October 22, 2026 · daily scene
The Farmers Market
Given circumstances
- Character
- Vendor
- Setting
- Your booth at the farmers market, noon, flowers laid out in front of you.
- The moment before
- They picked up the same bouquet they always do—sunflowers and eucalyptus—then put it down and asked if you had something for an anniversary.
- Scene partner
- A customer you see every week, standing on the other side of the table
Direction
Start helpful, professional. The shift happens when you realize what you're wrapping is for someone else. Don't play hurt—play the effort it takes to stay composed.
Script
Anniversary. Okay, yeah—roses are traditional, but if they're not a roses person I'd go with these.
Peonies, ranunculus, something softer. More specific.
CUSTOMERHow long have you been together?
Oh. No, I meant—how long have you and—
(they smile, embarrassed)
Right. Sorry.
CUSTOMERThree years. We met here, actually. At this market.
That's really nice. Congratulations.
I'll wrap these for you. The peonies. They'll stay fresh for a week if you keep the water clean.
And next week—if you want the sunflowers—I'll save you a bunch.
Written for Act It Up. Free to rehearse and perform for practice, classes and self-tapes.
Record this scene with a teleprompter and a scene partner who reads the other lines.
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