Easter

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, 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...

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...

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...

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...

39 pages

4 m, 7 w.

The confusion, tension, and gradual strengthening of faith and love between Mary, Martha, and other followers just before Jesus' crucifixion is brought to light in this deeply moving play. Mary, the gentle dreamer who can foresee future events, is like the lily, beautiful and serene, filling us with awe at God's power. She is just the opposite of Martha, the strong one, like a rue, pungent, flavoring food and medicine, supporting and enhancing life around her. How Jesus gently and surely changes their lives as well as the lives of Hannah, Rachel, Judith, Rebe...

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.

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 ...

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...

41 pages

With doubling: 19 m, 8 w, 3 teen boys, 2 teen girls. Extras.

Joshua is a young man struggling with his father’s abandonment. When he begins to run with the wrong crowd and tries to rob a liquor store, he is caught and charged. Blaming God, unable to accept his mother’s love or Pastor Brian’s guidance, he sits in his jail cell. How will he find forgiveness? As Joshua struggles, we see Jesus work to accept his upcoming crucifixion. Beginning with his baptism to his resurrection, Jesus is seen and heard by his followers. His disciples attempt to understand how to help Jesus as He approaches death. Intermixing the resurrec...

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.

12 pages

1 m, 1 w, 1 flexible

Al McCarty is an elderly construction worker on his first trip with his wife Lisa since his retirement. They’re camping in Montana, and though it’s been his dream to fish there, Al is bored. He misses his coworkers and the noise of the construction trucks. He’s even gone so far as to fix a toilet in the men’s restroom. When an angel in white overall appears telling him “It’s time,” Al is nonplussed. He demands the angel prove he has heavenly powers, and while they’re waiting for the “order” to go through, the angel gives Al a few options for his passing—from ...

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.