Prompt: Theater allows for the combination of verbal and visual storytelling. Generally speaking, dialogue is crucial to a theatrical performance. But it is also helpful for the playwright to establish the actions and props within the scene as necessary. Taking this all into consideration, draft a brief scene between a Latina and another family member in which they discuss the family and education. What dynamic will you establish between the characters? Where will the conversation take place? What (if any) props will be included in the scene? What actions and interactions will the characters engage in? What will the conversation entail?

Title: “Art Dreams”

Setting: Jesse’s childhood home, a modest yet cozy living room adorned with family photos and colorful paintings. The afternoon sun casts a warm glow through the staining lace curtains, illuminating the space.

Characters:

• Jesse: A determined young Latina woman in her late teens, fidgeting nervously with a paintbrush.
• Rosa: Jesse’s mother, sitting across from Jesse with a cup of tea in hand.

Props:

• Paintbrush and canvas
• Tea cups and saucers
• Family photos
• Comfortable couches

[SCENE 1]:
Jesse sits on the couch, her eyes fixed on the canvas before her, lost in thought. Rosa enters the room, carrying a tray with blue tea cups. She places it on the coffee table before taking a seat beside Jesse.

Rosa: (smiling) Mija, I made your favorite chamomile tea.

Jesse looks up, a faint smile crossing her lips as she accepts the tea cup from her mother.

Jesse: Gracias, Mama.

Rosa: So, I’ve been thinking about your future, Jesse. Have you given any more thought to applying to Harvard?

Jesse’s smile fades slightly as she sets down her paintbrush, her fingers tracing the rim of her tea cup anxiously.

Jesse: (hesitant) Mama, we’ve talked about this. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but I don’t think I can afford to go to that university.

Rosa’s expression scrunches, confusion apparent on her face.

Rosa: (sighs) I know it’s expensive, mija. But I want what’s best for you, and that university offers opportunities that you won’t find anywhere else.

Jesse: I know, Mama. And I’m grateful for all the sacrifices you’ve made for me. But I have dreams too, you know? I want to study art and explore my creativity.

Rosa nods, her gaze drifting to the paintings adorning the walls, each one a testament to Jesse’s talent and passion.

Rosa: You’re a gifted artist, Jesse. I’ve always believed in you, and I want to see you succeed – but I don’t know if there’s any money in art.

Jesse’s eyes glisten with unshed tears as she takes her mother’s hand in hers, feeling frustration and pain.

Jesse: Mama, I don’t know what to tell you. I can’t afford it I told you. And I don’t even have a college fund.

Jesse gets up in anger, but Rosa then pulls Jesse into a warm embrace, holding her tight as they share a moment of quiet understanding.

Rosa: (softly) Whatever path you choose, mija, I’ll be here for you. And I’ll always support you, no matter what.

They sit together in silence, as Jesse leans into her mother.