"What to Say to Convince Your Parents: Tips from the Pro" by Abby Pane

What to Say to Convince Your Parents, Tips from the Pro

Jaylene Parker:  as daughter

Amy Parker: as mother

Hi, my name is Jaylene Parker. I’m sixteen years old and I REALLY want to go to this party, but I know my mom is going to say no… unless I come up with a way to convince her into letting me go by some miracle.

So here is what I am going to do, I’m going to convince my mom into letting me go and you’re going to take notes as you listen to these amazing ways to convince your parents into letting you do something you know they usually would say no to.

                      Thursday, January 3^rd, 2010:                                                        8:03 pm

Jaylene: Hey mom.

Amy: Oh, hey Jaylene, you finished with all your homework?

Jaylene: mhmm…

(Mom looks up at me)

Amy: Are you hungry?

Jaylene: Nope, I already ate. So… mom...

Amy: Yes?

(This is the first step to getting her to say yes, take notes!)

Jaylene: So I was wondering, there’s this party tomorrow night at this kid from school’s house, and I was invited. So I figured since I’ve been doing so well in school and so responsible lately, do you think I could go? (Add in): I’ll be home right at curfew and I promise to let you know if I leave the party any early then I said.

Amy: Well, I don’t know, what’s this kid’s name?

Jaylene: Jason Barker, he’s in my Theology class at school (Adding that he’s in a class dealing with religion always scores major points)

Amy: Are his parents going to be home?

Jaylene: He said they are, and mom, you know I wouldn’t go if they weren’t gonna be there.

Amy: Alright, I’ll think about it, come talk to me later about it.

Jaylene: Alright.

Later that night:

Amy: Jaylene honey, can you come down here?

Jaylene: Okay (I walk down the stairs slowly into the living room) Yes mom?

Amy: Your father and I were talking, and we decided since you have been doing so well on your school work and this Jason kid seems like a good kid so... (like I said, always add the religious part) we think it would be okay if you go, as long as you promise to be home at 11:30 and call if you decide to go somewhere else.

Jaylene: Okay, thanks mom! I better go pick out an outfit.

And that, that is how you convince your parents into allowing you to do something you no they usually would say no to. Always be reasonable, don’t argue, and add in how well you’re doing in school, walaw! You’re going to that party everyone important person is going to.

“Cast List” by Derek Copenhaver

Living in a haze,

Time stands still.

Checking the door every day,

GAH!

This is the hardest part of any production,

This endless waiting.

I hope I got the part I wanted,

And I’m not alone,

Everyone crowds his door on the day.

He walks out

Everyone crowds closer

He yells us back.

He quickly puts the list on the door and disappears into his room.

We madly rush the door, all wanting to see at once.

She and I hang back, waiting for the crowd to clear.

We calmly approach the door together.

I see my name right above hers.

Let’s rehearse.

“The Audition” by Derek Copenhaver

Week before

We get the packets,

Time to choose cuttings.

Monologue or duet?

She asks me to go with her.

Duet.

Preparing, practicing, performing.

We’re ready.

Called to the stage,

The lights come up.

Fear and anxiety melt

Under the 3000 watt lights,

I’m in the scene.

It ends too quickly,

I get pulled back into reality,

I feel the sensation

Of disbelief in my surroundings

So common to ending a scene.

Now, it’s time to wait.