Plays for All Year

56 pages

2 m, 2 w, 2 flexible, extras

28 pages

2 m, 3 w, 5 flexible and chorus

“Never a Truer Tale - A Jonah Musical” follows the Biblical prophet Jonah as she washes up on shore and meets three friends: Athena, an eternal skeptic; Agnes, an indecisive fence-sitter; and Theo, a true believer in… pretty much everything. Jonah begins to tell her story to the trio, explaining that she was called by God to preach to Nineveh, the city at the center of an empire known for conquest and cruelty, but that she chose to run away instead. The trio adds quips and commentary as she tells of boarding a ship, running into a storm, being thrown overboar...

39 pages

Flexible cast of 8 to 15. Min: 1 m, 1 w, 6 flexible

Periwinkle, a curious caterpillar, feels compelled to find out what happens when caterpillars climb up the Great Tree –and never return! He decides to follow grumpy Thistle, who seems to be next to do the climb, but Periwinkle encounters some big obstacles he must overcome, including evading the clutches of a black widow spider. Meanwhile, on the ground, Periwinkle’s worried “family,” Sepia and two boisterous babies, escape their own predators, vicious wasps and a praying mantis, along with a comical pair of hungry flies. Finally, Thistle emerges from his coc...

39 pages

3 m, 2 w, 2 flexible

The leaders of a small rural church are ecstatic when told the church may receive $6 million. Longtime church member Chance McDermott has passed away and left his fortune (unknown to anyone who knew him) to the congregation. But, there is one interesting caveat: they must care for his three prized hogs…immediately! So they arrange to bring the hogs to the church property and temporarily care for them in the fenced playground. That doesn’t seem like a lot to ask for $6 million, except that the church’s most influential -- and pretentious -- member, Pearl June ...

23 pages

Flexible cast of 13

This play is an updated version of the classic medieval morality play. Death has come for Everyman, but Everyman pleads for time to find a companion to accompany him and help clear his book of reckoning. One by one, those he treasures most abandon him to his deserved fate. In the end, only the Son can erase his debt. The play is a powerful depiction of the gospel story, a clear display of man’s unworthiness and God’s grace. The script borrows from the language of the original but gives us a modern take on the story with humor and emotion. The cast has thirtee...

48 pages

3 m, 3 w

In this play, six witnesses to the Sermon on the Mount recreate the experience for an early assembly of Christians. In the recreation, witnesses take turns acting as Jesus, audience members, and narrators of the story. Though much more entertaining and humorous than most translations of the Sermon, Jesus’s words in this version closely follow the original Greek in the order that He spoke them. This word order demonstrates the warmth and cleverness that Jesus used to draw people into His message. This allows audiences today to hear these words in an exciting n...

30 pages

Here's a collection of eight hilarious sketches which look at Christianity from a different point of view. The sketches are designed to mak

Here's a collection of eight hilarious sketches which look at Christianity from a different point of view. The sketches are designed to make your audience laugh out loud, and at the same time look inwardly at themselves. Discover what happens when we really "fall into sin"; when men and women have their roles reversed in marriage; or when a gift of a Bible is presented without any strings attached. This collection is funny, entertaining and thought-provoking for all ages and groups. The skits range from 1 to 5 performers.

20 pages

16 w

The lives of 16 well-known women of the Bible are described as each one poses in a life-sized picture frame. A wonderful addition to any women's day program, these narrative tableaux will bring alive those strong, special women who helped shape our Christian heritage including Miriam, Ruth, Esther, Elizabeth, Mary and Martha, Mary the Mother of Jesus, and others.

56 pages

3 m, 2 w

Buck Howard is a successful author but his personal life has been marred by the loss of his wife. Howard blames God for this tragedy. He also begins to blame God for every minor ache and pain that comes along. Finally, God decides to confront Howard and visits him in the form of a dapper little man who is somewhat of a klutz. Everything he does seems to turn out wrong and the audience is left wondering just what kind of Deity this is. But is he the stumble john that he appears to be or is it all an act? This very funny play says something important about how ...

44 pages

3 - 12 actors per sketch

If you're looking for attention-getting drama to lead your group to a higher level of spiritual maturity, this is it. With a very creative twist, here's a powerful collection of both funny and serious sketches dealing with many issues that God's people face: temptation, service, gossip, attitude, a personal relationship with God, burn-out, and much more. The sketches are as convicting as they are entertaining. At the conclusion of each, all will know that the best answers to life's problems can only be found Under His Direction. These sketches are great for y...

30 pages

flexible cast

Everyone is sure to THINK THANKS when you stage this easily produced Thanksgiving program which includes a narrator's part, musical suggestions, recitations, choral readings, audience participation, and two plays for performers, tots to teens. The play, "What Would Thanksgiving Be?" is for younger children who answer the question with pictures and rhymes. "Come, Ye Thankful People" is a play for teens which allows them to show a family with seemingly nothing to be thankful for just how full of thanksgiving their lives should be. Done in its entirety, it runs ...

24 pages

3 m, 5 w.

A very different type of play which may easily be produced by your youth group. Depicted as happening somewhere in the future, a boy and girl enter what was known as a "church." A guide takes a small tour through this church, and strange questions are asked. After they have left, the Stone Preacher comes to life to take part in the conversation. An entertaining, yet thought-provoking play. About 30 minutes. 

16 pages

5 characters: 5M or 4M 1W or 4M 1B.

In Assisi, Italy, in the Thirteenth Century, Francis has gathered some followers in a primitive monastery. A boy appears at the gate and asks to speak with Francis, who has gone into the woods. Though poorly dressed, the boy is an angel sent to test the charity of the men and to expose the one who is a fraud. One monk, Masseo, is too foolish to recognize who the boy really is, and reacts to him with comic resentment. The Vicar, Elias, is too angry to treat the boy charitably, sending him away. Elias then lies to Francis about what happened to the boy, but Fra...

60 pages

2-8 actors per skit.

Here are a dozen humorous skits with messages that really hit home. "Salvation Lot" has a smooth-talking salesman with a deal for everyone. The "Evangelism 101" class has strong ideas on how to evangelize the world, but when an unsaved person crashes the class, we find out how dedicated they really are. "I'm the Victim Here" teaches friendship is more important than petty disputes. "Charades" has a good lesson on setting the right priorities in our lives. The heroine of "The Hole in my Heart" finds fulfillment can only come from Jesus. A man who is desperate ...

0 pages

3 m, 3 w, 2 boys, 1 girl

On this last day at home before Jesus begins his ministry, the family is charged with fear, bitterness, and resentmentùall directed against Jesus. Elizabeth, an unmarried sister, resents what she sees as her brother's selfishness. Deborah, a younger sister who is married and the mother of Nathan, fears how Jesus' plans will affect Mary, their mother. Their brother James feels bitter and destructive, especially since returning home after a failed attempt to live on his own. Another brother, Juda, a teenager and shepherd, feels rejected because Jesus refuses to take Juda with him. When Je...

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...

28 pages

Cast: Widely flexible.

Take a trip back in history and learn how prayer has helped create this great nation. With Jesus as our guide, join a confused office worker in discovering the faith of past patriots such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and other well-known and many not-so-well-known patriots. With no scenery and just a few props, the focus is on the dramatic dialogue which includes excerpts from original speeches. Suggested songs for a choir enhance the mood of each segment of history. The powerful, surprise ending is a touching scene from the World Trade Center tragedy on Sept. 11, 2001. Give y...

54 pages

Flexible casting

The skits, mimes and monologues/readings in this collection of "anytime" material have been written for easy casting, short rehearsals and maximum impact. Topics covered include missionary boxes; witnessing; the afterlife; cultivating the Christian life; allegorical tales of obedience, power, beauty and teamwork; seeing through God's eyes; and the meaning of God's names. Often, the message is driven home with laughter. Most tales are contemporary (two are set in Biblical times) and most can be cast with either men or women (several feature many women). Use th...

11 pages

4 w and the voice of Jesus.

Four Pilgrim women find their strength and faith fading as they face the incredible rigors of a harsh, wild, and unknown country known as America. Loneliness, despair, anger and fear are their constant companions. But when the women bow their heads in prayer and hear the voice of Jesus, they remember why they sought this country and give thanks after their first year in the new world. With minimal scenery, this chancel drama will enchance your Thanksgiving service.

64 pages

7 m, 15 w, optional extras

Coco is a lovable French poodle who dies of a broken heart after being DOGNAPPED! Every pooch in doggie heaven gets one wish, and Coco’s wish is to return to school on the day of the mid-term dance. Her former owner, a teacher named Steve Ritter, taught Coco to “sing” and he planned to have her entertain. Coco was anxious to make him proud. Keeper, the basset hound in charge of such things, grants the wish but sends two other dogs to keep an eye on Coco as French poodles are inclined to be somewhat frivolous. The two other dogs are Alice, a blood-hound, and R...

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...

23 pages

12 w.

It is the duty of the Ladies Society to officially welcome the new minister's wife, whom they have heard is dignified, formal, and used to the activities of a much larger church and town. The ladies, wanting to make a good impression, rehearse their speeches and songs so they will look "classy." In Scene 2, the minister's wife, meek, absent-minded, and in the throes of moving day confusion, answers the door with a picture frame hanging around her neck. The dumbfounded ladies give a completely garbled version of their program to their bewilderment and chagrin. Eventually they are all in ...

28 pages

20 female roles, doubling possible.

Here are the stories of many mothers, some known, like Mary, Elizabeth, Ruth, and Naomi, and some not, like the wives of Noah and Job, who had a great influence on the course of human events. While women in Biblical times seemed to be just "things" to be owned, these mothers, with a love of their Lord, passed down lasting inherent goodness and courage to their children. In so doing, they helped to further Christian beliefs and moral standards. The various monologues, dialogues and group conversations show, in a conversational way, the depth, wisdom and love o...

57 pages

2 to 14 flexible, with doubling.

Here's a wonderful collection. Special services include Easter, Minister/Staff Appreciation, Foreign Missions, Mother's Day and Father's Day. Also included are general plays designed to enhance any service. Is there really "The Perfect Job"? A mother learns what her most important attribute is in "The Greatest of These." Your heart will be moved in "Who Drove the Nails?" And let's just stop the "Family Feud" and get to church on time! Scripture narration and suggested hymns included. Some of these plays will make your congregation laugh and some will bring a ...

47 pages

8 m, 4 w, optional children's roles, extras as desired.

Just before dawn, Jan. 18, 1981, Chet Bitterman was kidnapped at gunpoint in Bogota, Colombia, and held hostage for 48 days. Rebels demanded all Wycliffe Bible translators leave Colombia or Chet would be killed. Abducted from his wife and two toddlers, the 29-year-old man had recently come to Colombia to live with a remote tribe and to develop for them their own language in written form, then to translate the Scriptures into that language. Chet's is a valiant story of courage and witness under vicious pressure, a story of caring for his kidnappers, concern fo...

48 pages

Large, flexible cast including several children's roles. Doubling possible.

He first started preaching at age 16 in small English countryside cottages, carrying a lamp to light his way over fields. Soon the teenage preacher was invited to give a sermon in London. He was asked to "stay on" and for the next thirty years he preached to hundreds of thousands and built one of London's largest tabernacles even to this day. Now, more than a century later, the sermons of Charles Haddon Spurgeon continue to be spirtually meaningful. The life of this preaching giant is recreated here and even portions of several of his sermons are included.

24 pages

4 w

This collection of dramatizations will enhance a Mother's Day program or any women's ministry. From well-known Biblical women as Hannah, Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Mary the mother of Jesus, to modern day women, we see how God can work in each of our lives if we allow Him. Skits run from 5 to 15 minutes with different sizes of casts. Several have music suggestions. These easily staged skits can be used individually or together as a complete program.

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 ...

36 pages

25 Sketches and Monologues for Christian Worship

These scenes and monologues are perfect for an evening of Gospel Theatre in the Chancel or as adjuncts to Sermons or even lessons in Sunday School. They place their characters in the present but the characters talk about their impressions of Jesus and His effect on their lives as if they were there with Him during His Ministry. Explore the feelings and perceptions of ordinary people whose lives have been dramatically changed. Some of them knew God in the wilderness others were healed by Jesus. Some are living today, learning about grace as they face life's tough issues. Two- to seven-m...

31 pages

7 m, 5 w, 1 boy.

Alarm bells sound when Pastor Larry Bowman and his wife, Janet, find out the leader of their denomination, Rev. Grisham, wants to visit and use their three children as role models for his newest book. As loveable as they are, young Eric, Cherie and Cody are famous for their outrageous ideas and rambunctious behavior. Their antics especially seems to grate on the nerves of one of the church's more conservative deacons. To impress Rev. Grisham, the kids build an altar to use the youngest child as their sacrifice - following the example of Abraham and Isaac, of course! Hapless, hilarious, a...