Drama
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5 Christmas Plays
$9.99Add to cartDavid L Winters
Five Christmas Plays (WIth Joy Inside) are suitable for performance by churches, groups and families. The plays are: The Singing Trees, I’ll Be Late for Christmas, Christmas Prayer of Forgiveness, The Christmas Cabin, Grandma Louise’s Christmas Miracle
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3 Elderly Wisemen
$7.95Add to cartages and all ages can reenact this traditional celebration. Author, Judy Gattis-Smith takes the traditional Christmas pageant story of the three wisemen and presents it in such a way that all ages can enact, particularly seniors!
Three Elderly Wisemen is simple to produce, has lines that are easy to learn and, through a Bible story, deals with real issues seniors face. This play considers the wisemen as “senior citizens” with the same characteristics as senior citizens today. The running time is about one hour and at least fourteen characters are included. The play can also be done as a Readers Theater without costumes, props, or scenery. In this case, the narrator would set the scene, inviting the audience to use their imaginations.
Some characters included
Melchior
Casper
Balthazer
Aalijah (wife of Melchior) -
Beyond Bethlehem And Calvary
$9.95Add to cartBeyond Bethlehem and Calvary: 12 Dramas for Christmas, Easter and More! is a collection of brief dramatic presentations that invites everyone, from the novice performer to the most experienced, to share basic Biblical truths in a variety of settings. Flexibility, ease of production, and themes that meet us where we live make this collection suitable for large or small groups, whether in a church setting or on the most rugged mission trip. The themes are universal. They include tough choices and their consequences, acceptance and rejection, and the impact of attitudes.
Each presentation includes:
A title that identifies the content focus
Related scripture
A brief summary
Props and costuming suggestions
Run time
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Promise Fulfilled : A Christmas Drama
$7.95Add to cartHis story changed the world: Jesus — born to Mary and Joseph, worshiped as Savior by the Magi and the shepherds who had found him through divine guidance. We do not dispute the significance of their part in Jesus’ story. We marvel at their obedience. We sing songs recounting their trust and their faith.
But if we dare allow ourselves to peer just a bit deeper into the pages of scripture, extending just beyond the edges of the nativity story, we find the embodiment of patience and faithfulness – Simeon and Anna, a prophet and a prophetess, who waited for the arrival of the Messiah with an unwavering expectation.
It is a story that reminds us that a hope placed in God does not disappoint.
In seven scenes, The Promise Fulfilled presents a simple drama, intertwining the familiar details of the Christmas story with the steadfast hope of Simeon and Anna. Drawing upon the gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke and using extended scripture readings, The Promise Fulfilled invites cast and audience members to marvel at the events surrounding Christ’s birth, taking us into the expected while challenging us to look beyond the well-told storyline found within the walls of the nativity.
Simple to learn and powerful to present, this short drama will allow youth groups and adult drama teams to develop a rich understanding of the events leading up to Christ’s birth. Easily adaptable for Bible studies and children’s lessons, The Promise Fulfilled offers a fresh perspective to a story that has been changing hearts for over 2,000 years, ushering us into the Advent season with a subtle and powerful proclamation: a transformed world requires an enduring faithfulness anchored in Christian love. Twelve copies of this play are needed for production and copy privileges are included.
This is David Allison’s first book with CSS Publishing. Pastor Allison received his master of ministry degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Currently Allison is head pastor at Havens Corners Church. He has also been bi-vocational and youth pastor at Havens Corners Church. Allison is married to Karla and they have one grown son. Some of David’s interests are golf, chess, and landscaping.
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Childrens Dramas For The Church Year
$12.99Add to cartThis reproducible resource consists of very simple Easter dramas that can be performed by kids of all ages-the younger children can participate in rhymes and recitations that require very little or no speaking, while older children will enjoy the speaking and narration parts. Short poems are also included for use in programs.
Selections take no more than 10 minutes to perform and the number of children can vary as needed by the size of the church. Props and scenery are minimal and selections can be performed with little rehearsal.
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Breakdown On Bethlehem Street
$7.95Add to cartImagine that it’s Christmas Eve and you’re on your way to the store before the annual candlelight service. Suddenly you find yourself transported back in time to the night of the birth of the Messiah! The places you’re used to seeing are all gone; the usual trappings of modern society don’t work. And, to top it off, you’re placed in a situation where you have to help a young couple deal with having a baby — with no hospital! Yikes!
This imaginative chancel drama for Advent / Christmas will make the members of your congregation think about the night of Jesus’ birth in a new way. A variety of ages can be used in the production from young children to older adults. The dialogue can be easily modified with local references. Suggested readings and music are included for use between scenes for additional congregational involvement.
Copy privileges are included.
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Awakening The Creative Spirit
$28.95Add to cartThe new resource is designed to help spiritual directors and others use expressive arts in the context of spiritual direction. It is the latest book in the unique SDI series, designed for professional spiritual directors, but also useful for clergy, therapists, and Christian formation specialists.
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Nativity Dramas The Second Season
$14.95Add to cartKeith Hewitt is back with a second volume of cleverly developed nativity dramas in which he adapts biblical stories to popular television programs. In the same way Jesus communicated in a context that people of his time could relate to, Hewitt presents four sharp-witted takeoffs on something our culture can really relate to — TV. The humorous yet reverent treatments of these biblical narratives will hold people’s attention and breathe new life into traditional nativity texts.
All four plays are specifically designed to be produced in churches, and can be easily staged by congregations of almost any size. Props are simple and easy to find.
The four plays in this second volume are:
“A Night for News” — Taken from a CNN (Caesar News Network) news broadcast
“Bethlehem Blues” — A takeoff of the popular 80s police drama, Hill Street Blues
“Two-And-A-Half Wise Men” — A parody of the CBS sitcom Two-And-A-Half Men
“Dirty Jobs: Bethlehem” — An adaptation of Mike Rowe’s Discovery Channel show Dirty Jobs -
Spiritual Plays For Christmas Easter And Other Occasions
$29.49Add to cartA compilation of 22 Spiritual plays for Christmas, Easter, and Other Occasions, written by a Black Christian Woman. The plays are practical lessons from God’s Word in a simplified format injected with humor for the edification, inspiration and enjoyment to Christians and non-Christians alike. Working as scriptwriter, producer and director for the performance of these plays in her church for thirteen years provided the writer an additional way to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, enhancing Biblical knowledge to the writer, reader, play performer and viewing audience.
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Come All Ye Faithful
$8.95Add to cartDrama can be a wonderful tool for presenting spiritual truths in a fresh and creative way. Come All Ye Faithful is a valuable resource for churches seeking new methods for presenting the joyous message of Advent and Christmas. From an insightful allegory illuminating the symbolism of the Advent wreath to mice depicting the nativity scene in whimsical verse, this resource will appeal to any dramatic preference.
These plays can be used by congregations of almost any size, with only minimal props and costuming required. Copy privileges are included.
The plays featured in this volume are:
* The Living Advent Wreath – a musical allegory depicting a pilgrim’s journey to discover the true meaning of Advent as revealed through the Advent Wreath (sheet music is included).
* The Mouse Christmas – a lighthearted children’s play written in rhyming verse.
* The Ad Vent Wheat — a humorous children’s play offering a slightly altered view of the Christmas message.
Each of these plays will help congregations capture anew the true joy of the Advent and Christmas season. -
I Spy Christmas
$8.95Add to cartI Spy Christmas is an excellent resource for pastors and churches that either need to add another element to their Christmas service or are simply in need of a Christmas order of worship. This volume provides both, including three Christmas dramas that are intended for casts of various ages, from children to teenagers to adults. Each play can be produced by congregations of various sizes, providing an attractive mix of humor, wit, and inspiration that will speak to any congregation.
The plays included are:
* I Spy Christmas
* Taking Jesus
* Open Auditions
Also included is Shattering Christmas to Find Christmas, a candlelight Christmas Eve service complete with an order of service, liturgical prayers, hymn selections, and meditations.
I Spy Christmas will enhance your congregation’s Christmas worship experience for years to come.
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It Takes Courage
$9.95Add to cartWith this award-winning collection of scripts for drama, readers’ theater, and a monologue, teachers and drama coordinators will find exactly what they are looking for — plays that touch the hearts of the congregation while also helping the participants to develop their abilities in the fine arts. As an added bonus, the scripts included herein can all be produced without sets or props making them especially suited to be used as dramatic insertions during worship services. It Takes Courage includes:
Be A Blessing — a drama based on a true story of a unique challenge given to a congregation by its pastor.
What’s In Your Backpack? — a sketch about a teen who chooses to trust God when wrongly accused and sent to in-school suspension.
Where Is Courage? — a play which portrays children searching for true bravery.
Every Knee Shall Bow — readers’ theater based on Revelation 5 and 6.
This Joy We Share — readers’ theater written for women that explores the amazing power of the Holy Spirit.
Who Is In Control? — a monologue with one adult woman portraying the mother of the apostle Paul. -
Nativity Dramas : Four Nontraditional Christmas Plays For All Ages
$12.95Add to cartEveryone knows the nativity story — the inn, the stable, and all the rest. If your traditional Christmas pageant has become a bit stale and you want to give it new life, this collection of engaging plays is sure to fit your needs. Keith Hewitt gives the usual narrative a modern treatment by adapting characters and settings from four popular television series (Blue’s Clues, CSI, Cops, and Trading Spaces) and transferring them to the events in Bethlehem. By twisting the lens a little to change the focus, these sketches tell how common people are affected by incredible events. Audiences will love these entertaining programs, and they’ll have fun watching the characters as they learn a valuable lesson.
All four plays are specifically designed to be produced in churches, and can be easily staged by congregations of almost any size. There are roles suitable for a range of ages from kindergarten through adult, allowing you to involve the whole congregation in the production. “Ewe’s Clues” is intended primarily for younger children (although adults and older children will also enjoy it) and has a running time of approximately 30 minutes. “Cops: Bethlehem,” “CSI: Bethlehem,” and “Trading Spaces: Bethlehem” each have a running time of approximately 45 minutes, and are designed for older audiences (though children will get something out of them as well).
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Skits That Teach
$24.99Add to cartIf you’re looking for fun and creative ways to involve your students in learning, you can stop looking. Skits That Teach provides you and your students everything you need to act out funny and compelling skits with confidence. Search by topic or by group size to find the perfect comedic or dramatic sketch to help illustrate a point or just start a dialogue. The Skit Guys, Eddie James and Tommy Woodard, have tested these skits on teenagers around the country, and they’ve brought some of the best together for this great resource. Plus they give you everything you need for each skit-overview, characters, location, Scripture reference, props, direction pointers, and a complete script.
The Skit Guys avoid the cheesy dialogues and scenes typically found in Christian dramas and instead bring fun characters, witty dialogue, and
entertaining situations to their skits, all categorized for you by:
* Skits for Idiots (it would take an idiot not to be able to do them right!) * Monologues * Duets/Ensembles * Comedy * Drama * Scripture Readings
You will want to have this book around for those energetic, creative students who are always looking for ways to help.
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Life Scripts For The Church Volume 3 Holiday
$24.99Add to cartThis is the third in a series of volumes, each containing 24 skits of brilliant, insightful, often comedic material ideal for performance during church services, specifically geared to the major holidays. Does not require huge casts or highly experienc
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Life Scripts For The Church Volume 2
$24.99Add to cartThis is the second in a series of volumes, each containing 24 skits of brilliant, insightful, often comedic material ideal for performance during church services. Does not require huge casts or highly experienced players — most skits use 2-6 performers,
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Life Scripts For The Church Volume 1
$24.99Add to cartThis is the first in a series of volumes, each containing 24 skits of brilliant, insightful, often comedic material ideal for performance during church services. Does not require huge casts or highly experienced players — most skits use 2-6 performers, m
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Women Of Calvary
$12.95Add to cartThis five-scene chancel drama tells the story of Jesus’ arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection through the eyes of the women who knew Jesus and were influenced by his life and death. From the Upper Room through Golgotha and the Empty Tomb, we hear the passionate feelings the Master stirred in these women who are much like us. The scenes can be presented separately for midweek services or in a single 90-minute performance. (Performance time for each individual scene is approximately15-20 minutes.) Since no setting is necessary and costumes and props are simple, this play is easy to stage for congregations of all sizes. There are roles for nine women, but for smaller groups, some performers could portray more than one role. There are also small roles for four men.
Biblical women featured are:
* Mary (mother of Jesus)
* Mary Magdalene
* Mary (mother of James and Joseph)
* Salome (mother of James and John)
* Mary (mother of Mark)
* Mary (sister of Martha)
* Martha
* Claudia (Pilate’s wife)
* Julia (Claudia’s maid) -
Spotlight On Jesus
$16.95Add to cartLooking for a novel approach to the children’s sermon — something more creative than a simple story or object lesson? This collection of 40 dramatic sketches in readers’ theater format will teach your young people about the events of Jesus’ life — while also actively involving your members in the worship service. Each scene vividly relates a story from the Gospels in easy-to-read dialogue that can be performed with minimal rehearsal by teenagers or adults — providing a memorable illustration that’s certain to captivate the attention of everyone in your congregation. Discussion questions accompany each skit, so you can maximize the educational value by focusing youngsters’ attention on the main themes. Ideal for use during the “children’s moment” in Sunday morning worship, these brief pieces are also a perfect resource for children’s church, Vacation Bible School, youth meetings, and many other settings.
Sketches include:
* Jesus And The Shepherds Of Bethlehem
* Jesus And The Devil
* Jesus Preaches In Nazareth
* Jesus’ Parable Of The Prodigal Son
* Jesus And The Rich Young Man
* Jesus Predicts Things To Come
* Jesus In The Upper Room
* Jesus On The Road To Emmaus
…and many more! -
From A Soldier Of Rome To A Soldier For Christ
$8.95Add to cartGive your congregation a new perspective on the Easter story with this chancel drama that depicts the familiar events of Jesus’ death and resurrection from the viewpoint of a Roman soldier. A series of brief vignettes portrays the soldier’s transformation into a follower of Christ, and the drama climaxes as the soldier announces his new identity while the setting is altered. Congregational participation is encouraged through the singing of hymns between each scene. This adaptable piece is easy to stage and can be presented by any number of youth or adults (or a combination of age groups); most of the speaking is done by a narrator who speaks from the pulpit, so there’s no need to memorize extensive dialogue. A list of props and costumes is included, along with simple instructions for the setting. Performance time is approximately 30 minutes.
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Dinner With The King
$9.95Add to cartHere’s a set of six chancel dramas that will captivate young people (and the entire congregation) while helping them to learn the deeper significance of the sacramental meal at the heart of Christian worship — and what it means to be invited guests at the Lord’s Table. Originally conceived for middle-school age youth, these flexible pieces can be adapted for any size group; some can even be performed by adults. Minimal props and costumes are required, so the sketches are perfect for smaller churches — yet they lend themselves to more elaborate presentation as well. These insightful dramas are excellent not only for presentation during worship, but also for congregational programs, youth nights, classroom instruction, or individual devotional reading.
Titles include:
* Dinner With The King
* Passover
* Jesus Food
* Partytime
* Youth Retreat
* The Evening “Good” News -
No Stable Too Small
$15.95Add to cartHere’s a collection of humorous, down-to-earth plays that bring a fresh perspective to the Christmas story through such creative devices as imagining the thoughts and feelings of fringe characters (like an innkeeper or a servant to one of the magi) or by updating the story with contemporary settings and characters. No Stable Too Small offers a variety of practical material for any situation, ranging from shorter plays with small casts and lines that can be easily mastered by younger children to more elaborate pieces with sophisticated themes for older children and adults. And they’re ideal for use with today’s young people — the dialogue reflects the way they really talk, yet never detracts from the biblical message.
These flexible scenes offer a mix of speaking parts for all age groups, from preschool through adult, and are especially valuable for small congregations that lack the resources to mount large-scale productions. No sets are required, and only simple costumes and minimal props are needed. The plays can be performed by smaller churches with as few as 8-10 cast members, or parts can be easily divided to accommodate groups as large as 25-30. And with a running time of approximately 20-25 minutes each, it’s easy to fit them within a Christmas Eve or Advent Sunday worship service.
Some of the charming presentations include:
* Love Finds a Way
* It Wasn’t the Hilton, You Know
* Christmas Eve at Angel School
* Because God Said So, That’s Why
* No Small Parts
* “Unto Us a Child Is Born”… Next on Omar
* Miracles? No Problem!
…and eight more! -
Sampsons First Christmas
$7.95Add to cartSampson’s First Christmas is a charming play that’s perfect for a holiday children’s program in small congregations. The story details the attempts of Sampson Squirrel to discover Christmas. After overhearing a conversation between the rustic characters of Ma and Pa, Sampson asks his forest friends where to find this wonderful place. When they are unable to help, Ma and Pa show Sampson the true meaning of Christmas.
This adaptable piece can accommodate any number of actors, and can be presented as a play, a puppet show, or a readers’ theater. The characters, plot, and message appeal to all ages, with dialogue that’s easy for youngsters to learn and memorize. Costumes are affordable and easy to assemble — and clear and concise directions with reproducible patterns are provided to help you make distinctive animal hats that children will love. Instructions are also included for creating simple Christmas tree decorations that accentuate the animal theme. With all these craft ideas plus production suggestions, Sampson’s First Christmas is bound to be a hit with your church!
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6 Advent Plays For Children
$13.95Add to cartSo you’ve just been asked to put together your church’s Christmas pageant — are you feeling overwhelmed yet? Don’t worry… Six Advent Plays For Children provides you with all the tools you need to make this ministry an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for everyone. In addition to six delightful programs designed for children of preschool age through sixth grade (including a synopsis and stage directions), this book provides comprehensive, easy-to-follow guidelines that walk you through the entire process of planning, rehearsing, and presenting your holiday production. There’s even a step-by-step worksheet to keep you organized and on top of all the details. The material is suitable for congregations of any size: props, sets, and costumes are kept simple for maximum flexibility, and most of the programs require no more than a dozen participants. With all these practical resources, your children’s Christmas program this year is bound to be successful — Six Advent Plays For Children has all the help you need in one convenient volume. Copying privileges are included.
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Young Womens Monologs From Contemporary Plays
$18.95Add to cartEdited by Gerald Lee Ratliff. Professional auditions for aspiring actresses. The gender-specific monologs in this new text are highly original works not found in other published versions. All are from very recently produced plays from both well-known and emerging new writers. The selections are for women actors fifteen to thirty years of age, suitable for competitive auditions, acting exercises, forensics, class or studio work. Beginning with an introduction to performance and audition etiquette, the text’s characterizations are divided into ages: The Age of Innocence, Coming of Age, The Age of Rebellion, The Gilded Age and New Age Voices. These monolog characterizations address the major trends and conflicts of today through revealing glimpses of society. A valuable resource for any auditioning female actor or theatre student. Features monologs from: “The General of Hot Desire” by John Guare, “Junk” by Melvin Burgess, “An American Daughter” by Wendy Wasserstein, “Summer” by Edwin Bond, “For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls” and “Betty’s Summer Vacation” by Christoper Durang, “Picasso’s Women” by Brian McAvera, “Relationships” by Ken Friedman, “Stepping Out” by Richard Harris and many more.
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Church And Stage
$16.95Add to cartChurch and Stage is a guide for people in churches who want to employ theater in ministry, and for theater people who want to create opportunities to work in churches. The points of contact between religion and theater are numerous, and Dean J. Seal offers guidelines for making the connection work no matter what level of experience or financial commitment a congregation brings to the task. The author, who has worked in the worlds of both church and stage, provides background on the historical and theological relationship between religion and theater. He then offers practical advice and guidelines for the use of theater in the context of ministry-from discussion groups to bibliodrama to play-going to ultimately producing a show. This book is a resource for ministers, lay leaders, youth groups, and members of the theater community who desire greater integration of faith and work.
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Cinema Divinite : Religion Theology And The Bible In Film
$44.99Add to cartCinema Divinite sets out various critical approaches to the study of film, religion and theology. It provides introduction to major concepts in film studies such as cinema spectatorship, the nature and application of film theory and includes discussion of the extensive literature which has been published recently on film and religion. Here readers will also find in-depth case studies of specific films, filmmakers and genres – from Clint Eastwood to Luis Bruel, from animation to film noir. The final part looks specifically at the significance of religion within film, with a concluding discussion of Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ.
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Staging Musicals For Young Performers
$20.95Add to cartby Maria C. Novelly and Adele Firth. How to produce a show in 36 sessions or less. This book can show anyone how to stage any musical show on any budget. It is a step-by-step guidebook for producing a successful show for young performers. Every aspect of theatrical production from characterization and costumes to insurance and fire regulations is included in this comprehensive text. Includes information on teaching theatrical basics, casting, rehearsals, preparing scenes, costumes, makeup, scenery, props, lighting, sound, publicity and much more. An innvaluable guide for teaching acting, singing and dancing skills. Useful for both novice and experienced directors of musical and non-musical play productions. Sample chapters: Selecting the Musical, Planning Rehearsals, Teaching Theatre Basics, Casting the Show, Preparing Dialog Scenes, Preparing Song and Dance Numbers, Preparing Lighting and Sound, Building an Audience and more.
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Scenes From The Life
$12.95Add to cartCreate living illustrations of the Christian life that will make audiences laugh, cry, and even occasionally wince in truthful recognition with this superb collection of comic, dramatic, and seasonal material. Appropriate for any denomination and audience, these brief sketches and monologues examine topics ranging from faith to gossip, from conviction to children’s work, in a humorous and poignant style. The easy-to-stage pieces utilize small casts and can be performed in any setting with minimal costumes and a few simple props, making them accessible to church drama groups of all sizes. Scenes From The Life is a great source for attention-getting sermon introductions, worship enhancers, or just entertaining fun with a message.
Some of the insightful pieces include:
? All Quiet on the Front Pew
? The Great Church Trade-In
? The Nursery Zone
? The Faith Bridge
? A Sparrow Falls
? Joey The Wise Guy
…and several more! -
Gabriels Horn : Readers Theater For Advent
$7.95Add to cartLooking for something fresh and creative for the Advent season? Here’s a charming set of five lighthearted plays that’s sure to engage audiences and set the holiday spirit while remaining focused on the scriptural message. Written in whimsical rhyming verse, the scenes detail the prophecies of the Messiah and the story of the Incarnation through the interaction of three angels (Gabriel, Wonderful, and, Marvelous) with several biblical characters.
Congregations of any size will find these sketches easy to use — only a small cast is needed, and the readers’ theater format means no extensive costuming or staging is required.
Scenes include:
* Gabriel’s Horn (Last Sunday of Pentecost)
* The Honeymooners (Advent 1)
* The Cleanup Crew (Advent 2)
* The Reading Club (Advent 3)
* Step Up To The Plate (Advent 4)Two of the angel characters reappear after a 33-year “vacation” in “M.I.H. — Missing In Heaven,” an Easter verse drama (also written by Frank Ramirez) included in the CSS anthology Roll Back The Stone.
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Beastly Christmas : A Comedy For All Ages
$10.95Add to cartCentering around the theme of the familiar song “The Friendly Beasts,” this intriguing program depicts what the animals who witnessed Jesus’ birth might really have been thinking — if they had human minds. There’s humorous interplay among camels, sheep, cows, and the donkey that carried the pregnant Mary as they share their unique perspective on the nativity. This complete presentation allows many different parts of the congregation to participate; speaking roles can be performed in a readers’ theater format by adults or youth, young children can portray the humans at the manger in a silent tableau, and musical selections allow the choir to be involved as well. A special feature is more than 70 reproducible drawings that can be projected for audience viewing. (Purchase of this book includes access to a downloadable PowerPoint file for use in performances.) This adaptable drama is ideal for use not only in church settings, but also in schools or for children’s programs.
A five-copy package of supplementary coloring books for young children based on the imagery in the PowerPoint file is also available.
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Night Before : Two Christmas Eve Services With Childrens Sermons
$13.95Add to cartComprised of two compelling services plus a pair of delightful children’s messages, this complete set of Christmas Eve resources provides everything you need to create a special worship experience that your congregation will remember long after the holiday decorations have been stored away.
A Christmas Gift contemplates Christmas Eve’s mixture of madness and magic through a creative weaving together of carols, prayers, scripture readings, and several brief meditations. By highlighting some of the diverse moments, memories, and traditions that contribute to the gift of Christmas, this worship service evokes the powerful mystery and miracle of the nativity.
O Come, Emmanuel is a moving candlelight service which utilizes the ancient antiphons of Advent to explore the longing behind our search for the Messiah. As the service unfolds, the singing and reading of each antiphon leads worshipers to reflect on the hopes and desires that bring us to Bethlehem, culminating in the joyful announcement that God has come among us. The service employs two readers and a solo quartet, along with congregational singing of several traditional hymns. An original choral arrangement of the Christmas antiphon is included.
Two inspiring messages for the “children’s moment” are also included. Featuring an interactive, conversational style that involves young people, these lessons can be used with either service or separately. One message helps children think about where Jesus might be in their town or neighborhood if he were born today, while the other celebrates how Christ’s birth draws us all together.
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Why Did Jesus Die
$8.95Add to cartWhat really motivated the main characters in the events surrounding Jesus’ death? Was Judas merely a pragmatic man dealing with the unpleasant realities of everyday life in an occupied land? Was Herod an honorable leader of the Hebrew people who was concerned with saving lives? Was Pontius Pilate a talented and efficient representative of Rome who was simply trying to keep the peace? Or did they all intentionally participate in the wrongful execution of an innocent man?
Written in an easy-to-present format, this fascinating drama series will have your congregation pondering how they would answer these and many other questions. Six biblical characters come to life in new and revealing ways as they take the witness stand in a contemporary grand jury inquiry into the meaning of Jesus’ death. While attempting to explain their thoughts and actions, Judas, Caiaphas, Herod, Pilate, Mary Magdalene, and Peter face intense questioning by a state’s attorney. The innovative grand jury approach makes audiences active participants in the drama, as they are challenged to determine the true significance of the crucifixion.
Why Did Jesus Die? is an enlightening six-part resource that’s perfect for weekly Lenten worship, but it can also be easily used as a single dramatic production. Several thought-provoking questions relating to each witness’s testimony are provided to spark follow-up discussion, and a closing argument by the state’s attorney summarizes the evidence pointing to Jesus’ innocence ? and our sinful guilt.
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Roll Back The Stone
$20.95Add to cartCreate memorable services that help worshipers experience the profound sadness of the crucifixion as well as the marvelous joy of the risen Christ with this diverse collection of ready-to-use dramatic material. With ample selections for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, there’s something special here for congregations of any size or worship style. Copying privileges are included for all segments. Included are:
* A Travesty Of Justice: In The Shadow Of The Cross (Kathy Martz), a series of six meditations in which an unusual assortment of “eyewitnesses” – the thorn, robe, nail, spear, shroud, and stone – tell about their extraordinary encounters with Jesus. Designed for use in Lenten vesper services, these spiritual contemplations examine the events leading up to the crucifixion from a unique perspective. Each user-friendly monologue comes with a brief scripture reading and a prayer.
* Live From Jerusalem (John O. Eby), a short Palm Sunday play that helps audiences envision what it would have been like to be on the scene of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Tying biblical prophecy together with a contemporary view, television-style news anchors and correspondents vividly portray the chaos and uncertainty of the first day of Passover while speculating on how simmering conflicts will be resolved – leaving audiences to ponder the question “What comes next?”
* Maundy Thursday Testimonies (David H. Covington), a brief set of dramatic readings depicting the Passion events and their meaning from the viewpoint of four characters: Mary Magdalene, Thomas, Judas, and Peter. An excellent vehicle for members to participate in worship, these moving monologues provide an especially powerful contribution to the Maundy Thursday service.
* God On Trial, Or…? (John O. Eby), a courtroom drama for Good Friday which portrays Jesus’ trial before Pilate ? with the novel twist of Beelzebub as the prosecutor, questioning several witnesses who level accusations against Jesus. While it is ostensibly Jesus who is on trial, it gradually becomes clear that everyone else (including all of us) is actually on trial before him ? giving new and deeper meaning to Christ’s plea, “Father, forgive them, for they do not understand what they are doing!”
* Sons Of Thunder (Carol Secord), a brief Good Friday sketch in which James and John struggle to come to grips with the stark reality of the crucifixion. As they bitterly lash out in anger and frustration at those who abandoned Jesu
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Visualizing The Parables
$7.95Add to cartIf you want an intriguing resource that can help you bring a fresh, contemporary perspective to some of Jesus’ most enduring stories, then Visualizing The Parables is just what you’re looking for. Originally conceived as a Lenten series, this set of brief plays updates five familiar parables, placing them in a modern context that suggests new ways of understanding these familiar texts. Written in an easy, conversational style and easily adapted to your individual circumstances, these scenes are simple to produce and can be used in a variety of settings. In addition to worship services, they are also excellent for classroom use or as openers for church council or congregational meetings — and they’re a great way of involving your church members (especially youth) in programs or worship.
Parables dramatized include:
* The Ten Bridesmaids (Matthew 25:1-12)
* The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
* The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
* The Rich Man (Mark 10:17-27)
* The Great Banquet (Luke 14:16-24) -
My Way Or Thy Way
$12.95Add to cartEver overhear a pre-teen or early teen conversation? It can be pretty dramatic — in fact, young people and drama go together like … God and the Bible! If you’re looking for quality material that draws middle school/junior high age young people into the scriptures, here’s an invaluable resource. My Way Or Thy Way is a collection of 12 brief plays that bring familiar Bible stories to life in contemporary conversation that’s easy to understand.
By focusing on the choices made by the main characters — and their consequences — the scenes help young people make better choices in their own lives. “I want to do it my way, not thy way” was the struggle of these biblical personages, and many of us face similar issues today. Each skit lets participants “walk in the sandals” of ordinary people who faced extraordinary choices.
Designed for versatility, these scenes can be given full dramatic performances with props, scenery, and costumes, or presented in readers’ theater format for use as dynamic classroom discussion starters. Each drama is accompanied by questions and a variety of related activities. My Way Or Thy Way is an excellent supplement to a Sunday school, Bible school, or Bible study curriculum, and is especially useful for youth groups.
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Bit Players In The Big Play
$12.95Add to cartDo you wonder what the stories in the Bible would look like from the viewpoint of those who were there? If so, then this collection of thirteen first-person narratives and readers’ theater presentations spotlighting a variety of New Testament characters — both familiar and not so well-known — will give you a new perspective on the scriptural witness. After all, while the experience of these people is rooted in the distant past, we still relate to the same fears, joys, and motivations as they did. By listening in on these characters as they converse with themselves, these creative pieces provide an intimate look at their humanity and experience of the Good News, which in turn enables us to better understand our lives and our faith.
This volume provides material for a variety of seasons and settings — they’re perfect for church drama groups, homiletical source material, and for inspiring devotional reading. And an introductory chapter addresses performance issues (including whether or not to use costumes) as well as how to use this format to develop your own material.
Some of the intriguing presentations include:
* Herod — The First Christmas Grinch (Matthew 2:1-12)
* Leaving Egypt For Home (Matthew 2:19-23)
* My Name Is Levi (Mark 2:13-17)
* Kneeling Before Him (Luke 10:38-42)
* Just A Jar Of Water (Luke 22:7-13)
* Rock The Boat! (John 21) -
Destination Bethlehem
$17.95Add to cartThis anthology provides you with a great selection of dramatic material for memorable Advent and Christmas worship. With a variety of approaches, there’s ample material to choose from to fit your needs, whatever your congregation’s size or worship style.
Five Advent Candle Dramas (Anne W. Anderson) explores the traditional meanings of the Advent wreath candles in brief 3-5 minute sketches which incorporate the lighting of each week’s candle. The Advent themes of hope, love, joy, and peace are couched in contemporary dramatic settings yet connected to the powerful reality of Christ’s coming. Each scene includes concise instructions for costumes, props, and settings.
The Savior Of The World (Nelson Chamberlain) is a five-scene play that tells the traditional Christmas story — with a touch of humor and a few unexpected twists. With roles for children from preschool age through sixth grade, this fun, easy-to-produce program is perfect for that special day when the church is full and you want to highlight the young people in your congregation.
Time Travelers’ Tale Of The Carols (Linda Buff & Sharon Cathcart) is an entertaining and educational presentation that combines the story of Jesus’ birth with the stories of several beloved Christmas carols. Through the imaginative device of a time machine, audiences will hear from some of the musicians and writers who created these familiar classics. Sets and costumes are minimal, and this simple play can be produced by churches of any size — while there are parts for many children, the script can be easily adapted for any age or number of participants. Performance time is approximately 35-40 minutes.
Here We Come To Bethlehem (Pamela Honan Peterson) is a Christmas pageant and congregational worship service that lets audiences eavesdrop on the thoughts, stories, and questions of ancient travelers as they make their way to Bethlehem. There are roles for 18 performers ranging from age three through high school, but with this flexible program it’s easy to involve as many children, youth, and adults as desired. Performance time is approximately 20-25 minutes.
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Worship Innovations 3
$17.95Add to cartDedicated to providing fresh ideas for busy ministers and worship planners in a variety of settings, the Worship Innovations series offers practical resources that will bring the Bible to life and brighten your worship services. The easy-to-produce dramas and programs can be used in any size church, yet are flexible enough to fit almost any worship style. And each user-friendly resource comes with detailed instructions, including a complete list of everything you need to prepare for.
In this Worship Innovations volume, the focus is on the Lent and Easter season. Like the first two books, this is a rich storehouse that will supply you with many seasons worth of compelling, scripturally authentic material. Included are:
* The Paths to Calvary — a series of six short dramatic monologues for the weeks leading up to Easter in which biblical characters tell of their encounters with Jesus
* Our Place at the Table — a dramatic re-enactment of the events preceding the Last Supper, culminating in a congregational communion service
* A Passover to Remember — a complete Maundy Thursday service with a modified Passover seder as the centerpiece
* A Growing Darkness — a Good Friday tenebrae service featuring seven readings about the day’s events, brought to life with several costumed monologues
* Seven Words to Die By — based on Christ’s seven last words, this tenebrae service finds meaningful truths in the somber events of the crucifixion through monologues, scripture readings, music, and prayers
* Surprise at Sunrise — an Easter sunrise service depicting the resurrection discovery in four vignettes using child actors
* The Week of Weeks — a set of interactive scripture readings for each of the Sundays between Easter and PentecostOther titles in the Worship Innovations series:
Hanging The Greens For Christmas
Easy Bible Drama -
Speaking Of Christmas
$12.95Add to cartIf you want to celebrate the birth of the Savior by participating in a Christmas play but have a limited budget and want to avoid long rehearsals, you’ll want to have this fascinating collection of twelve short plays in readers’ theater format. Whether you’re a novice or have plenty of experience, you’ll find these scripts, varying from humorous to deeply religious and ranging from 5-20 minutes in length, to be easy to stage yet packed with meaning. Suitable for worship services, prayer groups, religious education classes, retreats, or for entertainment at parish social functions, these flexible dramas can be staged in a sanctuary, classroom, lounge, or any large space, and require no scenery, costumes, or special lighting. Brief background essays on the Christmas play and on readers’ theater are also included, along with a list of other helpful resources.
Some of the intriguing presentations include:
* A Discussion Among Angels
* The Tree That Didn’t Get Trimmed
* Million Dollar Christmas
* Hoodoo McFiggin’s Christmas
* Home For The Holidays -
Thespian Theology Cycle C
$12.95Add to cartStimulate audiences to see the scriptural message in a new light with these inspiring sketches based on Cycle C lectionary readings for the Lent and Easter seasons. Originally developed for presentation by a high school-age youth group, the simple, easy-to-perform scenes in this latest installment of John TenBrook’s popular Thespian Theology series are an excellent tool for sharing the Gospel with unchurched people and getting them excited about Jesus Christ. Each skit is introduced by brief “Thespian Theological Thoughts” on the drama and the scripture texts. These versatile pieces can be staged as an alternative to the Sunday sermon or used for youth programs and other fellowship settings — they’re sure to enlighten audiences of all ages while leaving an indelible impression.
Some of the intriguing titles include:
* Dust Thou Art… Art Thou Dust? (Ash Wednesday)
* Moses The Fig Tree (Lent 3)
* The Spiritual Struggle Of Sidney Centurion (Passion/Palm Sunday)
* “But I Wasn’t There… Ya Gotta Show Me!” (Easter 2)
* Let Everyone Who Is Thirsty Come (Easter 7) -
Troubled House : A Play In Three Acts
$9.95Add to cartTroubled House is a timely reminder that intolerance is not exclusive to religion–and that naturalistic philosophy masquerading as science has become the new orthodoxy. Teachers who truly want to challenge students to think independently will find Troubled House inspiring and challenging. This play will fuel great discussion about the definition of science, intolerance, academic freedom, and integrity. Dan Schwabauer has a rare talent for putting his finger on heart of hypocrisy.
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Mrs Johnsons Rummage Sale
$12.95Add to cartCultivating good stewardship is vital for strengthening Christian discipleship — but helping congregations focus on what that really means can be difficult because many people treat “stewardship” as nothing more than a pitch for money. Mrs. Johnson’s Rummage Sale is just the fresh and attention-getting resource you need to stimulate discussion and broaden understanding of this important topic. It’s a flexible collection of seven brief dramatic sketches, each highlighting a different aspect of stewardship, that will move audiences to consider stewardship from a variety of angles. With minimal stage directions and props, the scenes can easily be performed in a few minutes as part of a worship service, or as part of a congregational meeting, dinner, or other program. Sprinkled with a light touch of humor, Mrs. Johnson’s Rummage Sale provides you with a different, more accessible method for discussing what good stewardship means… and it’s an excellent supplement to other stewardship programs.
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Drama Team Handbook
$35.99Add to cartIf a picture is worth a thousand words, a skit may be wortheven-more–especially when you are trying to make the Gospels come alive for a modern audience! Alison Siewert’s Drama Team Handbook helps you do just that. This resource features 11 attention-grabbing scripts to illustrate passages in Matthew, Luke, and John–including sketches for Christmas and Easter. Perfect for evangelism, urban ministry, youth outreach.
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Sermons Alive : 52 Short Dramatic Sketches For Sunday Worship
$17.95Add to cart1. All I Want For Christmas
2. Back To Back With Benny
3. A Ball Game
4. The Bible Study
5. The Bonsai Tree
6. Bringing My World To God
7. The Choir Member
8. Christianity Lite
9. The Christian Plant
10. Counting The Cost
11. The Dream
12. Fat Jack
13. The Fisherman Etc.Additional Info
A sketch a week companion to sunday worship services. The 52 3 to 7 minute dramas included in this book are ideal for introducing sermons. These entertaining sketches illustrate prayer,giving,peer pressure,eternal life,dealing with failure and others. Minimal to no props or set pieces required. Right and permission to reproduce sketckes is included. -
Clown Skits For Everyone
$17.95Add to cart1. Clown Skits For Everyone
2. The Road To Clowntown
3. Silly Solos
4. Dizzy DuetsAdditional Info
Everything you need to know to be a performing clown – written by a performing clown! The author, Happy Jack Feder, is an accomplished mime and clown. Advice and ideas plus thirty-two easy-to-perform skits for one or two clown acts. Talks about gestures and actions, rehearsals and routines, talking and miming, modifying skits and the mechanics of performance. Tells about how to make props and the best techniques for beginners. All of the thirty-two skits included in the book have been performance-tested – simplified for easy memorization. Delightfully illustrated throughout by Lafe Locke. -
You Can Do Christian Puppets
$15.95Add to cart1. Puppet Craft Constructing Paper Mache Puppets
2. Constructing Movable Mouth Muppets
3. Using Your Puppets
4. Building A Folding Puppet State
5. Playscripts Old Testament Puppet Plays
6. Church Life Plays
7. Christian Behavior Plays, Etc.Additional Info
A basic text for any would-be puppeteer. Really two books in one! First a book of puppet craft which details how to construct paper-mache’ puppets, cloth, movable-mouth puppets, how to build a folding puppet stage and instructions about using puppets in performance. Many pages of action illustraions and patterns to help guide the user. The second half of the book includes a wide variety of puppet playscripts including Old Testament themes, chuch life plays, Christian behavior, Bible lessons, specials days and other topics. The best possible book for a beginner or for a teacheer who is instructing others to do puppetry. A book for every church school library. -
Mime Ministry : An Illustrated Easy To Follow Guidebook For Training Christ
$17.95Add to cart1. Mime Yesterday And Today
2. Rationale For Mime In Christian Ministry
3. Purpose Of A Christian Mime Ministry
4. How To Organize A Mime Troupe
5. Programming A Mime Ministry
6. Makeup And Costumes
7. Warm Up Exercises And Games
8. Techniques Of Mime
9. Performance Tips, Etc.Additional Info
An illustrated, easy-to-follow guidebook for organizing, programming and training a troupe of Christian mimes. Tells how to organize a mime troupe for in church or an outreach program; includes war up exercises, games and performance tip. Ideas for song and Scripture interpretations; many performance skis and sketches. -
Self Supporting Scenery For Childrens Theatre And Grown Ups Too (Revised)
$17.95Add to cart1. Stagecraft I
2. Scene Design
3. Stagecraft II
4. Scene Painting
5. Dramatic Lighting
6. Scenic Progression
7. Architectural Section
8. SummaryAdditional Info
By James Hull Miller. Fifth edition – revised. Free standing scenery creates its own theatre – compact, economical and flexible. It marches right onto any stage platform, into the classroom, the recreation hall and the garden theatre. This book tells how to construct it. Includes 128 pages and over 175 drawings. Covers tools, materials, designs and craft. An excellent reference book. Written by a leading designer in the field.
