Logline: A desperate high-school senior blackmails her annoying, freshman step-sister, the head of an underground cheat sheet ring, in order to get the answers to her final exam and graduate.
Page Count: 7
Genre: Comedy
Cast Breakdown:
EMILY SILBER (18), Unmotivated but inherently kind, Emily has coasted through high school doing the bare minimum. She’s smart, but she’s never cared enough to show it until a major challenge threatens her graduation. Beneath her apathy, she has a relatable heart and a dry sense of humor that surfaces when the pressure is on. Sally’s step-sister.
SALLY SILBER (14), dangerously smart. A goody-two shoes on the outside, but maniacal on the inside. She runs the underground cheat-sheet operation like a mini mob boss, keeping her peers in line with a mix of intimidation and charm. Sally is fiercely loyal to those she trusts, but manipulative when needed. Emily’s step-sister.
PRINCIPLE PIERCE (67), senile, selfish, greedy. He lives and breathes rankings and appearances. He probably spends more time at the school than at home.
DARLA (15) and a half (the half is very important), brace–faced, a tough nut to crack. She’s the bouncer of the ring. She has a homework-eating pet rat named Nugget.
THE CROMWELL TWINS – KATE and NATE (14), silent but violent. They might scare you a bit, but they’re loyal as hell.
EVAN (13), meek, the shortest kid in his grade. Is used as a bitch boy for the operation until he gets kicked out because he can’t handle the pressure.
MR. SMITH (30s), a cool AP Calculus teacher, someone you can trust.
Location:
INT. HIGH SCHOOL – MR. SMITHS CLASSROOM – DAY
INT. HIGH SCHOOL – HALLWAY – DAY
INT. THE SILBER’S HOUSE – JACK AND JILL BATHROOM – NIGHT
INT. HIGH SCHOOL – STORAGE CLOSET/BASEMENT – DAY
INT. HIGH SCHOOL – PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE – DAY
Special effects/cheats/stunts:
A Rat: The rat is never shown on camera. Its presence is conveyed through sound design and character reactions.
A Rate Bite: Achieved with practical SFX make-up (small prosthetic wound, redness, light blood) applied after the action.
STUNT: The principal is struck with a trophy and knocked unconscious. Executed as a controlled, non-contact stunt using camera angles and editing. Trophy may be a breakaway prop or soft prop depending on choreography.
Credit:
Written by Shay Rudolph and Tyndall Dickinson
Contact Info:
tdickinson@chapman.edusrudolph@chapman.edu
Read here: RudolphDickinson_CheatSheet_01_29_26