In the “One-on-One” program, The Project’s cornerstone acting program, we take a group of ten kids out of town to a country retreat for a week in the summer (Block Island, Rhode Island and Wareham, Massachusetts are our typical destinations). Each child is assigned a playwright who is charged to write a play specifically for that child. The plays are almost all two-character pieces with the playwright acting the other part (cameo appearances and off-stage voices are frequent). If the playwright declines to act, another adult is recruited. The plays are rehearsed over the course of the week and performed informally for the community in the retreat setting. Upon returning to Manhattan, the plays are performed at our Five Angels Theater supported by professional designers and crews who volunteer their services.

An important feature of the One-on-Ones: each is a fully realized mini-musical, affording kids a rare opportunity to experience the power of music by working hand-in-hand with a professional composer, also a volunteer.

Two sets of One-on-Ones are produced each year; one in July, the other in August.

From THE SWITCHIE THINGIE 3000 by Dylan Dawson for Kamil Kuzminsky age 11.

At Super Super Secret Hidden Headquarters (S.S.S.H.H.), front desk reception area.

DELIVERY GUY
Hey where’s Fay?

ROGUE AGENT
Who?
Rogue Agent just stares at him.

DELIVERY GUY
You know, flowing brown hair, perfect glowing smile, and eyes so perfect you just wanna take a swim in ‘em forever and ever and ever and…
Rogue Agent stares at him some more.
(Clears throat) You know, Fay. The receptionist?

ROGUE AGENT
Ohhhh that Fay! Yeah she’s out cold. That is to say she’s out. With a cold.

DELIVERY GUY
You know what, I thought she might be getting sick.

ROGUE AGENT
(Interrupting) I believe you have something for me? I mean us? A package?

DELIVERY GUY
Huh? Oh yeah, here ya go.
Delivery Guy hands Rogue Agent the package, and a receipt.
And sign here if you don’t mind.

ROGUE AGENT
Do you have a pen?

DELIVERY GUY
Oh you know what, I can never find the darned thing.

ROGUE AGENT
That’s okay I got one.
Agent reaches down behind the desk and comes up with a pen. Unfortunately it’s still attached to Fay’s hand. Delivery Guy doesn’t notice: he’s busy removing a small bouquet from his jacket.

DELIVERY GUY
Of all the days to be out with a cold. Oh well.

ROGUE AGENT
The package has been intercepted. It’s on its way.

DELIVERY GUY
What did you say?

ROGUE AGENT
Here’s your receipt. Have a pleasant day.
The Rogue Agent hands him a receipt.

DELIVERY GUY
Thanks a lot, Mr…?

ROGUE AGENT
Guy. Person. Stein. Guy Personstein.

DELIVERY GUY
Well nice to meet you Mr. Personstein!

ROGUE AGENT
You can call me Guy.

DELIVERY GUY
Okay! Bye Guy!

ROGUE AGENT
Bye bye.
Delivery Guy exits. Rogue Agent immediately tears open the box and pulls out a small remote control. He touches his ear.

ROGUE AGENT
This is Daddy Long Legs, package has been intercepted, I repeat-

DELIVERY GUY
(Re-entering with flowers) Sorry to bother you Mr. Personstein- I’m sorry, Guy? Would you mind giving Fay these flowers for me whenever she- Heeyyy! You’re not supposed to open the packages! I’m ninety-eight percent sure that’s illegal.
Agent points the remote at Delivery Guy. Delivery Guy puts his hands up.

ROGUE AGENT
Don’t. Move.