Act One

(Scene 1: High School Chaos)

• Setting: A bustling high school hallway. Lydia, looking overwhelmed, navigates the crowded space. Upbeat, slightly dissonant music underscores the scene, reflecting her internal struggle. A brief, melodic motif representing Lydia's determination is introduced.

• Action: Lydia bumps into classmates, struggles with her heavy backpack, and tries to keep up with the fast pace of the school day. Short musical interludes, using the determination motif, highlight her moments of resilience. Other musical snippets, more dissonant and frantic, represent her anxieties. Dialogue between Lydia and her friends (brief, snappy exchanges) is interspersed with these musical moments.

• Scene 2: Academic Struggle

• Setting: Lydia's tutoring session. The music becomes more somber and reflective.

• Action: Lydia struggles with a math problem, frustration mounting. The music reflects her growing despair, using dissonant chords and a slower tempo. A short, plaintive melody represents her vulnerability. The tutor tries to help, but Lydia's anxiety prevents her from focusing. The music builds in intensity as Lydia breaks down, culminating in a short, emotionally charged musical phrase.

• Scene 3: Therapy Session

• Setting: Lydia's therapy session. The music is introspective and melancholic.

• Action: Lydia shares her struggles with the therapist. The music mirrors her emotional state, using soft, melancholic melodies and harmonies. The therapist offers words of encouragement, represented by a slightly brighter, more hopeful musical phrase. However, Lydia's underlying anxiety remains, reflected in the persistent underlying melancholic tone.

• Scene 4: Social Life

• Setting: A casual hangout with Lydia's friends. The music shifts to a more upbeat and playful style.

• Action: Lydia tries to connect with her friends, but her anxieties still linger. The music alternates between upbeat moments of friendship and quieter, more introspective moments reflecting Lydia's inner turmoil. The upbeat music is slightly off-kilter, hinting at the underlying tension.

• Scene 5: The Failing Grade

• Setting: Lydia's English class. The music becomes tense and suspenseful.

• Action: The teacher distributes the exams. The music builds in anticipation as the teacher approaches Lydia. The reveal of the failing grade is accompanied by a jarring, dissonant chord. The music then shifts to a frantic, internal monologue, reflecting Lydia's racing thoughts. The "You suck," "Why can't you succeed?" thoughts are represented by short, sharp musical phrases, each with its own distinct character.

• Scene 6: Act One Finale – Tap Dance Battle

• Setting: The empty classroom. The music begins with a low, pulsating bassline, building in intensity.

• Action: Lydia's internal turmoil explodes in a powerful tap dance number. Each "thought/feeling" is represented by a distinct dancer and choreography. The music is largely acapella, focusing on the percussive sounds of the tap shoes. The choreography is intense and expressive, reflecting Lydia's anger, frustration, and determination. The dance battle culminates in a chaotic, frenetic climax, ending abruptly as the curtain falls.

Act Two

(Scene 1: New Beginnings)

• Setting: Lydia's bedroom, a few weeks later. The music is hopeful and optimistic, but with a hint of underlying anxiety.

• Action: Lydia is refreshed and determined. The music reflects her renewed sense of purpose, using brighter melodies and major chords. However, the underlying anxiety is still present, represented by occasional dissonant chords and a slightly hesitant rhythm.

(Scene 2: College Applications)

• Setting: Lydia's home, various locations. The music is a blend of hopeful and reflective.

• Action: Lydia works on her college applications, supported by her family and friends. The music reflects the emotional journey of saying goodbye and moving on, using a mix of upbeat and sentimental melodies.

(Scene 3: Graduation)

• Setting: Lydia's high school graduation ceremony. The music is triumphant and celebratory.

• Action: Lydia delivers the student speech, reflecting on her journey and inspiring her classmates. The music builds to a powerful crescendo, culminating in a joyous and uplifting finale. The celebratory music incorporates elements of the determination motif from Act One, showcasing her growth and resilience. The final notes leave the audience with a sense of hope and accomplishment.