Friends, Family, and Freeloaders, Part 2

## Summary

Ridiculed by her class rivals, Erin pushes through to the stage for show choir tryouts

### Act One

#### Dillon Magnum

Student teacher observing and helping teach classes, Dillon Magnum shows his frustration on how to deal with students to the Two most senior teachers at East Valley Academy. Dillon arrives in the teachers break-room frustrated and wondering how the two most senior teachers at East Valley are able to handle students using cell phones as calculators in class.

After a conversation on wondering how teachers have surpassed stress and conducted classrooms over chaos for so many years.

#### Neil Rowley

Mr. Neil light heartily tells Dillon "Well, back in the day that policy was simple, it was a win-win situation, no tolerance, and no calculators". Mr. Neil's advice is in the kindest way by example to Dillon.

#### Stu Charles

Mr. Charles slips in a suggestion for Dillon try the Bible for answers insinuating patience and guidance comes from the good book. He tells Dillon "This is how I cope". as he slips him a copy of the Holy Bible over a text book Dillon was already looking at. Surprised, but humbled Dillon doesn't respond.

The most senior tenured teachers at East Valley academy enjoy a conversationDillon frustrated with his class use of cell phones as calculators as Mr. Neil explains to Dillon "Well, back in the day that policy was simple, no tolerance, and no calculatorsAfter a conversation on wondering how teachers have surpassed stress Dillon is handed a bible by Mr. Stu CharlesCloseup of the Bible Dillon was handed
### Act Two

Three High school girls are looking strangely at an old man who's noticeably out of place in their school library. The girls are giving him awkward looks and commenting with questions of "who's the old creepy crusty dude, doesn't he know this is our school library?"

#### Sydney Ashdown

Sydney arrives at the East Valley Academy library to find her grandfather Mr. Ashdown reading "an ordinary adventure through the woods" as he puts it.

Other students already are whispering and wondering why a creepy old man is in their high-school library.

Sydney questions her grandfather asking him "What kind of a library do you think this is you're at my school?"

Sydney is woefully challenging him and confused even more when Mr. Ashdown shushes her telling her she's an obnoxious girl and she won't need that while trying to snatch away her cell phone. She tells him "Girl, it's Sydney!"

Sydney promptly calls her mom telling her the whereabouts of her Grandfather with Alzheimer's and that he's causing a scene.

Mr. Ashdown is still adamant that Sydney give him her phone as he scolds her for how not to talk to elders in her way he misses again by trying to snatch her phone away an falls into a tower display of books making a huge noisy scene.

The librarian aide Emma goes to help Mr. Ashdown trying to help him on his feet as he's clearly distraught, she tells Sydney "he's not supposed to be here."

Tessa Stockton has a shocked look on her face and goes to text someone in urgency.

Sydney frantically explains to Melody and the others "He's not supposed to be here, he's got Alzheimer's and when he went for my phone he fell into these books. C'mon Grandpa lets' get you home you can't be away from mom's care."

More distraught Mr. Ashdown continues to struggle and says he doesn't need help, telling the girls Sydney needs a lesson in elderly etiquette.

Clearly overlooking what just happened to serve her own curiosity Tessa successfully snatches Sydney's phone out of her hand and asks her "How come I can't get one of these?"

Melody tells Tessa "Wow mindless moment Tessa, did you just witness what happened to Sydney?" suggesting she give the phone back and concentrate on the situation at hand.

Sydney at the mercy of the girls, especially Tessa gets her phone back and is trying to downplay the moment saying nothing else.

Three High school girls are looking strangely at an old man who's noticeably out of place in their school librarySydney's Grandfather Mr. Ashdown with Alzheimer's at her school librarySydney's amazement reaction to seeing her Grandfather at her school librarySydney's Grandfather trying to snatch her phone away falls into a tower display of booksConveying an obvious guilt, Melody makes Tessa hand over Sydney's phone
### Act Three

#### Principal Guidry

Getting out of a car and standing outside of East Valley Academy, after picking up lunch, Principal Guidry tells Mr. Neil "Everything is on the table right now, these are...you know the situation Mr. Neil."

#### Neil Rowley

Clearly challenging Principal Guidry, Mr. Neil responds "Yeah, but my friends and neighbors have been laid of, they can't find work, they're on anti-depressant's now. What's next anti-psychotic therapy? pausing in frustration he continues. "Were headed in that direction and I can't deny it anymore!"

Trying to give the situation a perspective look and feel, Principal Guidry tells Mr. Neil "It's all in how you look at it."

Mr. Neil puts up an analogy that throws Principal Guidry into a situation where he he explains further Guidry hesitates then goes on to say "There's no doubt in my mind were close to hitting rock bottom Mr.Neil and I understand our friends and family in their morbid state of mind on how they're going to provide for their friends and family. The job market, providing money for their families is all next to nothing right now."

Mr. Neil provides a small piece of sympathy towards the situation and Principal Guidry's explanation of how the school is dealing with it's challenging financial situation.

Mr. Neil adamantly trying to escalate the conversation to an emotional level of personal feelings shifts the conversation to the students telling Principal Guidry "Our focus needs to be on those kids, we need to be teaching them strategic to help them cope in the world, as a teacher my focus needs to be on them!".

Principal Guidry adds he is going to bring in the student teachers to help with the situation. stating "These are teachers who aren't in it for the salary, but just want to help these kids graduate."

One of those student teachers in Landon Lofton comes running out of the school frantically telling Principal Guidry and Mr. Neil there's an emergency it's Khalil as they run towards the school doors to assist.

### Act Four

As the trio of men run through the school to get to the classroom Principal Guidry asks Landon what he observed with Khalil. Landon tells Guidry he thinks Khalil is dealing with a family situation.

Khalil is seen staring blankly into the ceiling as he lays on his back. Khalil is non-coherent and clearly has a slit wrist with blood marks as the trio of men arrive to help.

Landon goes on to say "He was giving a presentation and it all happened so fast." student Erin arrives with towels to assist Mr. Neil and Guidry in holding off the bleeding of his wrists in a moment of trauma as Mr. Neil yells to "Put pressure on his wrists!"

Erin helps then she states to Mr. Neil "What business would you have slitting your wrists in front of class because of a family tragedy like that..I mean I know its sad but it's suicidal or something?"

Mr. Neil responds "Not all kids know how to deal with a tragedy like you may think Erin, sometimes they just shut down."

Thea talking in the back of the classroom tells Tessa she feels bad for Khalil telling her he was talking about his grandmother had dementia or something, she used to help him with his work everyday".

Tessa aware of Khalil's situation as well adds "He said he can't deal with her not being the same now a few days ago."

An ambulance with sirens blaring comes racing to the school.

Mr. Neil is talking to Landon and Principal Guidry telling them about Khalil that he lost his mother a few years ago and his father isn't in the picture anymore while his grandmother is all he had. Mr. Neil adds he was in a counseling session with Khalil and Counselor Kaidence and there were a lot of red flags.

Interlaced with scenes of an ambulance backing up, then Khalil being on a stretcher to go into the ambulance commence.

Landon doesn't understand how he was quiet and something of this magnitude to happen while in class.

Principal Guidry assures the two teachers that he's now with the paramedics, so we know he's safe.

Landon suggests to his elders that he feels we should life him up and support him as a community when Principal Guidry adds that he agrees with Landon he doesn't have anybody right now."

The Ambulance situation continues to worsen as Paramedics put Khalil on oxygen and confirm its a suicide attempt with wrists slit with bleeding being controlled to report the record and evaluate his medical condition.

Principal Guidry tells the others we need to be careful as we re-enter him into this life as Mr.Neil adds. "I agree he does need us and he certainly doesn't need to be thrust back into responsibility not alone and not now with all these pressing needs on his shoulders.

Landon suggest we life Khalil up in prayer, insinuating a Christian point of view when Principal Guidry warns were trying to separate religious beliefs from the classroom but I feel we can make an exception here.

Guidry goes on to tell them of his Buddhist prayer and beliefs as the prayers reminds us to look for power in every moment allows ease and inner peace, of course Jesus has the will, peace, and purpose as well. I think we should look beyond our different religions and bring everybody together to pray.

The Ambulance is leaving the school when a last glimpse of the classroom students mourning is shown. Erin talking to Tessa and Thea says "I really hope he will be okay".

Tessa adds that he will be okay we have a good group of teachers and he has a lot of friends that will visit him at the hospital to get him through this. All students are in agreement despite their rivalry they come together talking of Khalil being tough and getting through this.

Khalil is practically unconscious after slitting his wrists in a suicide attempt in front of classKhalil's classroom suicide attempts has students and teachers concerned with questionsGuidry gets a jacket from one of the students to rest Khalil's head while they wait for paramedicsKhalil Burris preparing to go into an ambulance with a paramedic at his sideThe trio in the aftermath of a class suicide
### Act Five

The cafe one-on-one setting is a regular for these two best friends Savannah Swanson and Sydney Ashdown. City Diner Cafe in St. Louis is just one of many conversations these two have and they're often about very relevant teenage girl talk.

Savannah ask Sydney if she's actually listened to an Avril Lavigne song titled "One of those girls". Sydney promptly replies that shes going to have to live without one of Savannah's faves from her playlist, but she knows what Savannah is talking about.

Sydney picks up on Savannah's sorrow and struggle to get over her X-boyfriend Shane going back to his ex-girlfriend Londyn. Savannah being an eye witness and then confronting the two being on a date earlier, Londyn and Savannah already used to be friends and don't associate with each other anymore.

Sydney proceeds to tell "Savvy" she's reading way too much into the situation with Shane and Londyn.

Savannah feels as though she's been pushed aside by Shane, after Sydney tells her "I've seen that look in your eyes it tells a million lies, your talking about Shane figuring out Londyn right?". Savannah agrees and responds. "I can't get over how much of a mistake he's making" wishing Shane would understand she's trying to look out for him, but feels pushed aside wishing Shane would just figure out that Londyn is not the right girl for him.

After sourly admitting to Sydney she feels like she's been dumped by Shane Sydney tells Savannah a wish list of sorts on what girls wants from guys. stating this is how we feel "I wish I could find someone who just like me for me?"

In a typical popular girl response from a girl who has it all Savannah replies "I love me..he should like me for me!"

Sydney then interrupts and says "second, when Shane says something like, I like you, but I can't do this right now, i'm still in love with my ex! ". Savannah agrees and that Shane won't come right out and say it, "but that's exactly the vibe i'm getting right now".

Sydney and Savannah come to a concussion and laugh it off with total and precise admiration for each others advice.

The cafe one-on-one setting is a regular for these two best friends Savannah and SydneySydney Ashdown listens with a smileSavannah feels as though she's been pushed aside by ShaneSydney mimics Shane to make a point to SavannahSavannah feels like she's been dumped by Shane
### Act Six

The exterior of East Valley Academy High School is shown as we then see Dillon, Principal Guidry, and Counselor Kaidence talking in the hallway about their concern for Khalil and his condition.

Principal Guidry proceeds to tell the two he heard Khalil's condition was downgraded from "critical to stable." telling them he just got off the phone with the chaplain.

Kaidence had Khalil as a student for four years, stating she actually had him in grammar school back in fourth grade. She tells them he was always so eager to learn and had a metal lunchbox he got from his parents.

Dillon tells them that he prayed for a full recovery and sought out contact through Khalil's family and that he has an uncle in Oklahoma that is going to pack up and move this way to help him along.

Dillon felt God's calling to step up and be a community leader in this situation and steps up as the teacher Khalil needs. Ultimately allowing Khalil to stay with him and the roommates at his apartment until his uncle arrives.

Guidry follows up with a response of "See a need, fill a need" and compliments him as does Counselor Kaidence.

Kaidence tells Dillon that Landon said their place was just filled with a third roommate and now with Khalil their place is about to get really full.

Principal Guidry asks who has detention duty today when Kaidence tells them she does and how she loves Monday's, but being sarcastic.

Dillon, Principal Guidry, and Counselor Kaidence talking in the hallway about their concern for KhalilKaidence states she had Khalil as a student for four years going back in fourth gradeDillon tells them that he prayed for a full recovery and sought out contact through Khalil's familyPrincipal Guidry asks who has detention duty todayKaidence has detention duties today stating "I love Monday's"
### Act Seven

Miri Cyanne is looking down at her phone walking through the hallway. Miri has an ulterior motive to listen and hopefully join in on the conversation about the upcoming, but not announced yet East Valley Show Choir auditions.

The teachers pet's Sydney and Teagan are already talking in secrecy to Ms. Fritz who's mentioning Show Choir. Teagan rudely closes the door on Miri telling her "Classes are over"!

Miri Cyanne texts on her phone what she hears coming from Ms.Fritz room about the East Valley Show ChoirMiri walks up to the door eavesdropping before Ms.Fritz stops talking about the show choirMiri attempts to walk into the class for a momentRealizing their show choir secrecy conversation is being overheard by Miri, Teagan closes the door telling Miri classes are overSydney and Ms.Fritz look to see the door is closed before continuing their conversation
### Act Eight

Dillon and Khalil are sitting in his car talking about being pushed in the right direction. Dillon tells Khalil he should do whats right in his heart and pursue music.

Khalil agrees and also states he "Life's been really had lately, I just need more. When I do something I need all or nothing. I mean I've had all the joy taken out of my life and I just need more."

Dillon provides a mentor like approach and gives Khalil advice that's Christlike to trust in God and he can take care of your needs.

Khalil looks out th window while sitting in Dillon's car before opening up about his recent suicide attemptDillon provides a mentor like approach and gives Khalil adviceKhalil opens up about losing the joy in his life
### Act Nine

Erin and Miri have a moment of coming together on their plan and what they know so far on Ms.Fritz telling only her teachers pets Savannah, Sydney, and Teagan about tryouts for a new show choir at school.

Erin asks Miri over the phone if Savannah gave her any info on the show choir, when Miri responds "For now its still just a rumor. She did say it existed, just not in those words. Two guys were hanging all over her though so she was distracted."

Erin mocks Savannah being distracted and states Savannah and Ms. Fritz are so tight in confidentiality it makes me sick.

At home Miri has a phone convo with best friend ErinErin at home on her phone discusses a possible show choir tryout with her best friend MiriMiri responds to Erin about the show choir "For now its still just a rumor. She did say it existed, just not in those words."Erin finishes up her call with Miri telling her she has an incoming call with LondynLondyn tells Erin over the Phone she knows the skill-sets the judges are looking for in the show choir
### Act Ten

Savannah is seen standing at the edge of the East Valley school gym waiting. Much to her surprise and chagrin Miri and Melody surprise Savannah when Miri pops out off the bleachers saying to Savannah "Hey there 4th hour friend!" With only a half heart-ed surprise, a not amused look, and her hands on her hips, Savannah replies "Yeah were in 4th hour English 2, were not friends." The two girls follow Savannah around for information on singing and show choir. Miri whose in Savannah's 4th hour class, tells Savannah she's heard her humming and thinks she has a great ex-fact-o voice to butter her up for show-choir information.

Savannah walks to the bleachers to sit between two taller guys, introducing them as her friends Shane and Jimmy Wyatt.

Savannah is again distracted by guys, like Erin states to Miri on the phone, and eventually Miri gets Savannah's phone number to text her after school later, and is told not to call her.

Miri and Melody surprise Savannah for info when they pop out off the bleachersSmirks all around from this popular group of guys surrounding Savannah at the school gymAt the school gym, Shane and Jimmy Wyatt are waiting for Savannah who's annoyed by MiriSavannah is annoyed with Miri and,just wants to be with the boysMiri with her friend Melody have an insurmountable amount of questions and comments on singing for Savannah
### Act Eleven

After being blatantly awaken from his couch by Landon, Bogroe is frustrated, falling off the couch. Dillon comes in on a face-off with a warning from Bogroe to Landon to "Listen up".

A blonde girl catches the eye of Dillon and Landon outside their apartment window after Bogroe cools down and walks off.

A bit later Bogroe is sitting on his couch when Landon walks up to him and tells him "Bogroe your being downgraded"

Hayley waltzes right in to the apartment, without knocking and much to the chagrin with frustration of Bogroe telling her.

Hayley has blankets she's brought for Khalil to make him feel more at home and challenges Bogroe's words telling him "but i'm cute, duh, I can walk in whenever I want, you're not the man of the house, Landon and Dillon are. Besides what would men do without a lady looking in on them every once in a while!"

Bogroe loses his bag of chips when Hayley emphasis her point to throw the blankets at him when she's finished making her point.

Bogroe comments that trying to win an argument with a chick is one of the stupidest things he's ever tried to do when Landon tells Bogroe he better watch it with Hayley.

Landon contemplating a confrontation with BogroeWith Dillon looking on the roommates Face-offBogroe tells Landon he applied for a job as a pool boyHayley tells Bogroe - but i'm cute Duh! I can walk in whenever I want! You're not the man of the house!Landon tells Bogroe about Hayley "Better watch it, that little girl is capable of turning your couch and space upside down with a frown"
### Act Twelve

Miri tries to get even more information about the Show Choir from Savannah the day of the auditions. Savannah tells Miri she's sorry what happened in the gym and had no idea that Miri couldn't dance. Miri tells Savannah its not that she can't dance, but she hasn't had lessons like Savannah probably has. Savannah is more agreeable to do talk to Miri, but leaves when she sees Erin walking up the stairs to the secluded backstage location.

Miri tells Erin she got all the information straight out of the proverbial horses mouth when referring to Savannah about the show choir information.

Erin wonders why Savannah has to be so evasive with her. Erin jokingly thinks Miri is lying when Miri tells her Savannah told her the time, place, costume details and that there's fees involved for the show choir and upcoming audition at East Valley.

Erin and Miri are proving to be the best of friends by working together to get as much information about the show choir. The two help one another out as they leave the backstage together smiling with a job well accomplished.

Miri Cyanne and Savannah Swanson talking about show choir backstageMiri looks on at Erin in the darkErin jokingly thinks Miri is lying when Miri tells her Savannah told her the time, place, costume details and that there's fees involved for the show choirBackstage at East Valley Academy, Miri and Erin discuss the show choir audition strategyErin O'Byrne and Miri Cyanne finish their conversation walking though the hallway of East Valley Academy
### Act Thirteen

Moments before the dressing rooms are open at the East Valley stage. Savannah's little sister Thea asks her opinion on whether or not she should spray herself down for a sultry look with a spray bottle of body and hair glitter shimmering spray; to add to her dance costume. Savannah a bit embarrassed her sister has something out in public tells her "No this is an audition its not the show, don't get all dressed up."

Thea proceeds to tell her she thinks glitter enhances her beauty. and she can try it sometime but she doesn't think it will help her older sister.

A sibling rivalry begins when Savannah responds in defense that she's very pretty and if Thea looked like her, Which Savannah points out she doesn't she'd be pretty too!

Thea Swanson wants spray on glitter before her show choir auditionSavannah Swanson tells Thea not to spray on glitter it's just an audition
### Act Fourteen

The exterior of East Valley academy is shown with Melody Hull shown standing with Ellie Cross in the wings of the Show choir stage before Auditions start. Melody tells Ellie she's nervous.

The announcements of the Show Choir location, opening and order of the named students competing are announced in the background by Judge Jefferies.

Ellie comforts Melody and tells her. "You got this!"

A few moments later and nearby friends Griffin and Khalil stand next to teachers Mr. Rowley and Mr. Charles.

Khalil tells everyone "So this is where my true talent can bubble to the surface. I get an audition right?" as Griffin jokingly shakes his head no.

Ellie comforts Melody and tells her "You got this!"Showing concern for her best friend, Ellie reassures MelodyJudge Jefferies makes the announcements on the Show Choir auditionsGriffin and his friend Khalil with Mr.Neil look on at the show choir auditions for East Valley
### Act Fifteen

The East Valley Academy Show Choir auditions begin. Melody is seen off stage then walks up onto the platform as her name is announced by Judge Jefferies.

Judge Jefferies announces: "Thank you for auditioning for the East Valley Show Choir part of the Illinois Southwest district madrigal show choir. A few reminders before we begin. Please let us know if you'll be performing a choreographed dance movement series along with your singing.

Still standing next to teachers Mr. Rowley and Mr. Charles we see Griffin and Khalil looking on to the stage as Melody takes the mic.

Melody's lyrics begin with "Who is that girl I see!".

During Melody's audition Griffin comments to Khalil "I can't believe Hayley's going to try out for the show choir competition. She's totally going to bomb under pressure."

Mr. Charles tells Griffin " You know Griffin life is full of risks, but resilient effort and determination to never make excuses or blame others will always help you get what you want. Where's your mom Griffin i'm surprised she's not here?"'

Griffin muses to Mr. Charles "She's still pregnant she's about to burst at any moment."

Judge Jefferies announces: "Next audition talent The Swanson"

As Thea's music to her song for the choreographed dance movement series begins in the background we see most of the girls waiting and gathered around in a line towards the left of the stage in the wings. Laughing and talking with enthusiasm they all abruptly stop talking when the unmistakably noticeable redhead Erin, walks though the middle of their line with a guitar to go audition next.

Savannah comments to Erin with sarcasm "Really?"

Sydney adds to the comment by telling everyone and looking directly at Erin with the offbeat sarcastic response that Erin is going to tap dance even though she has a guitar for a show choir audition. Sydney's words are "Whoa she's going to show us up with some Gene Kelley tap dancing in the rain!"

Erin is not so amused but in a comeback tells Sydney and Savannah "Break a leg... really!"

Thea's lyrics begin with "Arms around me come undone"

Judge Jefferies announces: Erin O'Bryn? Erin corrects and says O'Byrne.

Erin's lyrics begin with "Been away for a while now"

Judge Jefferies announces: "Hayley Sundin"

Hayley's lyrics begin with "That you should've brought me flowers"

Judge Jefferies announces: "Savannah Swanson"

Savannah's lyrics begin with "I threw my hands in the air"

Judge Jefferies announces: "Teagan Janney"

Teagan's lyrics begin with "Whoa I can't let you"

Judge Jefferies announces: "Miri Cyanne"

Miri's lyrics begin with "Not far from in between"

Judge Jefferies announces: "Sydney Ashdown"

Sydney's lyrics begin with "But for these days i'm someone I don't recognize"

Melody Hull is the first show choir auditionErin O'Byrne is the second show choir auditionHayley sings a sorrowful song for her auditionSavannah performs during her audition for the show choirSydney Ashdown is the final audition for the show choir
## Memorable quotes

"So show choir is happening. I knew it! Ms. Fritz and Savannah are so tight in confidentiality it makes me sick" - Erin

"But i'm cute, duh, I can walk in whenever I want, you're not the man of the house, Landon and Dillon are. Besides what would men do without a lady looking in on them every once in a while!"" - Hayley

"Better watch it, that little girl is capable of turning your couch and space upside down with a frown" - Landon

"So this is where my true talent can bubble to the surface. I get an audition right?" - Khalil

## Cast

### Starring

Dillon Magnum — Brayden Patterson

Landon Lofton — Cody Jarvis

Savannah Swanson — Rylee Cravens

Bartholowmew Bogroe — Billy Patricks

Erin O'Byrne — Erin Morris

Griffin Sundin — Matthew Becker

### Also starring

Hayley Sundin — Molly Cravens

Thea Swanson — Jessica Jordan

Neil Rowley — Neil McDonald

Principal Guidry — Joe McGettigan

Miri Cyanne — Malissa Williams

Londyn Downey — Brianna Langford

Kaidence Crews — Jamie Fritz

Veronika Earney — Emma Mitchell

Khalil Burris — Lawson Burris

Teagan Janney — Stephanie Swink

Tessa Stockton — Taylor Vandelicht

Ellie Cross — Tessa Drake

Shane Sumner — Conner Lee

Melody Hull — Ashley Pavlige

Stu Charles — Charles Heuvelman

Mr. Ashdown — Roger Kell

Tessa Stockton — Taylor Vandelicht

Ms.Fritz — Allison Shadwick

Jeremy Estrada — Charlie White

### Guest stars

Judge Jefferies — Jeff Higgins

Emma Loughborough — Dacey Geary

Jimmy Wyatt — Andrew Childs

Grant Kosanovich — Igor Stevanovic

Paramedic — Chris Meier

Paramedic Driver — Eric Nance

Paramedic — Matt Pape

Basketball Player - Enricko Pulliam

## Background information

### Story and Script

Sydney Thomas with Rylee Cravens prior to a take on location at City Diner in St. Louis - October 26, 2013

Act five with Sydney and Savannah was the first of many cafe one-on-one settings with actresses Sydney Thomas and Rylee Cravens as the popular girl conversations would ensue throughout the series. This was the first for the two together in this type of setting and according to writer/producer Bryan Kreutz "It was so important to show the two girls had chemistry as best friends, we went though numerous rehearsals together even eating a meal at the location and rehearsing the day before". Director Tommy Callahan and writer Bryan Kreutz had the two girls rehearse the scene together over several days including visits to the on location cafe where it was shot, but in different seats to get a true chemistry together. Sydney and Rylee told the crew before shooting the scene that all of the dialogue in the script for this scene sounds like a conversation they both would have word for word in real life. This scene was shot on a Saturday morning during one of the busiest times for the City Diner. The diner owner designated two seats off to the side for the crew to have space and shoot the scene as customers would walk in to see the crew and actors being filmed live. Customers walked in the front entrance and immediately on their right is where the scene was shot.

Savannah, Sydney and Teagan, a screenshot in the hallway of the starring group of popular clique of chicks was a precursor scene ultimately cut for the TV episode Friends, Family, and Freeloaders, Part 2.

In Act Eleven, and prior to Savannah and Miri's conversation in the wings of the audition stage, a scene was cut that contained Savannah, Sydney, and Teagan boldly walk though the hallways of East Valley side by side. The hallway would lead the popular chicks in a clique to the side part of the East Valley Auditorium near where Griffin, Khalil, and teachers would be talking later while the auditions were happening. Over to the side and with the teachers in site is where Savannah, Sydney, and Teagan would stop for a moment mesmerized by a new guy performing as the first audition named Eban. Teagan comments to her friends "Eben the new guy from Eden! That was the best solo routine I've ever seen!" Savannah agrees with a dreamy look in her eyes reacting to Eban who greets Savannah with a blown kiss to her and the girls from the stage. Savannah is feeling the after effects of a moment of adoration for Eban telling Sydney and Teagan "What just happened?" Sydney supports Savannah's adoration by saying "Uh blush, moments of utter clarity" laughs then changes the subject.

### Production

On location for a scene at the East Valley school gym with Malissa Williams and Ashley Pavlige October 26, 2013

Director/Producer Bryan Kreutz stated in the *"Writers Take extra featurette*" on the series that December 21, 2013 was the longest taping day in the Up on High Ground series, yet was his most favorite memory and set of memories. Director Tommy Callahan was only present for four of the scenes, giving Kreutz room to direct some, even though Callahan is credited as the director for the whole episode.Seven separate musical/dance acts were taped consecutively, the main cast poster was photographed, an all cast/crew photograph taken with 18 people took time but noticeably is missing three key cast members in Cody Jarvis, Matthew Becker, and Brianna Langford. Later in the day, seven separate scenes at three locations were taped from early morning then well into midnight.

Classroom suicide scene - prior to a take on November 2, 2013

Close to 30 people would come and go in the cast and crew throughout the day of production. Kreutz recalls Director Tommy Callahan telling all cast who's not in the scene to go sit in a waiting room area, even though many of them wanted to see the on camera singing and dancing acts for the scene. The East Valley show choir dancing acts were taped in a large stage auditorium in Arnold, Missouri and this would be the first of several times the auditorium was used, including the last graduation scene of the series. Lighting for the stage left scene and scenes nearby in the wings of the stage were so poorly lit that extra lights had to be brought in. Space was tight all the lights couldn't be used, so during the color correcting stage of editing, gamma and brightening had to be performed on several angles and takes when edited. Director of Photography Mike Frolos even gave Bryan Kreutz a second DLSR Cannon camera for a few takes with Savannah walking out on Miri and Erin's scene due to the cramped space and extra camera's needed to capture pieces to put the scene together. At one instance during this cramped space scene the actor Billy Patricks, who also doubled as Production assistant, held a boom mic in one hand and a portable light in the other hand above Erin and Miri while standing side by side with an angle to cut him out of frame by inches and get the scene taped.

An on location screen capture of Erin Morris for a deleted transition take on the show choir stage prior to gamma light increase and color correction - December 21, 2013

Act two with the high school girls and grandpa character in the East Valley Library had to be re-shot and additional scenes with actress Sydney Thomas had to be taped on separate days due to her availability. There were lighting challenges as the ceiling was a metal drop ceiling with rafters making it challenging for hanging canned lights to be used to give it a yellow warm skin tone look versus the florescent light pale look. With the scene pieced together on several days and with the gentleman who played Sydney's grandfather never acting before, but needed for someone his age it was a challenge. Supervising Producer Joe McGettigan suggested several times that the scene be thrown out on the cutting room floor, but was pleasantly surprised how it was edited together by Emmy awarding winning editor Dale Ward put the scene together as a miracle in the making.

Tessa Drake and Ashley Pavlige pose for a picture on set together before their take - December 21, 2013

This episode featured location shots at the same building complex in Arnold Missouri within different businesses, school classes, auditorium, office. Additionally a church scene was cut containing Grandpa Ashdown, Dillon, and Tara (Landon's girlfriend).

### Credits sequences

Exactly like Episode 2, but unlike the first episode, following the opening title sequence, the *Also Starring* name credits appeared in a much different font from episode 1. The episode fonts were white boxed name plates of each actor that matched the style of the opening title style logo and main actors and continued for several minutes. This was for the "also starring" and "writer/producer" credits that follow the opening credits sequence. The closing titles included behind the scenes pictures and cast pictures of the talent who performed in the show choir auditions.

### Sets and props

The show choir audition stage was already fabricated as an existing set for numerous productions at the location in Arnold Missouri. Numerous Blue, Red, and even yellow spotlights were concentrated onto the stage during the show choir auditions to make the set feel more colorful and high school like. Director Tommy Callahan had the main bright lights turned off for the entire shoot of the stage and surrounding offstage and wings of the stage scenes for continuity. The main purpose was to make the main audition stage the focal point where the talent would be performing even with conversations occurring mainly offstage.

A Behind the scenes look at the show-choir stage with Producer Bryan KreutzGetting direction off to the side of the stage, actress Malissa Williams prepares to sing during an in episode show choir audition
## Links

* \*IMDb - Episode 3

* TV.com - Episode 3