There Will Be No Encore

by Luke Brett

(Sound of a finger poking the pages of a book)

VALERIE:
So anyway, that’s when you die.

ANNA:
Yes. Yes, I know that my character technically dies on page twenty, but I was talking with Cameron, and we both think that it would add to the scene if I was standing in the background as a ghost.

VALERIE:
During my scene.

ANNA:
Since what’s being talked about is my character’s death, I felt like it would add another layer if I was onstage. As a specter.

VALERIE:
I’m confused. So you and the director came up with this? I don’t remember that part of rehearsal.

ANNA:
Well it was my idea. I mentioned it to Cameron after rehearsal. So…

VALERIE:
So now you’re in one more scene.

ANNA:
Cameron wants to put me in one more scene, yes. If you’re okay with it.

VALERIE:
So it’s my decision? I wasn’t aware that I’d be rewriting the show before call tonight.

ANNA:
It’s not rewriting it, it’s-

VALERIE:
There’s no ghost in the script.

ANNA:
It doesn’t say there isn’t a ghost…

VALERIE:
There is no ghost. There was no ghost, and now you’re putting one in a place where there weren’t any ghosts. There are no ghosts. We didn’t have any ghosts before, stop showing up if you’re not around anymore! Why did you ever ask me that?! Why did you make me-

(Sound of a knock at the door)

STAGE MANAGER:
Five minutes to places, Valerie.

VALERIE:
Oh…thank you five.

STAGE MANAGER:
Valerie…

VALERIE:
Yes?

STAGE MANAGER:
Who were you talking to?

VALERIE:
Oh, I’m so, so sorry. I…(choking back a sob) I used to share this dressing room with Anna.

STAGE MANAGER:
I understand. (sighs) I think most of us still can’t even believe it happened.

VALERIE:
Yes. I actually wanted to cancel the show. But it was Cameron’s idea that we go on with the opening. He said this would have been what she wanted.

STAGE MANAGER:
Well, it’s all the newspapers can talk about.

VALERIE:
Thank you. It’s a very strong cast, I’m glad the critics are being kind to us.

STAGE MANAGER:
Oh, not the show…Anna. Sometimes she…she still shows up onstage during a performance.

(Sound of a door closing)

ANNA:
(In a ghostly whisper, sad but taunting) What I wanted.