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BILLY THE HAM ACTOR
 

Copyright © 2007 by Mark Mandel
WGAw Registered

EXT. HEILIG THEATER – PORTLAND NIGHT
PAN BACK from a banner saying "OPENING TONIGHT" to REVEAL the marquee above it:
"FORREST TAYLOR STOCK COMPANY WITH ANNE BERRYMAN IN WHY MEN LEAVE HOME"
INT. HEILIG THEATER – LOBBY – SAME
A large gathering of NICELY-DRESSED PEOPLE attending an after-performance social.
BILLY and JOSEPHINE are seen moving through the crowd, followed by PUZZLED EYES and QUESTIONING SMILES.
Josephine comes over to greet ANNE BERRYMAN and FORREST TAYLOR entering the lobby.
JOSEPHINE
(giving him a hug)
Forrest— Good to see you.
TAYLOR
Josephine, I’m so glad you could make it.
JOSEPHINE
It was a great show! I’m sure you’ll have a prosperous season.
TAYLOR
Thanks dear.
(a BEAT)
Say, I don’t think you’ve met my leading lady. Miss Berryman is a Wilkes discovery, and I predict will be a big favorite with Portland audiences.
(a BEAT)
Anne, this is Josephine Dillon, a former actress herself, and now a well respected teacher of the craft.
BERRYMAN
(shaking her hand)
Nice to meet you, Miss Dillon.
JOSEPHINE
I’d like you both to meet a friend of mine.
(introducing Billy)
William Gable is one of my top students. A real talent with a bright future ahead of him, too.
ANGLE TO REVEAL FRANZ
Stunned to see Billy and Josephine coming over.
BILLY
(to Franz)
Hello, hon. I’d like you to meet Miss Dillon.
(introducing them)
Josephine, this is Franz Dorfler. She’s the one who suggested I take your class.
JOSEPHINE
(upstaging her)
Nice to meet you, my dear. You have a nice little part, and I thought you played it well.
FRANZ
(eyeing Billy, coldly)
Gee, thanks.