Easter - under an hour

18 pages

3 w

This drama gives life to the last seven lines uttered by Christ and the women who must witness his death. It’s a beautiful and mournful play capturing the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and the witnesses of Mary, his mother; Mary Magdalene, his disciple; and Mary Clopas, sister to Mary, Mother of Jesus. As Jesus utters his final words from the cross, it is the women of his ministry who ensure his story is told. The three women travel with Jesus to the hills of Golgotha and bear witness to his crucifixion. These women go to the cross when his other disciples must...

35 pages

2 m, 6 w

Two earthshaking events, one from the New Testament and one from the Old, intertwine in this play to remind us that when Christ came as our sacrificial offering for our sins, it was a purposeful fulfillment of prophecy by God. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection echoes the story of Exodus from Egypt. The Passover and Exodus are experienced in a Hebrew home through the eyes of a typical family of four - mother, father, and two teen children. The events leading up to the Crucifixion are discussed at a Jewish home through four very different women - Mary Magdale...

28 pages

13 males, 3 females, and 12 + flexible

This show is a modern rendition of the traditional Easter story, highlighting events surrounding Jesus’ last days. From the time he arrives in Galilee to his arrest, death and resurrection, the audience will be captivated by this biblical retelling. The story is set in present day and includes D12, his street-smart gang of disciples, a young group of zealous followers who later turn on him, and the Pharisees and Sadducees dressed in priestly garments and big church hats, who plot to end Jesus’ fame. Using dramatic monologues, comedic lines, heartfelt songs an...

28 pages

3 m, 1 w, 1 flexible

It is the night of Jesus’ crucifixion. His followers (the audience) are in hiding from the authorities. They came to Jerusalem to hail Jesus. Now, they’re confused and frightened. They have become strangers in Jerusalem, the followers … of a dead man. As the audience sits in the dark, they meet Mary Magdalene, a beggar boy, Nicodemus, Simon the Cyrene, and James the disciple. Each of the characters has a unique perspective on Jesus that’s reassuring but challenging.

“Darkness” is U-3 ...

32 pages

17 m, 3 w, 7-14 flexible

Resurrecting Charlie is a dramatic “play within a play” which tells the story of a traveling Christian drama group who is producing the show, “The Easter Story Spectacular!”  Its star, Charlie, struggles with the poor decisions and mistakes of his past and hopes to get back on track by learning why Jesus sacrificed Himself to save us from our sins. Charlie’s stardom-obsessed costar Logan and his jealous director Kathryn conspire against him, while his friend and production assistant Amanda helps him see the true meaning of the Easter story.  This pla...

21 pages

Ensemble cast of 18 - 23

This dramatic presentation highlights the power of the spoken words of Jesus and the spoken promises of God. It uses the eloquence of figurative language and poetry to recreate the monumental events that capture Jesus’ last days on earth. Incorporating dramatic movement and hymns, an ensemble cast will take you full circle on a journey from when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt to the Last Supper, a Passover celebration gone wrong. The imagery depicting the horrific death of Jesus will come to life, and in the final scene you will be reminded of His life...

21 pages

14 readers.

Here is a beautiful, inspiring, candlelight Easter service. It is the reverse of a Good Friday Tenebrae service in that as a variety of people read short monologues representing witnesses to the crucifixion and resurrection, candles are lit rather than extinguished. Scripture readings, prayers, and suggested hymns are also included. A dramatic service to show the true joy of the resurrection. About 45-minutes. 

28 pages

4 m, 2 w, 4 flexible parts.

The days just before Jesus' crucifixion are recreated in stunning detail as Jesus is questioned by high priests at the temple, then later arrested through Judas' deception. When He is finally led away to the crucifixion, we feel the emotions of those involved including James, John, Judas, the priests, and Mary Magdalene who is left holding His robe. Performance time: 30 minutes.

17 pages

4 w.

Have you ever wondered about some of the people who were responsible for crucifying Jesus? After all, what kind of people could kill our Lord? The pain and guilt felt by two women, the anger of a third, and the joy announcing the resurrection by the fourth are dramatically brought to life in this play by famous Christian playwright Alberta Hawse. A play that shows human frailty and faith in the shadow of the most important event on earth. About 20 minutes.

44 pages

11 monologues and duets (up to 9 w)

These eleven monologues and duets, presented through nine women, tell the emotional events of Jesus’ Crucifixion and the miracle of his foretold Resurrection. Chronologically arranged, they closely follow the Passion story in interweaving the women’s relationships with Jesus and with each other. Each piece, however, may stand alone, whether in a liturgical role during a worship service, or as part of a program. "Seeking Jesus" assists us in seeing these women as individuals. They are mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, disciples – just as women of today. Leng...

24 pages

10 m, 2 w, 5 flex, 2 teens, 4 extras, doubling possible.

In the bowels of hell, Satan schemes with his computer-wielding intelligence officer, Abaddon, and his cohorts Sin, Death, Hell, and Grave. Their mission: to kill the Carpenter, the one who has been thwarting Satan's plans for the humans. Only Satan is aware of the Carpenter's true identity, for his unwary accomplices are simply pawns in his vengeful battle against Yahweh who kicked him out of heaven. You will get the behind-the-scenes look at Jesus' battle with spiritual wickedness through His life and death and finally His defeat of the spirits of darkness ...

25 pages

1 m, 1 w. (If more speakers are available, the parts can be distributed)

The 14 Stations of the Cross are brilliantly re-interpreted for modern audiences in these readings. Each Station is written to be whole in and of itself, and thus different Stations may or may not be used in each production. The goal of this play is to "Help us to share in the Passion of our Savior, to sense how those twisted streets of Jerusalem run through the streets of Los Angeles and Calcutta. To intuit how the wood that made the cross may buttress the fragile walls of our own homes, to feel how the steel that made the nails may make bullets and and bayo...

24 pages

4 m, 2 w, 1 child, voice.

An incarcerated Barabbas is being attacked on three different sides: a Roman soldier set on avenging his brother's death, a crazy man he has to share a cell with, and his own memories of a life full of anger and doubt that has plagued him for as long as he can remember. If the soldier doesn't kill him, he is painfully aware of his own impending crucifixion just a few days away. In the middle of all this turmoil, a voice of reason and hope presents itself in the form of a cranky old cleaning woman. She reaches out to Barabbas, but unfortunately, her mission of...

19 pages

3 m, 5 w.

A clever and effective play for youth. Jennifer and Justin go to Grandmother's for Easter. Jennifer can't wait to show off her new clothes at church. The director of the Easter pageant persuades Jennifer to take the part of an angel, wearing a simple robe and sandals. The role changes her attitude. In the meantime, her shoes disappear and are returned by a little girl who said her father took them so she could go to the Easter service. Performance time: 20 minutes.

9 pages

2 m, 1 w, 1 child, 2 readers.

Amos is a simple carpenter doing work for the Romans. It's steady work but his wife, Ruth, and son, Samuel, hate it. Interspersed with scriptural readings, this play has an explosive ending when the family learns that man, Jesus, has been condemned to die. A centurion pounds at the door, ready for Amos' finished work. Amos slowly picks up a large cross. About 20 minutes.

23 pages

13 m, 4 w, extras.

When King Herod of Jerusalem wakes up the third day after the crucifixion, he is startled to learn that the disciples have stolen the body of Jesus. But still something does not seem right. Then he figures it is time to hire private-eye Friday, Good Friday, to find out the truth about this Jesus. Herod had a chance to know the truth, but wouldn't believe. Now, he and the audience will learn the truth about "The Resurrection, 33 A.D." This investigation will at last lay to rest any false theories concerning what really happened to Jesus of Nazareth after the c...

12 pages

About 20 minutes.

Here is an excellent collection of six short dramatic scenes and monologues in which an agent of the devil visits Biblical characters at their most vulnerable moments, right after the crucifixion. The Samaritan woman, Peter, John, a centurion and others, the agent preys on their weaknesses - their shame, their fear, their doubt. But faith wins out each and every time. Let these scenes inspire your congregation this Easter. Easy to rehearse. About 20 minutes.

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...

23 pages

7 actors

Seven short Easter season monologues. Seven biblical persons speak to us from their various perspectives in language that sounds honest and real. Job tells us why he sits and daubs ashes on his forehead every year. It is such a strange thing to do! A Samaritan woman, Peter, Thomas, Martha, and a Christian centurion, all relate some of their experience of Jesus and how they have reacted. Finally, Mary, the mother of Jesus, asks what only a mother can ask, "Oh, my very precious child, what have they done to you?" You'll find these monologues thought provoking a...

20 pages

4 readers and an ensemble of players

Celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus with this Easter vigil play. A cast of four readers brings the Bible to life, and into our modern lives. A troupe of players move among the readers, illuminating the text with movement and pantomime. Six individual Bible stories are dramatically portrayed, including Creation, Abraham and Isaac, Noah and the Flood, Crossing the Red Sea, The Promise of an Abundant Life, and The Three Men in the Fiery Furnace. Anticipating the Promise reminds us that these ancient stories still matter to a modern audience. Run time 15 minutes....

34 pages

4 m, 5 w.

Taking place in the days just prior to and after Jesus' crucifixion, this play focuses on one typical family's very mixed reactions to the earthshaking events of their lifetime. As they hear the stories about this Nazarene who might be the Messiah, each wonders, who is this man? The father wants the "trouble-maker" out of the way while the loving wife wants to believe in Jesus, but feels strong loyalty to her husband. The son is the most torn of all. Light humor is added through two other characters. An insightful, inspiring drama. Performance time: 40 minute...

24 pages

3 m, 3 w

On the eve of his appointment as a Roman governor, Flavius faces a tragic dilemma. His daughter, Gena, professes she is a Christian during one of the great persecutions. Flavius' wife, driven by ambition, wants nothing to block his appointment - even if that means her husband must sentence her step-daughter to death. Flavius is torn between his desire to uphold the law, his love for his daughter, and an inner light that seems to be guiding him contrary to all that he believes. The impact of the play comes from a rosebush. Cruelly clipped of all its beautiful ...

14 pages

7 speakers.

The events at Calvary changed the history of the world. It's easy to identify with the people involved as you listen to their stories. Characters include Peter, Pilate, Mary Magdalene, Judas, Caiaphas, and Mary. Each perceptive monologue is followed by a special prayer given by the leader or minister. Like the Christmas play, "The Road to Bethlehem," this drama can be performed almost anywhere with little rehearsal. Performance time: 15 minutes.

43 pages

3 m, 3 w, 1 flexible part.

Mary, a wealthy widow, is unsure if Jesus is the Messiah until she lets the upper room in her home be used by his disciples for what becomes the Last Supper. Events get out of control after the meal, especially when Mary's teenage son, Mark, follows Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane. But her faith becomes absolute later when her friend Joanna announces Jesus has risen. A powerful story, which reaffirms the message that through Christ's death and resurrection, we are cleansed of our sins. Performance time: 40 minutes.

32 pages

15 m, 6 w, 1 child, 2 flex, extras. Much doubling possible.

Issachar cares about only one thing, money. So when Rachel, his wife, generously loans their donkey to Jesus' disciples for the Master's use, Issachar is furious and determined to get his donkey back. Several encounters with Jesus and a week of searching for his animal find him still "donkey-less" and seemingly still heartless. In a final attempt to get his donkey back, he unknowingly enters into a plot with Judas and the Pharisees to kill Jesus. Despondent over what he has done, Issachar hurries off to Golgotha to try to explain things to Jesus before He die...

24 pages

2 m, 3 w, 2 flexible parts. Also 7 to 9 non-speaking roles.

Five college students from various backgrounds are meeting just before Easter break to discuss a special project for graduation. All are very talented, but quite different from each other. There's Kirk, the athlete who's comfortable in his Christianity; Logan, the cynical "get-by" Christian; Catilin, the sorority girl who wears her Christianity like jewelry; Julie, the silent Christian; and finally Shelley, an agnostic who wonders if all Christians are like the ones she knows. It seems like nothing will make these students understand one another better until ...

56 pages

Flexible cast.

Celebrate the Easter season with this incredible collection of skits. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, there is a skit for all the Holy Days and Sundays in Lent, 10 skits in all. The skits portray people who surrounded Jesus during his last weeks. They are real people who struggled with the same problems dealing with His life and lessons as people of today. Some approach Jesus with their intellects, some with their emotions, and some with a commitment of the soul that is beyond heart and mind. The Lenten dramas emphasize the thoughts and feelings of women while Ho...

20 pages

2 m

Here is an inspired dramatization of the temptation of the Christ in the wilderness. It sets forth the clash between absolute goodness and diabolical evil as personified in the main characters, Yeshua, the Hebrew version of the name Jesus, and Satan, the Prince of Demons and god of this world. This one-act play seeks to bring into relief the struggle between good and evil that tugs at the heart of all of us. In a thought-provoking way, we see afresh the timely message of Jesus to a fallen and desperate world. This is a strong and moving piece and, in the hand...

21 pages

4 m, 5 flexible

This reader's theater script offers a fresh look at Jesus' death and resurrection. Media interviews with some of those present at His crucifixion are intertwined with Christ's seven last statements made from the cross. Contemporary language and vivid characterizations bring audiences the message that no one can remain neutral about the claims of Christ. Opportunities for music. This play is a natural for an Easter production, although it could also be used effectively for evangelism anytime during the year. About 35 minutes.

19 pages

3 m, 2 w.

Joel, bitter and cynical, is one of the Roman soldiers appointed to crucify Christ. He does not believe this man is the Messiah God has promised in fact, he does not believe in anything good. He makes a great sport in the making of a crown of thorns to be placed on Jesus' head. His mother, brother, and betrothed are horrified, but cannot change his mind. He does believe, however, at the moment of the crucifixion. A powerful theme, easy to produce. Performance time: 45 minutes.