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Chapter Text

In Sikowitz's classroom on October 9th…

"Okay, so I have something to mention to you guys: A few years ago, I hosted my first ever method acting sleepover. Part of it was fun and all, and after some deep thinking, I've decided that I'd like to do it again. But I can't have it at my place. Turns out after the last method acting sleepover, word got around to the school board, and apparently a student sleeping over at their teacher's house is considered…illegal. So, instead, we'd be emulating my apartment as a stage set, right in the Black Box Theater. Would you folks be up for it?" Sikowitz asked.

"I don't see why not," Leah said.

"So, how will this work?" Michael asked.

"Simple! It'll start at 7 p.m. and end at midnight. Each of you will choose a character for someone else to play. And from the moment you enter up until midnight at the latest, each of you must remain in character. If you break character, you'll be banished," Sikowitz explained.

"So, who's going to choose for what?" Valerie asked.

"Leah will choose for Michael, Trixie will choose for Clayton, Valerie will choose for Sean, Clayton will choose for Leah, Michael will choose for Valerie, and Sean will choose for Trixie. We'll meet in the Black Box Theater after school today and decide who the characters will be. See you then!" Sikowitz said, as they all left the classroom.

Leah updated her status on TheSlap, which read: "Method Acting is going to be crazyy - MOOD = Nervous"

At the Black Box Theater that same day, Sikowitz addressed the group. "Okay, Leah, tell us what Michael will be playing," he said.

"Michael will be a Volunteer Fireman who is a wildcard and unpredictable," Leah said.

"How unpredictable are we talking?" Michael asked.

"Very!" Leah said.

"Alright, Trixie, tell us what Clayton will be playing," Sikowitz said.

"Clayton will play a fighting chef who uses his frying pan as a weapon," Trixie said.

"Do I actually cook something while I'm at it?" Clayton asked.

"Let's just say you'd be cooking up the competition," Trixie said, giggling.

"And now, Valerie, what will Sean be playing?" Sikowitz asked.

"Okay, Sean's character will be a prankster who constantly brags about having one million social media followers," Valerie said.

"Rock on, dudes and dudettes," Sean said.

"Okay, Clayton, what's Leah going to play?" Sikowitz asked.

"Okay. This took some thinking, but I finally came up with something. Leah will play a Mrs. Claus who complains too much about Santa's weight," Clayton said.

"Where'd you come up with that?" Leah asked.

"When I was growing up, I wondered what was up with Santa's big round belly," Clayton said.

"I see," Leah said.

"Alright, so, Michael, what do you have in store for Valerie?" Sikowitz asked.

"Valerie will be a soccer mom, who also doubles as a drama queen on account of her child's school having the worst soccer team in the state," Michael said.

"Why does that remind me of something?" Valerie asked.

"What do you mean?" Trixie asked.

"Before I came here, I was part of a soccer team that only won one game," Valerie explained.

"Then that'll be a cinch," Michael said, smiling.

"And, Sean, what do you have in store for your big sis?" Sikowitz asked.

"Alright, sis; you ready for this?" Sean asked.

"Bring it, bro," Trixie said.

"You're going to play a cowgirl who's also a perfectionist and can't stand anything being wrong or untidy," Sean said.

"So, basically I'm a cowgirl who's also a neat freak?" Trixie asked.

"Pretty much," Sean said.

"Alright. I'll see you all tomorrow night at 7 p.m.," Sikowitz said as the students departed.

Leah updated her status on TheSlap, which read: "Well, alright. Wow, I'm Mrs. Claus. Wish me luck - MOOD = Hopeful"

In the hallway, Leah and Trixie talked as they approached Leah's locker. "How thrilled and nervous am I about this method acting assignment?" Trixie asked.

"I'm just glad I'm not the drama queen. I faced enough of that a year ago," Leah mentioned.

"I know. But everything's different now. And you seem much happier now than you were then," Trixie reminded Leah.

"And meeting you has helped," Leah added.

"I'm glad," Trixie smiled.

Meanwhile, In New York that same evening, Alyssa issued instructions

"All right, everyone," she said. "As we get into your tech rehearsals, I want you all to have a chance to get used to the lighting cues and hear what the full orchestra is going to sound like before you have your opening night. Some of our main leads are going on vacation next week, and many of you will have your opening nights as understudies in eight days. You've all come a long way. So take a moment, get to your dressing rooms, get into costume, hydrate, and we'll start our rehearsal run in 20 minutes," she told them.

After Alyssa excused the cast, Tori went to her dressing room. As she sat down, she got a FaceTime request from Leah. "Oh, hey; I meant to call you," she told Leah, taking her eyes from the mirror.

"Yeah? What for?" Leah asked curiously.

"I wanted to confirm your ticket order so I can give it to Alyssa. How many of you are coming?" Tori inquired.

"Let's see, there's me, Trina, Trixie, our parents. I guess that makes five," Leah said.

"Trixie's parents aren't coming?" Tori asked.

"No, someone has to take care of Rocky while we're gone. I can't bring him on the plane," Leah explained.

"That's true," Tori said. "Aren't Beck and Jade coming?"

"No they aren't. They are too caught up in college," Leah said. "But they said they'll check in or FaceTime later."

"Alright, sounds good," Tori nodded. "So how's everything at Hollywood Arts?"

"Going good so far," Leah said excitedly. "They've got us method acting again."

"They have?" Tori asked amused. "Who are you acting as?"

"They've got me doing a Mrs. Claus," Leah laughed. "And I've gotta stay in character till midnight."

"Sikowitz will make it harder for you," Tori warned Leah. "I know he certainly did when me and the gang did it. Still, I know you'll do awesome."

"You think so? I don't want to be an hour in and fail already," Leah replied.

"Yes! I'm sure you'll do great!" Tori said. "I believe in you."

"Thanks, Tor. It means a lot," Leah replied, smiling.

Chapter Text

At the Black Box Theater, the following evening, Sikotwitz had already set up the scene to resemble the interior of his home.

The first one to enter was Leah in her Mrs. Claus costume.

"Hello there," Sikowitz said as she entered. "Can I help you?"

"Yes, I'm Mrs. Claus," Leah said briefly, trying to sound a bit more mature. "I'm looking for my husband, the size of a mountain he is. Yea high and yea wide?" She made gestures with her hands. "Have you seen him?"

"No, I haven't," Sikowitz answered. "Would you like to make yourself at home?"

"If you wouldn't mind," Leah replied, taking a seat on the couch. "You know, your house could do with some Christmas decorations!"

"But it's not Christmas…" Sikowitz's voice trailed off.

"I know that! I should know that," Leah said, firmly. "But why not make it Christmas everyday and spread the Christmas joy! That's what my husband does and I would love him more if it wasn't for that belly of his." She frowned.

"Have you ever talked to him about it?" Sikowitz said.

"Yes. And yet I still wonder: Why won't my husband join a gym? His belly could make the reindeer fall," Leah said.

"Yes, indeedy it could," Sikowitz replied thoughtfully. Behind him the door opened, and Trixie and Sean came in wearing their respective costumes.

"I mean, I get it that his big round belly is supposed to be part of his image, but think how much heavier he could make the sleigh. His big sack of toys is heavy enough," Leah continued, completing her thoughts, her eyes darting to the two people that had walked in.

"Sure is; I remember one year I asked Santa for a kayak for Christmas and yet I questioned how he was able to fit that and a matching oar into his sack," Sikowitz recalled.

Trixie was dressed up in a very stylish cowgirl outfit. After a long glance at the set, she gave a small wave "Howdy, y'all!".

Sean was dressed up like he usually would, although maybe a bit heavier, with his ballcap turned backwards and wearing baggy clothes. "Sup," he said simply.

"Hello there," Leah said as she eyed the two thoroughly .

"Nice to meet you…?" Sikowitz began.

"It's July, just July," Trixie said politely.

"And I'm Justin," Sean replied. "You might know me, I'm pretty much a star. I do have a million followers on social media. Would you like to see?" He pulled out his phone.

"No, that's quite alright," Sikowitz said.

"No, I insist you take a look," Sean responded. He pulled up his social media account and showed Sikowitz the list of his followers. As Sikowitz was getting distracted by the list, Trixie began fluffing up the pillows on the couch.

"Well, is there something I can help you with, July?" Sikowitz asked her.

"No, there isn't," Trixie muttered, not turning to face him. Her hands smoothed the front of the couch, and she placed the pillows neatly in the corner. "Did you honestly have to choose this shade of red?" she asked, with a grimace. "It's absolutely horrible."

"My mom gave me those," Sikowitz recalled.

"Oh, figures," Trixie responded. She took a seat slowly, careful not to mess anything up.

"Well anyways," Sikowitz said, voice raised, as he moved away from Sean to focus his attention on the others. "Would you like any refreshments?"

"I'll have a water, thank you," Trixie replied. She smiled, crossing her legs, still straightening the lumpy fabric of the couch and becoming frustrated.

"I'll have some juice," Sean muttered as he took a seat on the couch as well.

"Mrs. Claus, maybe you'd like some milk and cookies?" Sikowitz asked.

"And don't even get me started on the milk and cookies!" Leah snapped. "The milk is fine, but why don't kids all over the world leave him celery sticks? That'd be way healthier."

"I know what you mean!" Trixie said in disgust. "I've always tried to be fit and healthy myself. I know it shows."

"Honestly, does he have to eat all the cookies at every house? What about bringing some back for the elves?" Leah asked, outraged.

Just then, as Sikowitz stepped behind the counter to grab the refreshments, Clayton and Michael arrived in their respective costumes. Leah turned her head to see Clayton entering in his chef costume while holding his frying pan. "Prepare to meet my frying pan, you formidable opponent. I can attack and cook with this baby."

Michael was wearing his volunteer fireman costume, holding a small coil of hose in his hand, "I put out so many fires I can't even keep track of them. Big or small, you name it."

"Well, who do we have here?" Sikowitz eyed the newcomers. "A chef and a fireman."

"My name's Louis," Clayton said. "I'd like to be remembered by name, not just my job."

"And my name's Erik," Michael added, introducing himself.

"Do make yourself at home." Sikowitz waved his hand to indicate the various places they could sit.

"So have any of you seen Mr. Claus?" Leah asked again, very determined. "He's hard to miss."

"Is he in red like you?" Michael asked.

"Yes that's right," Leah nodded. "And he's very large."

"I'll let my other men know that he's gone missing, and ask them to keep the cops updated," Michael said, pulling up his phone and putting it to his ear.

"I'm so proud of my followers," Sean added in, interrupting everyone's train of thought as he scrolled through his Instagram page. "I did this one prank, and it went viral!"

"So viral that you got a million followers?" Trixie asked unshaken by his success.

"Yep, that's right," Sean said.

"Well, I don't believe it," Leah said with a huff. "It's either you bought them, or it's not your account. If pranks give you a million followers, I don't see why our Christmas spirit socials shouldn't."

"How many followers do you have?" Trixie asked Leah.

"Just a bit over 500," Leah explained, shaking her head.

Sometime later, as everyone talked in character, Valerie entered wearing her costume. This consisted of a black shirt, blue denim jeans, and a brown handbag, and she had her hair done in a messy bun. "Why did I have to send my daughter to a school with the worst soccer team ever? I blame the coach. If we had better coaching, we'd win more than one game."

"The worst soccer team ever?" Trixie asked with a shudder. "I can't imagine that. That's so much imperfection."

"Yes, I can't believe we have to drive all the way to the other side of the town just to watch our kids lose again," Valerie said, hitching up her handbag and taking a seat. She noticed Sean. "Don't I know you from some place?"

"Yeah, my name's Justin." Sean flashed a smile as he showed her his mobile.

"Ohh, you're that prankster." Valerie rolled her eyes. "I don't usually commend people who play jokes on other people, but I liked the joke you played on a soccer league once."

"Yeah, that was a huge sensation," Sean said excitedly.

"I'm curious," Clayton began, breaking his silence. "Come to think of it, you are very familiar. Did you ever start a food fight and record it on tape?"

"Yes as a matter of fact, I did," Sean answered, with raised shoulders.

"A food fight?" Trixie gasped with a shudder. She reached into her pockets to pull out a small bottle of hand sanitizer that she had brought along with her. She poured some into her hands and rubbed it into her skin.

"I don't get why people have food fights," Clayton said glumly. "It's just pure disrespect!"

Chapter Text

After a while of talking, everyone began to get hungry.

"How about we order a pizza?" Valerie suggested.

"A pizza?" Clayton shrugged. "Wouldn't you rather have something home-made?"

"I do love a nice home-made meal," Leah agreed. "If only my husband knew it."

"What do you have in mind?" Sikowitz asked him.

"If I had my wooden spoon, I'd make you some eggs," Clayton thought. "But since I don't,I could make some pop tarts, considering you have the right ingredients."

"I don't know about you guys, but my dear, this carpet's a mess," Trixie tutted, directing her words at Sikowitz. "A mess that's too big for my lasso to handle."

"The carpet looks fine," Sikowitz said.

"For you," Trixie retorted. "It's a good thing I keep some cleaning spray in my boots."

"Be my guest. Though I doubt your little boot-stored cleaning spray will do much," Sikowitz said.

"We'll see. And fair warning: I am not offering my shirt as a rag," Trixie said.

Before long, Clayton got cooking in the pretend kitchen. Trixie tried to join him.

"En garde! No one touches those eggs but me!" Clayton said, pointing his frying pan at her..

"Fine," Trixie shrugged. "Why don't I rustle up some dish soap then, and tend to these dirty dishes."

"I'd love to help," Leah spoke. "But I'm too worried about Mr. Claus."

"What I'm worried about is…What if we lose again? It'll be the absolute worst thing to ever happen to us!" Valerie exclaimed.

"Have you ever considered talking to the coach about putting your daughter in as goalie?" Leah asked.

"No. But she does have good reflexes. I guess it's worth a shot," Valerie said.

Just then, Amelia came barging into the theater. "Clayton Murray. I know you're in here. You canceled our date and I want to know why," she yelled.

Clayton felt tension build up inside, needing to stay in character, but felt forced to respond. "It was kind of a last minute thing…"

Sikowitz imitated a buzzer, "Clayton…you broke character!"

"Whatever. Come on, babe; I'll take you for some ice cream," Clayton said, wrapping his arm around Amelia.

"Yum," Amelia said as the two exited the theater.

Later, Sikowitz checked the time. "8:34 p.m.; only five of my students still remain," he said.

"I'm still feeling hungry," Valerie complained. "Mrs. Claus, maybe you could make us some pop tarts? You're supposed to be good at cooking."

"Alright," Leah said after a moment of hesitation, taking a small glance at Sikowitz. "I'll do that then. I just hope Mr. Claus is safe," she worried aloud, getting up from her seat. "July, maybe you'd like to help me in the kitchen?"

"I couldn't possibly," Trixie said, rubbing her hands with sanitizer again.

"Fine," Leah shrugged.

"I'm sure you don't make pop tarts very often while you're at the North Pole," Sean chimed in.

"So you think the elves do all the cooking?" Leah asked, almost appalled. "They are people, not slaves."

"Maybe they could make my daughter a new soccer ball next Christmas," Valerie said.

"Why does she need another one? If anything, she should be staying out of the line of fire," Michael chimed in.

"Irrelevant!" Leah argued.

"This fight is worse than stepping on broken glass," Sean said.

"Why does that sound familiar?" Sikowitz asked.

"I don't know, but it's a catchy tune", Sean said as he was looking through his phone.

Just as the pop tarts went into the oven, they all started to talk. But fifteen minutes later, smoke started to emerge from the oven.

"Watch out, your pop tarts are on fire!" Michael exclaimed. He sprayed the kitchen sink nozzle as everyone gasped and moved aside.

"You just caught the whole event on camera! My viewers are gonna love this!" Sean said with a laugh, as he made swiping motions on his phone. But just then, he began to slip up. "Was I good or what?"

Sikowitz imitated a buzzer, "Sean, you broke character!"

"What? Come on, dude," Sean said irritatedly. "Well, never mind, I had other places to be anyway," he added before leaving.

Trixie glanced at Leah who didn't glance back; she was staring at the ground keeping her cool.

"So I guess that leaves the four of us," Trixie said in her normal voice, an accidental flub.

Sikowitz imitated a buzzer, "Trixie, you broke character too!"

"Dang it!" Trixie yelled, slightly frustrated. As she started to walk out, she whispered in Leah's ear, "I'll text you later."

Chapter Text

Later, Sikowitz checked the time again. "10:03 p.m., and only three of my students still remain," he said.

"Come on, Miss. It can't be that bad. Maybe what the soccer team needs is a bit of Christmas cheer," Leah suggested to Valerie.

"No offense, Mrs. Claus, but no amount of Christmas cheer is going to perk me up. The only thing that will do that is watching my daughter win more than one game," Valerie complained.

"I've actually got a tape of soccer here filmed during the worst games ever played," Sikowitz said as he pulled a tape out from a drawer.

"Really?" Valerie asked, trying her best to stay in character. "I'd like to see that. None of those could be as bad as our team."

As Sikowitz inserted the tape into the old VCR, everyone watched with anticipation. Valerie leaned forward, her eyes fixed upon the screen, watching each and every soccer game fail. Still trying to stay in her soccer mom character, she didn't dare laugh…She took in a deep breath and then looked at the screen again. She could see a player tossing the ball around and running across the field, only for his feet to be tangled with another group of players and for him to lose his balance.

Valerie's hand flew to her mouth trying to mute the burst of laughter. But she was forced to let it out.

Sikowitz imitated a buzzer. "Valerie, you broke character!"

"I couldn't help it!" Valerie laughed, taking her hand away from her mouth. "You staged this to happen. You knew I wouldn't last a minute watching that tape." She felt both annoyed and amused at his sabotage attempt.

"Precisely. Now go home," Sikowitz instructed.

"Fine," Valerie muttered. Just as she approached the door, she mouthed a "See you guys later."

"11:47 p.m.; we're down to two as we near midnight," Sikowitz said.

As the clock in the theater started to approach 11:59 p.m, excitement got the best of Michael. "Oh, my god. Is it me, or is it one minute to midnight?" he asked.

"If it was Christmas Eve, Santa would be getting ready to deliver all the gifts," Leah pointed out.

"Well, if it's that close to midnight, I guess I won't be needing this anymore," Michael said, dropping his hose.

Sikowitz imitated a buzzer, "Michael, you just broke character. Leah, you win the challenge!"

As the clock was just five seconds away from midnight, Leah waited until the stroke of midnight before removing her hat, "Oh, my god. I can't believe I did it!"

"Good job, Leah. I didn't think you had it in you," Michael said.

"Thanks, Michael. But now I should check my phone to see if Trixie left me a text," Leah said.

"Good job, Leah…I'm going home," Sikowitz said, tired.

"Wait, what about the set?" Leah asked.

"I'll strike the set in the morning," Sikowitz said, yawning as he exited the theater.

Leah updated her status on TheSlap, which read: "OMG; I DID IT! Who's the queen? I'm the queen ;) Though…I haven't found my Mr. Claus - MOOD = Ecstatic"

THE END!