Children's Theatre

20 pages

4 m, 2 w

Here is a perfect play to introduce children to the Underground Railroad. Designed as a Reader’s Theatre, "The Silent War" is a story of three slaves – and eight little mice – who escape to freedom along the Underground Railroad. Uncle Amos, Belle, and Buck Henry, all slaves on a Kentucky plantation, didn’t plan to escape until they met Zakary, a Bible salesman and abolitionist. He shows them the way to cross the river into Ohio and from there travel north to other stations. Along the way, the three slaves are helped by other dedicated abolitionists including...

28 pages

3 m, 5 w, optional 3 m.

Mary had her simple life with Joseph all planned out, that is, until she had a visit from the angel Gabriel. He told her of the great honor that God was bestowing on her; she would be blessed above all women. Come along on Mary's journey to see what it might have been like for her. Sense her excitement as she visits Elizabeth and learns more about Jehovah and His awesome power, and experience her broken heart over Joseph's unbelief. After Joseph has a visit from an angel in a dream, he decides to take Mary as his wife straightway. When he and Mary confront he...

27 pages

Large flexible cast, doubling possible.

A troop of young angels are singing their rousing "Angel Flight Song" as the play opens. Some of the angels have questioned the wisdom of making their announcement of Christ's birth to some lowly shepherds rather than to somebody "important." Through the miracle of "Angel Vision," they are able to observe firsthand how four potentates (King Herod, the Roman Governor, the high priest, and a wealthy businessman) would react if their announcement were made to each of them. They gratefully announce Jesus' birth to the shepherds as originally planned by God and ta...

38 pages

2 boys, 1 girl, 5 flexible parts, choir

The angel Gabriel has a very important job that God has given him. His mission is to deliver messages concerning the birth of Jesus. Even though Mary is quite surprised by Gabriel's message, she yields to God's message right away. Joseph, with some helpful persuasion from Positive and some not so helpful ideas from Negative, also decides to follow God no matter what the cost. This humorous program is highlighted with imaginative original songs as well as traditional Christmas carols arranged with a twist. Also included is an optional program that can be perfo...

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...

17 pages

10-15 children, plus extras, doubling possible

The all angel news team of ANN, the Angelic News Network, are reporting the evening news. Tonight’s top story is the census. Gabrielle is working to keep everyone on schedule, Seraphima is maybe a little too relaxed for being on the air, Sandy Storms doesn’t have much to report on the weather, and Angel-on-the- Scene is interviewing an innkeeper about the increased business. Then Joseph and Mary arrive, and a bigger story begins to unfold before everyone’s eyes. It is not the story the angels expected to report, nor did it occur where they expected to report ...

46 pages

A Collection of Skits

At last, nursery rhymes with a reason. Here are 15 skits, based on popular nursery rhymes and tales, with delightful new twists toward biblical lessons. For instance, "The Three Little Kittens" may have lost their mittens, but they end up dressed in the whole armor of God. In "The Grasshopper and the Ants," the grasshopper learns how important it is to make provisions for the future which explains why the ants collect the bread of life. In another, the Little Christian, like the little engine that could, finds he is rewarded for facing his challenges. These s...

23 pages

2 storytellers, any number of children as animals and townspeople

Various animals in the stable aren't happy when two strangers intrude upon their quiet night. The sparrows, cows, and sheep, along with mice and doves are upset and wish the humans would find another place to stay. They don't want to share their grain or warm hay. And after walking for miles, even the poor donkey is too tired to help Joseph and Mary. But then God fulfills his most glorious promise: Baby Jesus is born. Everything changes as each group of animals gives a special gift to comfort the Baby and his parents. At last, as all finally sleep, the tired ...

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 pla...

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...