THIS IS NOT A FREE SCRIPT!

This script sample is provided for personal reading and evaluation purposes only. Before
you give any public reading or performance of this play, you must purchase a licensed
copy of the script from www.dramabygeorge.com/store. The purchase price includes the
rights to photocopy the script and perform the play.

Why Should I Pay You?

I (George Halitzka) am a freelance writer and theatre artistthats how I pay the rent. I depend on
earning an income from my creative work. Besides, the law requires that you must have the authors
permission to use his/ her writings. (Trust meIm far too nice of a guy to rip off.)

When Do I Owe You Money?

If you read over this script and it doesnt fit your needs, you owe me nothing! However, if you choose to
perform it, whether or not admission is charged, then you owe me a few bucks.

What Does the Purchase Price Get Me?

In short, you get the rights to perform the script as many times as you would like within the context of
one school, church, or nonprofit organization. You may also make as many photocopies as necessary for
production purposes (e.g., to distribute to your actors). The fine print follows.
BY PURCHASING THIS SCRIPT, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE FOLLOWING TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS,
CONTACT THE AUTHOR WITHIN 24 HOURS OF YOUR PURCHASE AT GEORGE@DRAMABYGEORGE.COM TO REQUEST A REFUND OF
THE PURCHASE PRICE, AND DESTROY ALL COPIES OF THE SCRIPT IN YOUR POSSESION. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED UNDER THE
PRECEDING, ALL SALES ARE FINALNO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES. As the original purchaser of this script, you are granted a non-exclusive
license to use it in the context of one local nonprofit organization, church, or educational institution, for the purpose of live amateur performance
only. There is no limit on the number of performances you may give; however, this license is nontransferable. Please do not share copies of the script
with anyone outside of your organization. Copying or transmitting the script, in paper or electronic form, is permitted only for production purposes
(e.g., you can give copies to actors, directors, and technicians involved in the production). Youre welcome to make one video or audio recording of
your live performance(s) for archival/ critique purposes. Excepting that single recording, it is unlawful to record, duplicate, or transmit your live
performance in any form or by any means, including via the internet. These license terms explicitly do not apply to professional performances (with
paid actors) or touring groups (which perform in more than one venue), who must contact the author at george@dramabygeorge.com for
information on royalties due. Script copyright 2011 by George Halitzka. All rights reserved.

How Do I Send the Money?

Visit www.dramabygeorge.com/store to pay securely with a major credit card. If you have any questions
or prefer to pay by check, please see the fine print below or contact the author at
george@dramabygeorge.com. Thanks for your interest in scripts by George Halitzka!
To purchase this script, visit www.dramabygeorge.com/store, where you may pay securely with a major credit card using Paypal. You will be able
to download a PDF script (which you may photocopy for production purposes) immediately after payment. If you prefer to pay by check, mail your
payment (in the form of a check or money order denominated in United States dollars, drawn on a U.S. bank) to George Halitzka, 1236 Lexington
Road # 102, Louisville, KY 40204-1164. Your script will be sent via email after we receive your check. Please contact the playwright at
george@dramabygeorge.com with any questions, or if you need to pay using an international cheque. (There is a surcharge for cheques drawn on
non-U.S. banks.) Performance rights are not granted until we acknowledge receipt of your payment.
 The Bully Game
Synopsis: Its a brand-new reality show at your school: Three bullies compete to see
who can do the best job abusing their victim with words, blows, and even Your Mama
jokes. But how will they respond when they find out their victim's terrible secret? (The
script includes segments on verbal bullying, physical bullying, and cyberbullying.)

Themes: Bullying, peer pressure, compassion.

Characters: 2 males (Thor, Justin), 3 females (Brittany, Heidi, Theodora), 1 either gender
(Announcer).

Running Time: 15 minutes (20 minutes with optional scene).

Staging Needs: If possible, a curtain should hide the game show setup until Theodora
has been roped into participating by Brittanys lies. Then, each Bully should stand
behind some sort of contestants podium. The Announcer can hold up an Applause
sign at key moments in the game as an extra source of irony. The monologues by the
Bullies should either take place in a tight spotlight, or perhaps be videotaped and
shown on a screen. General area lighting is fine for the rest of the action. A game show
theme song is the only sound cue needed.

Acting Difficulty: Moderate to difficult.

Tone: Comedic dialogue with dramatic moments.

Can It Stand Alone?: Yes.

Authors Comments: Persistent bullying is not a normal part of growing up. Its victims
grow into adults with low self-confidence and high rates of depression. Meanwhile, its
estimated that more than half of schoolyard bullies grow into adult criminals. Now, its
true that only a minority of kids are repeatedly bullied (though many more face this
problem at some time in their lives). However, all kids bear a responsibility to speak up
for the victims, who are often too intimidated to speak for themselves.

Performance Tips: Your Theodora should be able to cry convincingly onstage. The
Bullies must come across as fairly normal kids who just dont know when to quitand
suffer from problems of their own.

The Bully Game 2

 The Bully Game
By George Halitzka

(A tight spotlight shines on BRITTANY, who is touching up her

makeup in a compact.)

BRITTANY
Its all about the show. Put on a smile and give em what they want. Make em laugh;
make em like you, whatever it takes.

Yeah, somebody might get hurt, but its you or them. Keep em laughing or youre
gonna be the one who cries.

Dont know what I mean? Stick around for the show . . . youll see.

(The lights come up to reveal BRITTANY motioning to someone

behind her. The ANNOUNCER appears on the other side of the
stage and calls to BRITTANY.)

BRITTANY
Come on, Theodora!

ANNOUNCER
Did you find her?

BRITTANY
Yeah, shes almost here.

ANNOUNCER
Well, half the schools waiting.

(The ANNOUNCER disappears behind a curtain.)

BRITTANY
I told you; shes almost . . . Theo, come on!

THEODORA
I never heard of a video game tournament at school.

BRITTANY
Youre gonna love it! I bet you can win it all.

The Bully Game 3

 THEODORA
Well, Im okay, I guess . . .

BRITTANY
Just wait behind the curtain

THEODORA
Brittany, are you my friend?

BRITTANY
Sure.

THEODORA
I mean, my real friend? Cause once, this girl said she was my friend, then knocked
down my books.

BRITTANY
I would never do that!

THEODORA
We shouldnt be in here after school. Were gonna get in trouble . . .

BRITTANY
Look, I didnt wanna tell you this . . . if you do this, itll help your Mom.

THEODORA
Really? You swear?

BRITTANY
Swear.

(Pause.)

THEODORA
If itll help Mom.

BRITTANY
Wait here. The shows about to start!

THEODORA
What show?

The Bully Game 4

 BRITTANY
I mean, the video game tournament. Stay here.

THEODORA
If itll help Mom.

(BRITTANY shoves THEODORA hastily behind the curtain, then

runs offstage in the opposite direction. Theme music. The curtain
opens.)

ANNOUNCER
Ladies and gentlemen, its time for everybodys favorite after-school activity, the Bully
Gamewhere the meaner you are, the better you play! Lets meet todays bullies.

(Each BULLY enters as he or she is introduced.)

Our first contestant enjoys tormenting cats, bench-pressing small cars, and stuffing
seventh graders in lockers. His friends call him Thor Helgenschmidt, but you can just
call him cruel.

(Applause sign.)

Contestant number two is the class clown with a mean streak, Justin Hoogelmann.
Justin loves to make folks laugh, especially at other peoples expense!

(Applause sign.)

Finally, Heidi Stimples specialties include sending nasty text messages, starting
rumors, and being two-faced. Dont tick her off, girls, or shell make you cry yourself to
sleep tonight!

(Applause sign.)

And now here is the host of the Bully Game, Brittany Smear!

BRITTANY
Thanks, [Announcers Name]. Well, bullies, you know how the game is played. You have
three rounds to abuse todays victim. Whoever does the best job will be the biggest
meany in [Your Town]. Are you ready to play?

HEIDI
Excuse me, Brittany? Theres been a mistake. Im not a bully; kids are just jealous. I cant
help being popular.

The Bully Game 5

 JUSTIN
Yeah, Im not a bully either. Some people cant take a joke.

THOR
You two are such amateurs.

HEIDI
Say WHAT, musclehead?

THOR
You heard me, Barbie.

JUSTIN
Just cause we dont have to dig for our IQ . . .

THOR
You cant bully nobody.

JUSTIN
Well, maybe Miss Priss is too good for this . . .

HEIDI
Miss What? Get lost.

JUSTIN
Is that what the boys tell you?

(The BULLIES advance on each other.)

THOR
Fight! Fight! Fight!

(BRITTANY steps between JUSTIN and HEIDI.)

BRITTANY
Slow down, Bullies! Save it for your victim, Theodora McGillicutty.

JUSTIN
Theodora?

HEIDI
The freak from math class?

The Bully Game 6

 BRITTANY
Each of you will have three chances to abuse our victim, so we can discover the biggest
bully of all. [Announcers Name], tell us about todays sucker.

ANNOUNCER
Theodora McGillicutty is an eighth grader who enjoys wearing black, watching Star
Wars, and writing poetry. She doesnt have many friends, and sometimes forgets her
deodorant.

BRITTANY
All right, bullies . . . its time for Round One! You have one minute, using only words, to
make Theodora feel so low she needs a ladder to step over the curb. On your mark

THEODORA
Brittany! This isnt what you said

BRITTANY
Get set

THEODORA
Wheres the video games?

BRITTANY
GO!

JUSTIN
(pointing to THEODORAS outfit)
Theodora, who died?

THEODORA
Oh, blacks just my favorite color.

JUSTIN
Love your hair! Does your Mommy do it for you?

THEODORA
Right now, my Mom isnt

THOR
Does it stink in here? Or is it just you?

The Bully Game 7

 THEODORA
(smelling her own armpits)
I dont smell!

THOR
Back off! You probably got bugs, too.

JUSTIN
What a reek! Did you take out the garbage, or are you just white trash?

HEIDI
Theodora, Im sorry theyre making fun of you.

THEODORA
A lot of kids do . . .

HEIDI
Do you like any boys?

THEODORA
Kind of . . .

HEIDI
You can tell me. I wont say anythingpromise.

THEODORA
You swear?

(HEIDI nods.)

Well . . . I think Thor is really hot.

HEIDI
Hey Thor, White Trash likes you!

THEODORA
You swore!

THOR
Thats gross . . . I feel slimy all over!

BRITTANY
Times up! Theodora, how do you feel?

The Bully Game 8

 THEODORA
Justin, that was really mean, what you said about White Trash.

BRITTANY
Cant you take a joke?

THEODORA
Thor, why did you say I smell?

BRITTANY
The truth hurts. Have you heard of deodorant?

THEODORA
I cant believe you let Heidi tell everybody who I like! Youre my friend . . .

BRITTANY
Only when people arent watching. If you stopped being so annoying, people would
leave you alone.

THEODORA
Brittany!

BRITTANY
Heidi, that was a brilliant move tricking Theodora into revealing her secret crush.
You win round one!

(HEIDI steps forward into a spotlight.)

HEIDI
Im not trying to be mean. I swear. But if you were up here, youd try and win. With
everybody watching . . . yeah, you know you would.

People say Im popular. But thats not, like, guaranteed. If kids see me making nice
with a freak . . .

Im not good at anything. Im not failing stuff, but its straight Cs, okay? I dont play
sports, I dont sing or whatever, so I gotta do something to make people notice me.

Its not my fault Im popular. Its just the only thing Im good at.

(The spotlight fades out. We return to normal lighting.)

The Bully Game 9

 BRITTANY
Its time for Round 2: Physical Bullying!

THEODORA
Im leaving!

BRITTANY
Dont you wanna help your Mom?

THEODORA
How can this help

BRITTANY
Youll never know if you leave, Theo. On your markget setGO!

(During this round, BRITTANY acts as a sort of sports

commentator, narrating the BULLIES actions as they perform
them.)

Looks like Thor is starting with a classicknocking down Theodoras books in the
hallway. Shes trying to pick them up . . . wait; Justin offers to help! But not reallylook
at that book fly!

Now Heidi moves in. Shes threatening to gossip about Theodoras crush unless Theo
gives up her necklace . . . smooth move, Heidi! Threatening can be much more effective
than real violence. Uh-oh, its not working . . . so Heidi does a hair pull! Ouch, that hurt!
And theres the necklace!

Justin comes in with a flanking move, tripping Theo as she walks away! Look at that
laughgreat intimidation tactic.

Meanwhile, Thor is back for more. I thinkyes, hes actually going to try and shove her
in a locker. This man knows all the classics! Times up, bullies!

THEODORA
Thor, that hurt!

BRITTANY
Boys will be boys.

THOR
Ill teach you to tell people you like me.

The Bully Game 10

 HEIDI
Nice necklace! Thanks, loser.

THEODORA
Do I get that back after the game?

BRITTANY
This round goes to Thor for his use of the classic book-tossing and locker-stuffing
moves!

THOR
Im dedicating this win to my big brother, who taught me everything I know. Bluto, I
hope youll get to see the pictures in prison.

BRITTANY
Thank you, Thor. Well be back with our next round in one minute.

(THOR steps into the spotlight.)

THOR
Pretty soon, Ill be able to do it. Im tired of hearin Mom cry when they fight. Tired of
bein his punching bag if I get in the way. Yeah, pretty soon Ill be able to do it. Stop my
Old Man.

But for now, I gotta give it back somehow. Hes too big. So when I get whupped, I
whup on somebody too. Like you dont. Maybe nobody pounds you, but when
somebody makes you feel this low . . . you give it back. Dont tell me you dont. Thats
how it works.

Im just bein like Dad. Like you. Kids should learn to defend themselves. Thats how it
works.

[Insert the optional scene from page 16 here if you choose to use it.]

(We return to normal lighting.)

BRITTANY
Now, its time for our championship round! Heidi and Thor are tied at one win each,
but Justin could come from behind and send us into overtime. Heres everybodys
favorite part of the game: the Yo Mama round!

THEODORA
But they dont know my mother!

The Bully Game 11

 BRITTANY
Life sucks and then you die. On your markget setGO!

HEIDI
Yo Mamas so ugly, she walked into a Haunted House and came out with a job
application!

THEODORA
What does she have to do with this?

THOR
Yo Mamas so fat when she sits around the house, she sits around the house!

THEODORA
Would you stop? You never met her!

JUSTIN
Yo Mamas so stupid she stayed up all night studying for a urine test!

THEODORA
Brittany, stop them!

BRITTANY
Everybodys laughing but you. Whose problem is that?

HEIDI
Shes so poor I saw her kicking a box down the street, and when I asked what she was
doing, she said moving.

THOR
So poor she cant afford to pay attention.

JUSTIN
Yo Mamas so ugly, she went to the beauty parlor and it took four hoursfor the
estimate.

(THEODORA covers her face and begins to cry.)

BRITTANY
Shes crying, bullies! Move in for the kill . . .

The Bully Game 12

 JUSTIN
Yo Mamas so stupid

THEODORA
My mother has cancer, all right? Shes going to die.

(A moment of silence as THEODORA begins to cry.)

BRITTANY
No mercy, bullies! Do you want to win or not?

HEIDI
Um . . . Justin, why dont you move in for the kill?

JUSTIN
Maybe Thor should do it.

THOR
I cant . . .

BRITTANY
Are you bullies, or losers?

HEIDI
Brittany, her Moms dying . . .

JUSTIN
I told you, I just wanna make people laugh.

BRITTANY
Aww, lets throw a pity party for the weirdo!

JUSTIN
(extending his hand to THEO)
Theo, come on.

THEODORA
(to BRITTANY)
You said this would help my Mom! Youre not my friend. Youre a liar.

(JUSTIN leads THEODORA offstage. A beat.)

The Bully Game 13

 THOR
You said this would help her Mom?

BRITTANY
You dont think she did it for fun, do you?

HEIDI
Her Mom with cancer?

BRITTANY
Shell believe anything you say. Pitiful, huh?

HEIDI
I always said I wasnt a bully. But maybe I changed my mind.

(THOR and HEIDI begin to move in on BRITTANY threateningly.)

BRITTANY
Whoa, Im just the host . . .

HEIDI
Hey Brittany, thats a nice necklace.

BRITTANY
You know, bullying can scar people for life . . .

HEIDI
Somebody told me if you stopped being so annoying, people would leave you alone.

BRITTANY
Uh, the games over . . .

THOR
No, I think theres one more round.

HEIDI
On your markget setGO!

(The BULLIES all gather around BRITTANY and begin to chase

her, getting in their shots as they go. They chase BRITTANY all the
way offstage as the theme music plays. As the music ends and the
other BULLIES exit, JUSTIN is left alone in the spotlight.)

The Bully Game 14

 JUSTIN
Im funny. Thats all. When youre funny, people like you. I never saw anybody cry
before, except . . .

Yknow those days when nobody knows youre alive? When the teacher only pays
attention if you screw up? When people you thought were your best friends ignore
you? I hate those days. When I was falling asleep in my room and nobody could see me
. . . I used to cry. Hard.

But I could make it different. Justin, youre so funny. You make me laugh. Justin, you
should be on TV or something. I stopped crying then. People have to notice when Im
funny. I never wanted to make somebody else cry. I just wanted . . .

Yknow Theodora? She says she cries at night, too. And shes not so good at laughing
right now. Her Mom might not be here for eighth grade graduation. So I guess maybe I
dont wanna be funny anymore. I mean . . . not like that.

(Blackout.)

THIS IS A SAMPLE SCRIPT.

It is provided for personal reading and evaluation purposes only. You may
not perform this play until you have purchased a licensed copy of the script
from www.dramabygeorge.com.
Copyright 2013 George Halitzka. All rights reserved.

The Bully Game 15

 Optional Cyberbullying Scene
This scene it can be inserted immediately after Thors monologue on page 11. Note that the
dialogue inside {brackets} should be typed by the characters into their phones at the same time
they say it aloud.

(We return to normal lighting.)

BRITTANY
Good news, meanies, we have time for a bonus round: Cyberbullying!

THOR
Whats psycho-babbling?

JUSTIN
(rolling his eyes as he takes out his phone)
Talkin trash on the internet, genius.

THOR
But I dont have a phone!

BRITTANY
Too bad, so sadlooks like this round is Heidi versus Justin. You have one minute to
demolish Theo on the internet. On your markget setgo!

JUSTIN
Hey freak, do you have Facebook?

(THEO crosses her arms and refuses to answer. Meanwhile, HEIDI

is already searching on her phone.)

I bet you do . . .

HEIDI
(showing JUSTIN her phone screen)
I wouldnt admit it either, if I took selfies like that.

THEO
(pulling out her own phone to see what theyre looking at)
Hey, thats when I dressed up for the fall dance!

JUSTIN
{Who are you trying to impress? No guys gonna dance with that.}

The Bully Game 16

 HEIDI
{Nice hair. Too bad its not 1992.}

THOR
(snatching HEIDIS phone)
I wanna play, too! {U . . . R . . . ugly.}

(HEIDI snatches her phone back before hes finished typing.)

THEODORA
(to BRITTANY)
Make them stop! All my friendsll see that stuff . . .

BRITTANY
Like you have friends.

JUSTIN
{This is what a freak looks like.}
(putting down his phone)
So did I win the bonus?

BRITTANY
Facebook commentsthats all you got?

(JUSTIN looks confusedhe thinks hes doing just fine.)

No text messages? No embarrassing pictures you took?

(JUSTIN and HEIDI shrug.)

Ill show you how its done.

(whipping out her phone)
Heres an awesome shot of Theo chewing with her mouth open at lunch.

THEODORA
(horrified)
Howd you get that?

BRITTANY
Yesterday in the cafeteria, when I was acting like your friend.
(to HEIDI and JUSTIN as she posts another photo)
And here, Theo looks like a huge dork

The Bully Game 17

 THEODORA
Brittany, stuff you put on the internet never goes away!

BRITTANY
Next, you blow up her phone with texts. {Theo, you look sooo dumb in those pictures.}
{Why dont you stop coming to school? Nobody wants to see you.} {Dont you need a
permit to be that ugly?}

(Mortified and upset, THEODORA turns off her phone.)

See? Thats how you cyberbully.

HEIDI
Youre good . . . can I take notes?

BRITTANY
(taking a not-very-humble bow)
This bonus round goes to the host, for her brilliant use of embarrassing pictures and
nasty texts. Our championship is coming up, bullies, so get ready for your final
challenge.

(BRITTANY steps into the spotlight.)

I know what you think: Im a bully. A mean girl. But you dont know me. Otherwise,
youd call me what I am: Scared.

At my old school, me and this girl Katelyn were friends. But the guy she liked ended up
going out with me instead, so Katelyn spread rumors about stuff we did. You know . . .
sex stuff. But it totally wasnt true! We never even kissed. The girls were calling me
slut, and guys said all this dirty stuff, and people posted gross messages on the
internet . . . it didnt stop until I finally switched schools.

You think I like this Bully Game? I put on a show because the Katelyn thing could
happen again . . . and Im freaked. If kids arent afraid of me, whos Heidi gonna spread
rumors about when shes done with Theo? Whos Thor gonna beat up?

Our school counselor says bullyings about power, but I think shes wrong. Its about
fear. Kids leave you alone when theyre afraid of you. Otherwise . . . they figure out
youre the one whos scared.

End of optional scene

The Bully Game 18