Children's Theatre

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 ...

24 pages

3 m, 4 w, extras.

Jill, a 17-year-old runaway with a new baby, has been living on the streets for the past two years. It's just a few days until Christmas, and she finds herself at a bus station contemplating whether to continue living on the streets or to reunite with her parents. Jill wants to do what is best for her 7-week-old baby, but her stormy relationship with her father makes her hesitant to return home. At the bus station, Jill meets Walter, a kindly bus station attendant, and another young runaway, Lisa. With Walter's love and guidance, Jill eventually finds her way...

15 pages

Large, flexible cast.

The season of giving often misplaces the reason for giving, but that's not so in this delightful play. As the children of Bethlehem plan a baby shower for Jesus before he has to leave for Egypt, they learn the story of His birth. Yes, the angels are just a bit impatient and some people don't like one of the wise men's gifts, but everyone is in the party spirit. The play also serves as a mission project as the gifts (diapers, food, clothes, etc.) the children bring on stage can be dedicated to babies born today in less fortunate circumstances. Children from 3 ...

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...

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...

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!