Cut the Lights Read Free Page A

to follow your stage directions and you asked for help.” Mr. Ty turns to me. “I see nothing wrong with sharing a script with an actor.”
    Lorna gasps. I straighten my shoulders.
    Mr. Ty continues. “Why don’t you tell me about your casting plans, Briar?”
    I wipe my sweaty palms on my jeans and explain how I like the physical differences between Sonata and Mica, and how blond, waif-like Ashley is a perfect fit as the Star.
    â€œInteresting ideas.” Mr. Ty nods. “Briar, did you try to work this out with Lorna?”
    â€œOf course,” I say. “We talked in the directors’ meeting. Lorna says I can’t have either actor.” I try to sound level-headed. What if I don’t get Sonata and Ashley?
    â€œYes, and you’ve come to me for a ruling.” Mr. Ty strikes a regal pose and waves an imaginary scepter. “Well, if I must…” He pauses to study Lorna and then me, lingering on my red cat’s-eye frames. “Sonata will work with Briar this year.”
    A weight lifts off my chest.
    â€œWhat?” Lorna’s voice breaks. “Why?”
    Mr. Ty raises one finger. “Because you directed her last year.” He raises another. “Because you two have a history of conflict.”
    â€œBut Mr. Ty, you said that casting is eighty percent of the play’s interpretation, so I need to choose actors who are right for my vision.” Lorna’s fingers are clenched. “Maybe Sonata could do both plays?”
    â€œImpossible. Performances start May eighth—that’s just over four weeks away. You and Briar will both be scheduling rehearsals before and after school. And Sonata will have her classwork to complete as well.”
    â€œWhat about Ashley?” Lorna pleads.
    â€œYou will cast Ashley.” He gives Lorna a somber look. “Let’s hope she’s a better fit for you.”
    â€œBut Mr. Ty,” I say, feeling the panic rise in my gut, “I planned for my Star character to be female, and I doubt there are any female actors left, since the other directors—”
    â€œCasting is a balance between the ideal and the real, Briar. Any director needs to make compromises.” Mr. Ty sips from one of his coffee mugs.
    â€œBut how—” I begin.
    â€œChange your director’s vision. Play a male actor in a female role,” Mr. Ty says. “Either way, you need to make this work.”
    There’s no point in arguing. I nod. “Thanks, Mr. Ty,” I say before racing Lorna back to the directors’ meeting to find myself a Star.

Four
    The main-floor girls’ bathroom at Whitlock. Wednesday after school. A tap drips.
    Ratna is planted in front of the row of mirrors, anxiously smoothing her hair for the tenth time.
    â€œHurry. I can’t be late.” I bounce on my toes, my director’s binder under my arm. On the cover, I’ve painted a silver star. Inside are my dreams for Wish Upon a Star —songs that inspired me, character research, lighting and costume ideas and a copy of the play, of course. I can’t wait to get started.
    â€œWhat have you heard about Lorna as a director?” Ratna spins to face me. “What if she doesn’t like my acting? What if I’m not good enough?”
    â€œI’ve heard she’s tough but her performances are good. And you’ve taken two years of drama at Whitlock, so you can’t be bad.”
    â€œBut so has everyone else.” Her voice rises. “Sonata even did four commercials this year. She’s already a professional!”
    â€œIf Lorna cast you, then she must like your acting.” Ratna doesn’t know she was one of the last picks, and I’m not about to tell her.
    â€œMaybe Lorna had to take me. You had to cast Clayton as your Star when you didn’t want to.”
    â€œDon’t remind me.” I make a face, remembering how I tried to trade Clayton for any other