ACT 1 — THE BELL
Running Time: Approximately 1 minute
Storyboard 1 — The Empty Courts
Time: 20 seconds
Illustration
An empty Australian Christian primary school playground.
Six handball squares are painted on the concrete in a simple 2 × 3 layout.
The ACE square is clearly visible.
A small green handball rests beside it.
Warm morning sunshine fills the playground.
Everything is peaceful.
Narration
(Walk to the front holding a small green handball.)
Good morning, everyone.
(Smile.)
Today...
I'd like to tell you a story.
It happened at a school...
that might remind you...
of yours.
(Turn gently towards the screen.)
Look carefully.
It seems so quiet...
doesn't it?
Just some painted handball squares...
one small green handball...
and nobody around.
If you looked at this playground...
you'd probably think,
"Nothing exciting is going to happen here today."
(Smile.)
But sometimes...
the biggest stories...
begin...
on the quietest days.
Performance Notes
- Hold the handball naturally.
- Look at it as you say, "one small green handball."
- Speak slowly and confidently.
- Allow the audience time to settle before continuing.
Sound Suggestions
Narrator softly imitates:
- Birds singing.
- A gentle breeze.
No music.
Storyboard 2 — The Bell
Time: 18 seconds
Illustration
The same playground.
The lunch bell rings.
Children pour from every direction carrying lunchboxes and handballs.
Within seconds the quiet playground is full of life.
Narration
Then...
it happened.
"Riiiiiing!"
(Ring the bell with your voice.)
In just a few seconds...
everything changed.
Children came running from everywhere.
Some hurried to finish their lunch.
Some raced to find their friends.
But many of them...
were heading...
to exactly...
the same place.
Performance Notes
- Increase your energy.
- Let your eyes follow the imaginary children.
- Smile.
Sound Suggestions
Narrator creates:
- Running footsteps.
- Children's laughter.
- Handballs bouncing.
No background music.
Storyboard 3 — The Handball Squares
Time: 22 seconds
Illustration
Several handball games are happening at once.
Children wait patiently beside the squares.
Some cheer.
Some laugh.
One player calls,
"Out!"
Another points to the line while smiling.
The ACE square is still empty.
Narration
Every lunchtime...
these painted squares...
became the most popular place in the whole school.
If you wanted to play...
you had to wait your turn.
Handballs bounced everywhere.
Friends laughed together.
Someone called,
"Out!"
Another answered,
"No way—it clipped the line!"
(Smile and look at the children.)
Have any of you ever played handball?
(Raise your hand and wait for a few responses.)
Then you'll know...
everyone thinks they're the referee!
(Pause for laughter.)
Performance Notes
- Invite the children into the story.
- Enjoy the audience's responses.
- Don't rush the laughter.
- This is the last relaxed moment before the mystery begins.
Sound Suggestions
Narrator imitates:
Tok! Tok! Tok!
Children calling:
"Out!"
"My serve!"
"No way!"
Laughter.
Storyboard 4 — "They're Here..."
Time: 15 seconds
Illustration
A younger student suddenly stops and looks towards the library path.
His eyes grow wide.
He points excitedly.
The playground continues behind him.
The audience still cannot see who is coming.
Narration
Then...
something unexpected happened.
Not because a teacher arrived.
Not because lunch was nearly over.
A little Year 3 boy stopped bouncing his handball.
He looked towards the library.
His eyes grew wide.
He pointed...
and whispered...
(Lean forward and whisper.)
"They're here..."
(Long pause.)
Performance Notes
- Lower your voice.
- Lean slightly towards the audience.
- Finish with a long pause before changing slides.
Sound Suggestions
The playground gradually becomes quieter.
Leave only a gentle breeze.
No music.
End of Act
Running Time
Approximately 1 minute
Emotional Journey
Wonder → Excitement → Fun → Curiosity