Discovery Girls

Grand Prize Winner

The Mystery of Pennington Manor

Kaitlynn, age 12, Mo.

Summary

Rosa Perez and her mom have to move to a different house because their old home tragically burnt down. They strangely end up having to move to an old mansion in London, England—where several people died during the 1800s and their spirits ventured…Read on and find out all!

Characters

Rosa Perez: Daughter of Alicia Perez
Alicia Perez: Mother of Rosa Perez
Martha Pennington: Ghost, first one to die and be seen
Jasper Pennington: Ghost, butler, second to die and be seen
Mary Pennington: Ghost, third to die and be seen
Henry Pennington: Ghost, fourth to die and be seen, loves books
Beatrice Pennington: Ghost, fifth to die and be seen

Script

Act I, Scene 1

Rosa: (She looks out the car window.) What house are we moving into anyway?

Alicia: An old mansion—Pennington Manor to be exact. It’s the only place we can afford. It’s towards the edge of London.

Rosa: Oh? How long till we get there?

Alicia: About 40 minutes.

Rosa: (She sighs and stares at her feet.) I wish we never had to go there in the first place.

***

Alicia: Rosa, honey.

Rosa: (She wakes up.) Huh?

Alicia: We’re here.

Rosa: (She yawns.) What?

Alicia: We’re at our new home.

Rosa: Really?

Alicia: (She laughs.) Yes, sweetie.

Rosa: (She sighs.) This old place?

Alicia: This is all we can afford.

Rosa: (She thinks to herself as she stares at her feet.) I wish our house hadn’t burned down.

Alicia: I know. Now go to your new room an unpack your things.

Rosa does as she’s told.

Rosa: (She thinks to herself as she walks up the stairs.) Why this place?

She opens to the door to her room. A ghost gasps…and then vanishes.

Rosa: What in the world!

Rosa marvels at the girl she’d just seen before looking at the bed post to find the name Martha Pennington carved in it. Then she runs back down the stairs to tell her mother.

Rosa: Mom! Mom! You won’t believe what I just saw!

Alicia: What! What did you see?

Rosa: I saw a ghost!

Alicia gets pale.

Alicia: What are you talking about?

Another ghost appears. Swinging around, Alicia sees a man with the name Jasper Pennington on his name tag. He leans on the door post.

Alicia: Young lady, what is going on here?!

Rosa: I don’t know…

Rosa looks at the ghost and then at her mother.

Rosa: Follow me!

Rosa grabs her mother’s hand and starts running down towards the forest path. A ghost boy yells to a ghost girl climbing a tree.

Henry: Mary Pennington, you come down here at once!

Mary: Why should I, Henry?

To the surprise of Rosa and Alicia, both of these ghosts are from the 1800s as well. Without much thought, Rosa and Alicia run into the mansion’s rose garden.

Ghost: Roses are so lovely…

The little ghost girl picks up a rose and places it along the spine of her journal with her name on it: Beatrice.

Rosa: Why are all the ghosts from the 1800s?

Beatrice looks up at them.

Beatrice: Who are you?

***

Runner-up

Maria, age12, Ga.

Summary

Thirteen-year-old Caitlin doesn’t want to let go of the Christmas memories her family had before her mother died after last Christmas. Unfortunately for Caitlin, her dad wants to “change” Christmas with different décor and food, which means new memories. Through this play, Caitlin learns a valuable lesson she will never forget…and ends up having one very unique holiday.

Characters

Caitlin Wilkinson
Mr. Wilkinson: Caitlin’s dad
Max Wilkinson: Caitlin’s seven-year-old brother
Rachael Cunningham: Caitlin’s best friend
Mrs. Cunningham: Rachael’s mom

Script

Caitlin’s dad walks in the living room carrying what she thinks is the family’s Christmas tree. But as Caitlin looks closer, she sees…

Caitlin: (She laughs.) Dad, what in the world is that?! Everyone knows a palm tree isn’t the traditional tree for Christmas. Very funny…where’s the real tree?

Mr. Wilkinson: (He takes a deep breath.) I’ve decided that our Christmas tree is getting a little boring, so we’re not putting it up this year. Don’t you think this one looks much bet—

Caitlin: You’ve got to be kidding me! That won’t even hold all our ornaments! What ever happened to our nice Christmas tree?!

Mr. Wilkinson: Well, I bought new smaller ornaments. And…well, I thought we could have Italian food, instead of the tired chicken dinner we always have. Italian is delicious and easy to cook, you know.

Caitlin: (Her eyes get wide.) Dad, no! You’ve lost it! What would mom say?!

Max walks into the room.

Max: What the…? I know! We’re replacing that fake blue Spruce, right? Cool!

Caitlin: Max! Our old Christmas tree had colored lights and tinsel. Don’t you care that we’re not putting it up?!

Max: But the palm tree is sweet! Let’s keep it!

Mr. Wilkinson: See? Maybe you can give this tree a chance. Come on, for me and Max? Please? I bought new decorations, because the old ones look yellowed.

Caitlin: (She turns to the audience.) I can’t believe this. I love that old Christmas tree. I guess I’m the only one who still wants it in this family. If Mom was still alive, I know she’d agree with me. How can Dad and Max just forget our old tree when mom went though the trouble of buying it herself, years before she died?

Mr. Wilkinson: Caitlin, are you all right?

Caitlin: (She scowls.) Thanks for ruining Christmas, dad!




Mr. Wilkinson: Caitlin, I’m sorry, I just think we need a change of pace for Christmas this year. I know you’re sad about mom. I…I am too. But we need to let some of that sadness go and move on, all right?

The doorbell rings.

Caitlin: (She is near crying.) Whatever. I’m getting the door.

Caitlin opens the door to find her best friend, Rachael.

Rachael: Hey! I just came over to invite you to my house for hot chocolate. My mom just bought this great kind of cocoa, and…

Rachel breaks off at her friend’s expression.

Rachael: Caitlin, what’s wrong?

Caitlin: (She forces a smile.) Nothing. What were you saying about hot chocolate? I could sure use some of that!

Rachael: (She looks skeptical.) Nothing’s wrong? You’re sure?

Caitlin nods.

Rachael: Okay then. Let’s go to my house.

The girls run to Rachael’s house, two houses down from Caitlin’s. Mrs. Cunningham appears at the door.

Mrs. Cunningham: Hello, Caitlin! I hope Rachael told you about my new, soon-to-be-famous hot chocolate!

Caitlin: Of course! I can’t wait to try it.

Mrs. Cunningham: Come into the kitchen. I have everything ready.

The girls and Rachael’s mom sit down to drink.

Rachael: Ahh…perfect, as usual!


Caitlin: Sure is. Thanks, Mrs. Cunningham.

Mrs. Cunningham: Anytime. You know, Caitlin, you look a little down. Is anything wrong?

Rachael raises her eyebrows at Caitlin.

Caitlin: Actually, yeah. My dad thinks a palm tree would make a good tree for Christmas this year, along with some other dumb ideas he thought up.

Mrs. Cunningham and Rachael: (They laugh.) A palm tree?!

Caitlin: (She grimaces.) Yeah.

Mrs. Cunningham: It does sound odd, but maybe you could give it a chance. You know, Caitlin, looking at your mom’s Christmas tree and ornaments might be too much to bear for your dad. It must be hard to look at something everyday and always be sad over it. (The phone rings.) I’ll get that. Thanks for visiting, Caitlin!

Caitlin: Merry Christmas.

Rachael: Maybe you should just let your dad do what he wants this Christmas. Remember that Christmas is not about the decorations and candles but about the celebration of God and being with family and friends.

Caitlin: Ha! It’s hard to celebrate that with an insane dad.

Rachael: I think your dad wants to quit constant grieving for your mom by doing something crazy and unexpected, as he already did with the Christmas palm tree. So maybe you should go along with it. It would make your dad’s Christmas a little brighter. You, your dad, and Max can still celebrate together. Your mom will be there too, in her own way.

Caitlin: (She thinks.) I know, you’re right, Rachael. Thank you. It’s just kind of hard to accept that…never mind. You’ve been a great help, and I think I know that I need to do now!

Caitlin quickly yells thanks to Rachael and her mom and bolts out the door to her home.

Caitlin: Dad! Are you here?

Mr. Wilkinson: Of course, I’m here! Is anything wrong?

Caitlin: Kind of. Dad, I need to apologize. I’m sorry I got mad about the Christmas tree and everything else. We can have a palm tree and new ornaments and Italian food…and anything else. As long as our family is together, it doesn’t matter!

Mr. Wilkinson: (He’s surprised.) That was very mature of you, Caitlin. Your mom would be proud.

Caitlin: (She smiles.) Thanks.

Max: Caitlin! Are you still upset? ‘Cause I don’t want you to be mad during Christmas!

Caitlin: No! C’mon, let’s decorate our beautiful palm tree! We can use some of dad’s new ornaments and mom’s old ones, too.

Max: (He grins.) Yay!

Mr. Wilkinson: We’ll have lots of fun! This will be a special Christmas, kids…We’ll have new memories mixed in with old ones!

Caitlin hugs Max and Mr. Wilkinson.

Caitlin: This will be one of our most unique Christmases ever!

Runner Up

Jordan, Ga.

Summary

Claire, Zoe, Angie, Maggie, Emiline, Ellen, Eloise, Marie, and Ashley spend hours in their Top Secret Clubhouse by the lake in Crystal Creek, Missouri. As a summer project, they decide to fix up the old theater next to Mr. William’s computer store. Suddenly, plans to reform this theatre begin to come to life. During the process of renovation, Emiline’s mother is diagnosed with cancer and cannot pay for her medical treatment. The girls decide that the money earned from their shows will go straight to help with the medical expenses. The summer turns out to be life-changing and memorable for all of the best friends.

Script

Act I, Scene 2: Clubhouse by the Crystal Creek Lake

The members of Girl’s Club are sitting on cushions in a circle on the floor, in front of the living room fireplace.

Ellen: (She looks around the circle and talks in a suspenseful voice.) Okay you guys, the moment you’ve all been waiting for! You may be wondering why you were all called to this emergency meeting at 5 p.m. in the evening. You will now find out why you are here.

Zoe: Will you tell us already?

Ellen: (She talks in an excited voice.) Okay, I have gathered you all here to tell you…

Marie: (She talks in an exasperated voice.) Just tell us!

Ellen: (Annoyed, she continues.) Just let me finish! Well, I was walking past Mr. William’s computer store, just to change my walk home a bit, and I saw the old theater. You guys remember that place, right?!

Everyone nods their head expectantly.

Ellen: Well…I was thinking that maybe we could fix it up!

Claire: Then we could perform our own plays there!

Eloise: We do have good skills to work that out…

Emiline: I could be the makeup artist and design costumes!

All of the girls begin to talk excitedly.

Claire: I could play the piano for the songs!

Maggie: I could write the scripts and songs!

Zoe: I can sew the costumes and design the sets!

Eloise: I could find ways to raise money, and Ellen you could be in charge of advertising!

Angie: I could be in charge of the lighting and the other electrical devices!

Ashley: (She talks in a disappointed voice.) What about Marie and me? We don’t have jobs yet!

Ellen: (She thinks.) Well, Ashley, you could be the stage manager, and Marie, you could be the messenger.

Marie: What does that mean?

Angie: That means that if we need something, you will be in charge and go get it.

Eloise: Also, you can help raise money!

Marie puffs out her chest importantly and smiles. Ellen flashes grateful smiles at Angie and Eloise.

Ashley: You guys, we are still missing someone very important.

Ellen: (She asks in a nervous voice.) Who?

Ashley: The director and choreographer!

Claire: Oh, we’ll think of that after we fix the theater?

Ellen: (She stands up and talks with an authoritative voice.) So, all of you can go home. Please think about how we can get the money to fix the theater!

Maggie: How about we all meet here tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.?

Everyone agrees.

Ellen: Okay, see you all tomorrow!

Everyone stands, exits stage right, and talks excitedly about the new project.

Runner Up

Fairy School

Alyssa, age 11, Calif.

Characters

Perrywinkle: Not a fairy, age 10
Lilac: Current fairy who needs money, mother of Perrywinkle
Terrence: Former fairy, husband of Lilac
Puzzy: Fur ball, Perrywinkle’s pet
Teacher Daisy: Teacher at the school
Violet: Classmate who is rich, mean, and sassy
Dalila: Perrywinkle’s roommate
Jenna: Perrywinkle’s roommate

Summary

Perrywinkle is a 10-year-old with two parents that are fairies. What her mom and dad don’t know is that Perrywinkle is not a fairy. When they send her off to a fairy school, she is very worried. With her pet Puzzy, she will learn that friends, love, and a little magic can get her through the toughest situations!

Script

Scene 1: Perrywinkle’s home

Perrywinkle: Mom, I’m home!

Lilac: Hi honey, I made cookies!

Perrywinkle: Oh, yum!

Lilac: Hun, can you come into the kitchen for a minute? Your father and I would like o speak with you.

Perrywinkle walks into the kitchen.

Perrywinkle: Am I in trouble?

Lilac: Oh, no.

Terrence: Your mom and I have thought about it…

Lilac: And we’ve decided to send you to fairy school!

Scene 2: Fairy school

Teacher Daisy: Hello! Welcome to Meadow Fairy School for girls. And your name is?

Perrywinkle: Perrywinkle.

Teacher Daisy: Perrywinkle?

Teacher Daisy checks her list.

Teacher Daisy: Oh, here it is! You are in Tulip, cabin 101.

Violet: Oh, look, another tulip cabin…big surprise.

Perrywinkle: What’s so bad about Tulip cabins?

Violet: Oh, it’s just that Tulip cabins are the people with poor families. There are three groups: Tulip, Daisy, and Rose. Tulip is the lowest, Daisy is for the regulars, and of course, Rose for the rich!

Perrywinkle: Oh, okay…

Perrywinkle walks away and looks for her cabin.

Perrywinkle: …97, 98, 99, 100, 101!

Perrywinkle enters the cabin.

Jenna: Hi, I’m Jenna!

Perrywinkle: Perrywinkle.

Dalila: Hello! Dalila. So nice to meet you!

Perrywinkle: What are you guys doing here?

Jenna: Uh, we’re your roommates.

Perrywinkle: Oh.

Dalila: Is there something wrong?

Perrywinkle: Are you guys fairies?

Jenna: Uh, yeah.

Dalila: Duh.

Perrywinkle: Oh, okay.

Jenna: That’s a weird question…

Scene 3: Classroom

Teacher Daisy: All right class, today’s lesson: finger spells. With a flick and a wave, you can get an instant meal. Would anybody like to try?

Violet raises her hand excitedly and gets picked.

Teacher Daisy: Okay, Violet, let’s start out easy…make me a PB&J.

Violet: (She yawns , flicks her finger, and a PB&J pops up.) That was a piece of cake! I’ve got an idea, Teacher Daisy, let’s have the new girl try.

Perrywinkle: Um, let’s not…I…uh…no…practice.

Teacher Daisy: Oh, just give it a shot. Make me a chocolate shake.

Nothing happens.

Teacher Daisy: Come on…

The class starts to giggle and then bursts out laughing. Perrywinkle runs out crying.

Scene 4: Perrywinkle’s cabin

Perrywinkle is crying, and Jenna and Dalila run in.

Jenna: What happened back there?

Perrywinkle: Can’t you tell? I’m not a fairy!

Dalila: You’re not?!

Runner Up

A Different Kind of Family

Claire, age 12, Pa.

Summary

A musical dramedy that tells the story of five girls whose lives are touched in different ways by adoption. Chieh-Wen, age 8, has just been adopted from China and is trying to adjust to both her new family and new life in America. Sabrina, age 9, has been placed in her third foster home in the past two years and fears she’ll never find a family that wants her. Wendy, age 10, is upset because her family is about to adopt a six-year-old African American boy and thinks her friends will tease her because of his different skin color. Maria, age 11, feels that her brother and sister are treated better by her parents because she is adopted and they are birth children. And Lindsey, age 12, who was adopted as an infant, has recently become obsessed with finding her birth mother.

Through songs and monologues, we learn about these children’s fears, hopes, and dreams, and their coming to terms with being part of “A Different Kind of Family.”

Script

Act I, Scene I

The stage is dark, except for a single spotlight which shines on each girl as she sings her part of the song “Dear Diary.” Each girl’s last words feed directly to the next performer, with some overlap. At the chorus, all the girls come together to sing as one.

Opening Song: “Dear Diary”

Chieh-Wen
A big bird brought me here,
Across the giant sea.
He opened up his beak,
And dropped off little me.

It’s all so new to me,
I know it’s not a game.
New land, new family.
I hope they keep my name.

Sabrina
My name is Nobody,
Sabrina just won’t do.
My home is Nowhere Street,
By Nothing Avenue.

Another foster home,
My third one in two years.
Another empty space,
To hide my empty tears.

Wendy
My empty tears don’t matter,
My parents just don’t care.
They say that he is coming,
And I have to prepare.

But just because he has no home,
Don’t think I’ll let him in.
My friends will never understand,
This boy with different skin.

Maria
Different skin and different hair,
It’s always been that way.
Because I’m not their real child,
I always have to pay.

My sister is an angel,
And I’m a big mistake.
My brother is a gift from God,
Not much more can I take.

Lindsey
I take it that I look like her,
My voice reflects her sound.
12 years ago she left me here,
She’s never come around.

Not one visit, not one call,
So now it’s up to me.
Do you understand my longing?
Do you-dear diary.

All
Dear diary, dear diary, my one and only friend,
Dear diary, dear diary, on you I can depend.
Dear diary, dear diary, I’m different from the rest,
Dear diary, dear diary, is this some kind of test?

(Repeat)