Easter

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...

64 pages

8-10 actors with doubling. Without doubling 24 m, 19 w, 7 flexible.

The story of Jesus' death and resurrection truly is "the greatest story ever told." But why is it so often told in ponderous and arch fashion? "The Golgotha Project" brings to life the people of 2,000 years ago by finding the humor and humanity in them. The story is told in a series of amusing monologues, dialogues and brief scenes involving people who witnessed the events in Jesus' time. The show is very modular. Productions can either choose to eliminate certain scenes or characters with little effect on the overall show. This Easter story is fresh and ente...

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...

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....

68 pages

9-10 m, 3 w, extras.

This powerful “what might have happened” drama takes place in the palace and garden of Pontius Pilate during the last weeks in the life of Christ. Pilate appoints Claudia to spy on the activities of the magician Joshua ben Jusef (Jesus) in order to determine the danger of rioting. While Jesus never appears in the play, He evokes changes in the characters: the guilt-ridden Claudia finds the ability to forgive and the meaning of charity Pilate moves from indifference to questioning and Yarma, the maid, from haughtiness to humility Caiphas, the High Priest, from...

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...

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...

67 pages

Large, flexible cast; much doubling possible.

A thief and rebel, Barabbas dreams of leading a free Judea. He is captured and sentenced to die, but on the eve of his execution, he is reprieved and a rabbi, Jesus, dies instead. Barabbas is pleased about this until rumors start that the dead rabbi has risen and is now very much alive. Jealous and resentful, Barabbas plots to expose the resurrection as a fraud, thus regaining his own position as leader, but his plot goes awry when he himself comes face to face with the living, breathing Jesus. Few Easter plays are written from Barabbas’ point of view, much l...

34 pages

16 m, 13 w, 3 teen boys, 2 teen girls, and extras as townspeople.

After the crucifixion, believers and nonbelievers were filled with doubt. Followers asked how Jesus could leave, even after promising that He would not? Nonbelievers questioned themselves— what if they did kill the Christ? Yet among the chaos and grief Christ came to them and comforted them. He continued to teach about faith and trust. With the ascension, for those who would witness and believe, the Holy Spirit would come upon them, marking the beginning of Christianity. Hallelujah! The cross is empty. Jesus lives. This Biblically inspired play runs about 90 ...

16 pages

3 m, 4 w, 1 boy.

A Roman captain, unusually worn, weary, and affected from witnessing Jesus' crucifixion, questions several villagers by a well. An old man, a woman, a child - they all knew and loved Jesus. The captain even meets the centurion who pierced Jesus' side while on the cross, a man now horrified by his own actions. When a young woman rushes in to tell the news of the resurrection, the Roman captain bows down and declares, "He was...no, He is the Son of God." A play, which shows the power and the promise of the season. Performance time: 25 minutes. 

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.

47 pages

1 m, 2 w

Jacob is a decent family man trying to earn a living as a guard at the temple in Jerusalem. But his life becomes complicated by the maverick preacher, Jesus. First Jacob finds his roof damaged after a crowd lowered a crippled man down into Jacob's home where his wife Miriam and daughter Deborah had arranged for Jesus to visit--unbeknown to Jacob. He forbids Jesus in his home again, but that doesn't stop Miriam and Deborah from following Jesus. Their participation is damaging Jacob's career prospects as his bosses are trying to keep this Jesus under control. W...

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...

22 pages

2 m, 4 w, 1 flexible

Monica, a young lady, now faces a life or death situation as she learns she must have a heart transplant. What she doesn't know is that it is her spiritual heart that is in need of the most attention. Chase, a pre-med student, and Katie, who just landed her first nursing job, add humor as Monica's best friend, Shannon, helps her deal with the most serious issue anyone will ever face: a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This one-act play is easily staged and produced. It is appropriate for all audiences and can be a very effective means of evangelism. A...

12 pages

7 speaking parts.

Here is a contemporary one-act play every modern day Christian can relate to. "Crucifixion XXVI," the year's biggest sporting event, is about to be telecast live, and Jerusalem Broadcasting Company has the exclusive coverage of the gala affair. Four reporters, Eric Greedmore, Jim Cansin, Faith Lesse, and Alacka Trust, give us on-the-spot coverage, from visiting Jesus' childhood home to talking with spectators on the street. The reporters and other non-Christians make a mockery of the whole ordeal - until they witness Jesus' suffering and sacrifice. This play ...

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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...

44 pages

5 m, 6 w, 1 flexible.

Several people who come back from Heaven to tell others about their lives on Earth, and the changes they experienced through God's love and grace. The stories tell of the spirit of forgiveness and salvation that the Lord offers all of us. As Penny says, "Remember, there's a celebration at the end of the road. And it goes on forever." About 70 minutes. 

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...

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.

46 pages

9 readers/actors

The most authentic Easter story comes directly from the Holy Bible. To include all of the key events of the story, however, requires a careful merging of the separate accounts found in the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The writer, using the King James version, has performed this merger beautifully, taking pains to preserve the purity of the scriptural accounts. Included in this resource book are two different texts suitable for presentation during the Easter season, or at other times as well. The first part, entitled Actor Script, is about half...

78 pages

5 m, 2 w and extras.

Thirty-three years ago, a group of six soldiers, under orders from Herod the Great, entered Bethlehem. When they left, seventeen small boys were dead. One of the fathers, Simeon, tried for revenge, killed three of the soldiers, and has languished, forgotten, in prison since. Now, the last living soldier, Jeremiah, is a powerful judge in Jerusalem. His enemies want rid of him, and when they learn of Simeon, it seems the perfect solution to their problem. They release Simeon and send him after Jeremiah. Meanwhile, Jeremiah's teenage son, Reuben, wants to follow...

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...

34 pages

Flexible

You’ll find something for children of all ages in this resource book of recitations, choral readings and three short plays. The recitations cover the Easter experience, from Jesus’ entry in Jerusalem to the resurrection, and beyond. With simple themes and words for the very young, and more advanced concepts and vocabulary for older boys and girls, these verses will allow your entire Sunday school to participate in your Easter program. Your older pre-teens will enjoy these three short Easter-themed plays which require minimal adult direction. The pre-teens can...

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 ...

46 pages

4 m, 4 w, 1 girl.

To Grandma Molly, Easter means a time of rejoicing and for her fullest joy, Molly needs her children about her in worship at church. But she finds that isn't easy. She grieves over her daughter's lack of interest, the unbelief of her son-in-law, and the worries of her son and daughter-in-law over their teenagers. Allen, a widower, is understanding for he has "crumbling walls" in his family too. Together, Molly and Allen gather up the fragments and go on, for nothing can completely spoil Easter, the time of the empty tomb. About 90 minutes.

45 pages

8 m, 1 w, 3 flexible, many speaking extras

When high-schooler Tom is assigned a report titled “Jesus: Myth or Reality?” he wants tangible evidence, not just faith. Resting for a moment, he dreams he is a reporter in biblical time. Motivated by a possible promotion, he must disprove that Jesus is the Messiah. First he meets Nicodemus who secretly requests that Tom speak with Jesus face-to-face before writing his article. Later Tom meets John the Baptist, a man healed by Jesus, a vendor, and Caiaphas. But Tom finds himself scrambling to save Jesus after hearing plans to arrest him. Instead of getting th...