People should treat you with kindness.
In serio-comedy scene from one-act play script Moment’s Notice, Kenneth tries to get Barbra out from her dressing room to perform on stage.
Featured Scene – Moment’s Notice
KENNETH: I have witnessed you perform miracles at a moment’s notice.
BARBRA: Bah! Don’t bullsh’t a bullsh’tter.
KENNETH: It’s true. This is not something I would ever joke about. Remember when you were Lady Macbeth and we couldn’t locate the shoes of your character, as you put it. We searched high and low, and not one minute before your entrance was I placing the shoes of Lady Macbeth on your feet! You soared that night! Incredible!
BARBRA: That’s the past.
KENNETH: You were beautiful.
BARBRA: Well, I was beautiful, wasn’t I?
KENNETH: Indeed.
BARBRA: Kenneth…am I still beautiful?
KENNETH: The most beautiful, Barbra.
BARBRA: When I played Lady Macbeth that night, it was luck.
KENNETH: Technique.
BARBRA: Good fortune.
KENNETH: Craft!
BARBRA: What will I do, Kenneth?!
Barbra places her face in her hands.
KENNETH: …Have you noticed what I’m holding?
Barbra looks. Kenneth shakes the thermos with a smile.
Inside this thermos is piping hot coffee, already perfectly mixed and ready just for you, my lady. Would you like?
BARBRA: Of course.
Kenneth pours Barbra coffee into a cup.
KENNETH: I know just the way you like it. From now on, I’ll always bring you your coffee. Today, was my fault. I take full responsibility. I was going over some last-minute details regarding your travel arrangements and asked Raymond, that buffoon, to bring you your coffee. I’m so sorry.
Kenneth hands Barbra her coffee. She takes a sip.
Will you forgive me, dear?
BARBRA: I couldn’t live without you, Kenneth. Only you understand this ridiculous madness. I don’t ask for much, do I? Just a hot beverage, I know I can do it myself, but with all this, with all this chaos, and –
KENNETH: No need to explain. I understand.
BARBRA: I know you do. But only you do; no one else does. (Sipping the coffee.) It’s nice. You make a nice cup of coffee. I thank you.
KENNETH: Of course. If you don’t mind my saying, you do appear ready to go.
BARBRA: Hah! Externally, but not internally.
Kenneth checks his watch.
KENNETH: You do have ten whole minutes remaining until your entrance.
BARBRA: It’s a sin, I tell you!
KENNETH: Ten minutes can be a lifetime. Face the mirror. Close your eyes.
Barbra does as she is told.
Kenneth gently rubs Barbra’s shoulders.
There, there. It is within your right to feel the way that you feel.
BARBRA: You’re damn right it is my right.
KENNETH: People should treat you with kindness.
BARBRA: As I treat them!
KENNETH: And consideration for what you give.
BARBRA: Just an ounce of consideration!…I’ll take anything!
KENNETH: Which is why you must show them.
BARBRA: Show them?
KENNETH: Correct. You are Barbra Dampier. Yes?
BARBRA: Am I?
KENNETH: Yes, you are. And if anyone disrespects you, it is your duty to stand firm.
BARBRA: I only wish to be loving and caring, Kenneth.
KENNETH: Do you?
BARBRA: I only wish to be loved and to give love.
KENNETH: You are loved.
BARBRA: No. No one has ever loved me.
KENNETH: I love you.
BARBRA: I love you, too.
Barbra kisses Kenneth’s hand.
You’re too good to me.
KENNETH: I love you, and the people love you. They are here for you, to support you, to be with you.
BARBRA: I wish it were true, I feel they are too busy trying to record my demise with their phones.
Kenneth steps away from Barbra.
KENNETH: Look at me.
Barbra looks at Kenneth.
You are an angel. Stand up.
Barbra stands up.
You are a goddess. Do you understand?
BARBRA: Am I?
KENNETH: Always. And it is up to you tonight. Only you can do it. You must rise to the occasion and burst onto the scene.
BARBRA: Yes. I have no choice, do I? I feel better.
Barbra hugs Kenneth.
How much time?
KENNETH: Five whole minutes.
BARBRA: Perfect! Knock on my door three times when it’s time. I have to do what I do now.
KENNETH: Excellent! You are my sunshine!
BARBRA: Yes!
KENNETH: Remember, SUNSHINE!
BARBRA: Go now before I lose my spirit.
KENNETH (whispering): Have more coffee…
Kenneth exits.
Kenneth rests against the door in the hallway, absolutely exhausted and relieved.
- To read the full ePlay Moment’s Notice, find purchase button below:
Scene Summary
In short drama play Moment’s Notice, Barbra is having a meltdown because she didn’t have enough time to prepare for her role before the opening scene for the evening’s performance.
- Genre: Serio-Comedy
- Length: ~5 minute scene
- Characters: 1 woman, 1 man
- Themes: career, performance
- Best For: serio-comedy scenes
FAQ
A: On Monologue Blogger you will find a serio-comedy scene titled Moment’s Notice about an actress not sure if she wishes to go on stage to perform.
A: Monologue Blogger has hundreds of serio-comedy scripts you can try out and use for your YouTube channel at Serio-Comedy Scenes.
Related Serio-Comedy Scenes
- No flowers, not even a card. – from Milton’s Plight
- What do you do for a living? – from Over the Moon
- Can I confess something to you? – from Waking Hours
- What story is it now? Aliens from outer space? – from You Wouldn’t Believe Ralphy
- Old Bobby invited me in for a meal the other night. – from Beer and Bobby’s Lasagna
Scene Source: Moment’s Notice
Moment’s Notice is a serio-comedy play script by Joseph Arnone, 2026.
