Overview

Synopsis

Most of us probably at one point in our lives encountered the rebellious outcast who follows their own path no matter what. They frustrate us, they confuse us, they might even scare us. But they also amuse us. And we can’t help but love them. For the buttoned-up architect Dennis, that person is childhood best friend Scooter Thomas. Scooter is a lot of archetypes rolled into one, but the common thread in his identity is his refusal to conform to a world that clearly wasn’t designed for him. The play is a memory play, almost exclusively taking place in Dennis’ memories over the course of about 20 years. In the fourth wall-breaking Scooter Thomas Makes it to the Top of the World, Parnell takes us on a poignant trip through a lifelong friendship and all the laughs and tears that come with it. With two actors, a minimal set, and 20 years worth of time, it’s rich with opportunities for inventive storytelling on a small scale.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1977
Genres
Drama, Comedy
Settings
Contemporary, Simple/No Set
Time & Place
Various imagined locations over 20 years.
Cast Size
small
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Ideal For
All-Male Cast, Community Theatre, High School, Small Cast, Includes Early Teen, Late Teen, Young Adult Characters

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Scooter Thomas

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Dennis

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    A mental health condition portrayed in theatre to explore emotional depth, realism, and character struggle.

    A performance technique where an actor speaks directly to the audience, breaking the fourth wall for dramatic or comedic effect.

    The imaginary wall separating the audience from the actors onstage, often 'broken' for direct address. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.

    A dramatic form where a character recalls past events, often blurring reality with subjective perception.

    A short play presented in a single act without intermission, ideal for festivals, student productions, or concise storytelling.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Kevan Dunkelberg

Kevan Dunkelberg

Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright