Drama
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Elegantly Frugal Costumes
$17.95Add to cart1. Introduction Resources
2. Where Do I Start
3. Period Costumes
4. What Was That Masked Man
5. Underneath It All
6. Helpful Hints And Useful Information
7. The Play’s The Thing
8. Epilogue Behind The ScenesAdditional Info
Do-it-yourself costume maker’s guide by Shirley Dearing. This wonderfully practical book literally shows you how to make costumes for plays, pageants and musicals at the lowest possible expense! Over 150 detailed illustrations work with the easy-to-follow text to walk you through every step of the process. Just about every basic period is covered: Biblical to Medieval, Renaissance, The Fabulous Fifties, 1800s to World War I, the Roaring Twenties and more.Many helpful hints on making or buying realistic period theatrical costumes on a shoestring budget from cast-offs, donations, scraps, and other easily obtained materials. -
Christmas On Stage
$28.95Add to cart1. Elementary Grades
2. Middle Grades
3. Programs For Teens And Adults
4. Readers Theatre For Christmas
5. Adaptions From Classics And Legends
6. Christmas LegendsAdditional Info
A collection of twenty-seven Christmas plays for all ages and all types of worship services compiled and edited by Theodore O. Zapel.The one-act plays included contain both traditional and contemporary settings, drama and humor, and new offerings and old favorites.The plays are easily staged with a minimum of costumes and props, and many of the scripts require no memorization.Christmas music interspersed with the drama adds a special touch to worship services. Since no royalty payments are required for performances, this low-cost anthology is a money-saving program resource for any drama group. -
Mime Book
$20.95Add to cart1. The Body Isolation
2. Coordination
3. The Illusion
4. The Movement Of The Mime
5. The Mime Of The Object
6. The Subject As An Object
7. Creating A World
8. The Mime Of The Subject
9. Pantomime
10. The Mime
11. AppendicesAdditional Info
A comprehensive guide to mime by Claude Kipnis. The great French mime performer, Claude Kipnis, reveals the mechanisms and techniques of mime in an easy-to-understand translation. This book is not a theoretical “art of” book, but a functional “how to” and “why to” instructional guide. Individual exercises are included, together with detailed coverage of body movements, the illusion and how to create a world. We know of no other book that so comprehensively explains how the functions of mime are achieved. Certainly a basic text for any aspiring mime. -
Sermon Warm Ups
$12.95Add to cartCould you use an attention-getting introduction to set up a talk or sermon? If so, the brief sketches in this collection are exactly what you need to create living illustrations of scriptural themes that will stick in your audience’s memory. Jesus explained concepts about God’s kingdom through parables utilizing elements familiar to his listeners; likewise, the modern storytelling in these short, easy-to-prepare scenes helps worshipers understand the gospel by depicting the biblical message in the context of our daily lives. And they’re effective. Since drama draws on both our visual and auditory senses, it’s a proven vehicle for increasing learning and retention rates. When you want a change of pace that will really make a difference, these scenes are great for use in place of the sermon or for various types of fellowship programs.
Contents include:
* The Inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14; Mark 6:14-29)
* Cooking With Carol (John 6:24-35, 41-51)
* The Pray-er (James 5:13-20)
* Are You Calling Me? (Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark 10:35-40)
… and many more! -
Thespian Theology Cycle B
$13.95Add to cartStimulate audiences to see the scriptural message in a new light with these inspiring sketches based on Cycle B lectionary readings for the Lent and Easter seasons. Originally developed for presentation by a high school-age youth group, the simple, easy-to-perform scenes are an excellent tool for sharing the Gospel with unchurched people and getting them excited about Jesus Christ. Each skit is introduced by “Thespian Theological Thoughts” that briefly make an explicit connection between the drama and the scripture text. Use these versatile pieces in place of the Sunday sermon or for youth programs and other fellowship settings — this latest installment in the popular Thespian Theology series will enlighten audiences of all ages while leaving an indelible impression.
Some of the intriguing titles include:
* Blow The Trumpet! (Ash Wednesday)
* A Single Granary (Lent 5)
* Everyone’s Invited To The Feast! (Easter Day)
* Righteous Rudy And Judgmental Judy (Easter 6) -
Enacting The Word
$18.00Add to cartThe addition of simple drama to sermons is effective in bringing Bible passages alive and involving a variety of church members in preaching. In this book, James O. Chatham invites clergy to develop a use of drama to proclaim the gospel. Chatham writes that the Bible is comprised primarily of stories–stories of the relationship between God and God’s people spanning over more than a thousand years–many of which are so good that they need little explanation. There is no more engaging way to tell these stories, he says, than through effective sermon drama. Chatham offers seven example dramas that are ready for use, complete with lines, stage directions and a list of characters and needed props. Drawing from both New Testament and Old Testament texts, Chatham’s dramas tell the stories of the persistent widow in Luke 18, of Rahab, and of Jonah; give testimony to the re-creative power of God. God’s continued calling of God’s people, and the importance of the Easter story in modern contexts, and provides a lesson for discerning light from darkness.
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7 Advent Programs For Children
$17.95Add to cartIn addition to seven delightful programs designed for children of preschool age through sixth grade, this book provides comprehensive, easy-to-follw guidelines that walk you through the entire process of planning, rehearsing, and presenting a holiday production. There’s even a step-by-step worksheet to help you keep organized and stay on top of all the details. Each complete script comes with a synopsis and stage directions, as well as an attractive cover that can be reproduced for your program. You’ll find material suitable for congregations of any size; most require no more than a dozen participants. And props, sets, and costumes are kept simple for maximum flexibility. With these practical resources, your children’s Christmas program this year is bound to be successful.
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Christmas Star : Readings And Pageants For Christmas
$9.95Add to cartThe Christmas Star is a potpourri of holiday gifts for those planning worship-the charming collection includes three plays and five brief meditations suitable for reading during services or for use in bulletins and newsletters. Each presentation is simple for small churches to produce, with minimal costumes and props required. Insightful and scripturally sound, The Christmas Star is a wonderful package that you won’t be able to resist!
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Shadows To Sunrise
$19.95Add to cartAre you looking for fresh, vibrant material for Holy Week worship? Do you want your congregation to experience the unforgettable drama of Jesus’ suffering, so that they more fully appreciate the celebration and joy of Easter? If so, then you’ll want this anthology that provides several innovative choices for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter sunrise worship. Copying privileges are included for all six segments.
Beyond The Shadows combines communion with gradually extinguished candlelight to create a moving Maundy Thursday tenebrae experience. As each part of the Passion story unfolds, more candles are snuffed out, and the service concludes in total darkness. By reminding us that the Light of the World came to us, yet was engulfed in total darkness as his life slipped away, Beyond The Shadows focuses worshipers’ attention on the coming resurrection, and how that brightness contrasts with the darkness of the crucifixion.
When The Son’s Light Failed is a poignant Good Friday dramatization that imagines the presence at the crucifixion of many women whose lives were profoundly affected by Jesus. The women all share their stories with each other as they witness our Lord’s ultimate sacrifice. It’s a moving portrayal which reminds us that Jesus’ ministry touched the lives of everyone.
The tenebrae service Choices At The Cross explores some of the choices faced by those involved in the events of Christ’s Passion — ones of far greater magnitude than what we often face on a daily basis. Choices At The Cross emphasizes that the most important decision we ultimately face is our response to the question posed by Pilate: “What shall I do, then, with Jesus, who is called Christ?”
Based on John’s account of Christ’s passion, Good Friday Readings, Meditations, And Prayers is a series of seven brief contemplations and prayers that can form the basis for a remarkably effective Good Friday service or be used for personal devotional reading during Lent. Filled with vivid imagery, the meditations make the scriptures come alive while relating them to contemporary life.
Good Friday: I Was There is a stark, gripping Good Friday worship experience which confronts us with the powers of darkness and destruction which were responsible for Christ’s crucifixion. Brief monologues from seven shadowy personae (Doubt, Sorrow, Fear, Shame, Agony, Hate, and Death) dramatically recall how our Lord suffered as he took the sins of humanity upon himself.
Designed as a co
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Getting Our Feet Wet
$12.95Add to cartLent is a great time to work dramatic presentations into your congregation’s programming — and Getting Our Feet Wet, a collection of 14 thoughtful sketches depicting Lenten themes, is a great resource for communicating the Gospel in fresh and exciting ways. Written with grace and style, the scenes probe common assumptions about faith, making a vivid impression on audiences while stretching their theological imagination. Most of the dramas explore familiar biblical events from novel vantage points: the proprietor of the upper room, two anonymous women at the crucifixion, wine-weary disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. Some of the stories bring out the humor and theological edge in scripture, while others leave readers yearning for the Good News of Easter. Appropriate for intimate gatherings or large worship services (particularly during Holy Week), many of the scenes require only one or two characters, and each comes with specific directions for props, sound, and lighting. Performance time of the scenes varies from approximately 5 to 12 minutes.
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Thespian Theology
$12.95Add to cartMany congregations are searching for fresh approaches to telling the good news – and Thespian Theology is just what you need to inject a healthy dose of fun into the scriptural message. Twelve of Jesus’ parables are depicted in a humorous, offbeat way in scripts that were originally developed for presentation by a high school-age youth group. While the plays are especially appropriate for adolescents, they also maintain a focus on the biblical text and will appeal to all ages. Pastors and youth leaders will discover that these simple, easy-to-perform sketches can be an excellent tool for reaching out to unchurched people and getting them excited about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Everyone who participates in (or witnesses a performance) of these sketches will enjoy them while learning about God in the process.
Some of the amusing titles include:
Who Is My Neighbor? or The Parable of the Good Geek (The Good Samaritan)
Wilfred Wonderful’s Weightless Wooden Widget Works (The Unforgiving Servant)
Hey … Who’s in Charge Here? (The Laborers in the Vineyard)
Irkum D. Judge, Esq. (The Judge and the Widow) -
Worship Innovations 2
$23.95Add to cartIn Worship Innovations: Easy Bible Drama, you will meet Bible persons just outside their recorded stories. Listen to Sarah and Isaac on the evening he returns from Mt. Moriah; watch Joseph (in Potiphar’s jail) confront Satan about whether integrity pays. Agonize with Anne (the mother of Mary) as she sends her daughter off to register for taxes in Bethlehem; hear the private conversation of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea following Nicodemus’ secret meeting with Jesus.
Each of these fifteen sketches raises issues and questions designed to take readers deeper into a study of the Bible story itself. They can form the heart of a dynamic worship service, inspire a sermon, brighten a Bible study, or energize a personal walk in the word of God. Also included is “Everything You Need To Know About Easy Bible Drama,” a chapter of “how-to’s” for any church that wants to initiate the use of drama in worship.
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Gathering At Golgotha
$7.95Add to cartGathering At Golgotha provides a simple yet dramatic way for a group of readers to present the human drama at the heart of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion by focusing on the emotions of those with whom Jesus was most intimate. Including an original song, the script gives fresh voice to the feelings of Jesus’ close companions on that black night. This easy-to-produce piece uses very few props and needs minimal rehearsal time to create a lasting effect.
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Were You There
$7.95Add to cartThe story of Good Friday and Easter Day is dramatized through the device of “man-on-the-street” interviews. As a radio reporter tries to obtain details of the crucifixion, we hear the viewpoints of many people who witnessed the events, from children to a Roman soldier to a rabbi to some of the disciples. Then we hear radio announcers “on the scene” reporting the astounding good news of the resurrection. With parts for 6 men, 2 women, and 3 children, Were You There? is an excellent way to bring the Passion story to life while involving many members of your congregation.
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Empty Spaces Empty Places
$7.95Add to cartWhile we often try to fill the empty spaces in our lives with family, work, and material things, a lingering sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction seems to remain. The connections between biblical characters and these empty spaces in our lives are the focus of three dramatic sketches. By revisiting the stories of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection through interviews with the innkeeper’s wife, the centurion, and Mary Magdalene, Empty Spaces, Empty Places shows us the lives Jesus touched then (and continues to touch today). The centurion who witnessed the crucifixion tells how he became convinced that Jesus was the Son of God in the monologue Filling In The Empty Spaces: The Soldier. And the Apostle Paul’s life and Christian witness is depicted in Filling In The Empty Spaces: Saint Paul. Each presentation confronts audiences with the same question: “What do you fill your empty spaces with?”
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Dramatic Sketches From Romans
$23.95Add to cartDramatic Sketches From Romans is a series of thirty dramatic “parablizations” of the principles taught in Paul’s letter to the Romans. Each scene is designed to take one to four minutes to read within a group setting.
The sketches are …
hard-hitting, but not harsh
biblical, but not preachy
entertaining, but not lightweightStudy groups — Sunday school classes, Bible study groups, discussion groups — will love the variety of styles used. Audiences will find themselves anticipating “what’s coming next?” Many vignettes are left open-ended, leading to discussion and discovery in order to resolve the issues. Though designed primarily for an expository adventure through Romans, any group will find this an invaluable anthology of resources for nearly any occasion.
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Lectionary Scenes Cycle A
$30.95Add to cartStudies have indicated that 75% of what an audience learns and remembers is a result of what they see, while 13% comes from what they hear. Drama puts them both together and prepares the audience with a sermon illustration that kindles their anticipation of the pastor’s sermon. The majority of these mini-dramas run 3 to 5 minutes in length, with a few as long as 7 to 10 minutes. Each introduces the theme of the Gospel lesson in the Cycle A lectionary. Written with wit, wisdom, and humor, they help to plant the Gospel theme in an unforgettable, poignant, contemporary application. The scenes require minimal preparation. Few props are needed and 2 to 4 characters are involved in each sketch.
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Living Parables
$12.95Add to cartThese brief 3- to 5-minute skits provide an effective introduction for a talk or sermon. Other uses are for family night programs, Bible study introductions, youth meetings, and special times of the year such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Easter. A topical index lists dozens of subjects the skits address: from aging, business practices, children, and friendship to lying, marriage, mid-life crisis, relationships, and work.
The index lists over 100 topics:
The dysfunctional marriage/relationship
Stressful living
Ethics and reputations
McChurch — church attendance
Easter service
1-900-Midlife (crisis)
Mother’s Day
Cults
… and dozens more!These clever, witty, inspirational skits will inspire discussion and promote deeper faith and commitment.
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Faithful Men Of God
$7.95Add to cartThese six monologues are accompanied by a worship service which includes a call to worship, scripture readings, a pastoral prayer, and suggested hymns.
Monologues include:
Noah
Abraham
Joseph
Moses
A Wise Man
ChuzaThe script is fascinating and fast-paced from the start: “I was considered strange at best and at times mentally ill, I suppose.” (Noah)
This series will be useful for any season and in a variety of ways: Lenten services, retreats, summer worship series, or high school or adult education classes.
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Watch And Pray
$12.95Add to cartWatch And Pray was written for use by untrained actors. There are no character roles and the dialogue can be divided among as many people as are available to participate.
The seven dramatic mediations begin with Ash Wednesday, followed with the five mid-week readings and conclude with a Maundy Thursday presentation.
Themes are:
Self-knowledge
Repentance
Growth
Patience
Discipline
Courage -
Provocables
$20.95Add to cartRobbins intends for these eighteen dramas to provoke reflection and discussion. Designed to be read aloud by one, two, three, four or more “provocateurs,” they require no special sets and only a few simple props. The creative and playful readings bring alive central doctrines of the Christian faith while addressing everyday human concerns.
In this collection you will find such intriguing titles as:
“The Adam And Eve Story” (males and females)
“The Story of Job For Today (evil)
“Getting It Together” (vocation)
“Bad Brother Comes Home” (forgiveness)
… and many more!Each selection in Provocables! is biblically based and includes a brief commentary and a set of questions to guide discussion.
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Graduation Is Not For Angels
$18.95Add to cartMany of today’s growing churches are turning to drama to convey the biblical message. These visual portrayals are used for sermon emphasis, general interest, and greater membership participation — with exciting results. Add life to your congregation with over twenty concise, powerful, and life-changing sketches. Needing only simple staging and props, these sometimes humorous skits depict both modern-day and ancient Bible personalities. Several dramas appropriate for youth are included.
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At The Foot Of The Cross
$10.95Add to cartSeven figures who were at the foot of the cross (or might have been there) pour their hearts out to Jesus in these dramatic conversations. Judas opens the series, spiritually wrestling with himself at the cross before taking his own life, pondering what he had done to Jesus. Other characters include the Centurion, Simon of Cyrene, the disciples John and Peter, as well as Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus. An additional monologue for Easter sunrise worship dramatizes the angel at the empty tomb waiting for the women to arrive, reflecting on the week’s events.
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Artisans Of The Crucifixion
$7.95Add to cartThese dramatic monologues offer a unique perspective on Jesus’ crucifixion. Viewed through the eyes of a Blacksmith, Carpenter, Stone Mason, Tanner, and Basket Maker, the presentations introduce the congregation to those who crafted items used in the crucifixion. These monologues are flexible, and few if any props are necessary.
Use these dramatic monologues for a unique perspective on the events of Jesus’ crucifixion. Viewed through the eyes of a Blacksmith, Carpenter, Stone Mason, Tanner, and Basket Maker, the presentations introduce the congregation to those who crafted the whip, wove the crown of thorns, forged the nails, constructed the cross, and chiseled out the tomb.
Pastors can present these monologues themselves or assign them to church members. They have the flexibility of being performed very simply or quite elaborately. Few if any props are necessary.
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People Vs Judas Iscariot The Punishment Phase
$11.95Add to cartWritten in an easy-to-present format, this captivating five-part series takes place in a courtroom, as attorneys present evidence based upon the Bible and tradition. Witnesses who are “subpoenaed” to testify include Peter, John, and Mary Magdalene.
The People vs. Judas Iscariot is a captivating five-part series for Lenten worship or group discussion. Detailed worship bulletins with an order of service are provided for each of the five presentations.
The People vs. Judas Iscariot is written in an easy-to-present format (no memorization required) and includes scripture readings that follow carefully defined themes. The homily takes the shape of a court hearing in which Judas undergoes his punishment phase. Prosecution and defense attorneys attempt to sway the judge and congregation with evidence based upon the Bible and tradition. Various witnesses are “subpoenaed” to testify, including Peter, John, Mary Magdalene, and others.
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In The Carpenters Workshop 3
$12.95Add to cartThe creativity of preachers and worship leaders is vitally important in this day of competition with television, videos, and CD-ROMs. This third volume by Jerry Eckert is filled with scripts and suggestions for presenting the Gospel in a dramatic and exciting fashion. Using the style of presentation made famous by You Are There, some of these offerings are usable scripts for holiday special services. Unlike volumes one and two, this could be called a “play book.”
Eckert writes: Very early in my ministry I was told at a Mental Health Association Conference how important the church is in the prevention of mental illness. Over the years I saw how that was true not just for young people but for all ages … my sermons became not only more pastoral but brought in as much of the real lives of the Bible times as I could find.
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Drama For All Seasons
$12.95Add to cartIn a time when our culture is becoming dominated by visual modes of communication such as television, movies, videos, and computer games, church people are recognizing the need to keep up with the trends. Drama is a useful tool in the work of the church: it adds interest and variety; it can reveal new insights on spiritual truths; and it appeals to all ages while being non-threatening for those unused to regular church services.
This collection of easy-to-perform sketches includes both seasonal drama and pieces for any time of the year. They’re suitable for worship services, social programs, or other occasions, as well as just-for-fun reading. Most have a performance time of less than five minutes, and few props are required.
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Mary Of Nazareth
$7.95Add to cartMary of Nazareth lived a dangerously demanding, yet holy life, She knew loneliness and poverty and endured extreme hardships of faith while maintaining a close relationship with God. During the crucifixion she knew raging and numbed pain which challenged her sanity. But her joy was overflowing after the Resurrection. Her story provides powerful information about God’s sovereignty in the universe toward those who believe in Him and seek Him.
Based primarily on the Gospel of Luke, the sole New Testament writer to interview and consider the female point of view, this dramatic monologue comes complete with an Order of Worship. It provides powerful insight into Mary’s suffering and, likewise, the joy she felt from her conquering on. The presentation is divided into five sections, making it possible to use as a five week series allowing five different women to participate instead of just one. It also provides hymn suggestions which help to amplify the monologue.
This easily yet effectively prepared service offers a profound experience any time during the Lenten season.
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Angel At McDonalds
$7.95Add to cartAngel At McDonald’s is a provocative drama that is a striking parable about belief in something that seems impossible and the courage to do what God commands. Two young women who are decorating a community center in an underprivileged neighborhood encounter three angry toughs who resent the girls’ “kindness.” With the gentle insistence of an angel who gives them an unusual assignment, the girls confront their fear and tell the skeptical ghetto kids about Jesus. And despite initial wariness, the message finds a home in some of their hearts.
This play can be presented as part of a worship service or as the entertainment at a church dinner or other gathering. It can be staged as elaborately or as simply as you wish, and lends itself to a readers’ theater format. Angel At McDonald’s is an excellent discussion starter that is sure to generate many viewpoints about our preconceived ideas of what constitutes “missions.” And it connects the occasion of Christ’s birth to the birth of new spiritual life. With realistic dialogue and situations, it’s perfect for use with teenagers.
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Last Supper : A Maundy Thursday Portrayal
$7.95Add to cartWith The Last Supper, you won’t just hear about this familiar story, you’ll see it and feel it! It’s an insightful look at one of the most poignant moments in the life of Jesus. Glimpses into the personalities and backgrounds of the disciples emphasize the human qualities that we share with them. It’s also a visual portrayal of the sacrament of Holy Communion. This is a dramatic way to celebrate Maundy Thursday, as the program deftly combines a depiction of the Last Supper with a tenebrae service conclusion. In addition to the pastor, there are parts for 14 men and one woman. Character synopses and a seating chart for the portrayal are included.
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Attitude Adjustments
$9.95Add to cartThese four playlets treat serious subjects in a thought-provoking yet humorous manner. Each one is followed by a suggested order of worship, prayer, litany, and “meditation.” The subjects covered are: Greed, Pride, Guilt, and Forgiveness.
They are excellent resources for:
Retreats
Seminars
Youth meetings
Men’s or women’s gatheringsThis resource will be helpful in every church library or reference shelf.
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They Worshiped Him
$7.95Add to cartIn today’s “hurry-up” world, it seems we rarely take the time to think of other people and “walk a mile in the other man’s shoes.” If we did, what would we see? They Worshiped Him revisits the nativity story from the perspective of the people who were actually there. In this dramatic retelling, we glimpse the innermost thoughts and feelings of some of the very common people whose lives were forever changed by a most extraordinary event. What did the shepherds feel? What did others think of them? Were they perceived as “eccentric”? And what about the wise men who followed the star? Did they have an entire entourage, or did people treat them like three dottering old men? And what about Mary and Joseph; how did this unusual pregnancy affect them? They Worshiped Him answers many of these questions while reminding us of the biblical characters’ humanity.
The singing of favorite seasonal carols is woven into the drama, encouraging audience participation. And it’s an adaptable work that can be staged as elaborately or simply as you wish. While there are speaking parts for 12 angels, 5 animals, 6 shepherds, 3 magi, the innkeeper, Mary, Joseph, and a narrator, roles can easily be combined for use with any size congregation. Staging instructions are included.
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Every Knee Shall Bow
$7.95Add to cartThe scene for this Christmas play and worship service is a familiar one: a nativity display in a town square. As different individuals or families approach the manger scene they hear the voice of God speaking his words of truth, encouragement, and hope to their own unique needs and circumstances. When the members of your congregation hear God’s message to these individuals, they will hear God speaking to them as well. The service includes the congregational singing of familiar Christmas carols.
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Through The Eyes Of A Child
$12.95Add to cartThe dialogues in this resource are designed for use between a youth and an adult (pastor, parent, or youth leader). Six bulletin formats are included with dialogue scripts.
Worship themes are:
Advent Past, Present, and Future
Jesus Came To Earth
Jesus Will Come Again
Lord Jesus, Quickly Come
Through The Eyes Of A Child (Christmas dialogue)
Through The Eyes Of A Child (Epiphany dialogue) -
Prelude To Black Saturday
$7.95Add to cartThis liturgical drama provides a stark contrast to the joy and celebration of Easter morning. This service captures the reality of that Friday when our Lord was crucified. The cast includes people who were present on that final Friday – each sharing their emotions, from the sneering soldiers, to the heart-wrenching sobs and pleas of his mother, to Christ himself.
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Disciples Redeemed
$7.95Add to cartThough it is perfect for the Easter season, this series of monologues about the lives of the Disciples following Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension, may be used any time throughout the year. Congregations will learn the often overlooked post-Easter story of each of the Disciples as they never have before.
The staging of Disciples Redeemed can be one with a table set up like the last supper table with the Disciples, except for Judas, seated around the table. The story begins with Saul giving his monologue at floor level with the audience and ends with Paul at the table with the rest of the Disciples. The monologue of Judas is optional.
Suggestions for staging and optional costumes are included.
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Table Talk
$5.95Add to cartThis service requires little preparation and involves only three readers. The build up to Holy Communion is dramatic and scriptural, climaxing in the betrayal of Judas, the sense of corporate guilt and the need for forgiveness.
In Table Talk we hear conversations between Jesus and his friends, enemies and those who are indifferent. These talks occur at tables where Jesus has come as a guest. The service culminates with Jesus serving as host to his disciples.
In his own table story we learn that whether or not we come to the great banquet, the table of the Lord will be filled. It forces us to ask that if we do come and receive the bread and wine what will Jesus say to us? What will we say to him? How can we not find our faith strengthened, our love enlarged, and our understanding deepened by the table talk of Jesus?
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Worship Innovations 1
$22.95Add to cartBeginning with a step-by-step guide for initiating a “Hanging the Greens” celebration, Janet Burton offers nine creative, easy-to-produce programs in which all ages of the church family can participate in the process of decorating worship areas for the Advent and Christmas seasons. She also includes five plans for breathing new life into using the Advent wreath. Best of all, these practical ideas are very flexible and easily adapted to fit the worship style of almost any congregation.
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Trials Of Christ
$7.95Add to cartThe Trials Of Christ is a readers’ theater presentation involving six people. It requires little rehearsal and no memorization.
The narrative is biblically based and provides a captivating message for Good Friday or Easter Sunday.
The Trials Of Christ attempts to demand a stand for truth from its audience, whether that stand be a theological position for Christ or a stand for truth in general. It challenges a congregation to consider the difficulty of taking a position that is totally unpopular or detrimental to the person taking that stand. The message helps direct listeners to live for eternal values.
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2 Good Friday Tenebrae Services
$9.95Add to cartThese services can be used by any number of participants, and include an order of service. Paradoxes Of The Passion examines the circumstances leading up to the crucifixion of an itinerant preacher from Galilee. What Shall I Do, Then, With Jesus Who Is Called Christ? brings us face to face with Pilate’s question that has echoed down the centuries.
Each of the Tenebrae services in this booklet can be used by any number of participants. An order of service for your bulletin preparations is also included.
Paradoxes Of The Passion brings to the worshiping congregation the circumstances leading up to the crucifixion of an itinerant preacher from Galilee who was no less than the long-awaited Jewish Messiah. The seven paradoxes are interspersed with hymns and prayers.
What Shall I Do, Then, With Jesus Who Is Called Christ? To Pilate’s surprise the crowd sought freedom for the murderer Barabbas rather than for Jesus. Pilate then asked the question that has echoed down the centuries to every man, woman, and child who has ever heard the Gospel: “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?” In this thought-provoking Good Friday Tenebrae service, Douglas Meyer explores how various key characters in the Passion story answered that question. Then he considers how The person in the pew answers that question today.
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On The Way To Bethlehem
$7.95Add to cartRichard Goodlin writes: “Having been born in Bethlehem (Pennsylvania), I wondered what it would be like to get a letter from the IRS stating I had to go back to Bethlehem for the purpose of taxation. This gave rise to On The Way To Bethlehem.”
The assigned scripture lessons for Advent in the lectionary present themes and concepts, but there is little in the way of a story that flows from one week to the next. In these dialogues Goodlin engages people in the unfolding drama of events that lead up to the birth of Jesus, as well as the story of the life of Jesus.
These dialogues may be performed as a readers’ theater and few props are needed. Costuming is optional.
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3 For The Third Day
$12.95Add to cartBrevity and flexibility are the strengths of this volume. Each of these three drama-based Sunrise services takes only about 30 minutes to perform. The maximum number of participants required is nine and the minimum is four. Ages of the participants can range from adults to older elementary children.
The first service is titled We Were There and features an all female cast. It is the story of the women who were waiting for the sunrise trip to the tomb. The second is titled A Night Of Memories. It has Mary, the mother of Jesus, remembering the life of her son. As she recalls highlights of his life, corresponding scenes from the past become visible. The third service is called The Dream. It is the story of two young friends — a believer and a non-believer. One appears in the other’s dream as an angel and leads him through the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Hymn, costume and scenery suggestions are included with each service. Scriptural references are also cited.
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Ultimate Improv Book
$20.95Add to cartBy Edward J. Nevraumont, Nicholas P. Hanson, with additional material by Kurt Smeaton. A complete guide to comedy improvisation. This comprehensive manual shows the who, what, when, why and how of comedy improvisation. It is a complete improv curriculum program divided into four sections. The introduction explains what improv is and how to create an improv team. Improvisational skills shows some basic rules, physicalization, characterization, teamwork, use of suggestion, etc. Structuring describes who, what and how to make improv structures, suggestion and reality based. Strategies gives hints and tips for evaluating performance and putting on a show. Unlike other improv books, it provides the tools that show how to structure and create you own new improv games. Also includes appendices with many games and exercises.
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Audition Monologs For Student Actors 2
$16.95Add to cartEdited by Roger Ellis. Selections from contemporary plays. More outstanding cuttings from cutting-edge contemporary plays and playwrights. The monologs in this new text are highly original works not found in other published versions. All are from very recently produced plays from both established and emerging new writers. The fifty selections are for actors ten to twenty-four years of age, suitable for competitive auditions, forensics, oral interpretation or acting exercises. The collection is divided equally between male and female characters, with a variety of pieces for minority actors. These monologs address the major trends and conflicts of today through revealing glimpses of society as we know it. Includes the work of forty contemporary playwrights. A must for any audtioning actor or theatre student.
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Instant Period Costumes
$19.95Add to cartWhy spend a small fortune to rent costumes when you can create them yourself for less than a day’s rental price? Make them the easy way from cast-offs without sewing! Included in this book are over 100 ingenious costume designs with photos and diagrams for many period characters from Egyptian, Greek and Roman all the way to Punk. These conversion costuming ideas will save you time, money and deadline disasters and give you precisely the costume you want. Barb Rogers is the founder and owner of Broadway Bazaar Costumes, a popular and growing costume shop in Mattoon, Illinois.
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Empty Chair
$7.95Add to cartAll of us have lost family members, friends, and people who influenced our lives. Although we cannot physically bring these people back to life, they can and do continue to live in our minds, our thoughts, and our dreams. The Empty Chair was created with those people in mind. Of course, The Empty Chair also symbolizes the unseen (yet always talked about) guest at every meal, Jesus himself.
Written for a Thanksgiving service, this program in readers’ theater format is set in a restaurant where a pastor has taken four young people out to dinner as a reward for packing Thanksgiving baskets for the needy. Although there are only five in the party, the pastor asks for a table for six. The story unfolds as the pastor explains why he has requested an extra place setting and chair.
The practical format of The Empty Chair allows participants to use scripts instead of memorizing long passages. If desired, the characters may conceal their scripts within their menus. The Christian message is blended into the words of each reader as a means to get the gospel message to the audience.
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Reformations Rib : Remembering Katherine Von Bora
$7.95Add to cartReformation’s Rib is a chancel drama detailing the life of Katherine von Bora (Martin Luther’s wife). The historical script gives an insightful look into the husband and wife relationship that helped shape the writings of the founder of the Lutheran church. Originally written to celebrate the 500th anniversary of von Bora’s birth, this easy-to-stage presentation calls for a cast of three: Katherine von Bora (Katie Luther), Martin Luther, and a narrator.
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Tight Spots
$16.95Add to cartBy Diana M. Howie. The real-life experiences of contemporary teenages are expressed in this collection of fifty monologs. Excellent material for speech contests, acting exercises, auditions or classroom use. Each monolog characterization is five minutes or less in length. What makes this book different is that the characters in most of the monologs are speaking to another character (the “vis-a-vis”). This brings an imaginary friend onstage with the actor to make performance “scarefree.” In each, the character is experiencing or anticipating somthing new or frightening. Includes both humorous and serious monologs
