The Astronaut
| Category: | Physical Comedy & Slapstick |
|---|---|
| Category: | Science & Technology |
| Props: | Helmet (optional), space suit pieces (optional) |
| Notes: | This skit is all about sound in space - or the lack thereof. The Astronaut should mime all actions dramatically. Ground Control should speak normally but get increasingly frustrated. |
([Ground Control] stands at side of stage with microphone or radio.)
[Ground Control:] Ground Control to Astronaut! Do you read me? Come in, Astronaut!
([Astronaut] enters center stage, miming floating in space. [Astronaut] taps helmet as if trying to hear something.)
[Ground Control:] Astronaut! Can you hear me? We need a status report!
([Astronaut] mimes opening mouth to speak, but makes NO SOUND. Gestures frantically.)
[Ground Control:] Astronaut, you need to speak louder! I can't hear you!
([Astronaut] appears to be "shouting" but still makes no sound. Waves arms to get attention.)
[Ground Control:] (louder) ASTRONAUT! SPEAK UP! WE NEED TO KNOW YOUR STATUS!
([Astronaut] looks frustrated, mimes speaking very loudly and exaggeratedly, but still no sound.)
[Ground Control:] This is ridiculous! Why won't you talk to us?
([Astronaut] has an idea! Points to space around them, then to their mouth, then shakes head "no.")
[Ground Control:] (confused) What are you trying to say?
([Astronaut] mimes writing in the air: "NO AIR = NO SOUND")
[Ground Control:] Oh! Right! There's no air in space, so sound can't travel!
([Astronaut] nods enthusiastically and gives thumbs up.)
[Ground Control:] Well... how are you supposed to report back to us then?
([Astronaut] shrugs, then starts floating away, still miming talking silently.)
[Ground Control:] (calling after) Maybe we should have thought of that before we sent you up there!
(Freeze. Blackout.)