Drama
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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. -
Elegantly Frugal Costumes
$17.95Add to cart1. Introduction Resources
2. Where Do I Start
3. Period Costumes
4. What Was That Masked Man
5. Underneath It All
6. Helpful Hints And Useful Information
7. The Play’s The Thing
8. Epilogue Behind The ScenesAdditional Info
Do-it-yourself costume maker’s guide by Shirley Dearing. This wonderfully practical book literally shows you how to make costumes for plays, pageants and musicals at the lowest possible expense! Over 150 detailed illustrations work with the easy-to-follow text to walk you through every step of the process. Just about every basic period is covered: Biblical to Medieval, Renaissance, The Fabulous Fifties, 1800s to World War I, the Roaring Twenties and more.Many helpful hints on making or buying realistic period theatrical costumes on a shoestring budget from cast-offs, donations, scraps, and other easily obtained materials. -
Christmas On Stage
$28.95Add to cart1. Elementary Grades
2. Middle Grades
3. Programs For Teens And Adults
4. Readers Theatre For Christmas
5. Adaptions From Classics And Legends
6. Christmas LegendsAdditional Info
A collection of twenty-seven Christmas plays for all ages and all types of worship services compiled and edited by Theodore O. Zapel.The one-act plays included contain both traditional and contemporary settings, drama and humor, and new offerings and old favorites.The plays are easily staged with a minimum of costumes and props, and many of the scripts require no memorization.Christmas music interspersed with the drama adds a special touch to worship services. Since no royalty payments are required for performances, this low-cost anthology is a money-saving program resource for any drama group. -
Mime Book
$20.95Add to cart1. The Body Isolation
2. Coordination
3. The Illusion
4. The Movement Of The Mime
5. The Mime Of The Object
6. The Subject As An Object
7. Creating A World
8. The Mime Of The Subject
9. Pantomime
10. The Mime
11. AppendicesAdditional Info
A comprehensive guide to mime by Claude Kipnis. The great French mime performer, Claude Kipnis, reveals the mechanisms and techniques of mime in an easy-to-understand translation. This book is not a theoretical “art of” book, but a functional “how to” and “why to” instructional guide. Individual exercises are included, together with detailed coverage of body movements, the illusion and how to create a world. We know of no other book that so comprehensively explains how the functions of mime are achieved. Certainly a basic text for any aspiring mime. -
Plays For Sunday School
$10.99Add to cartDora belief and delivered in Christ Dora Belief is the story of Namaan from 2 Kings 5. It shows that God can use anyone, so don’t despise the words of the little ones. For out of their mouths has God ordained praises and strength. Delivered in Christ is from the New Testament. It shows what the enemy can do with a life sold to him. But at the same time, Jesus Christ, the ultimate power, is able to deliver you and replace the work of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-26).
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Sermon Warm Ups
$12.95Add to cartCould you use an attention-getting introduction to set up a talk or sermon? If so, the brief sketches in this collection are exactly what you need to create living illustrations of scriptural themes that will stick in your audience’s memory. Jesus explained concepts about God’s kingdom through parables utilizing elements familiar to his listeners; likewise, the modern storytelling in these short, easy-to-prepare scenes helps worshipers understand the gospel by depicting the biblical message in the context of our daily lives. And they’re effective. Since drama draws on both our visual and auditory senses, it’s a proven vehicle for increasing learning and retention rates. When you want a change of pace that will really make a difference, these scenes are great for use in place of the sermon or for various types of fellowship programs.
Contents include:
* The Inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14; Mark 6:14-29)
* Cooking With Carol (John 6:24-35, 41-51)
* The Pray-er (James 5:13-20)
* Are You Calling Me? (Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark 10:35-40)
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Thespian Theology Cycle B
$13.95Add to cartStimulate audiences to see the scriptural message in a new light with these inspiring sketches based on Cycle B 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 are an excellent tool for sharing the Gospel with unchurched people and getting them excited about Jesus Christ. Each skit is introduced by “Thespian Theological Thoughts” that briefly make an explicit connection between the drama and the scripture text. Use these versatile pieces in place of the Sunday sermon or for youth programs and other fellowship settings — this latest installment in the popular Thespian Theology series will enlighten audiences of all ages while leaving an indelible impression.
Some of the intriguing titles include:
* Blow The Trumpet! (Ash Wednesday)
* A Single Granary (Lent 5)
* Everyone’s Invited To The Feast! (Easter Day)
* Righteous Rudy And Judgmental Judy (Easter 6) -
9 Changed Lives
$12.95Add to cartI found Nine Changed Lives to be an intriguing series of Easter season monologues. Each met me on a personal level and pointed me to Christ. Their unique format enables a great deal of flexibility for their presentation.
Rev. Dennis H. Greenwald
Upper Midwest Area Representative for the Conservative Congregational Christian ConferenceNine brief monologues for Lent are spoken by:
* Simon of Cyrene (for Ash Wednesday)
* Tamar of Jerusalem
* Zimri the Pharisee
* King Herod
* Pilate and Claudia
* Thomas
* The Centurion
* Mary Magdalene (for Easter sunrise)This book also includes a youth one-act for Palm Sunday and a Maundy Thursday meditation. Directions to make a cross and whip for use in two monologues are part of the book.
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Enacting The Word
$18.00Add to cartThe addition of simple drama to sermons is effective in bringing Bible passages alive and involving a variety of church members in preaching. In this book, James O. Chatham invites clergy to develop a use of drama to proclaim the gospel. Chatham writes that the Bible is comprised primarily of stories–stories of the relationship between God and God’s people spanning over more than a thousand years–many of which are so good that they need little explanation. There is no more engaging way to tell these stories, he says, than through effective sermon drama. Chatham offers seven example dramas that are ready for use, complete with lines, stage directions and a list of characters and needed props. Drawing from both New Testament and Old Testament texts, Chatham’s dramas tell the stories of the persistent widow in Luke 18, of Rahab, and of Jonah; give testimony to the re-creative power of God. God’s continued calling of God’s people, and the importance of the Easter story in modern contexts, and provides a lesson for discerning light from darkness.
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7 Advent Programs For Children
$17.95Add to cartIn addition to seven delightful programs designed for children of preschool age through sixth grade, this book provides comprehensive, easy-to-follw guidelines that walk you through the entire process of planning, rehearsing, and presenting a holiday production. There’s even a step-by-step worksheet to help you keep organized and stay on top of all the details. Each complete script comes with a synopsis and stage directions, as well as an attractive cover that can be reproduced for your program. You’ll find material suitable for congregations of any size; most require no more than a dozen participants. And props, sets, and costumes are kept simple for maximum flexibility. With these practical resources, your children’s Christmas program this year is bound to be successful.
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Christmas Star : Readings And Pageants For Christmas
$9.95Add to cartThe Christmas Star is a potpourri of holiday gifts for those planning worship-the charming collection includes three plays and five brief meditations suitable for reading during services or for use in bulletins and newsletters. Each presentation is simple for small churches to produce, with minimal costumes and props required. Insightful and scripturally sound, The Christmas Star is a wonderful package that you won’t be able to resist!
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Shadows To Sunrise
$19.95Add to cartAre you looking for fresh, vibrant material for Holy Week worship? Do you want your congregation to experience the unforgettable drama of Jesus’ suffering, so that they more fully appreciate the celebration and joy of Easter? If so, then you’ll want this anthology that provides several innovative choices for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter sunrise worship. Copying privileges are included for all six segments.
Beyond The Shadows combines communion with gradually extinguished candlelight to create a moving Maundy Thursday tenebrae experience. As each part of the Passion story unfolds, more candles are snuffed out, and the service concludes in total darkness. By reminding us that the Light of the World came to us, yet was engulfed in total darkness as his life slipped away, Beyond The Shadows focuses worshipers’ attention on the coming resurrection, and how that brightness contrasts with the darkness of the crucifixion.
When The Son’s Light Failed is a poignant Good Friday dramatization that imagines the presence at the crucifixion of many women whose lives were profoundly affected by Jesus. The women all share their stories with each other as they witness our Lord’s ultimate sacrifice. It’s a moving portrayal which reminds us that Jesus’ ministry touched the lives of everyone.
The tenebrae service Choices At The Cross explores some of the choices faced by those involved in the events of Christ’s Passion — ones of far greater magnitude than what we often face on a daily basis. Choices At The Cross emphasizes that the most important decision we ultimately face is our response to the question posed by Pilate: “What shall I do, then, with Jesus, who is called Christ?”
Based on John’s account of Christ’s passion, Good Friday Readings, Meditations, And Prayers is a series of seven brief contemplations and prayers that can form the basis for a remarkably effective Good Friday service or be used for personal devotional reading during Lent. Filled with vivid imagery, the meditations make the scriptures come alive while relating them to contemporary life.
Good Friday: I Was There is a stark, gripping Good Friday worship experience which confronts us with the powers of darkness and destruction which were responsible for Christ’s crucifixion. Brief monologues from seven shadowy personae (Doubt, Sorrow, Fear, Shame, Agony, Hate, and Death) dramatically recall how our Lord suffered as he took the sins of humanity upon himself.
Designed as a co
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Getting Our Feet Wet
$12.95Add to cartLent is a great time to work dramatic presentations into your congregation’s programming — and Getting Our Feet Wet, a collection of 14 thoughtful sketches depicting Lenten themes, is a great resource for communicating the Gospel in fresh and exciting ways. Written with grace and style, the scenes probe common assumptions about faith, making a vivid impression on audiences while stretching their theological imagination. Most of the dramas explore familiar biblical events from novel vantage points: the proprietor of the upper room, two anonymous women at the crucifixion, wine-weary disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. Some of the stories bring out the humor and theological edge in scripture, while others leave readers yearning for the Good News of Easter. Appropriate for intimate gatherings or large worship services (particularly during Holy Week), many of the scenes require only one or two characters, and each comes with specific directions for props, sound, and lighting. Performance time of the scenes varies from approximately 5 to 12 minutes.
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Thespian Theology
$12.95Add to cartMany congregations are searching for fresh approaches to telling the good news – and Thespian Theology is just what you need to inject a healthy dose of fun into the scriptural message. Twelve of Jesus’ parables are depicted in a humorous, offbeat way in scripts that were originally developed for presentation by a high school-age youth group. While the plays are especially appropriate for adolescents, they also maintain a focus on the biblical text and will appeal to all ages. Pastors and youth leaders will discover that these simple, easy-to-perform sketches can be an excellent tool for reaching out to unchurched people and getting them excited about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Everyone who participates in (or witnesses a performance) of these sketches will enjoy them while learning about God in the process.
Some of the amusing titles include:
Who Is My Neighbor? or The Parable of the Good Geek (The Good Samaritan)
Wilfred Wonderful’s Weightless Wooden Widget Works (The Unforgiving Servant)
Hey … Who’s in Charge Here? (The Laborers in the Vineyard)
Irkum D. Judge, Esq. (The Judge and the Widow) -
Worship Innovations 2
$23.95Add to cartIn Worship Innovations: Easy Bible Drama, you will meet Bible persons just outside their recorded stories. Listen to Sarah and Isaac on the evening he returns from Mt. Moriah; watch Joseph (in Potiphar’s jail) confront Satan about whether integrity pays. Agonize with Anne (the mother of Mary) as she sends her daughter off to register for taxes in Bethlehem; hear the private conversation of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea following Nicodemus’ secret meeting with Jesus.
Each of these fifteen sketches raises issues and questions designed to take readers deeper into a study of the Bible story itself. They can form the heart of a dynamic worship service, inspire a sermon, brighten a Bible study, or energize a personal walk in the word of God. Also included is “Everything You Need To Know About Easy Bible Drama,” a chapter of “how-to’s” for any church that wants to initiate the use of drama in worship.
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Gathering At Golgotha
$7.95Add to cartGathering At Golgotha provides a simple yet dramatic way for a group of readers to present the human drama at the heart of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion by focusing on the emotions of those with whom Jesus was most intimate. Including an original song, the script gives fresh voice to the feelings of Jesus’ close companions on that black night. This easy-to-produce piece uses very few props and needs minimal rehearsal time to create a lasting effect.
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Were You There
$7.95Add to cartThe story of Good Friday and Easter Day is dramatized through the device of “man-on-the-street” interviews. As a radio reporter tries to obtain details of the crucifixion, we hear the viewpoints of many people who witnessed the events, from children to a Roman soldier to a rabbi to some of the disciples. Then we hear radio announcers “on the scene” reporting the astounding good news of the resurrection. With parts for 6 men, 2 women, and 3 children, Were You There? is an excellent way to bring the Passion story to life while involving many members of your congregation.
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Empty Spaces Empty Places
$7.95Add to cartWhile we often try to fill the empty spaces in our lives with family, work, and material things, a lingering sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction seems to remain. The connections between biblical characters and these empty spaces in our lives are the focus of three dramatic sketches. By revisiting the stories of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection through interviews with the innkeeper’s wife, the centurion, and Mary Magdalene, Empty Spaces, Empty Places shows us the lives Jesus touched then (and continues to touch today). The centurion who witnessed the crucifixion tells how he became convinced that Jesus was the Son of God in the monologue Filling In The Empty Spaces: The Soldier. And the Apostle Paul’s life and Christian witness is depicted in Filling In The Empty Spaces: Saint Paul. Each presentation confronts audiences with the same question: “What do you fill your empty spaces with?”
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Dramatic Sketches From Romans
$23.95Add to cartDramatic Sketches From Romans is a series of thirty dramatic “parablizations” of the principles taught in Paul’s letter to the Romans. Each scene is designed to take one to four minutes to read within a group setting.
The sketches are …
hard-hitting, but not harsh
biblical, but not preachy
entertaining, but not lightweightStudy groups — Sunday school classes, Bible study groups, discussion groups — will love the variety of styles used. Audiences will find themselves anticipating “what’s coming next?” Many vignettes are left open-ended, leading to discussion and discovery in order to resolve the issues. Though designed primarily for an expository adventure through Romans, any group will find this an invaluable anthology of resources for nearly any occasion.
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Lectionary Scenes Cycle A
$30.95Add to cartStudies have indicated that 75% of what an audience learns and remembers is a result of what they see, while 13% comes from what they hear. Drama puts them both together and prepares the audience with a sermon illustration that kindles their anticipation of the pastor’s sermon. The majority of these mini-dramas run 3 to 5 minutes in length, with a few as long as 7 to 10 minutes. Each introduces the theme of the Gospel lesson in the Cycle A lectionary. Written with wit, wisdom, and humor, they help to plant the Gospel theme in an unforgettable, poignant, contemporary application. The scenes require minimal preparation. Few props are needed and 2 to 4 characters are involved in each sketch.
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Living Parables
$12.95Add to cartThese brief 3- to 5-minute skits provide an effective introduction for a talk or sermon. Other uses are for family night programs, Bible study introductions, youth meetings, and special times of the year such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Easter. A topical index lists dozens of subjects the skits address: from aging, business practices, children, and friendship to lying, marriage, mid-life crisis, relationships, and work.
The index lists over 100 topics:
The dysfunctional marriage/relationship
Stressful living
Ethics and reputations
McChurch — church attendance
Easter service
1-900-Midlife (crisis)
Mother’s Day
Cults
… and dozens more!These clever, witty, inspirational skits will inspire discussion and promote deeper faith and commitment.
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Faithful Men Of God
$7.95Add to cartThese six monologues are accompanied by a worship service which includes a call to worship, scripture readings, a pastoral prayer, and suggested hymns.
Monologues include:
Noah
Abraham
Joseph
Moses
A Wise Man
ChuzaThe script is fascinating and fast-paced from the start: “I was considered strange at best and at times mentally ill, I suppose.” (Noah)
This series will be useful for any season and in a variety of ways: Lenten services, retreats, summer worship series, or high school or adult education classes.
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Watch And Pray
$12.95Add to cartWatch And Pray was written for use by untrained actors. There are no character roles and the dialogue can be divided among as many people as are available to participate.
The seven dramatic mediations begin with Ash Wednesday, followed with the five mid-week readings and conclude with a Maundy Thursday presentation.
Themes are:
Self-knowledge
Repentance
Growth
Patience
Discipline
Courage -
Provocables
$20.95Add to cartRobbins intends for these eighteen dramas to provoke reflection and discussion. Designed to be read aloud by one, two, three, four or more “provocateurs,” they require no special sets and only a few simple props. The creative and playful readings bring alive central doctrines of the Christian faith while addressing everyday human concerns.
In this collection you will find such intriguing titles as:
“The Adam And Eve Story” (males and females)
“The Story of Job For Today (evil)
“Getting It Together” (vocation)
“Bad Brother Comes Home” (forgiveness)
… and many more!Each selection in Provocables! is biblically based and includes a brief commentary and a set of questions to guide discussion.
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Graduation Is Not For Angels
$18.95Add to cartMany of today’s growing churches are turning to drama to convey the biblical message. These visual portrayals are used for sermon emphasis, general interest, and greater membership participation — with exciting results. Add life to your congregation with over twenty concise, powerful, and life-changing sketches. Needing only simple staging and props, these sometimes humorous skits depict both modern-day and ancient Bible personalities. Several dramas appropriate for youth are included.
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At The Foot Of The Cross
$10.95Add to cartSeven figures who were at the foot of the cross (or might have been there) pour their hearts out to Jesus in these dramatic conversations. Judas opens the series, spiritually wrestling with himself at the cross before taking his own life, pondering what he had done to Jesus. Other characters include the Centurion, Simon of Cyrene, the disciples John and Peter, as well as Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus. An additional monologue for Easter sunrise worship dramatizes the angel at the empty tomb waiting for the women to arrive, reflecting on the week’s events.
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Artisans Of The Crucifixion
$7.95Add to cartThese dramatic monologues offer a unique perspective on Jesus’ crucifixion. Viewed through the eyes of a Blacksmith, Carpenter, Stone Mason, Tanner, and Basket Maker, the presentations introduce the congregation to those who crafted items used in the crucifixion. These monologues are flexible, and few if any props are necessary.
Use these dramatic monologues for a unique perspective on the events of Jesus’ crucifixion. Viewed through the eyes of a Blacksmith, Carpenter, Stone Mason, Tanner, and Basket Maker, the presentations introduce the congregation to those who crafted the whip, wove the crown of thorns, forged the nails, constructed the cross, and chiseled out the tomb.
Pastors can present these monologues themselves or assign them to church members. They have the flexibility of being performed very simply or quite elaborately. Few if any props are necessary.
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People Vs Judas Iscariot The Punishment Phase
$11.95Add to cartWritten in an easy-to-present format, this captivating five-part series takes place in a courtroom, as attorneys present evidence based upon the Bible and tradition. Witnesses who are “subpoenaed” to testify include Peter, John, and Mary Magdalene.
The People vs. Judas Iscariot is a captivating five-part series for Lenten worship or group discussion. Detailed worship bulletins with an order of service are provided for each of the five presentations.
The People vs. Judas Iscariot is written in an easy-to-present format (no memorization required) and includes scripture readings that follow carefully defined themes. The homily takes the shape of a court hearing in which Judas undergoes his punishment phase. Prosecution and defense attorneys attempt to sway the judge and congregation with evidence based upon the Bible and tradition. Various witnesses are “subpoenaed” to testify, including Peter, John, Mary Magdalene, and others.
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In The Carpenters Workshop 3
$12.95Add to cartThe creativity of preachers and worship leaders is vitally important in this day of competition with television, videos, and CD-ROMs. This third volume by Jerry Eckert is filled with scripts and suggestions for presenting the Gospel in a dramatic and exciting fashion. Using the style of presentation made famous by You Are There, some of these offerings are usable scripts for holiday special services. Unlike volumes one and two, this could be called a “play book.”
Eckert writes: Very early in my ministry I was told at a Mental Health Association Conference how important the church is in the prevention of mental illness. Over the years I saw how that was true not just for young people but for all ages … my sermons became not only more pastoral but brought in as much of the real lives of the Bible times as I could find.
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In The Carpenters Workshop 2
$13.95Add to cartHave you ever wished you could find ways other than a monologue to express the Sunday sermon? This volume will help preachers who are seeking alternative forms for presenting the life transforming power of the Gospel. It will also be useful to Sunday School teachers, youth group leaders, worship committees, and Bible study groups
