Great to perform during Red Ribbon Week. This particular program/play required very little practice and the students had great fun with it.
Characters: 4 major speakers
20 people in the Rescue squad that could be dressed as army navy police, sheriffs, doctors, nurses, teachers, fire fighters, anyone that could rescue someone else. Just a hat or jacket would be a good enough costume.
It is paced quickly and should not have space in between the 20 rescue squad peoples lines, The 20 rescue squad people need to be loud and clear. Any time they speak they should take one step forward come to attention and when they are finished take one step back and go to an at ease position.
SAMPLE DIALOG:
RESCUE SQUAD--ALERT
(Curtain opens and 2 students are sitting around on stage in desks or on top of desks. Not like they are in class, but like the teacher is not there.)
Student 1: (acts dejected) The DARE officer just left again and he always
makes it sound so easy to say no to drugs.
Student 2: I know, but he doesn’t have to face the kids down at the corner
every day when you leave school.
Student 1: Yah, I’m trying to be cool and those guys call me a wimp when
I turn them down.
Student 2: The other day they called me worse than that, but my mom
came along right then and rescued me.
Student 1: I wish that I had a whole lot of answers to give them instead of
just no.
Student 2: Right. It’s real embarrassing to have your mom rescue you and
besides she’s not always going to be around.
Student 1 & 2: (together) We need a rescue squad.
(Lights flash off and a strobe comes on as the rescue squad file in. The Major is at the side and they say the cadence. They keep repeating it until they are all in place. They should line up facing the audience in a straight line on the floor in front of the stage.)
Major: I don’t know, but I’ve been told
All Rescue Squad Participants: I don’t know, but I’ve been told
Major: Saying no to drugs is really bold.
All Rescue Squad Participants: Saying no to drugs is really bold.
Major: We can do it yes we can.
All Rescue Squad Participants: We can do it yes we can.
Major: Every women, child and man
All Rescue Squad Participants: Every woman, child and man.
Major: (Says this line when the whole rescue squad is in place.)
Halt
(All rescue squad participants halt. Hands to the side in attention position like soldiers. Lights come on and the strobe goes off.)
Major: At ease.
(Rescue Squad stands at ease with their legs apart.)
R. S. M. 1: (Takes one step forward and says line and then steps back into
line.) We are the rescue squad. We are here to give you more ideas to help keep you off drugs.
Major: (Takes one step forward and says line and then steps back into
line.) Let’s take your first question. What was it now…?
You wished for…(points to Student 1)
Student 1: (stutters) …uh…uh…I wished for…a whole lot of answers
Instead of just No
Major: Right on. Rescue Squad Attention
(Rescue Squad snaps to attention with their legs together and their arms to their side.)
Major: What are different ways to say no?
All Rescue Squad Members: (Together) Sir, Yes Sir
(Each Rescue Squad stays at attention until it is their turn. They then take one step forward and say their part, take one step back and stand at ease. The next person does not start until they are standing at ease.)
All Rescue Squad Members: (one step forward) NO (one step back still at
attention until after their next line.)
R. S. M. 1: (one step forward) No thanks. (one step back stand at ease)
R. S. M. 2: (one step forward) No thank YOU. (one step back and stand at
ease)
R. S. M. 3: (one step forward) No way Jose. (one step back and stand at
ease)
CUSTOMER QUOTE ABOUT RESCUE SQUAD ALERT
"Just wanted to let you know that my group performed teh play twice-once at the elementary and then again at the high school for Family Focus Night. the actors did a great job performing this fabulous skit!!! I believe anyone who heard it, went away with some good answers for anyone who might try and give them drugs etc. Thank you for sharing your skit with us."
"Thanks so much. I appreciate your extra effort and would love to receive Rescue Squad - Alert attached to an email. BETA Club students here at LPE have presented your plays in the past and we are looking forward to this year. They are easy to prepare, fun to do, well received and deliver a valuable message. Thanks for providing them. Steve"
