Themes L - Z

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Lent

It Wasn't Me : A modern-day businessman realizes that he is responsible for the death of Jesus. Suitable for Lent.

Lies

A Fair Cop : A police officer wants to "plant" evidence to incriminate a person he is convinced to be guilty of drug-dealing. (Author: John McNeil)

Paul Nochio : A take-off of a familiar tale. In this case the person who lies gets a stuffy nose.

That Lie : A dramatic monologue in which the actor tries to shake off the effects of a damaging (but unspecified) lie that was told to him in the past. This monologue is short but quite demanding on the actor. (Author: Jeremy Moodey)

Life as it is/Meaning of Life

Alice in Space : The great-great-great grandaughter of the original Alice is migrating with her parents to a new planet when their spaceship is pulled towards a Black Hole. (Author: John McNeil)

Changed! : Andy and Pete find it hard to believe an acquaintance really has been changed by meeting Jesus.

Dear Ann Landers : A troubled woman writes to a newspaper advice column to get help on several areas of her life. (Author: Tom Woodley)

Dinner Time : A narrator tells a story which is acted out by a man and his wife.  They progress from newlyweds to a couple with young children to empty nesters.  Each stage is illustrated by the dinner table, which changes from romantic to chaotic to sublime. (Author: Joanne Miller)

Hope for What : When we lose sight of God's purpose for our lives, it is easy to be swayed by what we see in the world. We can be depressed by how dim our lives look in comparison with the glamour of Hollywood, and the beautiful people. On the other hand, we can smothered by the huge amount of sadness and destruction in the world. Either way doesn't leave us with much hope. In this drama, Susan and Jane are left in a difficult spot when they see the state of humanity, without understanding the real situation. (Author: Kristen Gatenby)

It Just Wasn't Enough : Why am I still empty after trying to find significance in temporal things?

Jesus Loves Me : Becoming a Christian does not mean that Sam stops making mistakes. As he moves through life we see him interacting with a variety of people, often making bad choices. But at the end Jesus does not withhold his grace. (Author: Dan Wilson)

Life (mime) : Eat, sleep, work, party. Then Death. Surely there is more to life than just this? (Author: Julia Weaver)

Life for 4 Voices : A slice-of-life drama looking at dysfunctional relationsips, and contrasting the Christian and secular communities. (Author: John McNeil)

Mind Over Matrix : A multimedia presentation based on the film, The Matrix, which asks questions about the nature of reality. References to the encounter of Jesus and Nicodemus. (Author: John McNeil)

Mine : A sketch about possessions. Watch the fast-forward life (from beginning to end) of a woman who loved her things more than anything else. (Author: Peggy Barnell)

Outta Control : An envelope holds the key to bringing some control back into this mother's life.

Ranelli Manneli Meets Oscar : Oscar is retiring and selling his garage. An encounter with Ranelli Manneli helps him to realise there is a bigger purpose ahead. Precursor to Follow The Lights. (Author: Kenny Blade)

Requiem : A slightly surrealistic play in which four women endlessly question why they died.

Search for the Hero : What's life really like for the middle-aged super-hero with family responsibilities? (Author: John McNeil)

Sunday Morning Coming Down : The ideal (?) start to the Day of Rest, and the reality for many households, are contrasted in this tongue-in-cheek script. (Author: John McNeil)

The Circus of Life : A satire on the rat race. (Author: John McNeil

The Day Perception Met Reality : One morning Judy meets three sets of parents, but which set is her real parents and why hadn’t she noticed them before? A lesson in gratitude and contentment. (Author:Glenn Hascall)

The Inside Story : A widowed mother and her two grown daughters are clearing out the attic in preparation for the mother's move to a smaller home. The task underscores the resentment the older daughter feels toward her sister.

The Ladder : The hopelessness of modern man is considered in this surrealistic play. (Author: John McNeil)

The Long Silence : At the end of time, the people of the world bring their complaints before God. (Author: John McNeil)

The Meaning of Life : Why are we here? What’s life all about? Two friends, Wayne and Stan are enjoying a drink and having the sort of conversation people have in pubs. Stan fancies himself as a bit of thinker whilst Wayne is a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic. Written for use as an introduction to a '40 days of purpose' series answering the question 'What on Earth am I here for? (Author: Trevor Fletcher)

The Pensioner and the Mission : Christmas is a lonely time for many. The pensioner goes to the City Mission to share in the community Christmas dinner, but even the hard work of the Mission staff to provide a happy occasion cannot disguise his loneliness. (Author: John McNeil)

The Script : A little bit after the style of 'Waiting for Godot', two characters discuss the nature of reality and the point and purpose of their lives. Are they real, or just scripted characters in someone else's play. (Author: Will Klotz)

The Question : A young Christian man struggles to work out God's purposes in his life as he goes from one personal "tragedy" to the next. His friends also struggle to give him godly advice about a God who does not seem to care.

Touched by an Athiest : A parody of the TV show, Touched by an Angel, showing the hopelessness of living without God.

UHK : A monolgue that takes a look at an institute of higher education that we all must attend - whether we want to or not. This dramatic reading invites others to identify with the need for friendship at U.H.K. (University of Hard Knocks). (Glenn A. Hascall)

What I Want : Life's disappointments and longings are summed up in this exchange between a diner and a greasy-spoon waiter. (Author: Conrad Weaver)

You Are My Sunshine: A mother relives the life of her daughter from infancy to adulthood to her early death. (Author: Jessica Tutini)

Lifestyle

Clayton Friend : A brother and sister are faced with the problem of how to react to a friend who has it all. Why shouldn't they have a piece of the action, too? (Author: John McNeil)

Change Your Life : A satirical look at how life might look if Christians behaved exactly the same as everyone else… Key Words: Morality and Christian life; Christian witness; living holy in an unholy world. (Author: Kristen Gatenby)

Delicious Death : 'Eat, drink and be merry'. Tim & Tina live for their lifestyle. With them we watch & enjoy the delightful cooking programme, 'Slice of Heaven'. Desserts worth dying for are made weekly by the loveable Italian chef, Angelo. A humorous look at our consumer lifestyle. (Author: Erina Caradus)

Faulty Foundations : Talk show format with three legendary guests whose fame or success is revealed to be built on faulty foundations. (Author: Steve Munson)

Firm Foundations : An elderly lady opens the family album, which she has not looked at in years, and as she remembers we see flashbacks to episodes in her own life and that of her sister. Each sister has high ambitions for a life with a solid foundation, but, as the old lady reflects, each life in its own way has ended in failure. (Author: Susan Irvine)

Get A Life! : Guests in a TV gameshow can choose what kind of lifestyle they would like, from education to the car they drive. But there is a cost. (A takeoff of the British gameshow "Moment of Truth".)

I Want It Now : Indulgent parents, Jamie & Debbie have always spoiled their daughter, Zoe. But when Zoe asks for a horse, Jamie begins to wonder: is it right to give their daughter everything she wants? Debbie, his equally indulged wife supports her daughter's claim. (The drama includes an excerpt from 'Hook' (which really added to the performance) but this could be omitted) (Author: Erina Caradus)

Is That Your Final Answer? : A game show featuring the devil as "Regis" from the TV game show "Who wants to be a Millionaire". The man on the game show trades away everything really important in his life for all the things he thinks are important.

Just Do It! : The flamboyant Ms Hanky, counsellor for the Just-do-it sponsored student support scheme, meets 3 different students and counsels them that there is no right and wrong. Following your feelings is all that matters. (Author: Susan Irvine)

Looking Out For Number One : A drama in 4 scenes, which follows the life choices and their consequences for two university students: Si, the hedonist and Ellen, the striver. Both are living for themselves and are ultimate success stories, achieving all their dreams. Well that's what we'd all like to think, isn't it? (Author: Erina Caradus)

Martian Sketch : A journalist from Mars is not impressed with the development of life on planet Earth.

Satisfaction Guaranteed : Bob Lux, a self-assured salesman has the product, which will change your life. It's called satisfaction, and as several seemingly successful people find out, it's worth their while to look into it. This is designed to run in advert style through the first part of the service with 2 appearances from Bob himself. (Author: Erina Caradus)

Light

The Light of the World : A multi-media presentation proclaiming Jesus as the light of the world, and that through him, Christians are to also be a light to the world. (Author: John McNeil)

The Light of the World : A  monologue in which a clerk at the gates of Heaven interviews a potential (but imaginary) entrant. (Author: Jeremy Moodey)

The Tree of Light : A Messianic Musical in two acts. Once upon a time in the land of Israel, the families of Shimon and Hannah preprared to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Hannukkah. This is the account of Shimon's search for wisdom, that would create ripples in the history of the world.

Loneliness

Best Friend : Monologue by a woman who had an illegitimate baby. Today is the birthday.  She is celebrating the day with her best friend: a bottle. (Author: Joanne Miller)

No Need of Friends : Tim invites Andy to a party, but it's only when he gets there that Andy realises he's the only guest. (Author: Greg Brook)

Rosie : Rosie is a 'bag Lady'in a big city. She has had a rough life, and owns only what she has in her cart. This drama is meant to be used with 2 movie clips from Home Alone II.

Shaylen : Loneliness and the difficulty of breaking into cliques is explored in this play for teens. (Author: Hannah M.)

The Pensioner and the Mission : Christmas is a lonely time for many. The pensioner goes to the City Mission to share in the community Christmas dinner, but even the hard work of the Mission staff to provide a happy occasion cannot disguise his loneliness. (Author: John McNeil)

Love/Romance/Marriage

A Devil of a Date : Four very un-angelic characters set out to destroy the dates of some human couples. (Author: John McNeil)

A Perfect Guy : Two girls in the audience at a taping of "Home Improvement" discuss their own experiences with having and not having the perfect guy.

Advice : Two friends, one just married, discuss what it takes to keep a marriage healthy. Also a symbolic illustration of the importance of spiritual growth and developing one's relationship with God. (Author: Scott Phillips)

An Old Shovel : At a bridal shower, a grandmother's strange gift is the best gift of all.

Can't Buy Me Love : Two girlfriends are comparing notes on their boyfriends. One is a freshman in college, and her boyfriend/fiancee is an upperclassman and is always broke...she has to pay for everything. The other is a high school senior, and has a boyfriend that always buys things for her because she is worth it. They both realize that their situations are similar, in that neither is happy because of money.

Dear Ann Landers : A troubled woman writes to a newspaper advice column to get help on several areas of her life. (Author: Tom Woodley)

Dining Out : A drama to be performed at a Valentine's banquet for married adults. Describing what it really is like for couples who are also parents of small children and how "this too shall pass." (Author: Glenn A. Hascall)

Double Word Score : A man and wife are sitting around playing Scrabble,  both are obviously very bored, and discouraged with their marriage.  There is  little dialog, all words relate to words being played in the game. Even though they only say one word at a time their message comes through loud and clear. (Author: Walt Scheiman)

FedEx : A single woman, who is never satisfied with the men in her life, mail orders a guy.

God the Matchmaker : Adam and Eve had it easy. But finding a partner these days can be very difficult.

Hairsay : There isn't really anything wrong with Louise's marriage; it's just that she is bored. The hairdresser's seems the perfect place to talk about the decision she has to make. She gets all the input she needs from the hairdresser, his assistant, an elderly woman and the 'Women's Weekly' magazine. If only she knew who to listen to. (Author: Erena Caradus)

Honeymoon Hotel : The behaviour of couples and staff at a honeymoon hotel reveals different expectations of marriage. (Author: John McNeil)

How To Instal Love : A Customer Services Representative gives computer style instructions in how to instal love.

If I've Told You Once : As a daughter tries on her wedding dress, she confesses to her mother her doubts about marriage. Her mother, who has always been painfully sacrificial to her husband and family, counsels her daughter on the duty of sacrifice in a happy marriage. (Author: Susan Irvine)

In My Head : An illustration of the need for wisdom beyond one's own mind to make decisions and handle problems in a marriage. (Author: Scott Phillips)

Indulging Sister Edna : Margaret is praying over a blessed rose petal, praying into a sacred cloth and sending money to Sister Edna's Telerevival in hopes her prayers will get answered and a certain boy will ask her to the Prom. (Author: Stan Peal)

Just One Question : Stephanie and Adam are interrupted in the middle of inappropriate dating behaviour by a mysterious woman, who gives Stephanie much food for thought.

Just Testing : A young couple have their future neatly planned out only to discover a baby, who was not planned for, is on the way. (Authors: John & Joanne Miller)

Look Who's Talking : This is a very short shocking sketch showing the sudden escalation that comes in a relationship that is in crisis. If used it is necessary to work closely with the speaker. (Monica & Brent could even be briefly interviewed on their own by the speaker to understand where they are coming from) The purpose of the sketch is to highlight the importance of getting help when a marriage reaches conflict mode. (Author: Erina Caradus)

Love Machine : A young Lady is drawn to a unique 'love meter' machine, and is surprised by the card responses she gets from the machine.

Men are from Mars : Brent and Tony baby-sit the kids while Monica & Jo go out to a restaurant. The guys express the dissatisfaction they feel with their wives and envy each other for the good things they see in their friend's partner. The scene shifts to the women having a girl's time in a restaurant. As they remember the way their husbands were when they first got married, we see the other half of the equation. (Author: Erena Caradus)

Perfect Partner : An amusing look at two guys discussing the search for the perfect partner.

Practice Makes Perfect : A young man tries to ask his friend's sister to marry him.  She doesn't even realize that he likes her but thinks he is just her brother's friend.  He never is able to get up enough nerve to give her the ring he has for her. (Author: Joanne Miller)

Sex For Dummies : A husband whose sexual relationship with his wife has been less than satisfactory tries to improve it by following a plan outlined in a book. (Author: John McNeil)

Quest for Love : The crew of the Enterprise have been searching the universe for 200 years to find love - without success up to now.

The Banished Husband : An allegory on our relationship with Jesus.Tom and Kathy have just married. While Tom is thinking of the honeymoon, Kathy has a very different view of how the relationship should be conducted. (Author: Scott Mathis)

The Crisis Zone : Crises come in many forms...and so do our responses. What would be your reaction to this domestic situation?

The Date : A mother and young teenage daughter are at home after school. The daughter tells mom about a school dance coming up. The girl has to ask the guy to the dance.  She wants to call a boy she really likes & invite him.  Mom encourages her to do so. When she finally calls she gives him all the information except her name. (Author: Joanne Miller)

The Stargazers : Catherine decides to arrange her own marriage of convenience to Richard, a widower who has vowed never to remarry. Audrey falls in love with Rob, who has commitment issues. Friendship, love, marriage, loss, and betrayal are touched on in the relationship of four friends. How much do past events affect our present lives? Can the redemptive power of love break the chains that bind us? (Author: Nadine Laughlin)

Voice of Reason : A husband tries to rationalise his adultery.

Weaving a Web : A woman in an unsatisfactory marriage looks for love on the Internet. (Author: John McNeil)

Wedding Plans : A bride comes to Pastor's office for counsel for 'irreconcilable' differences between her and her fiancee. (Author: Joanne Miller)

Wherefore Art Thou? : The balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet draws different responses regarding romance from a husband and wife.

Wires Crossed : The amusing but sadly real consequences of miscommunication between the sexes are seen in the marriages of two sets of friends. Tony, an insensitive kiwi bloke, who really does love his wife, thinks the differences between men & women are too big to handle. Monica & Brent make the opposite mistake and forget that there is such a thing as gender difference. (Author: Erena Caradus)

You're Not Too Late : This script can provide a humorous way to encourage couples to register for a church sponsored marriage retreat using famous and unfamiliar characters from Wonderland. Could also be modified to be a Valentine's Day script. (Author: Glenn A. Hascall)

Manhood

Marriage (see Love/Romance/Marriage)

Martyrdom (see Persecution)

Materialism (see Lifestyle)

Media

Here is the News! : Showing how different media adapt the news to suit their own purposes. (Author: Chris Wyatt)

Medical profession

Mercy (see Grace)

Millennium

Four Horsemen : A mime/dance, based on Revelation 6:1-11, Matthew 24:1-14, and "Mars", the 1st movement from "The Planets", by Gustav Holst. (Author: John McNeil)

The Millennium Bugged : Partygoers at a New Year's Eve celebration on the eve of the new Millenium are fooled into thinking their worst fears about the new Millenium have come true. (Author: John McNeil)

What's Your Game Plan? : Two game show contestants vie to see who is the best prepared for Y2K. (With echoes of the parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins and the Parable of the Rich Farmer.)

Ministry

Missing persons

Missions scripts can be found in their own section.

Money

Can't Buy Me Love : Two girlfriends are comparing notes on their boyfriends. One is a freshman in college, and her boyfriend/fiancee is an upperclassman and is always broke...she has to pay for everything. The other is a high school senior, and has a boyfriend that always buys things for her because she is worth it. They both realize that their situations are similar, in that neither is happy because of money.

Choosing a Future : A couple visiting a retirement planner cannot agree on the best way to provide for their future. (Author: Greg Brook)

Desperate Money : Bob is in financial difficulty. The bills are piling up and so is the stress. He is unwilling to talk about it or admit that he needs help, misleading his wife as to the seriousness of the situation, causing marital problems. He tries to maintain the pretence that his family is well off so others will not realise the difficulties they are in. In his desperation he is open to deception and falls for a scam, the results of which make things worse.

God Leaves The Light On : A light- hearted monologue looking at stewardship from Tom Bud-get's view point.  It's a parody of the American 'Motel-6' comercials.

Happy to Give : When Marty, a successful businessman, sees his friend, Pete, collecting in the street he is cynical that anyone will give money out of genuine concern. He bets Pete $50 that no one will and we watch as several people show their real motives for giving. But Marty loses the bet in an unexpected twist.(Author: Susan Irvine)

Money Can't Buy : A huge win in the lottery brings a new set of trappings for Bob, but his unhappy lifestyle doesn't change a bit. (This script is mostly mime, with just a couple of small speaking parts.)

Money is No Object : A homeless couple has found a way into a theater when no one else is around. They pretend to be a wealthy couple who keep receiving invitations to charity balls and their biggest problem is what gowns and jewelry to wear to the next event.  While they are play- acting the theater manager comes in and discovers that they have broken into his theater again. (Author: Joanne Miller)

The Danger of Riches : Sometimes when God gives us a blessing, we come to expect the blessing all the time, and then forget who gave it to us.

The Mouse and the Money : The fable of the Town Mouse and the Country Mouse is used to illustrate the parable of the Rich Fool. (Author: Michelle Pitman)

The Rise and Fall of Sir Jaspar Hardmaster : A script done in the style of a silent movie melodrama. In which our heroine is saved from the clutches of a wicked landlord with the help of a ministry which aims to give resources to the poor. (Author: John McNeil)

Worry Works Wonders : Albie A. Worrywart, financial advisor is here today to help you with all your financial worries. His motto: 'Worry works wonders'. At his invitation, various worried people come up to the microphone to be advised on the advantages of worrying and signing up for his financial package. (Author: Susan Irvine)

Mothers Day scripts can be found in the "Festivals" section of Dramatix.

Neighbours

Neighbours From Hell : Mrs. Duffy, a bird lover, has created a bird sanctuary in her yard. She is Mary and Graham s neighbour from hell and they become obsessed with trying to stop her.  But as the drama unfolds we are left wondering, which neighbours are the neighbours from hell?! (Author: Erina Caradus)

Ophelia and the Stone Soup : Ophelia the cook tells how a stranger helped the villagers to share their scarce food when times were hard. (Author: Michelle Pitman)

The Handyman : A neighbor is always helping out so the lady next door decides to say thank you with an ice cream cake, which she has made especially for him.  After a light hearted exchange about some of the projects he has helped with over the years he reveals to her that he can not eat the cake because of his cholesterol and his wife just found out she is lactose intolerant. (Author: Joanne Miller)

New Beginnings

New Beginnings : A husband and wife give each other beautifully wrapped gifts which they each proceed to throw in the garbage unopened. We later find out that each "gift" contains things such as anger, lies, manipulation, etc., all of which are being thrown out of the house so they can start the New Year off right. At first they are sickly sweet to each other but they gradually disintegrate into a major squabble. (Author: Joanne Mitchell)

New Year Resolutions

Promises, Promises : A couple is writing their resolutions for the coming year.  He reads hers first and discovers she has made hers a bit more realistic this year.  She reads his to discover that his resolutions are all things he enjoys doing anyway.   He figures why not make resolutions you know you can keep. (Author: Joanne Miller)

Nostalgia

Obedience

Gino's Gutter Gaffe : The Portalini family is having trouble with a son who does not seem to willing to obey. This script is designed to allow you to pull the cast from the crowd. The only part that needs to be planned ahead is the Narrator. (Author: Glenn A. Hascall)

The Boy Who Would Not Stock : A stock boy refuses to go by his employee manual. He operates on the assumption that he knows the best way to do his job. Even after a confrontation with his boss he only agrees to think about what he is really supposed to do. A parallel to the way we sometimes view God's Word. (Author: Glenn A. Hascall)

Old Age

Snowy White & the 5 Tottery Dears : In the Entertainment room at a home for elderly dwarves. Snowy White is not really 'young' herself but looks after her folk with patience and respect. Snowy prepares to sit at a piano to begin a favourite song but realizes she can't find her spectacles. She proceeds to "turn the place upside down" looking for them whilst all the while they are perched on top of her head. (Author: Michelle Pitman)

Oppression (see "Freeing from Bondage")

Parables are found in the section "Bible Stories & Parables"

Parenting

A Raging "C" : Yolanda's life is out of control, but her mother - who has been there before - understands, and finds a way of reconciliation. (Author: J'son M. Lee)

Absolutely, Mr Gallagher : Shelly is a typical teenage girl, questioning the validity of her mother's morality. Her mother, having grown up a generation earlier and now a parent, still clings to some of the "old ways", although she is not fully able to tell why. Challenging the idea that there is even such a thing as a moral absolute, Shelly - while out shopping with her mother - suddenly finds herself the victim of a purse-snatcher. (Author: Steve Munson)

Bad Report : Sean’s report card was very bad, and his mother is at her wits end dealing with him and tells a friend that she wishes she was childless...her friend reveals that she lost a child and would give anything to have him back. (Author: Fred Lane)

Birds of a Feather : A teen and her mother have an argument about the teens' friends. Her older sister is able to lovingly get the same point across without an argument. (Author: Vivian Watts)

Don't You See Me : Two ladies talk about a single young woman named Tasha who is holding her infant daughter. She tries to act as though she doesn't hear what they are saying, but their words hurt her deeply. The women remain blissfully ignorant of their own self-righteousness. (Author: Glenn A. Hascall)

Falling Through The Gap : A classic case of the generation gap between a mother and her daughter. Jo wants to join her friends for a night out and the misunderstanding that follows leaves both Jo and her mother feeling like they have, yet again, failed in their relationship. (Author: Erina Caradus)

Father's Day : A new husband is worried whether he is ready for fatherhood.

Good News & Bad News : Mother goes to speak with her son's teacher at the teacher's request.  Teacher thinks child is out to get him when, in reality, the child loves the teacher.

I Want It Now : Indulgent parents, Jamie & Debbie have always spoiled their daughter, Zoe. But when Zoe asks for a horse, Jamie begins to wonder: is it right to give their daughter everything she wants? Debbie, his equally indulged wife supports her daughter's claim. (The drama includes an excerpt from 'Hook' (which really added to the performance, but this could be omitted) (Author: Erina Caradus)

Just Do It! : The flamboyant Ms Hanky, counsellor for the Just-do-it sponsored student support scheme, meets 3 different students and counsels them that there is no right and wrong. Following your feelings is all that matters. (Author: Susan Irvine)

Just Testing : A young couple have their future neatly planned out only to discover a baby, who was not planned for, is on the way.

Planning Ahead : It is New Year's Day and a young couple is gazing at their brand new baby in the hospital nursery.  They talk of the coming year and what expectations they have.  Meanwhile his mother and her friend are at home talking about their memories and the new grandma's expectations for the coming year.  They don't exactly line up with the new parents dreams. (Author: Joanne Miller)

Search for the Hero : What's life really like for the middle-aged super-hero with family responsibilities? (Author: John McNeil)

Supermom : A woman admits to being unable to cope with life as a Super Mom and in the process discovers what she must do to be an effective mom. Going it alone is no longer an option.

Teenagers! : Two parents who go to a counselor for advice about their teenager discover he's actually quite normal.

Three Hearts and a Sweatsuit : An easy to produce Mother's Day or Mother/Daughter event. This drama presents the hearts of three generations and how, in some ways, the more things change the more they stay the same in regards to Mother/Daughter relationships. (Author: Glenn A. Hascall)

Parting

The Goodbye : Sitting at a bus stop, a friendship is bonded. One is starting anew, one is a seasoned veteran with the bus routes. We find that at the end, this small meeting has made a difference, and even though one will no longer be there, they will be missed. (Author: Ronn Gordon)

Passiveness

Avoid, Ignore or Quit : A man interacts with a narrator, his wife and co-worker in a few vignettes that show how passive he is in living his life. He is confronted with immaturity in conflict, laziness and giving up. (Author: Joanne Miller)

Peace

Duckshearer: Private Eye : A citizen of Spartan visits a bumbling hard boiled Don Duckshearer about something that she is missing. After a few false starts Don finds the source of what she is missing and helps set Mary Anne back to a peace that passes understanding. A spoof of old time detective shows. (Author: Glenn A. Hascall)

The Gift of God's Silence : A person frustrated at God's apparent silence in the face of their prayers receives understanding from Biblical examples. (Author: Heather Cooper)

Ups and Downs : Two people are stuck in an elevator.  One is very agitated at the circumstances.  The other tells him of a way that he can have peace. (Author: Walt Scheiman)

Peer Pressure

Choices : "Choices" tells the story of a group of early teens who are influenced by a few of their number to make some dumb decisions. One of them learns to stand up for what is right through the wise words of a friend's grandmother using 3 enacted biblical examples. (Authors: Robin & Delwyn McKenzie)

Perfectionism

Perfectionism : A wife's need to tidy the house threatens the start of a vacation.

Persecution

Safe Conduct : Jerome of Faulfish attempts to talk his friend John Hus out of facing a church tribunal in which he is most certain to be found a heretic.  John is not swayed and is determined to speak the truth of scripture.  This scene is based on the historical events of the 15th century, along with the writings and sayings of both John Hus and Jerome of Faulfish. (Author: Eric Stapleton)

Sanctuary : A three act drama about commitment in a time of tribulation. In all the turmoil, a group has formed to help Christians in need. Known as the Sanctuary Group, they are sought by those in dire need. The group has tried to lend a healing hand by bringing in the lost and needy. Unfortunately, the Sanctuary Group is constantly moving around to protect themselves from capture, making it hard for others, even Christians, to find them. Many have perished trying to find the Sanctuary Group, while the members themselves are also in grave danger.

Separation of Church and State : An illustration of how Thomas Jefferson would possibly view the court rulings that have came about as a result of his letter to the Danbury Baptists in 1802, concerning separation of church and state. This particularly deals with prayer in schools. (Authors: Jon Segroves and Tangelia Cannon)

The Fire and the Flood : The 17th century brought extreme upheaval to the people of Scotland. The Stuart kings imposed what they believed to be their divine right in both matters of state as well as the church. Thousands of people signed the National Covenant affirming that Jesus Christ was the head of all Christian people - not the state. Hundreds of these "Covenanters" maintained their Divine allegiance. In doing so, they forfeited their life. This drama brings to life the story of two of Scotland's "Covenanters", Margaret Wilson and Margaret MacLachlan, and contrasts their story with a modern day high school or university student Greg, who finds it hard to share his faith. (Author: Glenn A. Hascall)

The Persecutor : Based on the autobiography of Sergei Kourdakov, a Russian Secret Police member who persecuted Christians. (Author: David Marriott)

The Play of Anne : This vibrant play, based on historical characters and events, brings vividly to life the struggles of the early English Reformation under Henry VIII, where a wavering king, passionate Calvinists, and adherents of the Pope vie not only for supremacy in the church, but for the success or fall of the Tudor line, and life or death for themselves. The heroine is Anne Askew, 'a poor knight's daughter,' accused of not believing in the miracle of the Mass, and put on trial for her life by the Church. But the secular forces are also interested in Anne, not for her heresy (which they care nothing about) but because she may incriminate the Queen, their enemy. In the midst of the trial King Henry himself unexpectedly appears, ready and eager to interrogate Anne personally (as he did, historically, in several heresy trials). The outcome turns on Anne's determination to defend her conscience against both Church and State, and against the extreme Protestants who see her as a tool in their own power struggle. (Author: Terence Kuch)

Unafraid : A young Somali woman is not afraid to stand up for her faith, even though it means death.

Personal Responsibility

It's Not My Fault : Jimmy has a very convoluted explanation for how come a shirt has a burn hole. Theme: The importance of personal responsibility. (Author: Kenny Blade)

Politics

Those Who Live By The Polls : The mayor is up for re-election and doesn't want to do anything without first checking the polls to see what the voters think about it. But is he too busy checking the polls to perform his other duties, such as instituting the proposed Civil Defence earthquake plan? When an earthquake does strike, he discovers too late that you can't win on every poll. (Author: Greg Brook)

Political correctness

Storytime : All of the kids are writing creative stories and Eddie's story, laced with fantasy and violence is acceptable, but Laura's story about a girl praying to Jesus brings unacceptable imagery into the classroom. Chris has written a violent story as well, which the teacher finds acceptable until she realizes it came from the Bible! (Author: Stan Peal)

Pornography

Lead Us Not... . : The ways in which temptation can overcome us are portrayed in this mime. (Author: John McNeil)

Poverty/The Poor

Rosie : Rosie is a 'bag Lady'in a big city. She has had a rough life, and owns only what she has in her cart. This drama is meant to be used with 2 movie clips from Home Alone II.

The Rise and Fall of Sir Jaspar Hardmaster : A script done in the style of a silent movie melodrama. In which our heroine is saved from the clutches of a wicked landlord with the help of a ministry which aims to give resources to the poor. (Author: John McNeil)

Praise

A Matter of Praise : A Reader's Theater script dealing with the subject of praise, seeking to define it and make its practice more understandable. May find uses in both a praise service or as a special Thanksgiving reading. (Author: Glenn A. Hascall)

Prayer

An Idiot's Prayer : A young male thinks that just by praying, he will get what he wants. (Author: Tim Evers)

Common Ground : Discovering the Bible and the power of prayer transforms the lives of people from all walks of life. (Author: Michael Humphrey)

Hotline : A tongue-in-cheek look at the Intercessions in the liturgical church. (Author: John McNeikl)

Housewife's Prayer : With all its features, the "Housewife's Prayer" is a must-have for every woman. But can this door-to-door salesman make a sale? (Author: John Fewings)

I Know : A hurting young man’s prayer is answered in a very personal way. Humorous, with a powerful message. Deals with who God is, justice, grace, and dealing with grief. (Author: Ryne Mimbs)

I need to hear from you : A monologue in which a girl muses why she doesn't seem to hear from God. Designed to be accompanied by the Petra song, "I need to hear from you". (Author: Peter France)

Indulging Sister Edna : Margaret is praying over a blessed rose petal, praying into a sacred cloth and sending money to Sister Edna's Telerevival in hopes her prayers will get answered and a certain boy will ask her to the Prom. (Author: Stan Peal)

Mission In-prayerable : A quick advertisement for a workshop on prayer, with a Mission Impossible theme. (Author: John McNeil)

My Prayers Are Not Working : Interaction with live persons and puppet - in which Pastor asks why his prayers are not working.

No Distractions : This short skit is about the morning routine of three sisters. Each is faced with similar situations and struggles on a daily basis. They each have their own way of coping.

One Last Thing : This play involves two characters- Man and God.  The man is talking to God, asking him to give him newer and better things.  God generously gives him everything he asks for, except one… (Author: Mark Shell)

Prayer Clinic : Andy calls a telephone help line to get some assistance with learning to pray. (Author: Andy Lund)

Prayer Life : Esther's morning prayers don't quite get off the ground.

Prayer Sketches : Two short humorous sketches on prayer. (Author: Trevor Fletcher)

Separation of Church and State : An illustration of how Thomas Jefferson would possibly view the court rulings that have came about as a result of his letter to the Danbury Baptists in 1802, concerning separation of church and state. This particularly deals with prayer in schools. (Authors: Jon Segroves and Tangelia Cannon)

The Lord's Prayer : A person praying the Lord's prayer in their daily ritual gets more than they bargained for.

The Prayer Restaurant : The Prayer Restaurant is the latest craze in town. It has super specials - but you can only pray for yourself. (Author: Cliff Hunse)

Pre-evangelism (see the Evangelism and Pre-evangelism section of "General scripts")

Priorities

Just a Minute : A woman is trying to get her husband to leave his team's big game and come with her to their parents wedding anniversary.  He convinces her to go ahead without him, promising to be 'right behind her'.  She calls him on his cell phone a couple of times only to discover that he is still watching the game. (Author: Joanne Miller)
Priorities - Right : When a mom works more and more to gain the attention, admiration and a possible promotion from her boss, her family pays the price. When confronted with a choice, what will she do? (Author: Terri Savage)

Problems

No Problems : For Andy, becoming a Christian means the end of all his problems.

Punctuality

Am I Late? : A man is always late for his meetings so a co-worker gives him the gift of a new alarm clock, which he fails to open - so he is late for the next day's meeting again. As 2 of his co-workers find out, he keeps a lot of his gifts unopened and unused because he likes the way they look all wrapped up. (Author: Joanne Miller)

Late For My Funeral : 2 sisters are speaking about their 3rd sister and how she is always late because she crams so much into her life.  Today is her funeral and she's late again.  Third sister (the 'dead' one) finally walks in not realizing she's dead. When she catches on, she faints on the couch and wakens to realize it's been a nightmare. (Author: Joanne Miller)

Shrinking Your Schedule : In a counselor’s office. The patient is distressed by his too-full schedule. As his visit with the counselor proceeds, we come to the realization that the counselor is the one with real problems. He is interrupted and distracted all along the way. The patient is just hoping for some example, some model to follow, and the counselor is clearly the wrong person. It ends with the visit being cut way short and the patient recognizing he needs some other help. (Author: Sherm S. Nichols)

Purity (see "Sex")

Purpose in life (see 'Life as it is')

Puppet & Ventriloquism scripts can be found in the General and Children's sections

Reconciliation

Redemption

Relationships

A Great Gift for Dad :  It's the weekend of Father's Day, and 2 sisters are going over the normal Father's Day stories.  This year, things are different because they both are leaving home...one is getting married and the other is going to college.  This year all dad wants is their presence.

An Old Shovel : At a bridal shower, a grandmother's strange gift is the best gift of all.

Behind the Wall : Violence in the family is portrayed in this short skit. Note: This script is intended to go with the Tracy Chapman song "Behind the Wall" from her album entitled Tracy Chapman.

Beyond The Blue : Months following her mother's death, Marianne is sorting through her mother's things. Her task is to get the house ready for a tenant, something she's dreaded.

Can't Buy Me Love : Two girlfriends are comparing notes on their boyfriends. One is a freshman in college, and her boyfriend/fiancee is an upperclassman and is always broke...she has to pay for everything. The other is a high school senior, and has a boyfriend that always buys things for her because she is worth it. They both realize that their situations are similar, in that neither is happy because of money.

Can't Touch This : A dramatization of the thoughts we have as we anticipate reaching out in relationship to someone.

Circle of Love : Uncle Henare was rescued from the gutter as a street kid. Now he devotes his life to helping kids who are not making it....including his own daughter. (Author: John McNeil)

Father's Day : A new husband is worried whether he is ready for fatherhood.

Good News & Bad News : Mother goes to speak with her son's teacher at the teacher's request.  Teacher thinks child is "out to get him" when, in reality, the child loves the teacher. (Author: Joanne Miller)

Honeymoon Hotel : The behaviour of couples and staff at a honeymoon hotel reveals different expectations of marriage. (Author: John McNeil)

I Am Not! : A husband returns home from work to find his wife angry with him.

IALAC : When people put us down, they tear pieces off our IALAC (I Am Lovable And Capable) badge. (Author: John McNeil)

Life for 4 Voices : A slice-of-life drama contrasting the Christian and secular communities. (Author: John McNeil)

Old Baggage : For years a woman has been carrying the grief of the death of a twin brother.

Paid in Full : A sacrifice of love brings an end to a long-standing feud between two families. (Author: John McNeil)

Perfectionism : A wife's need to tidy the house threatens the start of a vacation.

Steamed Up : In this mime, a husband and wife who are at odds with each other find romance rekindled as they do the ironing. (Author: John McNeil)

Taking Offence : Two neighbours at loggerheads with each other try mediation to settle their quarrel. (Author: John McNeil)

The Emperor's New Clothes : The attitudes of the Seven Churches addressed in Revelations 3 are caricatured in this parable on humility.

The Inside Story : A widowed mother and her two grown daughters are clearing out the attic in preparation for the mother's move to a smaller home. The task underscores the resentment the older daughter feels toward her sister.

The Log : A workaholic husband can't see that he has contributed to his wife's alcohol addiction.

The Parable of the Lost Daughter : The parable of the lost child set in the Wild West (with a slight change of gender).

The Visit : An elderly woman lives for the visits of her daughter.

Venting Feelings : A ventriloquist is forced to face issues of dealing with truth, and his unsatisfactory relationship with his wife. (Author: John McNeil)

Voice of Reason : A husband tries to rationalise his adultery.

Weaving a Web : A woman in an unsatisfactory marriage looks for love on the Internet. (Author: John McNeil)

Wherefore Art Thou? : The balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet draws different responses regarding romance from a husband and wife.

Resurrection

Cryonics : Cryonics offers the hope that people can be frozen and then brought back to life at some time in the future. But what might be the result when the first cryogenically preserved person is revived? (Author: John McNeil)

Revelations, Book of (see Apocalypse)

Reincarnation

Religions, other

Riches

Sabbath/Sunday

Sunday Morning : This comic monologue deals with the few of us who don't really enjoy going to church on Sunday morning. (Author: Tim Evers)

Sunday Morning Coming Down : The ideal (?) start to the Day of Rest, and the reality for many households, are contrasted in this tongue-in-cheek script. (Author: John McNeil)

Sacrifice (for Jesus' sacrifice, see Easter plays)

Abraham and Sarah : Abraham struggles with the request God makes of him, to sacrifice his only son Isaac. (Author: Linda Wyke)

Hannah and Penninah : An argument develops between the two women when Penninah discovers that Hannah has left three-year-old Samuel in the care of the priest Eli. (Author: Linda Wyke)

If I've Told You Once : As a daughter tries on her wedding dress, she confesses to her mother her doubts about marriage. Her mother, who has always been painfully sacrificial to her husband and family, counsels her daughter on the duty of sacrifice in a happy marriage. (Author: Susan Irvine)

Safety

Sainthood

Salvation

Are We Lost? : Two hikers with backpacks are lost in the woods, except only one knows it at first.  The second hiker believes he is in good hands following his friend.  As he realizes  they are hopelessly lost  a third hiker appears.  They are thrilled that someone can help them find their way to civilization.  Soon they come to understand that the third hiker is no help at all. (Author: Joanne Miller)

Coming to the Feast of the King : People invited to a feast of the King find they cannot enter until they leave their baggage at the cross-shaped doorway. An allegory on John 4:16 ("I am the way, the truth and the life".)

Flatline : A young man is in hospital following a brain haemorrhage. On the verge of death, he discovers that his neglect of his Christian walk has imperilled his salvation.

Is That Your Final Answer? : A game show featuring the devil as "Regis" from the TV game show "Who wants to be a Millionaire". The man on the game show trades away everything really important in his life for all the things he thinks are important.

Jesus Loves Me : Becoming a Christian does not mean that Sam stops making mistakes. As he moves through life we see him interacting with a variety of people, often making bad choices. But at the end Jesus does not withhold his grace. (Author: Dan Wilson)

Lifeboat : Two lifeboat men have just returned from a rescue mission, and discuss their experience. (Author: Trevor Fletcher)

Reconciliation : A narrated mime tells the Gospel story, starting with the fall of Adam and Eve.

Recycled Lives : Darryl, a man with very low self-worth, goes to a dealer in second-hand lives to see what he can get in exchange for his failures. (Author: John McNeil)

Satisfaction Guaranteed : Buy a Jesus any size you need from this store, and your satisfaction is guaranteed!

The Barber : Jesus and Satan vie for the soul of a Barber in his shop.

The Captain's Promise : An allegory on faith/salvation, in which an Army platoon have to trust their Captain to lead them to safety. (Author: Michele Pitman)

The Map : Two girls, on a trip to the beach, discover that the map they have is useless. They decide to return and get a map that is more accurate.

The Parable of the Lost Daughter : The parable of the lost child set in the Wild West (with a slight change of gender).

The Water of Life : A group of guards are more concerned with protecting a water tank than sharing its contents with those who need it.

The Writer : An allegory based on John 1:1-12. A narrative poem/dance drama. Also suitable for Easter. (Author: John McNeil)

Next Day in the Garden of Good and Evil : An Easter sequel to the Christmas play, "The Garden". This parable, in which the animals destroy their park through disobedience to the Gardener, and then kill the Child of the Gardener, attempts to put the need for Christ into context of the Fall and need for redemption. The two plays may be combined into one.

What Are Friends For : Raymond has a dream in which he is challenged by his friend as to why he never shared the Gospel with him. A third person delights in pointing out Raymond's deficiencies. (Author: Alden Frye)

Selfishness

The 50-yard Line : In this skit, Ed has tickets to the big game, but no transportation. His friend Larry was supposed to pick them up so they could go to the game together, but ran into an old high school friend, Tina. As Ed desperately tries getting another ride, Larry and Tina make plans to get the tickets from Ed and go to the game instead. (Author: Terri Savage)

The Selfish Giant : In its original form, Oscar Wilde's The Selfish Giant has strongly Christian themes. Sadly, many modern editions abridge the story, missing the point that true repentance comes when we meet Christ, and that the Lord rewards love shown to "the least of these." This present adaptation for stage is close to the original storyline and develops these Christian themes through song and dialogue, as well as retaining interwoven imagery of the cycle of the seasons. (Author: Oscar Wilde, adapted by Robin & Delwyn McKenzie)

Selling/salesmanship

Secrets of Successful Selling : How to sell successfully door-to-door.

Seven Deadly Sins

Sex/sexual purity

Change Your Life : A satirical look at how life might look if Christians behaved exactly the same as everyone else… Key Words: Morality and Christian life; Christian witness; living holy in an unholy world. (Author: Kristen Gatenby)

Just A Rose : A parable on sexual abstinence (or lack of it) before marriage. Particularly suits a discussion group setting. (Author unknown)

Just One Question : Stephanie and Adam are interrupted in the middle of inappropriate dating behaviour by a mysterious woman, who gives Stephanie much food for thought.

Lead Us Not.... : The ways in which addiction to pornography can overcome us are portrayed in this mime.(Author: John McNeil)

Mom Doesn't Have To Know : This story follows the sins of the father to the sins of a daughter - both suffer the consequences of sexual impurity. (Benjamin J. Stephens)

Second Chances : A play about purity. Two scenes going on simultaneously on opposite sides of the stage. Both scenes are conversations between two girls. In each scene one of the girls is trying to help the other girl from making the same mistakes she had done in her past. (Author: Bonnie Harrell)

Sex For Dummies : A husband whose sexual relationship with his wife has been less than satisfactory tries to improve it by following a plan outlined in a book. (Author: John McNeil)

Sexism (see Feminist issues)

Sin

Sowing/reaping

Drill Lesson : The parable of the sower and the seed presented by an Army sergeant.

Harvesting for Beginners : A spoof lecture on agriculture provides a satire on the parable of the harvest.

The Decision : Two girls, Deana and Amy, are discussing the Monica Lewinski interview by Barbara Walters. Deana is a rules-oriented person, and Amy is a personal rights advocate. They eventually confront the difference between rules and rights and the basic problem of authority.

Space

Alice in Space : The great-great-great grandaughter of the original Alice is migrating with her parents to a new planet when their spaceship is pulled towards a Black Hole. (Author: John McNeil)

Journey into Oblivion : Based on ideas from the science fiction comedies 'Red Dwarf' and 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'. Written in three short acts, this play has the objective of presenting the gospel to children around 10-16 years in the form of futuristic fable.  Each scene is sketch-length, around 5 minutes, and designed to form a part of a wider programme - so there can be breaks of up to half an hour in between scenes or it can be presented as a whole.

May the Foot be With You : An aspiring jedi ant named Louise Groundwalker has arrived at the home of Yogurt, a jedi master ant, wise in the ways of the "Foot". During their discussion, you discover that they are talking about humans, but all they know about humans is their feet.

Quest for Love : The crew of the Enterprise have been searching the universe for 200 years to find love - without success up to now.

Stargazing : Two girls in the back yard at night using a telescope. One is an amateur astronomer, the other a friend. While they talk about the sky, the astronomer wonders about the reality of God and ultimately does he care?

Speaking/Speech

The Language of Zion : Andy considers a change of speaking style is important now that he's a Christian.

Spirit (walking in)

Spiritual Awakening

Common Ground : Discovering the Bible and the power of prayer transforms the lives of people from all walks of life. (Author: Michael Humphrey)

The Whole Ocean in a Glass of Water : A husband and wife fly south to Florida for Christmas vacation. The husband's restlessness with his life forces him to ponder God, Christ's birth, and the decisions he's made in life.  Ultimately, he and his wife find profound parallels between the vastness of the ocean, the nature of God, and the person of Christ. (Author: Tom Woodley)

Sport

Suspicion : Smithson has been the star player on the rugby team for years, but now Murphy is attracting the headlines. Smithson soon finds evidence Murphy is trying to take all the glory for himself, but is the evidence really there, or is Smithson imagining it all? (Author: Greg Brook)

The 50-yard Line : In this skit, Ed has tickets to the big game, but no transportation. His friend Larry was supposed to pick them up so they could go to the game together, but ran into an old high school friend, Tina. As Ed desperately tries getting another ride, Larry and Tina make plans to get the tickets from Ed and go to the game instead. (Author: Terri Savage)

Stealing/Theft (see Honesty)

Stewardship

Cirrhosis of the Giver : A Doctor explains a patient's diagnosis to his wife. Played like a corny and over dramatic soap opera. (If you have someone that can play the organ for the old time soap effect it adds to the humor.)

The Smooth Operator : The parable of the dishonest steward, in modern form.

A Surprise Package : What if you received a gift on your doorstep, but were to afraid to open for fear it might be something really nice. If it turns out to be something you really like, God might ask you to share it with someone else. Maybe it's better not knowing.

God Leaves The Light On : A light- hearted monologue looking at stewardship from Tom Bud-get's view point.  It's a parody of the American 'Motel-6' comercials.

The Danger of Riches : Sometimes when God gives us a blessing, we come to expect the blessing all the time, and then forget who gave it to us.

The Frequently Amazing Adventures of Chris and Jen : Through three vignettes, Chris learns that adulthood doesn't magically exempt you from learning, you don't always get the glory and credit you'd like and giving doesn't have to hurt. (Author: Stan Peal)

The Lesson : A writer is visited by an ex-acquaintance who had hired him as a 10-year-old to care for her rosebushes while she was away.  He failed to care for the bushes and they all died.  It was the beginning of his life lessons on stewardship.  Surprisingly, and unbeknownst to him until today, she also learned something about stewardship. (Author: Joanne Miller)

The Frequently Amazing Adventures of Chris & Jen : Through three vignettes, Chris learns that adulthood doesn't magically exempt you from learning, you don't always get the glory and credit you'd like and giving doesn't have to hurt. Theme: Stewardship. (Author: Stan Peal)

The Wizard of Odd : The Wizard is going away on a trip and has some talents he'd like to pass on to his managers. Will they use their talents wisely?

Strangers

Strength/weakness

Stress

Bricktaker : What if mankind were created with pouches as part of our anatomy. As we went through the day these pouches either increased or decreased in weight depending on the people we met and the circumstances that came our way. If this were so would you be someone who added a load to your fellow man, or would you be someone who helped to ease the burden?

Change Indigestion : Change is too stressful for some. This office worker can't even handle the change a vacation represents, let alone the changes he finds on his return.

Recharge Those Batteries! : A businessman tries various methods to reduce stress, all with unfortunate results. (Author: John McNeil)

Shrinking Your Schedule : In a counselor’s office. The patient is distressed by his too-full schedule. As his visit with the counselor proceeds, we come to the realization that the counselor is the one with real problems. He is interrupted and distracted all along the way. The patient is just hoping for some example, some model to follow, and the counselor is clearly the wrong person. It ends with the visit being cut way short and the patient recognizing he needs some other help. (Author: Sherm S. Nichols)

Sunday Morning Coming Down : The ideal (?) start to the Day of Rest, and the reality for many households, are contrasted in this tongue-in-cheek script.

Suffering

Came Darkness: The Curse of Job : John Donne delivers a Lenten sermon to King James and his court on a text from Job. Donne introduces and comments on the dialogue between Job and his 'friends' (accusers). Gradually, Donne is drawn into the dialogue himself, and confides his own fears. God speaks, and Job is reconciled. Eight years later, Donne delivers his last sermon, and he also is reconciled, after a fashion. (Author: Terence Kuch)

Dennis the Menace : Dennis knows Christians are supposed to visit the sick, but has all the wrong approach when he meets Mrs Reid, an elderly lady who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. (Author: Greg Brook)

Grandmamma : Grandmamma reminisces about the way her two sons turned out. One committed suicide, and the other is dying of AIDS. (Author: J'son M. Lee)

Just Do It : How can a loving God allow such suffering in the world? A high-powered business executive argues that there can't be a God, or He would not stand back and just watch it happen. (Author: John McNeil)

Snowbound and Outbound : Passengers on a metro bus stuck in the snow are hesitant to talk at first, then fall into a competition about whose life is more difficult. The only one not complaining turns out to be the one with the most to lose. (Author: Stan Peal)

Suffer The Child : A mother caught up in the loss of both her husband and child copes with her grief by denying that both have happened. There is an alternate version to this script, in which the mother addresses her dying child in hospital. (Author: John McNeil)

The Chat Room : Three friends of Bob chat to him in an internet chat room about his life and why bad things have been happening to him. When the mysterious papabear enters they all react differently to his perception of the situation. This short play is a look at different views of suffering in the world in the context of today's internet technology. (Author: Lachlan Meurer)

The Question : A young Christian man struggles to work out God's purposes in his life as he goes from one personal "tragedy" to the next. His friends also struggle to give him godly advice about a God who does not seem to care.

Suicide

Fun and Games : Kate has just got a job teaching in the school system, and has invited Amy, her friend, to help her set up her classroom. When they go into the classroom, Amy realizes that this is the same classroom she had for homeroom in the 9th grade. Further, she remembers that it was here that she and her friends taunted a lonely boy, who later committed suicide. (Author: Fred Lane)

Super-heroes (see Heroes)

Systems of the world

The System : Three people give three different perspectives on the immigration system, and the need to immigrate. The objective is to impart a sense of hopelessness in the entire system, and for the audience to wonder what the real solution is.

Women Unlimited : Monty Python-style version of Jesus and the woman at the well.

Talents (also see Gifts)

Talents Anonymous : A very silly sketch about burying your talent, done in the style of an AA meeting. (Author: Michele Pitman)

Telethon Time : A Telethon host is perplexed when guests front up with something other than money. A parable on the use of talents.

The Parable of the Talents : A Readers Theatre script on the parable of the talents, and the use of gifts. (Author: Mike Treachler)

Taxes

A Taxing Question : Two friends discuss the pros and cons of paying taxes.

Teenagers (see Parenting)

Television

Let's Hear About You : A guest on a TV chat show can't get a word in edgeways.

Services Rendered : Rick is upset that a door-to-door salesman would suggest that he allow him to bring someone over to the house who would swear in front of his family at no charge. But Rick discovers he has been using this service for a long time. (Author: Glenn A. Hascall)

Temptation

An Annoying Little Sin : Have you ever had an annoying little sin that just wouldn't go away? It's rather like having a big book that you use to whack yourself in the head.

Burger and Fries : The phone rings and one who is trying hard to stay away from too much food finds themselves in a difficult situation when they receive a call from a rogue hamburger. (Author: Benjamin J. Stephens)

Clayton Friend : A brother and sister are faced with the problem of how to react to a friend who has it all. Why shouldn't they have a piece of the action, too? (Author: John McNeil)

Compromise Your Integrity! : A husband and wife are tempted with glamorous prizes to compromise their integrity in a TV game show.

Greener Pastures : Two dumb sheep are offered the temptation of greener pastures and coveting what they long for.  The third sheep, who is really a wolf in sheep's clothing, is wily like his Eden serpentine counterpart and has other plans for the easily frightened sheep. (Author: Eric Stapleton)

Just A Rose : A parable on sexual abstinence (or lack of it) before marriage. Particularly suits a discussion group setting. (Author unknown)

Lead Us Not... . : The ways in which temptation can overcome us are portrayed in this mime. (Author: John McNeil)

Plots and Plans : A shopper at a small market is invited to choose between wisdom and get-rich-quick schemes. (Author: Trevor Fletcher)

The Chair : Illustrating how we get curious about sin, so we try it, but then we become stuck in sin and cannot get out. (Author: Julia Weaver)

The Sin Chair : The primary message to this mime is that temptation can get you stuck in (or in this case ON) sin. They only way to get "unstuck" is through the Word and living the teachings of Jesus Christ. This is a mime with great flexibility in the cast size. (Author: Teresa Jensen)

Temptation : A little thing like a slice of pie can prove a big temptation. Can Fred resist? (Author: Denise Busenitz)

The Garden of Paradise : A retelling of a Hans Christian Andersen folk tale. With the help of the East Wind, Prince Regalis flies to Paradise to seek the lovely Princess, but loses all through his disobedience.

Ten Commandments

A Fair Cop : (False Witness) A police officer wants to "plant" evidence to incriminate a person he is convinced to be guilty of drug-dealing. (Author: John McNeil)

The Decision : Two girls, Deana and Amy, are discussing the Monica Lewinski interview by Barbara Walters. Deana is a rules-oriented person, and Amy is a personal rights advocate. They eventually confront the difference between rules and rights and the basic problem of authority.

Sunday Morning Coming Down : The ideal (?) start to the Day of Rest, and the reality for many households, are contrasted in this tongue-in-cheek script. (Author: John McNeil)

Stolen Property : The Holy Spirit (in his role as Counsellor) helps a young man with a stealing problem.

The Name of the Father: A poem/song/parable/dance/mime on the 3rd commandment, "You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain." (Author: John McNeil)

Traders of the Lost Ark : Five 4-min pieces relating the 10 Commandments to modern life. (Author: John McNeil)

Voice of Reason : A husband tries to rationalise his adultery.

Thankfulness/Thanksgiving - Scripts with this theme can now be found in their own category under "Festivals"

Travel

Fourth World Airways : A humorous look at international travel. (Author: John McNeil)

Highway to Havana : A quick, humorous skit on aircraft hijacking. (Author: Chris Wyatt)

What Goes Up : A prospective passenger has a confusing lesson in buying a train ticket. (Author: Chris Wyatt)

Treasure

X Marks the Spot : A band of pirates miss out on buried treasure because they can't accept the cabin boy's explanation of how simple it is to find. (Author: John Fewings)

Tribulation (see Persecution)

Trust (see Faith)

Truth

Dishonest Lonny : A citizen of Spartan visits with a bumbling Don Duckshearer about something that he wants to keep a secret. After a few false starts Don finds the source of the problem but forgets as Lonny becomes increasingly frustrated by a failure to communicate. An over-the-top spoof of old time detective shows that makes the point , "always be honest". (Author: Glenn A. Hascall)

Final Destination : This airline believes that you can go anywhere that they feel like telling you where to go. The underlying theme is that there is truth, even in a postmodern world that tries to convince us that everything is relative. (Author: Daniel Guilliot)

Here is the News! : Showing how different media adapt the news to suit their own purposes.

Rama's Garden : Rama's friends creep into his garden at night to discover what is behind his new fence, but each discovers an incomplete part of the truth. Based on an Indian parable. (Author: John Fewings)

Venting Feelings : A ventriloquist is forced to face issues of dealing with truth, and his unsatisfactory relationship with his wife. (Author: John McNeil)

Unity

Footy : Blood, Sweat, Liniment and Church Unity. (Note for American readers: "Footy" is a New Zealand and Australian slang term for Rugby Football. Substitute your own football code.) (Author: Dean Herring)

Leftovers : A couple enjoys the quiet that comes after a holiday get together.  A conflict arises over whether or not they should have fellowship on a more regular basis with their relatives because they attend a different denomination.  The body of Christ is divided with a climax of a rather poignant thought from the young daughter who has been listening to the debate while playing with her toys. (Author: Eric Stapleton)

Unity Tableau : Division can occur in the church when people become too focused on their own spiritual gift.

Vacation

The Great Outdoors : A family of 4 goes on a camping trip.  Dad's aim is to bring the family closer together.  He thinks this is happening when in reality each member is doing his or her own thing. (Author: Joanne Miller)

Perfectionism : A wife's need to tidy the house threatens the start of a vacation.

Ventriloquist scripts (see Puppets)

Warfare/war and peace

Water

Women Unlimited : Monty Python-style version of Jesus and the woman at the well.

Wealth (see Riches)

Wild West

The Dalton Boys : In this Western spoof, a Stranger comes to the aid of a town menaced by the Dalton Boys. But his plans don't quite work out. (Author: Greg Brook)

Wills, making of

A Will To Give? : A self-made businessman disputes that we need to be giving people. (Author: John McNeil)

Wisdom

Get Wise! : No one acts too wisely in this play, in which events turn full circle. (Author: John McNeil)

Plots and Plans : A shopper at a small market is invited to choose between wisdom and get-rich-quick schemes. (Author: Trevor Fletcher)

Taking Offence : Two neighbours at loggerheads with each other try mediation to settle their quarrel. (Author: John McNeil)

The Old Wisdom Shop : Worldly wisdom proves an empty and often destructive thing; only God’s wisdom lasts. ‘Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?’ (Author: Trevor Fletcher)

Womanhood (also see Feminist issues)

Workaholism

The Log : A workaholic husband can't see that he has contributed to his wife's alcohol addiction.

Worry

No-fret-ium : A commercial that indicates a prescription of No-Fret-ium may be just what the Great Physician ordered. (Author: Glenn A. Hascall)

Worry Works Wonders : Albie A. Worrywart, financial advisor is here today to help you with all your financial worries. His motto: 'Worry works wonders'. At his invitation, various worried people come up to the microphone to be advised on the advantages of worrying and signing up for his financial package. (Author: Susan Irvine)

Worship

Are You Talking To Me, Lord? : A choir is singing in front of the congregation, "Holy, Holy, Holy" (Hymnal). God gets Jenny's attention and they engage in a conversation. Nobody else hears Him. He is so loud in her head, she thinks it's somebody in the choir interrupting her. (Author: Kathy Graff)

Year 20000 (see Millenium)

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