The School Play

Peter was excited. Next week he was going to audition for the school play. Everybody knew he was a great actor. He was sure he would get the lead role.

Later, his friend Robby asked him, “Have you seen the script for the play?”

“Yes. The title is The Lost Glove—it’s a comic play,” replied Peter.

Robby said, “I want to play the part of the hermit because the hermit gets to talk with an accent!”

“I want the lead role of the barber. I didn’t know you liked acting. I thought you liked choir better,” said Peter.

“Acting is also a hobby of mine. Do you want to practice with me? The basement at my house is quiet. It’s perfect!” Robby replied.

“I don’t like practicing with others. It complicates the process for me,” said Peter.

Actually, Peter didn’t want to practice at all. The teacher would surely reserve the lead part for him. A few days later, Robby came to his house.

Robby said, “Do you want to practice the scene on the staircase? It’s the part where the migrant searches for a new job.”

Peter declined the invitation. “I can’t today. I need to do some errands.” Then he slammed the door. It was just an excuse. Peter didn’t want to help Robby.

On the day of auditions, Peter wore his lucky leather jacket. He always got the best part when he wore it. The teacher told him to begin, but his mind was blank. He couldn’t remember the lines!

A week later, the teacher put a list of the parts on the wall. Peter read the list, looking for his name. He was shocked by what he saw. He blinked his eyes and looked again. He didn’t get the lead part—Robby did! Peter pondered the situation and came to the idea that Robby justly received the part. He earned it by practicing. Next time, Peter would practice, too.

Part A: Mark each statement T for true or F for false. Rewrite the false statements to make them true.

1. _____ The title of the script was The Big Barber.
   • _____________________________________________________
2. _____ Robby wanted the part of the hermit because he would get to talk with an accent.
   • _____________________________________________________
3. _____ Robby declined Peter’s offer to practice together.
   • _____________________________________________________
4. _____ The scene on the staircase was about the migrant searching for a new job.
   • _____________________________________________________
5. _____ Peter’s mind was blank during the audition.
   • _____________________________________________________
6. _____ Peter felt that Robby justly received the lead role.
   • _____________________________________________________

Part B: Answer the questions.

1. Why did Peter decide not to practice?
   • a. He didn’t want the part.
   • b. He thought the teacher would give him the role.
   • c. He disliked Robby.
   • d. He wanted to be in the choir instead.
2. Where did Robby suggest they practice together?
   • a. At the school
   • b. In his basement
   • c. At the theater
   • d. In the park
3. What was Peter’s first excuse for not practicing with Robby?
   • a. He had to run errands
   • b. He had to study for a test.
   • c. He said it complicated the process.
   • d. Robby lived too far away.
4. What kind of play were the boys auditioning for?
   • a. Romance
   • b. Comic
   • c. Drama
   • d. Action