Bat Boy: The Musical
Activity: Unleash Your Beast
Bat Boy is all about embracing your inner ‘beast,’: loving the thing that makes you unique and respecting the differences of others. In the musical, we watch Edgar come to terms with being different from others in his community. Edgar tries everything to find acceptance within his community, but ultimately, he is rejected by the people around him. In this musical, we watch the power of acceptance and the consequences of scapegoating.
How do Edgar’s peers treat him throughout the play?
Bat Boy is judged for the things that make him unique. What are some of those things that stood out to you?
Why do you think Edgar’s peers treated him with kindness?
Why do you think Edgar’s peers treated him poorly?
In pop culture, there are many other characters who are misunderstood due to their appearance, or the things that make them unique. Take characters such as Elphaba from Wicked, the Prince/Beast from Beauty and the Beast, or even Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer—their peers exclude, misjudge, and even fear them at times solely because of their appearance. Their stories teach us not to judge a book by its cover and that sometimes, what makes us unique can also be our superpower!
What are some other characters you feel are misunderstood and why?
Many characters are judged for the things that make them unique; however, those same traits end up being their superpower!
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Create a new character that fully embraces their uniqueness. Use the outline below to think through the character development process.
Motivations & Goals: What does the character want, and what are they driven by? What are their hopes and fears?
Flaws & Vulnerabilities: No character is perfect. Give them weaknesses, fears, or internal conflicts that make them relatable.
Values & Morals: What is their ethical code, and how does it influence their decisions?
Personality: Consider their general mood and what triggers certain emotions or behaviors.
Backstory: Think about childhood experiences, traumatic events, education, and significant relationships that shaped them.
External Aspects
Appearance: How they dress and present themselves can reveal aspects of their personality or social standing.
Skills & Talents: What are they good at, and what hidden talents or interests do they have? Think about the song “Show You a Thing or Two,” where Edgar displays some of his talents.
Occupation: Their jobs and/or lack of jobs can provide insight into their life and social status.
Environment & Social Context: Where and with whom they live influences their worldview and values.
NOW UNLEASH YOUR BEAST!
Sketch your new character on a notebook or in the space below.