Doodles and Brownies

Characters:

ALIZA: a sixth-grader

DINAH: Aliza’s older teenage sister

NEIGHBOR 1

NEIGHBOR 2

EXTRAS: other neighbors who stand in line to purchase art and brownies at the sale

Act 1

Setting: An urban apartment. ALIZA enters through the front door of the apartment, stage left. DINAH is sitting on the couch reading a book. She looks up as Aliza enters.

DINAH: You look extra happy today. Did something good happen at school?

ALIZA: (excitedly) Yes! A cartoonist came to our class today. He was amazing. Now I want to be a cartoonist.

DINAH: That sounds like a fun career. But you’ll need to take art lessons, right?

ALIZA: (sitting on the couch next to her sister) I sure will. But I have that all figured out. There’s an art class starting up next week at the community center.

DINAH: (sighing) But I thought you already spent all your allowance on going shopping last weekend with Lizbeth.

ALIZA: (confidently) Well, I have that figured out too. I started doodling some artwork on the bus ride home. I thought that maybe I would sell my best ones to make money.

DINAH: (uncertain) That might work. You’ll have to get permission from Mom and Dad first. Maybe I could make my famous brownies, and we could sell those along with your doodles. All the proceeds could go toward your art lessons.

ALIZA hugs DINAH as the lights fade and the curtains close.

Act 2

Setting: DINAH and ALIZA are in the kitchen of their apartment. DINAH is making brownies. Several wrapped boxes of brownies are on the counter. ALIZA is sitting at the kitchen table, making frames for her doodles.

ALIZA: I’m so glad Mom and Dad said we could have this art and bake sale. I hope people come to buy what we made.

DINAH: (laughing) I do too. If they don’t, we’ll be eating brownies for months!

ALIZA: (confidently) With all the flyers we passed out yesterday, I bet we get a good turnout. Are you almost done?

DINAH: (pulling a pan of brownies from the oven) Sure am. This is the last batch. They have to cool, and then you can help me wrap them.

ALIZA: (smiling) Terrific! I just finished framing my doodles. While the brownies are cooling, I’ll go get the card table from the closet. Mom said we could use that to set up our shop outside the door.

ALIZA leaves stage right and returns carrying a small card table.

DINAH: (wiping her hands on a towel) Let me help you.

ALIZA and DINAH leave stage left, through the front door. The lights fade and the curtains close.

Act 3

Setting: ALIZA and DINAH are sitting on chairs behind the card table. The brownies and framed doodles are arranged attractively on the table. A sign reads “FOR SALE: DOODLES AND BROWNIES.” A line of neighbors with cash in hand has already assembled.

ALIZA: Thank you so much for coming to support us. All the proceeds go toward an art class I want to take at the community center.

NEIGHBOR 1: Of course! I enjoy buying artwork from budding young artists. Who knows—maybe one day you’ll be famous, and I can say that I knew her when she was just a youngin’.

ALIZA: (laughing) Oh, you’re too kind. I certainly hope that happens. You just bought the first piece of artwork that I’ve ever sold. So you can remember that too, if I get famous someday.

NEIGHBOR 1 exits stage right, admiring the artwork as she walks. NEIGHBOR 2 approaches the table.

DINAH: Hi. We have artwork, and we have baked goods. Would you be interested in either one?

NEIGHBOR 2: (examining the artwork) Yes. I would like to buy this frog doodle. I’ll also take a box of brownies. My family is coming over for a party tonight, and now I won’t have to make anything myself. You’re a lifesaver!

DINAH: (laughing) Well, you’re certainly welcome. I hope you enjoy them!

NEIGHBOR 2 exits stage right, carrying the artwork and box of brownies.

ALIZA: (whispering to DINAH) Look at this line!

DINAH: (smiling and whispering back) Get ready to sign up for that art class. By the looks of it, I think we’ll sell out before everyone gets to buy something.

ALIZA puts her arm around DINAH and gives her a side hug. The scene freezes while the lights fade and the curtains close.