Easter

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. 

46 pages

6 men, 5 women, 1 teen, 3 children, extras

Judith, a middle-aged widow, makes her livelihood by selling funeral spices and shrouds in front of her home just blocks from the temple. She is an unfriendly and unlikeable woman who mysteriously rejects Jesus and his teachings. Although her visiting cousin, Simon, and her neighbor and friend, Leah, both accept Jesus, Judith does not. Even after she witnesses Jesus heal a blind man and later sees Him struggle past her house carrying the cross, Judith rejects Him. It's not until Jesus confronts her after His resurrection and reveals her deepest hurts does she...

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...

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.

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...

43 pages

2 m, 3 w, 1 g.

The story of a physician who loses his respect and self-confidence in the face of Jesus' great healing powers. Embittered, the doctor strikes Jesus at His trial. Soon he finds his arm limp and lifeless. Although his family begs him to go to the cross while Jesus still lives, the physician refuses until, with thunder crashing over the house, his wife declares, "Now it is too late." Later, when the physician and his family learn that Jesus has risen, they realize it is never too late to seek forgiveness and be healed through prayer. About 60 minutes.

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.

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.

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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.