I’ll keep the itchy scarf. I’ll keep the lopsided bird. I’ll keep the crack in the ceiling that looked like a horse. I’ll keep all the drafts.

But here is the catch: Writing a one-act play for the HSC is not the same as writing a novel or a film script. The markers are looking for very specific theatrical sensibilities.

Over the next few weeks, Emily refined her script, working on character development, dialogue, and structure. She rehearsed her monologue, experimenting with different tones and emotions. And when the final performance came around, she felt a sense of pride and accomplishment.