Written by Vera Maksymiuk & Isabelle Barroga
(A big thank you to Ken Banh & Daniel Valencia for their respective contributions to this project as well).
Flight of the Artists
Main Characters
TALIA SIGAL: 23 years old. Waitress aspiring musician with a band, black hair with red dyed ends, tan skin.
EMILIA HEART: 21 years old. College student aspiring painter/drawer, blonde bob cut hair, and blue eyes
Time / Place
New York: Manhattan, Tribeca, Present Times (2010s - 2021)
Act One
Scene 1
The Rose and Lion Restaurant - New York City - Night
TALIA SIGAL leaned her head back on the brick wall in the alleyway, letting the smoke from her cigarette fill her lungs. It was a long day at the restaurant, with a heavy flow of customers, with complicated orders. This cigarette break was the first time Talia had a minute to herself since we had clocked in this morning. It was late afternoon now, and the dinner rush was about to begin. Talia closes her eyes, she could almost envision herself playing a real gig at a real venue, and getting a record deal. JOE, her manager, shouts her name. Interrupting her daydream.
JOE
Talia! Get back inside now. Table four needs their order taken.
TALIA drops her cigarette and steps on it. She waves her hand in front of her to blow away the smoke.
TALIA
Ok. I’ll be right in Joe. (TALIA says annoyed)
JOE
Hurry up I am not paying you to be lazy.
TALIA sighs and ties her apron back around her waist and walks towards the back door that leads into the kitchen.
TALIA
Alright! Alright…I’m going in.
JOE
Hair. (Joe mutters, side-eyeing Talia as she turns the corner. )
The scene pauses. No one on stage is moving, but a spotlight is on THE NARRATOR.
THE NARRATOR
At 23 years old, this was definitely not the way Talia had envisioned her life going. She thought, by now she would have been free from this sleazy upscale restaurant gig at The Rose & Lion. But at least she had her band, Avidité. They practiced five days a week in a garage - first starting with cover songs, but eventually coming up with a few of their own, too. Talia really wanted to be in that garage right now.
The spotlight on THE NARRATOR disappears and the scene resumes.
JOE (CONTINUED)
You know we can’t risk any of your damn hair falling into the food of our customers again. I can’t afford any more complaints, it’s affecting our Yelp reviews.
TALIA rolls her eyes, and puts her black hair up in a bun, the red dyed ends just slightly visible.
TALIA
Got it, no more complaints.
She gives him a fake smile
JOE
Go on girl, table four is waiting.
She turns and walks away. TALIA walks out of the kitchen to the front of house where all of the customers are seated for the dinner rush she mutters to herself:
TALIA
It’s not like people would stop complaining especially with your attitude.
Scene 2
The Rose and Lion Restaurant - New York City - Night
Two corporate-dressed men are sitting in TALIA’S section. TALIA walks up to table four. The two men are in the middle of a passionate conversation relating to work.
TALIA
Good evening, my name is Talia and I will be your server today. Can I get you gentlemen started with any drinks?
The man sitting closest to TALIA speaks as he takes his hat off
LABEL EXECUTIVE #1
Yes, a whiskey neat for me and a gin and tonic for my friend, here.
TALIA
Coming right up!
TALIA walks off to put in the order but before walking away she overhears:
LABEL EXECUTIVE #1
So Paul, what do you think of that Bleachers kid? He’s good, right?
TALIA releases a small gasp.
TALIA
Bleachers? What would two old men like that know about a band like Bleachers? (Talia mutters to herself)
TALIA goes and inputs table four’s drink orders into the POS system and then goes to the bar to get the drinks from MAX (24), beard, glasses, and the bartender is working tonight.
TALIA
Hey Max, you got my order?
MAX
Yup! Hmm...classic drinks. (MAX smiles) Let me guess, the people who ordered these aren’t our age?
TALIA gives a small laugh and looks at MAX.
TALIA
Table four.
MAX glances over at table four.
MAX
No way, I see these two in here all of the time! I should have known!
TALIA
Who are they?
MAX
They’re label executives at Republic. They’re big names in the industry, got tons of people on the charts.
TALIA’S eyes widened.
MAX (CONTINUED)
I’m not joking Talia. Get on their good side and they could make you and your band BIG!
TALIA smiles.
TALIA
Well hurry up those drinks then, Max!
TALIA breaks the fourth wall and looks at the audience. Then says:
TALIA (CONTINUED)
This is my moment!
Scene 3
The Rose and Lion Restaurant - New York City - Night
EMILIA HEART (21) blonde medium length bob, blue eyes, and tan skin; is a college student. She is running late to her first shift at The Rose & Lion. She lost track of time while drawing and now running into the restaurant.
EMILIA
So sorry I’m late, Joe! I don’t know what happened. (EMILIA says out of breath)
JOE
Late on the first day of your job. Not a good look Emilia. Listen, we’re swamped tonight. I may just let this embarrassing case of tardiness slide if you get in there and start serving up like a machine. Don’t let it happen again, you hear me?
EMILIA puts her hand on the back of her neck.
EMILIA
Yes, of course. It won’t happen again...
JOE
Here’s your apron.
TALIA walks past them.
JOE (CONTINUED)
Talia here is taking an order right now, but she will be training you today.
While JOE is talking, EMILIA gives TALIA a small wave of her hand and says:
EMILIA
Hi…
JOE (CONTINUED)
Go and get settled and she will get you started.
TALIA overhears and gives a bewildered look. She mutters under her breath.
TALIA
Well fuck.
The scene pauses, there is a spotlight on THE NARRATOR.
THE NARRATOR
Talia cannot believe this. How could she handle all her other tables and train a new hire right now. Especially with this new prospect of finally being able to get her foot into the music world. Her dreams are minutes away from coming true. This is her moment, a perky new co-worker, will not ruin this for her. Talia goes over to Emilia, not long after putting in table four’s food order.
The spotlight on THE NARRATOR goes away. The scene resumes.
TALIA
So, you’re the new girl? Where you from?
EMILIA
Oh uhm...Washington.
TALIA
D.C. or the state?
EMILIA
The state. I'm from Seattle.
TALIA
Cool… (there was a moment of silence) so what are you doing working at a dump like this, anyway? Never mind, you know what, just grab this.
TALIA hands EMILIA a rag, cleaning solution and a big dish bucket for dirty dishes.
TALIA (CONTINUED)
Go clear and wipe down all of the empty tables that haven’t been re-set yet.
EMILIA
Okay, got it!
Going to the first dirty table she sees, Emilia sets down the bucket/container and starts putting all of the dishes in. Finally with a full container, she goes to the kitchen, almost losing her grip as she pushes through the double doors with both hands holding the heavy tub of dishes. Emilia looks around anxiously.
EMILIA
Excuse me, does anyone know where the dirty dishes go?
The cooks chuckle at her, and point to the dishwashing machine.
COOK #1
Scrape off the food and leftovers first, honey. And pour any remaining liquids in glasses down the drain in the sink.
The lights dim, there is a spotlight on THE NARRATOR. We see what is being described, happening next to THE NARRATOR.
THE NARRATOR
Emilia gingerly tries to neatly pack everything as best she can into the dishwasher, trying unsuccessfully to not get her outfit dirty in the process. Finally after she is done with this first round, she goes back out to get more, and then again. Talia catches her in the kitchen when she happens to walk in for some food for another table.
The spotlight on THE NARRATOR does away, they stay on stage. But the scene resumes.
TALIA
You gotta move faster than that, we’re needing tables to be set ASAP!
EMILIA
Sorry, got a bit distracted...I’m on it.
The spotlight on THE NARRATOR is back.
THE NARRATOR
The second Emilia goes back out, customers bombard her with questions she can’t answer or help them with. They ask for wine recommendations, where their food is, if she can take their order. Emilia struggles, tells them that she is new and not able to help but that she will find someone to do so. Talia swoops in to save the day and takes care of a few people like it is nothing. Emilia lets herself be hypnotized for a second by Talia’s self-assuredness and speed while working, but then snaps out of it and clears more tables as quickly as she can. Then she rushes to clean and wipe them down. Talia meanwhile is running around taking care of customers left and right, still keeping up the fake/insincere cheerful attitude. Emilia finds Talia.
Spotlight goes away, the scene resumes.
EMILIA
Talia, can you show me or tell me how to set the tables, please? Where do you keep tablecloths and everything?
TALIA sighs, annoyed because she hasn’t gotten a chance to properly introduce herself to the label execs and promote her music yet, and she worries that they will pick up the check and leave before she has a chance to do so.
TALIA
Ugh, fine. Follow me, it’s all here in storage.
TALIA leads EMILIA to a large walk-in closet with numerous shelves
TALIA (CONTINUED)
Tablecloths, hamper for dirty rags and another for dirty tablecloths, silverware, and anything else you could need. (TALIA says with her hands on her hips)
EMILIA
Good to know! Thanks for showing me!
TALIA
Cool, gotta go.
Scene 4
The Rose and Lion Restaurant - New York City - Night
THE NARRATOR is back, no spotlight.
THE NARRATOR
Talia runs to the locker room where her purse is. She conveniently always keeps a few copies of her band’s album that she burned onto a CD herself. Taking a few very deep breaths and clutching to the CD, she peers at the table with the LABEL EXECS. She prints out their bill and slowly walks towards table four, more nervous with every step. Was this really a good idea?
Joe will have my head for this, she thinks.
TALIA walks up to table four, where the LABEL EXECUTIVES have finished their dinner and are clearly still talking about the talent they work with.
TALIA
Hi! I hate to interrupt, but I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. As it happens I am in a band, and I was wondering if you would give our music a listen?
TALIA sets down both the CD and the bill on the table.
TALIA (CONTINUED)
Also, here’s your check!
THE NARRATOR
The execs look at her intently.
TALIA
(In a giddy voice) Anyway, that’s all I really came to say...bye! (Starts to turn around to leave)
LABEL EXECUTIVE #1
What kind of music do you make?
TALIA Spins around, her face lights up in a genuine smile for the first time that entire day.
TALIA
We’re what you’d call...alternative. (Grins)
LABEL EXECUTIVE #2
And what makes your music different from all of the other bands who want a record deal with us?
TALIA smiles. A spotlight appears on THE NARRATOR already on stage.
THE NARRATOR
Emilia goes and tries to set a few tables, albeit incorrectly at first - tablecloths are off center, silverware not placed in the proper place/backwards, etc. Talia comes and corrects her a few times until Emilia gets it down. Closing time finally arrives, and the staff is left to clean up and set the tables for the night, cash out, and bring everything in. Talia walks Emilia through the process.
Spotlight disappears and THE NARRATOR walks off stage. Act I is over.
Act Two
Scene 1
The Rose and Lion Restaurant - New York City - Night
It’s been a week since that night with the music execs. EMILIA is still not used to her job. Talia is getting frustrated.
THE NARRATOR
Talia is particularly frustrated with Joe tonight. He is being pushy and micro-managing more than usual. Emilia’s slower pace of work is also adding to Talia’s frustrations.
TALIA
Come on Emilia, I need help! I got my hands full with all of these orders!
EMILIA
But I’ve never taken an order before, I don’t even have the menu memorized yet…
TALIA hands her a notepad and pen. She starts pushing EMILIA towards a waiting table.
TALIA
Oh my god you're hopeless, just go! Here's a notepad - I’ll help you put in the order on the system when you’re done.
EMILIA comes back and finds TALIA.
EMILIA
Thanks for helping me learn how to go about the POS system...it’s still so confusing to me.
She looks over at the guitar propped by the wall in the doorway of the locker room.
EMILIA (CONTINUED)
Is that yours?
TALIA
Yep. My band is going to busk out on the street after work today.
EMILIA
No way, that’s so cool! Do you get a large crowd?
TALIA
(Scoffs) Not nearly the kind of crowd we deserve, but we get an audience here and there. You should come, if you want.
EMILIA
Oh, I don’t know, it’s-
EMILIA sees TALIA raising an eyebrow at her inquisitively.
EMILIA (CONTINUED)
...I mean sure, I guess...why not!
JOE enters the kitchen.
JOE
Talia! Why is table seven complaining about their food?!
TALIA
(Sarcastic tone) I don’t know, Joe, that’s not even my section. Why don’t you ask them? I’m sure it’s because you mainly sell frozen when you claim it’s actually fresh.
JOE
Don’t try me, Talia. Go make them happy or you won’t get your tips.
TALIA
Don’t make ME quit, Joe!
TALIA walks out of the kitchen and looks at table seven - the same two label executives from last week are seated there. She approaches the table eagerly.
TALIA
Hello again!
LABEL EXECUTIVE #2
Well, hello - Talia, is it? Your name was on the back of the CD cover, and it was the only female name written down, so I assume that’s you? The lead singer?
TALIA
Yes, hi, that’s me! What did you think of the songs?
LABEL EXECUTIVE #1
Well, your band needs some work, but overall there is potential. I can’t offer you a record deal on the spot, you’ll have to work for it - but I think you have what it takes.
TALIA
Seriously?? Wow, I can’t believe I’m hearing this! Tell me what I need to do and I’ll do it! I’m busking tonight in downtown, any chance you could come? Please? It would mean a lot, and this way you could see us perform live!
THE NARRATOR is back, no spotlight.
THE NARRATOR
The two executives give each other a look, and nod. They turn back to Talia and smile. Talia screams with joy, jumping up in the air victoriously. She power walks back into the kitchen, where the chefs are as usual laughing and working hard at their respective stations.
ABBA’S “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” starts playing on full blast on their radio, while THE NARRATOR is speaking.
THE NARRATOR (CONTINUED)
Talia dances her way through the kitchen to the surprise of all - she’s usually never in this good of a mood.
Scene ends, and the narrator walks off stage. The set changes to a new location.
Scene 2
Downtown at night - Greenwich Village - Night
TALIA and the band, consisting of drummer Chris Robert and Peter Drake on keyboard, set up for their gig. It is relatively busy with passersby. Emilia has arrived with them. They are on a random street corner in the Village.
TALIA
Okay guys, tonight’s important - make sure you’re all set and good to go. I want to put on a great show for these guys. I hope you realize that we could possibly be leaving here with a contract!
CHRIS
We got this in the bag, Tals, don’t worry.
EMILIA
Yeah! You guys will do great!
TALIA
Oh my god they’re here. They actually came.
Grabs TALIA’S hands
EMILIA
You can do this!
TALIA
But you’ve never even heard our stuff…
EMILIA
True, but even so, I know you will rock this thing!
TALIA gives a shy nervous smile, and turns to her band, getting to the microphone.
TALIA
Hi! We’re Avidité, and we’re going to be playing some songs for you tonight!
There is an awkward silence as people keep walking or stare blankly. TALIA turns back to look at CHRIS and PETER to signal that she’s ready. TALIA starts singing their first song, unintentionally a bit off-key. This being one of her first times performing, she freezes and almost forgets the lyrics to her own song. When she comes to, she strums her guitar so hard that the string breaks and cuts her finger. There are audible gasps and chuckles from the audience. The LABEL EXECUTIVES do not look amused.
TALIA
Sorry, guys, my string broke - we’re taking a very short intermission to fix this, and we’ll be right back!
TALIA angrily rummages through her backpack and manages to replace the string that broke. TALIA tries again, nervously - she doesn’t freeze anymore, but the performance is less than stellar. TALIA sees the LABEL EXECUTIVES turn and start to leave before she is even finished playing the next song. TALIA’s voice cracks as she tries her hardest to keep her composure and not burst into tears during a gig that would usually leave her feeling over the moon. She manages to get through about two more songs before she signals to CHRIS and PETER that she’s done.
CHRIS and PETER look confused, but stop playing - they furrow their eyebrows with concern.
CHRIS
What’s wrong? (He says voice low)
PETER
Are you good?
TALIA ignores them and runs off into a small alleyway nearby to avoid people seeing her get emotional. EMILIA chases after her.
Scene 3
Downtown at night - Greenwich Village - Night
After that performance, TALIA feels defeated. She was just hit with harsh reality. None of that went right, now she feels like she missed her shot. TALIA is tired of fighting for her dream. EMILIA goes up to her after the performance.
EMILIA
OMG, your band sounded great! I'm sorry that your string broke, though - I hope your finger is ok-
TALIA
Emilia…
EMILIA
I mean next time, you will do even better!
TALIA
Emilia.
EMILIA
...One day everyone is gonna know your name and-
TALIA
EMILIA! (she shouts)
TALIA makes eye contact with EMILIA, her eyes are glassy.
TALIA (CONTINUED)
Enough. (she whispers)
TALIA starts to tear up so she looks away, not wanting EMILIA to see her cry.
EMILIA
Hey…
TALIA is trying her best to keep her emotions in. But she can’t hold it any more and starts letting go of the tears.
TALIA
NO! That was it. I’m done. I blew it, you saw them, the two guys you always see at the restaurant. They were here to see if we were worth a record deal.
EMILIA
There will be other chances-
TALIA scoffs
TALIA
I haven’t just messed up my own life, but Chris and Peter’s too. I’m tired...
TALIA sits down and stares blankly at the floor.
TALIA (CONTINUED)
God it was never gonna happen. I was being delusional.
EMILIA slowly approaches and sits next to her.
EMILIA
Talia, listen to me. I need to tell you something.
TALIA
Unless it’s, “I’m a label exec who will give you a record deal”, I don’t think I want to hear it right now, Emilia.
EMILIA
Well no, I’m definitely not that. But I know how you feel. I’m not saying this to sound sympathetic, I actually DO know how you feel. Since childhood, my parents always drilled into me that I have to go to college and get a job that will give me financial security and stability for the future. I’m so...sheltered, I guess. I’m in my 20’s, and only now I realized that I want to be an artist, I always have been an artist - but my parents will never let me. You want to know something funny? The other day I went online and filled out an application to Manhattan Institute of Fine Arts, but I never ended up submitting it. I’m scared, Talia. I think that’s what I admire about you. You just do what you want to do without a second thought. But me, I’m always this wallflower waiting for life to happen to me. What I’m trying to say is, I think you’re pretty inspiring.
TALIA
But look where that’s gotten me, Emilia. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to perform again.
EMILIA
So what? You flew too close to the sun. What matters is you took the risk. A person has to shoot for something, or else they would hit nothing.
EMILIA finds a wet wipe in her purse and gently cleans off TALIA’S bloody finger.
TALIA
You never told me you’re an artist. Your work any good?
EMILIA
I’ve been practicing...but I need training. That’s why I wanted to go to art school, to improve my skills and potentially pursue this as an actual career. I’ve realized that life is short, and I don’t want to watch it pass me by while I’m stuck here in limbo, working at a sketchy restaurant with an angry boss.
TALIA
You, criticizing Joe? You really must have had a revelation! Get ready world, Emilia is not here to play!
EMILIA takes out a notebook out of her backpack and hands it to TALIA. Inside are all sorts of sketches, from fantasy creatures that sprung to life on the page, to still life, to people she had drawn out in the park or on the subway.
TALIA (CONTINUED)
Woah…
EMILIA
Is that a good woah, or a bad woah?
TALIA
A hundred percent a good woah! You need to apply to that school. They would be crazy not to give you a spot.
EMILIA
Okay. I’ll apply. But if I do, then you need to give this music thing a second go.
TALIA
(Sighs, looks up at the sky, filled with stars, and smiles) Okay, you got yourself a deal.
Scene 4
The Rose and Lion Restaurant - New York City - Day
Sunday Brunch at The Rose and Lion, Joe is working a busy shift at the restaurant. All of a sudden through the speakers, the Spotify playlist Joe set earlier in the day stops playing.
JOE
Oh not again! What is it now?
Joe starts walking to his office, where his iPod is connected to the sound system. Suddenly, the silence is broken with a loud screeching sound as the volume is turned all the way up and the music starts playing, and a voice comes on that Joe recognizes and begins singing.
JOE
Talia?!
Joe cautiously goes into the locker room and peers in - empty. But before he can do anything else, two lockers burst open and out pop Talia from one, and Emilia from another - they are holding balloons that seem to be filled with something much more than just air or water.
TALIA
Surprise!
JOE
What the - ??
Before he can say anything else, CHRIS and PETER burst in from the restroom, playing their instruments live to accompany the tune on the sound system. As this happens, both TALIA and EMILIA throw with full force the balloons they are holding. As it turns out, the balloons are filled with paint.
JOE
Why would you do that?? I can’t go out there and work now looking like this! What is this supposed to be, some sort of sick prank? You’re lucky I didn't call the police! You’re both fired. Get out, right now.
EMILIA
Actually, you can’t fire us, because we already quit. We put in our official resignations with HR two days ago.
TALIA
Better luck next time, Joe. We’re done with you, and this place.
TALIA, EMILIA, CHRIS, and PETER calmly stroll out the front door, hop into a golf cart that is parked outside, and drive off into the sunset, to the shock and delight of guests and employees of The Rose and Lion.
The End