Name: ________________________________________________ Hour: ________ Date: __________
The Nerd
Final Project
In Larry Shue’s play The Nerd, main characters Willum, Tansy, and Axel try to get rid of Rick, the nerd,
during a dinner party in November. If you were Willum, Tansy, and Axel, how would you try to get rid of
Rick?
Well, guess what?! This is your task: in a group, rewrite and perform the dinner party scene of The Nerd
using original creative methods for trying to get rid of the nerd.
Requirements:
1.
Remember the rules Axel outlines. Write the rules below. Stick to these rules when writing your
scene!
2. Your scene must include AT LEAST 8 original strange, ridiculous, boring, etc. customs or rituals in
your attempt to get rid of Rick. These customs or rituals should increase in ridiculousness as the
scene progresses.
3. Plan what each character will say and how each character will react. Stay true to each character’s
characteristics! Include Stage Directions in parenthesis and italics! Look back at the original The Nerd
if you need to. Also, try to keep the amount of lines for each character equal.
4. Turn your ideas into a typed script which you will hand in for a grade on the performance day. Your
script should have the following:
* A description and floor plan of your set
*A list of characters and their descriptions
*A list of props and costumes
*Scene in appropriate script format (CAPITALIZED CHARACTER NAMES, (italicized stage
directions in parenthesis), Dialogue not italicized
5. Block your scene, practice your part with your script, memorize your lines, practice again, and be
ready to perform for the class and for a grade!
6. When performed, your scene should be at least 5 minutes in length. Generally : 1 page = 1 minute
The Nerd Project Floor Plan
Directions: Draw where your set pieces are going to be and label what they represent.
Items in the room you can use: Table, Arm Chair, Stools (2), Rolling Chairs (2). Everything else
YOU HAVE TO BRING!!! Be Creative!
Audience
Audience
1. )
Audience
Type the description of your set here. The set description at the beginning of the play if you need help!
The Nerd Character List and Descriptions
Directions: Each character in the scene must have the following write up about them:
 Name of character (first and last)
 Who is playing them?
 Which character in The Nerd do they represent?
 Occupation
 Brief character description (What is their personality like?)
The Nerd Project Props and Costumes List
Directions: Create a typed list of props you will be using in your scene and WHO is responsible
for bringing them. Do the same for costumes, but sort the outfits by character!
Props List
 Example:
 Stuffed Animals
Who is bringing it?
 Example:
 Amanda and Ms. S
Costume List (Sort by character)
 Example:
 Sally (Ms. S) – Pink dress, brown belt,
brown boots, pink bow
Who is bringing it?
 Example:
 Ms .S – Dress, boots and bow
 Amanda - Belt
The Nerd Project
(Script Template)
(Title of Scene)
Set the scene (Describe what is happening just before your scene starts!)
CHARACTER NAME: (Stage direction (if needed)) Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah!
NEXT CHARACTER: (Stage direction (if needed)) Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah!