Removing the Mask-Drama Skit

Removing the Mask-Drama Skit

Themes: Using masks to conceal our true identity; hiding behind masks; insecurity; fear; fear of rejection; accepting others as they are
Categories: Personal, Relationships, Topical 
Summary:

Mike and his wife Holly are new to the community, so when neighbors Roger and Meg throw a block party to introduce them to the neighborhood, Mike is excited, until Holly brings out the "masks" again.  "Can't we just be ourselves?" questions Mike, but Holly is insistent.  Even reassurances from her gracious hosts can't change Holly's mind. She is determined to play the part of the "perfect couple," at least for one evening. Upon seeing Mike and Holly's masks, when block neighbor Frankie enters without his, he quickly turns around and puts it on, receiving baffled looks from the other guests. As the evening progresses, it becomes clear to everyone but Mike, Holly and Frankie how ridiculous the masks make them sound.  That is until Sky, a bold neighbor, shows up and confronts them, asking "What's up with the masks?"  Helping them realize the "safety" of the mask is really a lie, Sky and the others guide Mike, Holly and Frankie into removing their masks, allowing them to experience the freedom and acceptance that comes from being your "true" self.  

 
 
Style: Comedy/Drama

$10.00
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Characters: 7 (3 Male, 4 Female)
Length: 8-10 minutes
 
Excerpt (Sample)

Setting: A living room. 

As the scene opens, Meg and Roger are on stage, sitting in chairs acting as if they are engaged in conversation (they speak to each other, but the audience hears no words.) Holly and Mike enter, stopping a few feet from the others. 

Holly:

(a little nervous, to Mike) So, are we ready for this?

Mike:

Of course we are. Why wouldn't we be?

Holly:

Because we've only lived in this neighborhood a couple of months. 

Mike:

Which is why our neighbors have graciously invited us over for a block party.  It'll give us a chance to meet some of the others who live around here.  

Holly:

What if we don't have anything in common with them?

Mike:

We'll move to another block. (smiles) I'm kidding!  Just relax, Holly.  It's going to be fine. (starts to ring the doorbell)

Holly:

(frantic) Wait!  I almost forgot. 

Holly reaches inside her purse to pull out 2 masks-they should be the "Lone Ranger" type of masks, covering only their eyes, leaving their mouth free so their spoken words can still be heard clearly.

Holly:

Here.  (hands a mask to Mike) Put this on. (she puts her own mask on)

Mike:

(staring at the mask in his hand, obviously displeased) Again?  Why do we have to do this every time?

Holly:

Because we want to make a good first impression.

Mike:

Can't we do that by just being ourselves?

Holly:

Maybe, but these will guarantee we will. 

Mike:

But I hate these things!  They're uncomfortable and they give me a headache.

Holly:

Quit being such a baby.  (she takes the mask from him and "roughly" puts it on over his head)  It's only for a little while. Once they get to know us better then we can take the masks off. 

Mike:

That's what you said last time, and the masks never came off!

Holly:

You can take it off at home.

Mike:

But it's exhausting trying to keep up with all the lies we tell everyone, not to mention trying to remember to put this stupid thing on every time I leave the house. (indicating the mask)  I was hoping to make a fresh start here.

Holly:

We can.  Just not yet(she rings the doorbell)

Mike:

(sighs) So, who are we tonight?

Holly:

The perfect couple, of course.

Mike:

(sarcastic) Of course

Holly:

Smile. 

They both put on a "fake" smile, as Meg gets up and opens the door

Mike & Holly:

(at the same time, very "sweetly") Hi Meg!

Meg:

Hello. (a bit puzzled) I'm sorry, do I know you?

Holly:

Meg, it's Holly and Mike from next door. You invited us over tonight, remember?

Meg:

(recognition hits) Oh, my goodness, I didn't recognize you in those masks! I'm so sorry.  Come on in. 

Holly and Mike enter the living room area, as Roger rises to greet their guests

Mike:

Hi Roger.  How's it going?

Roger:

(looking at Mike & Holly quizzically) Hi.  I guess I don't remember meeting you.  Are you new to the block?

Mike:

(frustrated) Yes.  We met a few months ago when we moved in.  We live right next door for goodness sake! (rips off his mask) It's me, Mike!

Roger:

(recognizing him) So it is!  Hey, sorry pal but you look a lot different with that mask on. 

Mike:

Tell me about it!  Talk to Holly. It was her idea. 

Roger:

Okay, I will.  (looks around, pretending not to see her) Where is she?

Holly:

(not amused) Very funny. 

Roger:

(smiling) I thought so.   Seriously though, what's up with the disguise?

Holly:

I wanted to make a good impression, and I thought these would help.

Meg:

That's sweet but you really don't have to do that here.  These aren't the type of people to judge you.  Just be yourself.

Mike:

(to Holly) See.

Holly:

(ignoring Mike, speaking to Meg) I'd feel better if we had the masks on.  At least for tonight.

Roger:

Then what?  You're going to put the masks on every time you run into somebody from now on?

Mike:

That's what I tried to tell her.

Holly:

I'm just not comfortable enough yet to show the real me. 

Frankie enters and rings the doorbell  

Holly:

Mike, hurry up and put your mask back on before someone sees you!

Mike reluctantly puts the mask on, as Roger opens the door.

Roger:

Hey Frankie.  Glad you could make it.  Come on in and meet the newest addition to our block.

Frankie walks in, takes one look at Mike and Holly, gasps loudly then immediately turns around.  Roger and Meg watch Frankie curiously, in bewilderment. Frankie quickly pulls a mask out of his pocket and puts it on, then turns back around to face Mike and Holly-he puts a big smile on his face. Frankie shakes Mike's hand and then Holly's as he speaks.

Frankie:

Hi.  You must be Mike and Holly.  I'm Frankie.  I live down the street.  Roger and Meg have told me so much about you.  It's great to finally meet you face to face.

Roger:

(to Meg, in an "aside" meant for her ears only)  Doesn't he mean "mask" to "mask?"

Meg:

(elbows Roger in the side) Shh!  They'll hear you!