Children's Theatre

52 pages

9 boys, 8 girls, 1-5 flexible, many extras, choir

Christmas is a time for singing, and this children's musical features festive folk music for a lively portrayal of the birth of Baby Jesus. Eight original songs including a warm welcoming song, "Shalom!" and a song with claps, "The Angels' Song," keep the action moving and the children totally involved. Some other songs include "May's Song," and "I Know His Name." There are also opportunities to add a favorite carol or two, if desired. The costumes, props and staging are simple, the narratives short enough for easy memorization, and the music arranged for the...

16 pages

6 m, 4 w (2 are nonspeaking), 2 flexible

Jesus’ last words on the cross profoundly changed those who heard them. He continued to teach us how to live even in the final moments of His life as He hung on the cross in the agony of His execution. His lessons of forgiveness for the offender, salvation for the sinner, and trust and love for family and friends guide our daily lives. In this play, each character hears a phrase from Jesus' final utterances and reflects on its importance. Two narrators unify monologues delivered by characters whom Jesus affected during the course of His life. All characters a...

18 pages

6 boys, 7 girls, 10 flexible parts.

This is a part of the nativity story that isn't in the Bible, but could have happened. With Mary and Joseph, the shepherds in the field, the women at the well, the three kings, and the little drummer boy, we prepare to embark on that special journey to the manger...sharing their worries, their joys, and their faith along the way. The play ends with that glorious moment when humankind first lays eyes on their Savior, followed by a celebration of music. Ideal for younger actors, this play appeals to audiences of all ages. Performance time: 30 minutes. 

46 pages

3 b, 3 g, 6 flexible, extras as shoppers, carolers, animals

Beulah Bear's winter sleep is interrupted by ringing Christmas bells. She and her fearful friend, Donald Deer, venture into the big city to discover what Christmas is all about. There they meet up with some colorful characters, among them Rodney Rat, a shady street salesman, and Rover the Dog whose dread of the holiday is revealed with the poem, "The Nightmare of Christmas." Discouraged by the commercialism they encounter, they almost give up until the true meaning of Christmas is finally revealed to them by a church mouse. Wonderful characters, humorous line...

44 pages

Main roles for 7 m, 3 w, 5 boys, 4 girls. Additional roles for 2 m, 2 women. Extras, 1 toddler, and an optional children’s choir.

What if Jesus had been born in your town? Rather than tell about the birth of Jesus from the traditional viewpoints of Joseph and Mary, this musical gives us a refreshingly different look from ordinary people who were there. A small group of adults and children befriend the holy family for more than a year, from helping them find the stable for the birth to a celebration for 15-month old baby Jesus, which turns into a bittersweet evening when the Wise Men warn them to flee. The story begins as Bethlehem prepares for visitors in “Company’s Coming” and we see t...

43 pages

15 to 30 young actors with flexible gender and ages one adult role.

The youth choir of Bethlehem Springs Church is stranded when their bus breaks down in a snowstorm miles from anywhere. The teens and injured director find refuge in a closed-up lodge, but there is plenty of conflict when they learn that Treat, a bitter and troubled 14-year-old, knows how to fix the bus, but won't. But they learn that Treat, assigned to do volunteer work for the church from his juvenile parole officer, is not the evil character they thought, nor are they the enemy Treat believed them to be. The story highlights teens' uncanny ability to forgiv...

12 pages

Large flexible cast

Preschoolers and children in lower grades will enjoy performing in this gentle and delightful Christmas pageant. Like many mothers of new babies, Mary is having a difficult time getting Baby Jesus to sleep. The wise men, shepherds, angels, lions, sheep, and mice sing their best lullabies, but all in vain. At last, one small, timid, striped kitten sings the Holy Child to sleep. Older children can handle the few speaking roles while any number of younger performers can participate as the animals. Easy costuming and staging and all the songs are traditional, wel...

29 pages

20 characters. (2 m, 1 w plus other parts which can be played by males or females.)

Friar Francis and Friar Juniper decide to re-enact the First Nativity for the people of their town at Christmas. They ask the nearby animals if their ancestors were at the First Nativity and could tell them what it was like. They encounter an amusing variety of creatures, reflecting a range of human follies. But the animals they encounter are all too busy with themselves to give Friar Francis what he wants. In despair, Friar Francis lies down for a nap. As he sleeps it is disclosed that Friar Juniper and all the animals have secretly been rehearsing for weeks...

36 pages

6 m, 7 w, numerous extra children.

A delightful version of the Noah's Ark story in verse. Noah talks with his wife about filling an Ark, but she is indignant at the prospect of cleaning up after all those animals. As the animals appear two by two we meet them and they, too, turn up their noses at the Ark until it starts raining. Once on board everyone is complaining. A clever Fox persuades all of the male animals to "mutiny" but the wives save the day and Noah's wife sends the Fox to the brig. When the Dove returns with the olive branch the Rainbow Children appear and describe the bright and colorful new world upon whi...

39 pages

3 m, 4 w

What does the Bible really teach about homosexuality? How can some Christians think it’s an awful sin and others welcome gays into church leadership? Sixteen-year-old Peter thinks he is gay, and he’s still hoping it’s not true, that no one will ever have to know he even suspected it. Peter’s father is the pastor of a church, his best buddy is the leader of the youth group. The world would end if they and Ashley, a girl who’s definitely attracted to Peter, found out. But bit by bit his secret leaks out, and then he isn’t the only one facing the dilemma of being gay and Christian. This play...

49 pages

8 sketches for 3-8 puppets.

This collection for elementary-aged students includes "Moses Smites the Rock" (with a talking rock!) and "The Prodigal Son," as well as original stories. "Seventy Times Seven" uses slapstick to teach forgiveness. In "No Eggs for Easter," the Easter bunny loses his eggs, but learns about Jesus. "Odd Somes" uses simple puppets children can make to show how God can use anyone. "Penny Latchkey" deals with crime prevention and wariness towards strangers. In the "Two Shoes," the characters are worn-out shoes who learn the difference between the Christian and the worldly life. "Frankie Finds a ...

0 pages

3 m, 4 w, extras.

Jenny, a high school student, is on cloud nine. Dave Stone has asked her to the prom. Her girlfriends are all sexually active and have been pressuring Jenny to give up her old-fashioned Christian views on premarital sex. Then, on the day before the prom, Jenny's best friend tearfully confides that she thinks she is pregnant and her boyfriend dumped her when she told him. Michelle doesn't want Jenny to make the same mistake. Distraught, Jenny begins to question whether premarital sex is worth the gamble of pregnancy, disease, loss of reputation, or compromise of values. Her decision is...

34 pages

Script: 34 pages.

Here's a resource book of eight clown skits designed to present Biblical truths in a unique and entertaining way. From the clown who thinks you need to use tape "To Cling to What Is Good," to the clown who lost his smile, you will find the gospel message explained in a clear and relevant manner that children will learn from and enjoy. These skits, each using two clowns, are easy to produce with limited prop requirements. The children at your church will love this fun and easy way to learn more about Jesus. Happy clowning!

28 pages

6 boys, 2 girls, 8 flexible parts, and extras

Even the sheep sing in this heartwarming original musical drama, although it is serious about presenting the true Christmas story with a salvation message. In answer to her granddaughter's questions, a grandmother reads Luke, Chapter 2, and as she does the whole story unfolds on stage. Smaller churches can "double up" on roles, while larger groups can include everyone by increasing the singers, angels, etc. Beautiful music, including a recitation and song, "Don't Wake the Baby" for your littlest performers. 

Performance time: About 35 minutes.