"Social Skills: How to Interact with Human Beings" Musical Play by Bad Wolf Press
New!
Bestseller!
    • 35-minute musical play for grades 3-7
    • Includes the script, teacher's guide, and audio recording (which contains a vocal and instrumental version of each song)
    • Simple to do - no music or drama experience needed!

    Captain Invisible, Freeze Frame, The Green Pen, and Info Blast are superheroes with a problem. Well, a lot of problems. Their superpowers are sketchy, their sidekicks are avoiding them, and they've been flagged by the ISS (International Society for Superheroes, of course) as "not mixing well with the general population." Ouch! Fortunately, their Advisors at the ISS want to help them improve, sending them on a quest to master people skills. With the help of human beings all over the city, they'll learn the importance of listening to others, thinking before they speak (or post things online!), paying attention to body language and social cues, speaking with tact, regulating their emotions, facing conflict, and making amends.

    Please scroll down to read the script, listen to the songs, read reviews, and get all the details about the play (plot, curriculum/content, educational standards, and vocabulary).

    Item # Description Availability Qty Break Price Quantity
    PLAY - For individual teachers or directors
    Order 1 copy of play for each teacher/director who will be using it. Includes permission to print/photocopy for all participating actors. Mix and match 2 or more plays to get them for $35 each.
    SOCI-PL-DIG
    Downloadable Version of Play
    - You will receive a PDF and MP3 files
    Download 1
    2+
    $45.00
    $35.00
    SOCI-PL-PRI
    Printed Version of Play
    - You will receive a Spiral-Bound Book and Audio CD
    In Stock 1
    2+
    $45.00
    $35.00
    SOCI-PL-DUO
    Duo Version - Download AND Printed Book
    - You will receive 1) a PDF and MP3 files, and 2) a Spiral-Bound Book and Audio CD
    In Stock 1
    2+
    $55.00
    $45.00
    SITE LICENSE VERSION OF PLAY - For whole schools or grade levels
    Order 1 site license per school/site. Includes permission to print/photocopy for all participating students AND teachers. Why a site license? Because it's cheaper than ordering 3+ individual copies of the play.
    SOCI-SL-DIG
    Downloadable Version of Site License
    - You will receive a PDF and MP3 files
    Download 1 $90.00
    SOCI-SL-PRI
    Printed Version of Site License
    - You will receive 3 copies of the Spiral-Bound Book and Audio CD
    In Stock 1 $90.00
    Extra/Replacement Audio Recordings
    SOCI-AU-DIG
    Downloadable Audio Files
    - You will receive a ZIP file containing individual MP3s
    Download 1 $12.00
    SOCI-AU-PRI
    Audio CD
    In Stock 1 - 9
    10+
    $12.00
    $6.00
    SOCI-AU-DUO
    Downloadable Audio Files (MP3) + Audio CD
    In Stock 1 $20.00
    Sheet Music
    SOCI-MU-DIG
    Downloadable Sheet Music (PDF)
    Download 1 $12.00
    SOCI-MU-PRI
    Printed Sheet Music
    In Stock 1 $12.00
    SOCI-MU-DUO
    Downloadable Sheet Music (PDF) + Printed Sheet Music
    In Stock 1 $20.00

    $0.00



    Key Concepts

    • Social skills come naturally to some people more than others -- but they can be practiced and taught
    • Listening attentively to others
    • Contributing to a conversation: what and how much to say about yourself
    • Thinking before you speak
    • Paying close attention to body language and social cues
    • Being tactful
    • Monitoring your emotions and reactions; stepping away before things get out of hand
    • Facing conflict and apologizing
    • Online conduct: think before you post something on the internet; conduct yourself online as you would in person
    • You don't have to be friends with everyone, but you should strive to be friendly

    Social Skills: How to Interact with Human Beings is a great complement to your curriculum resources in character and life skills education. It can be used successfully in either mainstream or special needs settings, and it is well suited for performers on and off the autism spectrum. And, like all of our plays, this show can be used to improve reading, vocabulary, reading comprehension, performance and music skills, class camaraderie and teamwork, and numerous social skills that they are learning about in the play itself (read about it!) -- all while enabling students to be part of a truly fun and creative experience they will never forget!


    Publication Information

    Author: John Heath and Lisa Adams (Book and Lyrics) and Mike Fishell (Composer)
    ISBN: 978-1-886588-59-2
    © 2014 Bad Wolf Press, LLC

    Song Samples


    Casting

    Flexible casting:
    From 11-40 students. Use as many Advisors, Clerks, DMV Workers, etc. in each scene as desired. One student can easily play several roles if needed, and individual roles can be doubled up. Note that all roles can be played by either boys or girls; simply change pronouns as needed.

    CHARACTERS:

    CAPTAIN INVISIBLE
    BEN, his sidekick
    FREEZE FRAME
    MEREDITH, her sidekick
    GREEN PEN
    KYLE, her sidekick
    INFO BLAST
    ADVISORS
    MARCHING BAND (Flautist, Trumpet Player, Drummer)
    CHEFS (Sous Chef, Pastry Chef, Line Cook)
    STORE CLERKS
    CHECKERS PLAYERS
    DMV WORKERS
    KIDS

    and a CHORUS composed of all students who are not playing
    roles on stage at the time.

    Script

    This is the first one-third of the script:

          (CLASS enters. All four SUPERHEROES enter from side or step forward, talking to each other.)

    CAPTAIN INVISIBLE:  That was the WORST party ever. Everybody seemed to HATE us.

    FREEZE FRAME:  Oh, I don't know. That one guy kept bringing us stuffed mushrooms.

    CAPTAIN INVISIBLE:  That was the caterer.

    GREEN PEN:  And even HE disappeared after Info Blast started listing the population statistics of South America.
          (ALL should look at INFO BLAST when his name is mentioned.)

    INFO BLAST:  Yes, the whole crowd was very rude. I hadn't even gotten through the major cities of Colombia when for some reason people started running out of the room.   

    CAPTAIN INVISIBLE:  But we're SUPERHEROES! I'm Captain Invisible! I'm super! Everyone is supposed to idolize us. I kept telling them how great we are. Maybe we need to show our superpowers more often. Freeze Frame -- did you freeze anyone?

    FREEZE FRAME:  You know that ever since, the, uh, INCIDENT, I can only use my power when someone asks. I kept dropping hints, hoping to get someone to bite.
          (pretends to be speaking to someone, shaking hands)
    "Hi there. I'm Freeze Frame. How'd you like me to put that yappy little dog of yours into suspended animation?" Not a single taker.

    CAPTAIN INVISIBLE: It just doesn't make any sense.

    GREEN PEN: Nobody ever seems interested in my power.

    CAPTAIN INVISIBLE: What? Are you kidding? You're the Green Pen! You can produce PENS at will! I mean -- PENS! That's very cool.

    INFO MAN: Actually, due to increased paperless bookkeeping, wireless technology, and digital media, the use of pens has dropped forty-seven percent in the last decade.

    GREEN PEN: It would be nice to make some new friends.  

    CAPTAIN: We're trying, aren't we? But there is just something wrong with everyone else.

      Song 1 - Listen to a clip now!

    SUPERHEROES:

    I talked for thirty minutes 'bout the deeds that I have done
    I showed them ninety pictures of the prizes I have won
    What they said was boring so I changed the subject fast
    But now I just can't figure why our friendship didn't last!

    Social skills, social skills
    They clearly don't have social skills
    We're superheroes, can't they see?
    Social skills, social skills
    They clearly don't have social skills
    Why won't they all be friends with me?

    I interrupted helpfully whenever they were wrong
    I may have raised my voice a bit, but hey, I'm just headstrong!
    And when they tried to walk away, I didn't yell or whine;
    I went to social media and blasted them online.

    Social skills, social skills
    They clearly don't have social skills
    We're superheroes, can't they see?
    Social skills, social skills
    They clearly don't have social skills
    Why won't they all be friends with me?

    CHORUS:

    When people's reactions aren't what you intend
    And the same things keep happening over again
    You might want to look at the things that you do --
    The common denominator might be you

    SUPERHEROES (spoken): Impossible!

    SUPERHEROES and CHORUS:

    Social skills, social skills
    They clearly don't have social skills
    We're superheroes, can't they see?
    Social skills, social skills
    They clearly don't have social skills
    Why won't they all be friends with me?
    Why won't they all be friends with me?

          (CLASS sits down/exits.)

    GREEN PEN (pointing off stage): Hey look, someone's coming.

    CAPTAIN INVISIBLE (worried): Is it my sidekick? I must become invisible!
          (gestures dramatically, then shouts)
    Vavoom!
          (He flexes, poses, and freezes -- he thinks he is invisible. ADVISORS enter.)

    ADVISOR #1: Hello. We are from the ISS.

    INFO BLAST: The ISS is the International Space Station, a habitable artificial satellite in low earth orbit.  

    ADVISOR #2: Yes, but we're from a different ISS. We represent the International Society for Superheroes.

    ADVISOR #3: We have been sent to help some superheroes.

    ADVISOR #1 (looking at clipboard or file): Is one of you Freeze Frame?

    FREEZE FRAME: That would be me.

    ADVISOR #1: (glancing at paper again) And how about the Green Pan?

    GREEN PEN: That's PEN. Green PEN.

    ADVISOR #1: Sorry.
          (looks back at paper)
    Must be a typo.

    ADVISOR #2 (to GREEN PEN): Does that mean you can't make a pan? I sort of promised my wife I'd bring her home a new non-stick skillet.

    GREEN PEN (sighs): No. I make pens.
          (SHE offers ADVISOR #2 a pen)
    Here.

    ADVISOR #2 (waving it away): Uh, no thanks.
          (pause)
    How about a Dutch oven?

    GREEN PEN (shouts): NO! Just PENS! Oh, what's the use?

    INFO BLAST (to ADVISOR): I must say that you look surprisingly robust for someone who has been living in microgravity. Did you know that bone loss occurs at a rate of 1 to 1.5 percent per month while you're in orbit?

    FREEZE FRAME (elbows INFO BLAST): They are NOT from the space station!

    ADVISOR #1: You are clearly Info Blast.   
          (checks off something on clipboard; then spots CAPTAIN INVISIBLE and walks towards him)
    And this must be Captain Invisible.

    CAPTAIN INVISIBLE (HE looks uncomfortable; finally): You can't see me. I'm invisible.

    ADVISOR #3: Not really.

    CAPTAIN INVISIBLE: Yes, I am.

    ADVISOR #2: I'm pretty sure we can all see you.

    CAPTAIN INVISIBLE (emphatically): I am hiding. I thought you might be my sidekick.

    ADVISOR #1: Where ARE your sidekicks?
          (looks at clipboard)
    It says here you all have sidekicks.

    FREEZE FRAME: Not Info Blast.

    INFO BLAST: My sidekick disappeared in 2009 for some reason. Just when I was in the middle of my month-long recitation of little-known facts about beetles.

    FREEZE FRAME: The rest of our sidekicks are, uh, at lunch.

    ADVISOR #2: So you're not getting along with them either, huh?

    GREEN PEN: Who told you that?

    ADVISOR #3: We've come here today because we're getting reports that you are not mixing well with the general population.

    CAPTAIN INVISIBLE: That's not our fault!

    ADVISOR #1: It's not a matter of blame. You just need to learn some social skills.

    ADVISOR #2: Just as some people have a knack for math or writing or music, some people are more naturally gifted at social skills than others.

    ADVISOR #3: But that's okay, because you can learn social skills just like you can learn any other skill or subject.

    ADVISOR #1: And learning to communicate better will help you in all aspects of your life.

    ADVISOR #2: So we're here to help. Think of us as your tutors! We've got some homework for you to do in order to improve.

    ALL SUPERHEROES:  Not HOMEWORK!

    ADVISOR #3:  You'll see. It will be fun. It's more like a quest!

      Song 2 - Listen to a clip now!

    ADVISORS:

    We're gonna send you on a quest for people skills
    Just do the things that we suggest for people skills
    Politeness is the basic glue
    That carries conversations through
    You'll become the poster crew for people skills.

    There is no fancy test to screen for people skills
    Some folks just never got the gene for people skills
    But that's okay, don't be distraught
    These skills and habits can be taught
    We'll help you all to find a spot for people skills.

          (SUPERHEROES start goofing around, making faces, punching each other.)

    We will teach you to act
    With good manners and tact
    Soon you'll be saying "thank you" and "yes, please"!
          (THEY look at SUPERHEROES with dismay)
    You're a very tough case
    Now stop making that face
          (To each other)
    I'm thinking we might have to raise our fees.

    ADVISORS and CHORUS:
    And now it's time you hit the road for people skills
    We'll send the bill for what we're owed for people skills.
    So don't give us one more excuse
    Go find your sidekicks and vamoose
    And put your superpowers to use for people skills.

    ADVISOR #1: We are sending you out to have conversations with complete strangers.

    CAPTAIN INVISIBLE: That'll be easy! It's always fun to meet new people and see the admiring looks on their faces.

    ADVISOR #2:  Alrighty then. Here you go.
          (ADVISOR #3 hands a piece of paper to each SUPERHERO.)
    You have specific social skills that you can practice.

    ADVISOR #3: It may take a while to get there, but you can learn this stuff.

    ALL THREE (cheerleading): And remember: you don't have to be friends with everyone, but you should always strive to be friendly.

          (SUPERHEROES exit. ADVISORS then speak to each other.)

    ADVISOR #1: Do you think they can do it?

    ADVISOR #2: Maybe. But they have a long way to go.

    ADVISOR #3: And they don't have that much time.
          (Points to audience)
    These folks look antsy.

    ADVISOR #1 (pointing to one person in audience): Yeah. That guy has already changed his Facebook status three times since the show began.

    ADVISOR #2: Then we'd better get going.

    ADVISOR #3: I wonder how Info Blast is doing?

          (THEY EXIT as INFO BLAST enters.)

    INFO BLAST (enters, speaking to audience):  I did brilliantly, of course! I ran into a marching band and had a splendid conversation.
          (BAND enters)
    Ah, here they are.
          (to BAND)
    So how was that? Did you find me fascinating?

    FLAUTIST: Well…to be honest, I didn't really feel like you were listening to what I said.

    DRUMMER: Yeah. You kept interrupting me and saying things that had nothing to do with what I was talking about.

    INFO BLAST: But what I have to say is so interesting! And I just LOVE to share everything I know.

    TRUMPET PLAYER: That may be true, but a conversation is about give and take. When you just talk without listening, it feels to the other person like you don't care about them or what they are saying.

    INFO BLAST: Really? So what am I supposed to do then?

    ALL THREE: Don't worry -- it's not so hard.

      Song 3 - Listen to a clip now!

    BAND MEMBERS:

    Listen, listen
    Pay attention
    That's the way to comprehension
    Listen, listen
    Nod and smile
    Ask a question that's worthwhile

    It's not hard to show you care
    You just have to be aware
    When you HEAR what people say
    You'll respond in the right way

    Listen, listen
    Pay attention
    That's the way to comprehension
    Listen, listen
    Nod and smile
    Ask a question that's worthwhile

    Our drum major leads each song
    We must watch or get it wrong
    So here's the path we recommend:
    Lend an ear to gain a friend.

          (THEY exit. GREEN PEN and CAPTAIN INVISIBLE enter.)

    This concludes the first third of the script.

    Overall Customer Rating:
    review-star review-star review-star review-star review-star
    Customer Reviews: 4

    Tucson, AZ

    Rating:
    review-star review-star review-star review-star review-star

    Pros:
    • Great for middle school
    Cons:
    Who Doesn't Love Superheros?

    Social Skills was a super easy, fun, and unassumingly educational experience! My middle school students greatly enjoyed portraying the ridiculous superhero characters - everyone wanted to be one! I liked that there were many different music genres in the shows. We had a blast!

    Fayetteville, NY

    Rating:
    review-star review-star review-star review-star review-star

    Pros:
    • Music
    • great script for grades 3&4
    Cons:

    This play is really fun! Our kids have had a great time learning the script, which also includes a lot of great suggestions for the director. The songs are engaging, the humor is age appropriate and they get it! We are on hold for our performance, but hopeful we will be able to share all the hard work before the end of the school year.

    Springfield, OR

    Rating:
    review-star review-star review-star review-star review-star

    Pros:
    • Excellent%20Content
    • Songs
    Cons:
    Important Messages Delivered in a Fun Manner!

    I used this play with my 7th grade beginning drama class, and they loved it. Great information about social skills that all middle schoolers need, and it was presented in a fun way. Loved how the superheroes were the ones that had the social skill problems. Songs were catchy, and all students had an opportunity to shine. Parents enjoyed the show tremendously. Thank you for such an excellent show at an excellent price, and the ability to modify the script when needed to suit the needs of my students. This is the third Bad Wolf play that I have done, and I love them all. I will definitely do this play again!

    review image  

    Curtis Strange Elementary

    Rating:
    review-star review-star review-star review-star review-star

    Pros:
    Cons:
    A Great Success

    I'm an elementary music teacher who dabbles in theatre, and I use Bad Wolf Press plays frequently for my music programs. Last night, the fifth grade performed "Social Skills" and it was an enormous hit! The students loved the catchy melodies and zany superhero characters, and they learned an important message about social skills along the way. The parents were very impressed with the play. This is the fifth play I have directed from Bad Wolf Press and it was definitely one of the best....but all the ones I have tried so far are great. I recommend this company to any kind of teacher...whether they are classroom teachers or specialists like myself. The plays are so educational, witty, and well-written with an underlying valuable message. Thank you to the great writers and composers of Bad Wolf Press!



    Common Core and Other National Standards

    Character Education

    Language Arts

    History/Social Studies

    National Core Arts Standards


    Vocabulary

    Vocabulary Related to Social Skills

    people skills make amends tact body language social cues
    conflict self-regulation self-awareness

    General Vocabulary-Building

    caterer idolize suspended animation paperless bookkeeping
    wireless technology digital media headstrong habitable artificial satellite
    orbit nonstick skillet Dutch oven microgravity
    bone loss recitation knack poster crew distraught
    "vamoose" comprehension drum major misconstrue tout
    coriander chutney serpentine humid misled
    spleen pocket protectors composure buff dash off
    raving maniac "selfie" cyberspace smartphones
    incivility heckle vent common denominator wide blue yonder
    keep tabs on the shelf know thyself
    Number of questions: 0

    Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Wolf Products and Licensing

    How does your pricing and licensing work?

    A: In short: each teacher/director using the play should have a copy of it. That's it! Your purchase gives you the right to use the play with as many classes as you wish, to photocopy the script for your actors, and to put on as many performances as you wish. This one-time purchase gives you a lifetime license. See below for more information on site licenses (for 3+ teachers or whole schools).

    Q: What comes in the package?

    A: Every musical play comes with the script and a 12-page Teacher's Guide that provides lots of tips and advice for using the play from start to finish. It also includes the audio recording for the play, which has all the songs both WITH and WITHOUT vocals. Sheet music is NOT included with the basic package, but it is available for $12. Extra/replacement CDs are also available for $12.

    Every non-musical play comes with the script and the 12-page Teacher's Guide.

    Q: I'm just one teacher putting on a play. If I use the play with multiple classes, do I have to purchase multiple licenses?

    A: No! Your purchase gives you a lifetime license to be used with as many actors and classes as you wish. If other teachers/directors wish to use the play as well, they will need to purchase their own licenses.

    Q: Do I need to purchase scripts for students?

    A: No! Your purchase includes permission to photocopy the script for your actors.

    Q: What is a "site license"? How do I know if I need one?

    A site license is the economical choice when a whole school or grade level wants to put on the same play. Instead of each teacher/director having to purchase a script, the school/site can purchase a site license. This comes with three copies of the play (or one digital download) and permission to make copies for any additional participating teachers, as well as all the actors. You do NOT need to purchase both a site license and individual copies of the play; just buy one or the other.

    Q: I understand that I can get two or more scripts for $35 each. Do they have to be the same play?

    Nope! The discount applies whether you are purchasing multiple copies of the same show or single copies of multiple shows.

    Q: What is the difference between the printed and digital versions? Which one should I get?

    There is no difference in terms of content. The printed version of a musical play comes with an audio CD in a plastic sleeve in the back of the book. The digital version comes with two downloadable files: the script (PDF format) and the songs (individual MP3 files compressed in ZIP format). The advantage of the digital version is that you will not pay shipping and you can start using it instantly. Please read the question following this one about the technical requirements for digital files.

    Non-musical plays are available in the form of a printed book or a PDF file.

    Q: What are the technical requirements for the digital version?

    1. You will need to have Adobe Reader (free) or another software application that can open PDF files.
    2. You will need to be able to open ZIP files. The vast majority of computers should be able to do this without difficulty. If you wish to download the music directly to your phone or tablet, you will need to download an app that will open ZIP files. Many free ones are available.
    3. You will need to have some kind of audio player (such as iTunes or Windows Media Player) that will play MP3 files.

    Advanced technical knowledge is not required; but please note that we do not have the ability to offer technical support for issues related to digital files. If you are unsure, it is probably best to stick with the printed version.

    Q: What is your return/exchange policy?

    A: Bad Wolf proudly offers a 100% guarantee. You can always exchange a product for another or get a full refund. No time limits, no questions.

    Q: Is it OK if I edit the script?

    A: Yes! Consider the play to be a jumping-off point. You are always welcome to change or omit anything that doesn't work for your class, administration, or parents. You are welcome to rewrite lyrics, lines, or jokes -- or add your own! (The kids love doing this, by the way.)

    Q: How long does shipping take?

    A: We say that you should allow for one week within the U.S., but most orders are shipped the same day and arrive 1-3 days later. International orders usually take around two weeks to arrive.

    Q: Do I need to pay any performance royalties?

    A: As long as your admission price is less than $5 per ticket, you never need to pay performance royalties with a Bad Wolf show. If you decide to charge more than $5 a ticket, or if you are using one of our plays for a PAID workshop, camp, assembly, etc., pay only a low 1-2% royalty on gross revenues. See our royalty page to view the rates and pay.