The Wrap Group

Synopsis: A young man attends a support group for people addicted to popping the air bubbles in packing material. It shows that trying to deal with addictions from a purely secular standpoint is futile, only a spiritual approach is truly effective. After hearing several testimonies as to the power the bubbles have over them, and the trouble they have resisting it, the other people begin to have cravings. At the end all of the attendees are furiously popping bubbles as it gets out of hand. The sole recovering popper leaves, secure in his deliverance through prayer.

Note: The bubble-popping is used as a metaphor for various types of addictions, including sexual. This skit is a parable that applies to all kinds of dependencies; it is not about the fictiional bubble-wrap addiction, (although there may be such a thing in some small way). There is no need to actually name types of common addictions, as the script is dealing with them in a metaphorical way. Making it literal destroys the effectiveness. Trust your audience to see the point; there is no need to hit them over the head with it.

Setting: A semi-circle of folding chairs, as many as you need to accomodate your cast.

Characters: Leanne, the Group Leader. Neal, George, Anna, Jake, and a few others as extras. Larry, the new visitor. The Security Guard.

Props: A small sheet of bubble-wrap for each person. A partial roll of bubble-wrap, or a long sheet of it. A large pocketbook, big enough to hold the roll or sheet of wrap. An 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper, or larger paperboard, with the Positive Affirmation Statement printed in it. (Click the link to open a large-text printable version of it to use.)

NOTE: Your actors deliver the dialog and you play the background music and effects tracks as listed in the script to enhance your performance.

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CAUTION: Performing this skit may be habit-forming! Recommend that the performers do not actually pop the bubbles during rehearsal, only during the performance. :)

Note: "Bubble-Wrap" is a trademarked term. Its use here is intended in no way to infringe upon it.

(If you are using the Supplemental Skit Trax CD, begin Track #1, the skit open music.)

(Larry and Neal enter the room from one side. Leanne, the group leader, enters from the opposite direction.)

Neal: Yeah, I was out of town. (Indicates Larry.) This is my friend and co-worker I was telling you about, Larry Longmire.

Leanne: (Shaking Larry's hand.) Hi, Larry, I'm Leanne, the leader of the local BWPA support group. I'm happy you came.

Larry: Thanks, nice to meet you. Neal's been telling me about your group, so I thought I'd come along.

(Others have begin to come in the room during this exchange, talking to each other and taking their seats in the semi-circle of chairs facing the front of the stage. The leader takes the center chair but remains standing.)

(The group slowly quiets down except for two who keep talking. After a moment they notice the silence and eyes on them and they pipe down, contritely.)

Leanne: (Smiling.) Hi, everybody, thanks for coming, and welcome to Bubble-Wrap Poppers Anonymous!

(Leanne takes out a piece of paper, upon which the Statement is printed in large letters, and holds in in front of her for them to see. She indicates with her finger each line as a prompt for them to read aloud.)

Group: "I Am A Recovered Bubble-Wrap Popper.
I Choose Not To Pop Today.
The Bubble-Wrap Does Not Control My Life.
I Am In Control.
I Love Myself, Not Bubble-Wrap.
Amen."

(Everyone claps in self-congratulation and they sit down. Leanne puts away the card and remains standing.)

Leanne: I'm very happy to announce that we have a visitor today, invited by one of our members. Larry, please stand and tell us a little about yourself! (She sits down.)

Larry: (Somewhat shyly, he stands.) Uh, hi, everybody, my name is Larry Longmire, and I'm happy to be here.

Larry: (Startled, but recovers.) Oh... uh, thanks. Well, I'm from here in town, and I've had some problems in the past with... you know. (He holds up his hands, and on each one he squeezes his thumb and forefinger together several times, miming a popping motion.)

Larry: (Gaining more confidence.) Thanks. Well, I thought that, maybe, getting together with others that shared my addiction might, you know, help keep me from falling back into it. I've been doing real good lately, though, and if I can share something that has helped me, then it might help others, too.(He sits down.)

Leanne: Thanks, Larry, you've come to the right place, because we do understand your problem. We've all struggled with it from one degree to another. But there is strength in numbers, and we all support each other. Would anyone like to give a testimony?

Leanne: (Interrupting.) Um, don't forget to introduce yourself, we do have some visitors!

George: Oh, right. Sorry. Hi everyone, my name is George, and I am a recovering Popaholic. I'm pleased to say, that with your help and support, I have been pop-free for nearly two weeks!

(Everyone applauds and cheers him, as he smiles shyly and waves his thanks, sitting down.)

Anna: (Stands.) Hi everyone, my name is Anna, and I am a recovering Popaholic.

Anna: I've been doing pretty good since last week's meeting... But I... I did have a slight... uh, what you might call a relapse, late last night. (Covers her face in her hands and sobs.) I'm so ashamed!

Anna: (Sniffling.) Well, I was okay until the mailman delivered a CD I had ordered. It came packaged in bubblewrap, and as soon as I opened it, I popped one before I even knew what I had done. A little voice in my head said, "Just one more, what can it hurt?" So I did another one. And another, always thinking, "Just one more and that's it!" But... it got out of control... (Moaning.) And I popped them all! (Tearfully.) It's like they say... "Once you pop, you just can't stop!"

Leanne: (Quickly.) Ah, ah, ah! We don't say that here. That is a negative reinforcement statement.

Jake: (Raising hand.) Uh... I'm not sure if this is a victory report or a confession. I'm a little confused.

Jake: Um... I haven't actually touched a real bubble wrap bubble in about a month....

Jake: (Continuing.) But I have been visiting this website where it has virtual bubble wrap, and you can pop them using the mouse. But I don't think there's anything wrong with it, I mean, I'm not really popping bubble wrap, just doing it online, and imagining it. It's almost the same, but without the actual bubble wrap in front of me. It's not wrong, is it? Isn't it just a harmless outlet?

Leanne: That's a very good question, Jake. Let's discuss it. Any thoughts from anyone else about this?

Neal: (Raising hand, and receiving a nod from the leader.) I don't see anything wrong with it at all. If it lets you enjoy something you like without actually doing it, where's the harm?

Anna: I agree... it's not real bubble wrap, it's just pretend. Who's it hurting? Jake, does this site cost anything?

Jake: Well, you can pop the small virtual bubbles for free, as much as you want. If you want to progress to bigger bubbles, you have to pay a fee. It's not much, just a few cents per bubble.

Leanne: (Hurriedly.) Let's... not share that right now until we reach a consensus. Anyone else?

Larry: (Raising hand, and receiving a nod from the leader.) I don't think it's such a good idea... Jake, do you find yourself visitng this website often?

Jake: (Uncomfortably.) Uh... yeah, pretty much every day. Actually it's more like several times a day...

Jake: (Continuing.) Really, it's more like three or four. About every chance I get. I'm up to spending about twenty dollars a day now on the big bubble action.

Larry: Right.... you see? It's just as addicting as the real thing. Something I've learned lately is, that the problem is in our hearts and minds, that's where the addiction comes from, not just a piece of air-filled plastic. I think that whether it's real or virtual, the effect and the need is the same. I think you'll see that you pay a high price; financial, mentally, spiritually, and in your relationships.

Jake: (Thinking.) Yeah... I can see that. My family life does seem to suffer when I go on a bubble binge.. even online.

George: I think others in my family are starting to pick it up. The other night I passed by son's room and I thought I heard the sound of popping bubbles coming from behind the door.

Larry: Our addictions, bad habits, and sins can certainly affect others around us, as they take them up too.

Anna: (Worried.) But what do you mean, Larry, by spiritually? Do you get bad karma or something?

George: I believe the Buddhists are right, and that if you, like, eat meat and stuff, then you will come back as a cow or a chicken or something, and then you'll be eaten yourself.

Neal: (Rolling his eyes.) Oh, please. Probably if you're a bubble-popper you just come back as a septic tank cleaner or something really crummy and stinky like that.

Larry: (Speaking up to nip the direction of discussion.) No, nothing like that. What I mean is, as a believer in Jesus Christ. Addictions to sin are something that bind us and prevent us from having an active relationship with the Father.

Leanne: (Shaking her head and holding up a hand.) I'm sorry, Larry, but we can't bring religion into this. It has no place here.

Leanne: This isn't a religious support group. We're not sponsored by any religious group, and we get a large part of our financial aid from a government grant. If we started allowing religious discussion, we would lose our funding.

Leanne: We don't call it sin, but a sickness. The term "sin" inplies responsibility to some God, which we have no knowledge of. But the term "sickness" implies a physical or mental cause which can be treated with proven theories and positive results.

(The group all goes '"ooooooooooooo!" as if he has just dissed her in an extreme way.)

Larry: (Continuing.) ...but I don't see too many positive results being reported here.

Leanne: (Sharply.) That is a negative statement, and we discourage negative statements. We must be positive to see results.

Larry: Okay... I'm positive nobody here is getting helped when you leave God out of the picture. Doesn't faith play a vital part in recovery from addictions?

Leanne: Yes, it does. We teach one to have faith in themselves. Remember our Statement? "I am in control!"

Larry: Well, everyone is invited to share their victory testimony, so here's mine... I am able to overcome through the help of the Lord Jesus Christ, who says "without Me, ye can do nothing." Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me."

(As he began his statement, Leanne has stood up and went to the phone, picking it up and speaking into it, while looking back at Larry. She is covering the side of her mouth as she speaks into the phone to keep from being heard by the others.)

Larry: (Continuing.) Truthfulness is an important part of dealing with an addiction. Truthfulness with yourself, and knowing the truth about yourself. Jesus said, "I am the Truth." If you know Him, he not only shows you the truth about himself, but about yourself. And then you can begin to deal with the problem areas. Accountability to other believers who can help and pray for you is invaluable, also.

Neal: You know, people, I think Larry's got something there. I've tried and tried by myself, and I stop for while, then fall right back into the same self-destructive pattern. I need something ..or someone... to help me from within. (He looks around at his fellow group members.) I think we should hear Larry out, maybe he can help us.

Group (Simultaneously.): Yeah! Let's hear more, Larry! This is new to us! Preach it, brother!

(Leanne has walked back to her chair and has sat down by this time. Larry is about to speak again, but is stopped by her as she speaks up.)

Leanne: (Firmly.) As the leader of this support group, I'm afraid I need to get this discussion back on track. Our new visitor seems to be causing some trouble with his unrecognized treatment suggestions, and it's become counter-productive. (She gives Larry a hard look.) I'm afraid I must ask you to leave, Larry.

(The group buzzes with whispered reactions to her statement. Right then a big fellow enters the room, acting as a security guard.

At Leanne's head nod, he moves toward Larry and stand with his arms crossed as he looks down at him.)

Leanne: I'm sorry, but the Center's guidebook clearly prohibits anyone using this group to proselytize or influence any toward a specific religious affiliation. I can't risk being reported and having our funding withdrawn. Plus, we could be sued. So, please leave.

Neal: (Also standing.) Now, wait just a minute! I invited him here tonight, and I don't think you have the right to censor his views, religious-based or otherwise!

Leanne: I assure you I do. I'll have to ask you to leave also if you continue to cause trouble.

Neal: (Incredulous.) You don't have to ask me... I'm leaving with him. I, for one, want to hear more about this help that he's found. (He looks around.) Anyone else coming?

(They all sheepishly look down or around to avoid his gaze, and Leanne's threatening glare.)

Neal: Fine. Keep on the endless cycle of popping. I'm not coming back... (Walking over to stand beside Larry as he is escorted out) ...and I don't think I'll need to, anyway.

(Larry and Neal leave together, the guard behind them making sure they leave the building.)

Leanne: Now, getting back to the regular order of the meeting. I apologise for that unpleasantness. Any more confessions or victory testimonies?

Anna: Well... Larr... (catching herself) ...uh, somebody brought up truthfulness... and I haven't been exactly truthful about everything. I have something else I feel I need to confess...

Leanne: Confession is an important step in overcoming problems such as this. Please, go ahead.

Anna: (Taking out a small piece of bubble-wrap from her pocket.) I... I brought some with me.... in case I couldn't help myself and needed a bubble break.

(The room breaks out in noise as all the group members react, talking to each other, straining to see the bubble-wrap, fidgeting and excited, as if a cat had been spotted at a dog show.)

Leanne: (Loudly, as she stands.) Please! Please, let's have order! Quiet, please! (The room quiets down.) Thank you. (She holds out her hand to Anna.) Anna, thank you for coming clean. Please, hand it over, for your own good.

(Everyone's eyes are glued in wide-eyed fascination to the exchange as Anna reluctantly hands it over.)

Leanne: Thank you. Calm down, everyone. (Holding it up.) See? It's nothing but a piece of plastic. It has no hold over you if you believe in yourself.

George: (With desperation, as he gazes longingly at it.) But... Leanne... just seeing it is enough to make me want to start popping!

Leanne: I'm putting this away now... but before I do, does anyone else have any on them that they wish to turn in?

(Ashamedly, all slowly take out a piece of bubble-wrap from their pockets. Leanne is aghast.)

George: And I'm on the lookout for cheaper sources of bubble wrap... my habit is getting expensive! I'm up to several rolls of extra-large bubbles a day.

Jake: (To George.) I've got a catalog where I get mine... at wholesale prices!

Anna: My sister works at the 3-M bubble-wrap factory! I can get all I want for free!!!

Leanne: (Standing up and yelling.) HOLD IT! Just hold it right there! (The group quiets down and looks at her.) This support group is not to support your habit, but to help you kick it! If anyone here is not completely dedicated to stopping, you are in the wrong place.

(As she speaks, she -seemingly by accident- pops a bubble in the wrap she is still holding. Everyone's head snaps toward it like birds spotting a worm!)

Leanne: (Continuing, not noticing.) Take me for instance. I lead this group because I myself once had an addiction to the snares of the little plastic bubbles. Who can resist its sweet, stress-relieving, crackling allure... Very few! But I beat it! (Another pops.) I am living proof that you too, can kick the habit! (Another pops in her hand.) When confronted with the temptation to pop a bubble, Just Say No! (Another pops.)

George: Uh... Leanne... look like nobody can pop just one... yourself included!

(She looks down at her hands as they pop one bubble after another, as if they are betraying her and acting on their own.)

Leanne: (As if mesmerized.) Oh, my... I thought I was over it! But the sound.... (Pops another one.) and the feel.... (She sniffs the plastic.) Even the smell! (She carresses her face with it passionately.) Snap.. crackle...pop... oh, bubble-wrap, I love you!

(Others, following her lead, begin popping their own with expressions of rapture. The room is filled with the sounds of popping bubbles and each face is overcome with a glazed, almost drugged look.)

(Anna opens her large pocketbook and removes the remainder of a roll of bubble-wrap, or a long strip with large bubbles! The entire room erupts into a hubbub of excitement!)

Anna: (Shrieking with joy, she holds it up and pops a loud bubble.) Once you pop, you just can't stop!!!!

(The group all scream "once you pop, you just can't stop!" repeatedly as they rush her, attempting to take the strip, or at least get in some pops. She runs around the stage, chased by the group members -including Leanne- like hyeanas trying to snatch a shred of carrion from a fellow feaster. Chairs are knocked over and bodies are falling over one another in their haste. At last, they chase her offstage and their voices die off in the distance. The Close Music accompanies them offstage and ends the skit.)

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