Lesson 40: The Woods Are Alive

Anna: Happy New Year! Some people, at the start of a new year, make a resolution -- a promise to yourself to be better. I thought about my resolution carefully. I want to be an actor on the stage! Today I will audition for a show called "The Woods Are Alive!" Wish me luck!

Director: Next! What is your name?

Anna: My name is Anna Matteo.

Director: Are you ready to audition?

Anna: (warms up voice) Yes.

Director: Great. Let's begin on page 1. Here is the story. You are lost in the woods. You are searching desperately for a way out. Suddenly, you hear something.

Director: Now, say your line.

Anna: 'What was that? Hello. Is someone there?'

Director: Anna, you are speaking too softly. Can you speak more loudly and a little more, um, seriously?

Anna: Yes, of course I can. 'What was that? Hello. Is someone there?' Is that loud enough?

Director: Yes, that is loud enough. Let's turn to page 25. In this scene, you are moving slowly and quietly through the woods.

Director: Anna. Anna! You are walking quickly and loudly. Walk slowly and quietly.

Anna: I'm walking slowly and quietly. I am walking…

Director: Anna. Anna. You don't need to say "slowly" and "quietly." Alright, let's try the last scene. Turn to page 48. I say my line first, then you say your line.

Director: 'You will never get out of these woods alive! Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!'

Anna: 'Yes, I will.'

Director: Okay, Anna, you said that line -- you said that line really late. You need to say it earlier.

Anna: Sorry. Sorry. Let me try again.

Director: 'You will never …'

Anna: 'Yes, I will.'

Director: '… get out of the woods alive.'

Anna: I was too early, wasn't I?

Director: Yes. Yes, you were.

Anna: Director, how am I doing?

Director: You know, Anna. I think that I have the perfect part for you.

Director: The costume is in the back. Please go try it on.

Anna: Awesome! (Anna returns as a tree.)

Director: Oh, Anna, that fits you perfectly!

Anna: I'm a tree. I'm a tree in … "The Woods Are Alive!" Yes!

Anna: My new year is starting awesomely! Excuse me, Director! I have a great idea for my tree. Oh, wait! Until next time!