Plays for All Year

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...

56 pages

2 m, 2 w, 2 flexible, extras

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.

36 pages

8 m, 5 w, or 4 m, 9 w, extras.

This play with music recreates the life of Fanny Crosby, a special woman who blessed our world by writing the words to more than 8,000 hymns. She felt her lifetime of blindness brought her closer to the heart of God. Actual events - some humorous, others sad, a few even tragic - surrounding the inspiration for her most well-known hymns are dramatized in this easily staged portrait of the blind poetess whose words, poems, and lyrics continue to be sung by millions around the world today. Let your actors, choir, or congregation sing the suggested hymns which this remarkable woman wrote. A ...

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.

23 pages

3-4 m, 4 w, flexible extras as singers

Five contestants vie for the grand prize of eternal life in this special game show takeoff, "Who Wants Eternal Life?" The funny contestants embody certain personality traits, and as the game proceeds, they lose and leave the stage until only one wins the grand prize. The message of salvation is heard not only in word but also in song as singers perform during specially designed breaks to serve courses of the meal. Little rehearsal is needed as actors can have scripts hidden at their game-show podiums. Super easy and super fun. About 35 minutes.

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...

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...

33 pages

Approx. 3 m, 8 w, 1 flex. Doubling possible.

A simple but bright orange robe, discarded years earlier and now found at a church bazaar sale, makes an incredible journey of ministry. Trisha buys the robe for twenty-five cents, and on a wild whim, wears it to meet her daughter's future in-laws. She gives the "lucky" robe to them and it provides a comic moment, one which leads to them talking again to get their marriage back on track. Soon they give the robe to Chyna, a lonely newcomer at church. Hard to miss while wearing the robe, Chyna meets new friends and she soon gives it to Jackie, who is ill. The r...

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 ...

51 pages

3 m, 3 w, 1 flexible

The biographer of the story of Berendina (Diet) Eman is interrupted by Diet herself as he begins a lecture about the Second World War and Nazi resistance in occupied Europe. Diet explains that her efforts to hide Jewish people were not unique, but were undertaken by many ordinary people. To explain, she begins to tell the exciting stories of her Resistance work. As she does, her younger self appears and narrates stories in ways which occasionally vary from the descriptions offered by her older self. In addition, her fiancé, Hein Sietsma, appears, and all thre...

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...

74 pages

8 m, 8 w, 2 flexible

All the fun and nostalgia of the '50s make this play a winner! Judy Harding's life as a 16-year-old isn't too sweet right now. Her dad can't find the money to fix up the family's soda shop; her older brother is flunking out of school; and her younger brother has retreated into a fantasy world of comic book superheroes since their mom died. To add to the dilemma, Judy has a major crush on a new student who's a mysterious loner. Enter Angela, a bumbling angel-in-training who must earn her halo by helping the Hardings. But when the shop is hit first by a fire an...

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...

37 pages

5 m, 8 w, 12 flexible

In this one-act play, tragedy meets fantasy, myth meets reality. A fairy-tale world winds itself around the real drama of one little girl’s battle with cancer and her family’s anguish. As they struggle to cope with her prognosis and desperate treatment, the fairy tale characters from the little girl’s book play out their own drama. Will an evil sorceress and her dark creatures succeed in pulling Princess Caroline away from her beloved family and prince? Will little Cora’s experimental cancer treatment save her? In our imaginations, the villain is always slain...

26 pages

5 m, 4 w, and optional 1 flexible

A small church is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new and as yet unseen pastor. But he’s arrived too early and instead of meeting the welcoming committee, Rev. Goode encounters a seemingly homeless man. The pastor immediately offers to help him, surprising the stranger who says he never before received that kind of consideration from the church members. Since the pastor is more interested in finding out what type of church he inherited than in making a good first impression, he switches place with the other man so he can observe firsthand how the church t...

36 pages

3 m, 3 w

Amy Westmond and her husband Floyd, along with his brother and father who comprise a country music group, return to Amy’s home church. They reminisce and catch up on the gossip with Marie, the church’s housekeeper, and Betty, the choir director, who inspired Amy earlier but now seems to have somewhat of an attitude. The Westmonds are told that a search committee will be there for the evening hymn-sing to try to lure the church’s beloved pastor away. With the unseen organist who communicates through charades, they form a plan—a fake pastor and fake service! Ll...

24 pages

2 m, 4 w

A drama troupe is preparing a play about Charles T. Studd, a missionary to China, India and Africa from 1880 to 1930. Andy, one of the actors, challenges how relevant the play is to today and in the ensuing argument makes a surprising discovery. Suitable for touring. About 35 minutes.

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...

27 pages

3 m, 3 w, 1 boy or girl

The Porters have gone to morning services and now think they deserve a QUIET Sunday afternoon. But being a Christian takes more than just going to church. God needs them to organize a youth group, help their married daughter and son-in-law who are quarreling, and show the Christian way to an exasperating neighbor. It's confusion, mayhem, and lots of humor with people just like you and me. Entertaining with a good message. Perfect for Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, or anytime. About: 45 minutes. 

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.

38 pages

Cast: 3 m, 3 w with doubling or 4 m, 4 w, guest acts optional.

The year is 1960. “The Piety Variety Gospel Show” is a locally televised religious program that blesses folks between church services with music, religious news, and much more. But now the host, Brother Shelby Greene, faces a crisis. With new regulations that require him to start paying for his airtime, how will he raise the money and stay true to his calling? This is a comic tale about becoming a televangelist when selling religious items, having nice hair, and asking for money on air was something new. A singing quartet performs ten well-known hymns, and th...

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...

64 pages

5 m, 14 w, 1 flexible part

If you're ready for some hard-nosed action, spying, deceit involving a stolen painting, a shady real estate deal, and an auto repair shop that's more a chop shop, stop in at the convent of St. Fermilda. The Sisters of Faith, Hope, and Charity are in the midst of all kinds of intrigue and they're not even sure how they got there! But don't think because they took vows of reverence and poverty that they'll let some hard-nosed hoods get the best of them. After all, the Sisters have work to do for the poor in this rundown neighborhood, and they're bound and deter...

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...