #2 exits stage-left. SKOLNIC’S CUSTOMER #3 walks up to the counter. Everyone in the queue moves forward. From stage-right enters SKOLNIC’S CUSTOMER #8 and enters the end of the queue.

SKOLNIC’S CUSTOMER #3
“Could I have a Ceasar Salad Shake and a Chicken Noodle Sunday.”

ABELARD ABLE
“That’ll be $7.12.”

He pays Abelard, who then hands him a receipt.

ABELARD ABLE
“Here is your receipt. Your order number is 8898. Your order will be ready at the other counter. Next.”

Skolnic’s Customer #3 exits stage-left. SKOLNIC’s CUSTOMER #4 walks up to the counter. The rest of the customers in the queue step forward. SKOLNIC’S CUSTOMER #9 enters from stage-right and stands behind Skolnic’s Customer #8 in the queue.

SKOLNIC’S CUSTOMER #4
“Do you still have Bacon Cheeseburgers?”

ABELARD ABLE
“Yes.”

SKOLNIC’S CUSTOMER #4
“Good. I’ll take that on a Chocolate Chip cookie with a large Beet Salad Shake.”

ABELARD ABLE
“That will be $8.02”

SKOLNIC’S CUSTOMER #4
“Here you go.”

She pays Abelard. He hands her a receipt.

ABELARD ABLE
“Here is your receipt. Your order number is 8899 and will be ready at the other counter.”

SKOLNIC’S CUSTOMER #4
“Thanks. Have a great day.”

ABELARD ABLE
“You too. I can help who’s next.”

Skolnic’s Customer #4 exits stage-left. SKOLNIC’S CUSTOMER #5 walks up to the counter. Everyone in the queue moves forward. SKOLNIC’S CUSTOMER #10 enters from stage-right and stands at the back of the queue.

ABELARD ABLE
“Hi.”

SKOLNIC’S CUSTOMER #5
“Hi. Could I have a Lobster Bisque Sunday with a large Oyster Cracker Cookie.”

ABELARD ABLE
“Sure. That’ll be $7.78”

He pays. Abelard hands him a receipt

ABELARD ABLE
“Here is your receipt. Your order number is 8900. You can pick it up at the other counter. Next.”

Skolnic’s Customer #5 exits stage-right. Thomas Typewriter and Ophidia Operahouse step forward to the counter. Everyone in the queue behind them moves forward. SKOLNIC’S CUSTOMER #11 enters from stage-left and stands at the end of the queue.

ABELARD ABLE
“What can I get you today?”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Oh, thank you. Let’s see. I’ll have the Gyro on a Waffle with a Garden Salad Shake, please.”

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“And, I’ll have an Italian Beef on Wafer Cookies with a small Cracker Cookie.”

ABELARD ABLE
“No problem, and thanks for visiting today. Will you be paying separately or together?”
Ophidia and Thomas look at each other in surprise and shrug.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Together. I’ll pay.”

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“Okay, but I get the movie tickets to even it out.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“(looking at Ophidia) Deal. (turns to Abelard) Sorry, how much was it?”

ABELARD ABLE
“No problem. $17.54 is the total.”

Thomas Typewriter pays. Abelard hands him a receipt.

ABELARD ABLE
“Okay, so here is your receipt. Your order number is 8901 and will be ready at the the other counter. Next.”

Thomas Typewriter and Ophidia Operahouse exit stage-left.

TRANSITION FROM MID-STAGE TO HIGH-STAGE

THE CAMERA PANS UPWARD, UP OVER THE TOPS OF THE MID-STAGE SETS TO THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS BEHIND. IT CONTINUES UPWARD ALONG THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS TO THE HIGH-STAGE AT THE TOP. THE CAMERA SLOWS AND STOPS WHEN FRAMING THE HIGH-STAGE.

HIGH-STAGE: THE FOREVERCAGE

The static void of the Forevercage spills across the screen. A few moments pass before the Inner-Space Egg enters from screen-right.

PAN IN UNTIL THE EDGES OF THE HIGH-STAGE ARE NOT-VISIBLE. THE BLACKNESS OF THE FOREVERCAGE SHOULD FILL THE SCREEN.

THE INNER SPACE MAN
(off-screen) “…1, 098, 899…”

There is a short HUM noise from the Space Egg as its middle band partially lights up then shuts off.

THE INNER SPACE MAN
(off-screen) “…1, 098, 900…”

Again a short HUM noise from the Space Egg as its middle band partially lights up then shuts off.

THE INNER SPACE MAN
(off-screen) “…1, 098, 901…”

This time the HUM noise is loud and long as the entire middle band and eye-ring of the Space Egg light up. It stops drifting and comes to a halt. We can hear MORE BUTTON PUSHING and SYSTEMS POWERING UP.

THE SPACE EGG
“Finally.”

THE INNER-SPACE MAN
(off-screen) “Tell me about it.”

THE SPACE EGG
“So what now.”

THE INNER-SPACE MAN
“We see if forever has an end.”

The Space Egg flies off exiting stage-right. The High-stage curtains close.

FADE OUT

From the desk of Thomas Typewriter: a new script

From the desk of Thomas Typewriter, Puppet play, scripts, The Great Works Project scripts

———–<.thom.>———–

THE GREAT WORKS PROJECT
a puppet play in many parts

Season 03, Episode 06

By Thomas Typewriter
(c) 2020

===========<:type:>============

FADE IN TO BLACK

From the bottom center of the screen, the following text scrolls upward: “03-06”. It moves up the center of the frame eventually exiting the top center of the frame.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

INT. UNROOM NOT.SEVEN IN THE UNDECORATED SPACE

FRAMING SHOT OF THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE

THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE fills the frame, its curtains illuminated by stage-lights set to a dim flicker. They brighten as the sound of TYPEWRITER KEYS CLICK CLACKING drifts from somewhere out of sight.

TRANSITION FROM THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE TO MID-STAGE

THE CAMERA PANS IN TOWARDS THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE. IT CONTINUES TO PAN INWARD, FOCUSING IN ON THE MID-STAGE AREA, UNTIL THE MID-STAGE CURTAINS FILL THE FRAME.

MID-STAGE: CURTAINS CLOSED

The curtains open and the stage lights turn on with a sound like A LIGHT SWITCH CLICKING ON, revealing….

MID-STAGE: EXT. THE MANY FACETS JEWELRY STORE

The Many Facets is a jewelry store built into a tall stone building in the side of a strip mall. The edges of the neighboring shops, Bigger Burrito and Bromide Books, can be seen on either side of Many Facets. Two giant planters, filled with husks of out of season bluestem grass, decorate the sidewalk in front of The Many Facets. Large glass doors sit center-stage under the store’s neon sign. Spinning diamond displays sit in each window.

FOX-SHIRT TEEN, a teen wearing a shirt with a fox face on the back and carrying a knapsack, enters stage-right. He steps towards one of the Many Facets windows and lowers his knapsack to the ground.

TRANSITION FROM MID-STAGE TO HIGH-STAGE

THE CAMERA PANS UPWARD. IT GLIDES UP AND OVER THE MID-STAGE SETS TO THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS. CONTINUING UPWARD, IT MOVES TO THE HIGH-STAGE AT THE TOP OF THE CLOUD OF CURTAINS. THE CAMERA STOPS WHEN PROPERLY FRAMING HIGH-STAGE.

HIGH-STAGE: CURTAINS CLOSED

The Narrator’s Door opens and Y-Mouse emerges. He sits on the edge of the Narrator’s ledge.

CUT TO CS OF Y-MOUSE LOOKING INTO THE CAMERA, TALKING TO THE AUDIENCE.

Y-MOUSE
“Pouring myself a tall glass of water this morning, a question occurred to me. Is the water aware of the pitcher? Does the content notice the container?”

CUT BACK

A HELPING HAND comes up from the bottom of the frame. He carries a button attached to a set of wires, which trail down and off-screen. Y-Mouse leans over and presses the button. The stage curtains part and the stage-lights turn on with the sound of A COMPUTER BOOTING ON revealing…

HIGH-STAGE: ROOM 304 ON THE MEDICALSHIP THE FLUTE, DAYTIME

A juxtaposition of stark surfaces and baroque trimwork, Room 304 is divided into four sections by three Medi-pods. Each Medi-pod is an ovoid large enough to house a person with a series of three red blinking lights on top, three round ports along the midline, and three extrusion covered wheels on bottom. Between the stage-left side and the first Medi-pod, is a curving window allowing full view of the spinning star fields outside the ship. Between the first and second Medi-pod is a bathroom door. Between the second and third Medi-pod is the room’s entrance door. Between the third Medi-pod and the stage-right side sits a large vid-screen wall, currently off and opaque. The Helping Hand lowers down, taking the button off-stage. It returns bringing a small tray up to Y-Mouse. On the small tray sits a remote control and a bottle of Suttungr Soda. Y-Mouse takes the tray and sets it to the side.

Y-MOUSE
“Thanks.”

The Helping Hand gives a thankful gesture then retreats from view. Y-Mouse sits down on the edge of the Narrator’s platform, dangling his feet over the edge. He picks up the soda and slowly sips it. He savors the taste, the scene. On the third Medi-pod one of the red blinking lights turns a solid green.

Y-MOUSE
(looking into the camera) “Looks like the guests of honor will be arriving soon.”

Y-Mouse presses a button on the remote. The stage-lights dim to off accompanied by the sound of A COMPUTER TURNING OFF IN SLOW-MOTION while the video screen wall starts to slowly brighten.

TRANSITION FROM HIGH-STAGE TO MID-STAGE

THE CAMERA PANS DOWNWARDS. IT PANS DOWN ALONG THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS, OVER THE TOP OF THE MID-STAGE SETS, AND FINALLY RESTING WHEN FRAMING THE MID-STAGE STAGE.

MID-STAGE: EXT. THE MANY FACETS JEWELRY STORE STORE, DAYTIME


Standing in front of one of the windows is FOX-SHIRT TEEN. He is busy taping a flyer to the window of the Many Facets. He finishes and exits stage-left. From off-stage, we hear the sound of TIRES ON THE ASPHALT as a car pulls into a parking spot. THE CAR ENGINE TURNS OFF. TWO CAR DOORS OPEN AND CLOSE IN SUCCESSION. FOOTSTEPS APPROACH. OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE and THOMAS TYPEWRITER enter Stage-right. They walk over to the door.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Yeah, they’re really good.”

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“I remember when I first heard Not The Last Junkie.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
(opening door) “When was that?”

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
(Entering the store) “Q101, working late on some project for art school…”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Yeah, me too…(drifts off as the flyer in the window catches his attention)

He pauses. The door closes with Ophidia inside and Thomas outside. He kneels down and reads the flyer. The door reopens and Ophidia steps out.

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“You coming in?”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Oh, yeah. Sorry. Got distracted by this flyer.”

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“No, that’s okay. What is it for.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“I thought it was for some band, but it’s for some theatre needing help? (scans flyer) The Discount. Ever hear of it?”

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“Sure. I saw Pinocchio there back in eighth grade.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Any good, the theatre I mean?”

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“There’s a reason it is called the Discount.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Oh.”

They enter The Many Facets. The doors shut and the stage goes quiet. A butterfly enters from stage-left flying across the stage towards stage-right. Once it exits, the Mid-stage stage-lights turn off with the sound of A LIGHT SWITCH CLICKING OFF. The curtains close.

FADE OUT

From the Desk of Thomas Typewriter: The Great Works Project: Season Three, Episode Five script

From the desk of Thomas Typewriter, Puppet play, scripts, The Great Works Project scripts

———–<.thom.>———–

THE GREAT WORKS PROJECT
a puppet play in many parts

Season 03, Episode 05

By Thomas Typewriter
(c) 2020

===========<:type:>============

FADE IN TO BLACK

From the bottom center of the screen, the following text scrolls upward: “03-05”. It moves up the center of the frame eventually exiting the top center of the frame.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

INT. UNROOM NOT.SEVEN IN THE UNDECORATED SPACE

The unroom fades into view as the thin lamps at the end of each row of the carpet squares flick on. It is a vast space centered around a wooden disk. Rows of grey carpet squares spread out from the central disk. THE OUTER ONE sits on one of the carpet squares. The TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE is already on the wooden disc when the unroom fades into view. Unseen lamps are already on illuminating it from somewhere above.

POV OF THE OUTER ONE LOOKING AT THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE.

The sound of TYPEWRITER KEYS CLICK CLACKING flows out from The Typewriter Abstract Puppet Stage.

TRANSITION FROM THE UNROOM TO THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE

PAN IN FROM POV TOWARDS THE TYPEWRITER PUPPET STAGE.

TRANSITION FROM TYPEWRITER PUPPET STAGE TO MID-STAGE

PAN CONTINUES, MOVING IN TOWARDS THE MID-STAGE AREA UNTIL THE MID-STAGE IS PROPERLY FRAMED.

MID-STAGE: CURTAINS CLOSED

The curtains part revealing an unlit stage. It is fully set up and decorated for the following scene just without the stage lights on.

MID-STAGE: INT. OPERAHOUSE BASEMENT BATHROOM, DAYTIME

A door on stage-left opens and THOMAS TYPEWRITER enters. Light spills in from the open door. He fumbles for the light switch. Finally finding it, he flips the light switch, turning on the stage lights. They flip on with the sound of A LIGHT SWITCH CLICKING ON. Thomas looks around. A shower stands off to one side, a toilet sits center, and a sink near the door. A large mirror and vanity line the wall over the sink and toilet. A nautical theme decorates the bathroom. Thomas shuts the door behind him. He walks over to the toilet and URINATES. He finishes, shakes off the last drops, then FLUSHES THE TOILET. Walking over to the sink, he washes his hands and then dries them. Thomas is looking through the vanity. He pulls out a bottle of lotion. Applying a generous dose to his hands, he rubs it in.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
(sniffing hands) “Lavender. Nice.”

Thomas attempts to leave, but he can not. His hands slide over the doorknob.

INSERT CS OF THOMAS’ HANDS UNABLE TO TURN THE DOORKNOB DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF LOTION ON HIS SKIN.

He tries again and fails. He tries a third time.

THE CAMERA TILTS DOWNWARD SLIGHTLY IN SUCH A WAY AS TO REPRESENT POV OF THE OUTER ONE LOOKING AT THEIR HANDS.

The Outer One’s left hand looks normal, but the right hand has the fingers looking like glowing blue mathematics. The abstraction is spreading.

THE CAMERA TILTS BACK AND MID-STAGE HAS RETURNED FROM THE INSERT.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Nuts, I used too much lotion.”


He sits on the toilet.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Well, looks like I am stuck in here.(looking around) Anything to read?”

Thomas looks around the room. He picks up a bottle of shampoo. He reads the ingredients. He flips it over and reads the other side. He flips it once more.


THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“I’ve already read this. Didn’t care for it the first time. Okay Professor, what else do you recommend to read. The Epic Odes of the Conditioner bottle maybe.”

Thomas picks up the bottle of conditioner. He reads both sides and then sets it down.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Well, I’ve read all the literature a locked bathroom has to offer, now what.”

He looks around the room. Pauses. Sighs.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Guess it’s come to that.

Thomas enters the shower. He closes the curtain.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“11…10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…”

FADE OUT

TRANSITION FROM THE MID-STAGE TO THE WRITER’S ROOM

FADE IN

INT. THE WRITER’S ROOM, DAYTIME

The Writer’s Room appears differently than in previous episodes. Now it appears as a long conference table in a tall conference room. Beautiful wood paneling, in warm shades, cover the walls.
At the stage-left head of the table sits Y-Mouse. Down each side of the table sit the other ALPHABET MICE. On the far side of the table, facing the audience, from stage-left to stage-right sit Z-MOUSE, NUMERAL-MOUSE, A-MOUSE, B-MOUSE, C-MOUSE, D-MOUSE, E-MOUSE, F-MOUSE, G-MOUSE, H-MOUSE, I-MOUSE, J-MOUSE, and lastly K-MOUSE. Sitting on the opposite side, with backs to the audience, from stage-left to stage-right sits X-MOUSE, W-MOUSE, V-MOUSE, U-MOUSE, T-MOUSE, S-MOUSE, R-MOUSE, Q-MOUSE, P-MOUSE, O-MOUSE, N-MOUSE, M-MOUSE, and L-MOUSE.

Z # A B C D E F G H I J K
Y [=========================]
X W V U T S R Q P O N M L

They all have a cup of coffee on the desk next to them except S-Mouse, T-Mouse, E-Mouse, and W-Mouse. S-Mouse has cans of sodas. T-Mouse has a pitcher of tea. E-Mouse has a carton of eggnog. W-Mouse has a case of water bottles.

Y-MOUSE
(standing) “Okay everyone, unanswered questions or plot holes. Go.”

A-MOUSE
(stands) “What about that lost astronaut from the commercial?”

Y-MOUSE
“Exactly. What did he do when he crawled onto the broken Carro. What else?”

B-MOUSE
“Where is the Inner-Space Man taking Biff and Rockey? And why?”

M-MOUSE
(stands) “What about Musica and Musidora? Are they mad about the Carro being lost? Do they blame Lucido and Cedar.”

O-MOUSE
“And are they in trouble for losing the ship?”

F-MOUSE
“And what caused that storm?”

Everyone murmurs.

Y-MOUSE
“Great questions, let me get those written down.”

Y-Mouse is busy typing down all the notes, when from stage-right comes a KNOCK KNOCK.

K-MOUSE
“Who is it?”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
(from off-stage) “Thomas.”

ALL THE ALPHABET MICE EXCEPT Y-MOUSE AND Z-MOUSE
“Thomas!”

K-MOUSE
“Come on in”

Thomas Typewriter enters wearing a pizza delivery outfit. He is carrying a stack of little pizzas and a pile of napkins.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Do you have time for a break? I brought pizzas.”

Y-MOUSE
“We could take a pizza break.”

Thomas kneels and hands out the pizzas. When done, he sits cross-legged by stage-right end of the table.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“You redecorated.”

Y-MOUSE
“We hired a firm from Mall X.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Looks good. So, how’s everyone doing?”

He takes a slice of pizza. He eats it as he listens to everyone’s answer.

D-MOUSE
“Good.”

R-MOUSE
“Really good.”

M-MOUSE
“Would you like a soda, coffee, or tea?”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Soda, please.”

S-MOUSE
(stands) “Silver Apple, Acorn, or Dragon Heart?”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Can always use some more wisdom. Acorn please.”

S-Mouse tosses a can of soda to Thomas. Thomas catches it. The Alphabet Mice start to pass the pizza and napkins out.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Thanks.”

Thomas tries awkwardly to open the small can of soda. His hands are too large to get a grip on the pop tab. He gives up and sets the can to the side.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
(to self) “Guess I’ll be saving that for later.”

He wipes his face with a napkin.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“So, what have you guys been up to? Biff and Rockey, maybe.”

Y-MOUSE
“Compiling loose ends. Stray sub-plots. Once that’s done, maybe Biff and Rockey.”

Thomas frowns.

Y-MOUSE
“Why the long face.”

Thomas sighs and adjusts his sitting position.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“I was just hoping for a break in my writer’s block.

The Alphabet Mice exchanged glances. Thomas notices this and decides to move on.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Forget I asked, I’ve just had a lot on my mind.”

Y-MOUSE
“What’s been on your mind. What troubles Thomas Typewriter?”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“I asked Ophidia to marry me.”

Everyone congratulates him.

I-MOUSE
“That sounds like good news. How is that bad?”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“It’s a big step and I have no future. I am a failure as a screenwriter”

Y-MOUSE
“Now now, none of that.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“No, it’s true. No one wants my scripts. They’re not marketable, not mainstream…too weird, just like me. I don’t know guys, maybe I am just not meant to be successful.”

G-MOUSE
“I don’t know about that.”

Y-MOUSE
“We (gestures to all the Alphabet Mice) don’t believe that, you shouldn’t either.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
to G-Mouse) “Thank you.” (to the group) “My agent called me today. He told me the studios let the options on my scripts expire. He’s going to let me go also. No agent. No work. No prospects. What am I supposed to do.”

Y-MOUSE
“Do not mistake the income of the artist for the quality of the art. Nothing we do will last forever. Eventually everything we create will disappear. The mountain wears down, the ceramic cracks. The only thing we truly have for sure are the individual moments of our lives and what we fill those moments with. Fill them with kindness, with attentiveness, with expressions of love for not only family and friends but also yourself, with laughter, with forgiveness, with life.”

The other Alphabet Mice agree.

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
(from off-stage) “Thomas. Thomas where are you?.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Sounds like I am needed elsewhere. Thanks for listening.”

Y-MOUSE
“No problem. We’ll percolate it up if we make nay progress on Biff and Rockey.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Thanks.”

All the Alphabet Mice wave goodbye to Thomas as he exits stage-right.

FADE OUT

TRANSITION FROM THE WRITER’S ROOM TO MID-STAGE

FADE IN

MID-STAGE: INT. OPERAHOUSE’S BASEMENT BATHROOM, DAYTIME

The bathroom sits empty.

OPHIDIA
(off-stage, stage left) “Thomas, you in there?”

A KNOCK KNOCK on the bathroom door then it opens. Ophidia enters and looks around. She looks in the shower but does not see any one. She comes out, looks around circularly, then sits down on the toilet.

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“Where could he be?”

The shower curtain opens and Thomas sticks his head out.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“You were looking for me.”

Ophidia SCREAMS, surprised by Thomas’ sudden appearance. Thomas exits the shower and hugs Ophidia

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“Where have you been?”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“I was in the shower.”

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“But, I looked in there. Where were you.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Don’t know how you missed me.” (changing subject) “You hungry? Up for some lunch?”

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“Sure.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Could we pick out the ring first. I have a place in mind and it won’t take long.”

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“Sure.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Ladies first.”

Ophidia stands and exits stage-left through the bathroom door. Thomas steps out of the shower and follows her. He turns off the lights at the light switch by the door. The stage lights turn off with the sound like A LIGHT SWITCH CLICKING OFF. The only light is what flows through the open bathroom door silhouetting Thomas. He closes the door. The Mid-stage curtains close

FADE OUT

The Great Works Project: Season Three, Episode Four script by Thomas Typewriter

scripts, The Great Works Project scripts

———–<.thom.>———–

THE GREAT WORKS PROJECT

a puppet play in many parts

Season 03, Episode 04

By Thomas Typewriter

(c) 2020

===========<:type:>============

FADE IN TO BLACK

From the bottom of the screen scrolls up the following text: “03-04”. It moves upwards, pausing a moment in the center of the frame, then continues upward, exiting the frame at the top edge.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

INT. UNROOM NOT.SEVEN IN THE UNDECORATED SPACE

The unroom, and by extension the screen, sits dark. A soft light turns on in the unroom Not.Seven. A few of the details regarding the unroom become visible: the wooden disc in the center of the room, the rows of grey carpet arranged around the disc, and the thin spindly lamps at the end of the carpet rows.

THE CAMERA IS CURRENTLY AT THE POV OF AN OUTER ONE SITTING ON A CARPET SQUARE LOOKING AT THE WOODEN DISC.

THE CAMERA LOOKS DOWN.

A hand comes into view. It is the hand of THE OUTER ONE. This will be same hand that suffered a papercut from the scriptbook in a previous episode. The ends of the fingers are not fully there anymore. Bits of flesh are missing, replaced by glowing text and numbers. The whole hand glitches. The Outer One rotates their hand examining the changes. The sound of TYPEWRITER KEYS CLICK CLACKING drifts in from off-frame.

THE CAMERA LOOKS UP.

The wooden disc sits empty and dim. Unseen lamps over the disc flip on. The TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE suddenly appears in the light.

TRANSITION FROM THE UNROOM TO THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE.

PAN IN FROM THE OUTER ONE’S POV TOWARDS THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE.

TRANSITION FROM THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE TO THE MID-STAGE

CONTINUE TO PAN IN ON THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE, SPECIFICALLY THE MID-STAGE AREA. THE CAMERA WILL CONTINUE TO ZERO IN ON THE MID-STAGE UNTIL PROPERLY FRAMING THE MID-STAGE.

MID-STAGE: CURTAINS CLOSED

The curtains of Mid-stage part. As they open, the Mid-stage’s stage-lights turn on with the sound of A LIGHT SWITCH CLICKING ON revealing…

MID-STAGE: EXT. OPERAHOUSE FRONT PORCH, DAYTIME

A wooden front porch runs along the width of the stage. A front door sits to the stage-right side. A canoe sits in the rafters of the porch near the stage-left side. Various planters, all empty, sit on the rails. An outdoor thermometer can be seen next to the door. It reads 31 degrees Fahrenheit.
THOMAS TYPEWRITER kneels on one knee in front of OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE. They are near the door. He holds up a small jewelry box.

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“Are you proposing to me?”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Yes, and before you answer let me say that your prospects with me don’t look good. Every studio has turned down my scripts, I really have no other job skills, and I will soon be completely broke. I strongly suspect something is broken inside me, something that you or me lack the skills to fix. I am at an utter loss.”

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“Really. That’s your sales pitch. Marry me, my life is horrible. Am I the lifesaver for the drowning man in this scenario.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Among other things.”

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“And you thought I’d fall for that.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“I really didn’t think that far. I just sat in my apartment after the studios dropped my script options and was thinking about what I had lost, and I was more scared that the most interesting, intelligent, thoughtful, sexy person would, could, be out of my life. (pauses) I love you, I need you, please marry me.”

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
(leans over and kisses him on the top of his head) “Of course, I’ll marry you, you weirdo.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“AWESOME!”

He puts away the jewelry box, stands, then embraces Ophidia. She breaks away to ask a question.

OPHIDIA OPERHOUSE
“Let me see the ring?”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“What ring?”

OPHIDIA OPERHOUSE
“The engagement ring. The one in that box?”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“I don’t have a ring. The jewlery box was for dramatic effect.”

OPHIDIA OPERHOUSE
“Will there be a ring in the future.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Maybe. Probably.”

They kiss.

TRANSITION FROM MID-STAGE TO HIGH-STAGE

THE CAMERA TRANSITIONS FROM MID-STAGE TO HIGH-STAGE. IT PANS UPWARD PAST THE TOP OF THE SETS OF MID-STAGE, ALONG THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS THAT LINES THE BACK OF THE STAGE, UP TO THE HIGH-STAGE. THE CAMERA ENDS ITS PAN FRAMING THE HIGH-STAGE.

HIGH-STAGE: CURTAINS CLOSED

The Narrator’s Door opens. Out walks Y-MOUSE, ice pack held to head with one hand, glass of water in the other. He puts down the glass and ice pack. Searching his pockets he finds a packet of medicine. He tears it open and pours the contents into the glass.

CUT TO EXTREME CLOSE SHOT OF THE GLASS Y-MOUSE BROUGHT OUT.

Two effervescing tablets fall in. The tablets bubble as they slowly sink to the bottom.

CUT BACK

Y-Mouse picks up the glass, giving it a swirl before drinking it. He then reaches for the ice bag, lifting it to his head. He takes a sip. The bubbles tickle his nose and he grimaces. He turns to the camera as if to say something, pauses, then changes his mind. Turning, Y-Mouse exits through the narrator’s door. It closes. The High-Stage curtains part. The High-stage lights turn on with the sound of A COMPUTER TURNING ON revealing…

HIGH-STAGE: INT. ROOM 302 ON THE MEDICALSHIP THE FLUTE, DAYTIME

A stark room of space-age plastic accented by baroque woodwork. Three Medi-pods are distributed evenly across the room. Two smooth metallic doors sit between the pods. One door is the entrance door to room 302, the other is the door for the bathroom. A large curving window sits to stage-left running up and out of sight. Outside the window, a starscape tumbles by. On the other side of the room, stage-right, stands a vid-screen wall. PANACIA THERAPUETAE enters the room, Medical Maestro device tucked under her arm. She walks over to the furthest Medi-pod, removes the Medical Maestro’s stylus and presses it against the Medi-pod.

PANACIA THERAPUETAE
“Maestro, status update please.”

The Medical Maestro’s display lights up.

CUT TO CS OF MEDICAL MAESTRO SCREEN

The top left corner of the display contains three lines of text.

PATIENT: Cedar Cornelius Waxwings
ADMITTED: 1 day ago
CONDITION: Stable

The rest of the display contains a thick line outline of Cedar. The left side of his face and chest blink bright red representing his injured areas. His left arm blinks a dark red.

CUT BACK

Panacia walks over to the next Medi-pod. She touches the stylus to its side.

PANACIA THERAPUETAE
“Maestro, status update please.”

The Medical Maestro’s display lights up.

CUT TO CS OF MEDICAL MAESTRO SCREEN

The top left corner of the display contains three lines of text.

PATIENT: CARRO SHIP-TELLIGENCE BRAINBOX
ADMITTED: 1 day ago
CONDITION: Stable

The rest of the display contains a thick line outline of Carro’s rectangular brainbox. Circles of bright red blink across the outline

CUT BACK

Panacia walks over to the last Medi-pod. She touches the stylus to its side.

PANACIA THERAPUETAE
“Maestro, status update please.”

The Medical Maestro’s display lights up.

CUT TO CS OF MEDICAL MAESTRO SCREEN

The top left corner of the display contains three lines of text.

PATIENT: Lucido Cinnabar Obsidian
ADMITTED: 1 day ago
CONDITION: Stable

The rest of the display contains a thick line outline of Lucido. His legs blink dark red.

CUT BACK

A panel on the wall starts to blink while Panacia reads the last status report on the Medical Maestro. A soft BEEP BEEP can be heard. She looks up and notices the blinking panel. Panacia walks over to the blinking panel. She touches it with the stylus from her Medical Maestro. The other end of the Medical Maestro she places against her head, much like a phone.

PANACIA THERAPUETAE
“Maestro, answer call please. Hello. Oh hi Dad. Yeah they’re stable. Their injuries were pretty critical but the Medi-pods will be able to handle most of it. It will just take awhile. Sure. Sure. Okay. We’ll need to set up appointments with Iasa soon. Maybe in one week, but could be three or four.”

In the entry door we see ELDER GRIM walking past. He is wheeling an old man, MINTHRIL MUSTACHE, in a wheelchair. Panacia notices them

PANACIA THERAPUETAE
“Bubblegum! Those lollypopping kids of death are here. Dad, I’ve got to go.”

She puts the Medical Maestro in her pocket and chases out the door.

PANACIA THERAPUETAE
(off-camera) “Hey leave him along. Get! Get out of here!”

A few moments pass and then we see Panacia wheeling Minthril Mustache back down the hallway.
The lights turn off with the sound of A COMPUTER TURNING OFF and the High-stage curtains close.

TRANSITION FROM HIGH-STAGE TO MID-STAGE

THE CAMERA PANS DOWNWARD FROM HIGH-STAGE TO THE CLOUD OF CURTAINS BELOW. IT CONTINUES FOLLOWING THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS DOWN TO THE TOP OF THE MID-STAGE SETS. GLIDING OVER THE TOPS FO THE SETS IT FINALLY SETTLES PROPERLY WHEN FRAMING MID-STAGE.

MID-STAGE: OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE’S BEDROOM

The view is of an overhead shot on Ophidia’s bed. Her two nightstands can be seen on either side of the bed. One has a lamp and alarm clock. The other has various stuffed animals. In the bed lay OPHIDA OPERAHOUSE and THOMAS TYPEWRITER in embrace. Ophidia is sleeping peacefully. Thomas is not. He looks up at the camera and stares, unable to relax and sleep. He stares up at the camera.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
(voice-over) “What have I done?”

Ophidia moves in her sleep rolling over and putting her arm around Thomas. He looks down at her, puts his arm over hers. The tension in his face drains away.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
(voice-over) “Maybe the best thing possible.”

The stage-lights turn off with the sound of A LIGHT SWITCH CLICKING OFF. The Mid-stage Curtains close.

FADE OUT