Easter

Details: R. Cody Phillips; Scripts Since 2007; 21 August 2014

Summary: This two-act play centers on the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry. This presentation is designed to emphasize that there is a “cost” to discipleship, and that cost depends in large measure on the individual’s relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. In this drama, five different persons must face the ultimate question of how they will relate to the Son of God and whether or not they are willing to pay the price.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 90-120min
Actors: 22M, 5F

R Cody Phillips The Cost.pdf [553.08Kb]

Uploaded Tuesday, 28 February 2023 by Chris

Details: Kathy Applebee and Linda Lineberry; Scripts Since 2007; 29 April 2014

A musical drama for Easter
Summary: A musical Easter drama for a large cast and choir. Told from the viewpoint of a shepherd, it chronicles the life of Jesus from his birth through his crucifixion, burial and resurrection ending on a triumphant note of glory.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 90min?
Actors: 20M, 11F, 5M/F, 2C, 1VO, +Various

Click on the link below to read or download the full script.

20230228003720 Christ the shepherd.docx [21.59Kb]

Uploaded Tuesday, 28 February 2023 by Chris

Details: Kathy Applebee and Linda Lineberry; Scripts Since 2007; 17 April 2014

A musical drama for Easter

Summary: This full-length script traces the life of Jesus from his birth to his crucifixion and resurrection.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 90min?
Actors: 13F, 24M, 3M/F, 3VO, 2C

Read or download the full script by clicking on the link below.

20230228003504 Christ the servant Christ the king.odt [39.91Kb]

Uploaded Tuesday, 28 February 2023 by Chris

Details: David Lee; Scripts Since 2007; 05 April 2014

Summary: Two people who have just left the Passover feast in Jerusalem start to discuss Jesus' death when they reach an inn. Two Roman soldiers who arrive at the inn also discus the event. An innkeeper listens intently to their discussion.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 10min
Actors: 5M

Details: Caroline Fletcher; Scripts Since 2007; 04 April 2014

Summary: As well as portraying the crucifixion, this play also looks at the question of suffering and demonstrates that though terrible things happen in this world, this does not mean that we have an uncaring God who cannot sympathize with our suffering: Jesus lived amongst us and shared our pain.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 12min.
Actors: 2M/F, 5M

Details: Gaye Ahlers; Scripts Since 2007; 02 April 2014

Summary: This play covers the period of Holy Week from Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter (Resurrection) Sunday. This play has a Biblical emphasis in terms of how Old Testament prophecies concerning the end of Jesus’ ministry and death are fulfilled in the Gospel account, mostly in the book of Matthew. There is also an evangelistic thrust which relates to how the life of Jesus impacts both nominal Christians as well as unchurched non-Christians with the reality of God’s love for them.
Style: Religious drama with comedy/fantasy elements.
Duration: Approximately one hour.
Cast Size: About 34, but people would have the flexibility to play more than one role.
Scripture references: Matthew 21: 1-11, Zechariah 9:9, Zechariah 13:7, Matthew 26: 26-30, 32-41, 69-75, Matthew 27: 11-25, Isaiah 53: 4-8, 10, Matthew 27: 27-33, Luke 23:28, Matthew 27:41-42, Luke 23:39-43, Matthew 27: 45-48, John 19:30, Mark 15:39, Matthew 28: 1-8.
To read the full script, please click on the link below.

“The Gospel Adventure, A Holy Week Odyssey.”

Summary: As would be suggested from the title, this play covers the period of Holy Week from Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter (Resurrection) Sunday. This play has a Biblical emphasis in terms of how Old Testament prophecies concerning the end of Jesus’ ministry and death are fulfilled in the Gospel account, mostly in the book of Matthew. There is also an evangelistic thrust which relates to how the life of Jesus impacts both nominal Christians as well as unchurched non-Christians with the reality of God’s love for them.

Style: Religious drama with comedy/fantasy elements.

Duration: Approximately one hour.

Cast Size: About 34, but people would have the flexibility to play more than one role.

Scripture references: Matthew 21: 1-11, Zechariah 9:9, Zechariah 13:7, Matthew 26: 26-30, 32-41, 69-75, Matthew 27: 11-25, Isaiah 53: 4-8, 10, Matthew 27: 27-33, Luke 23:28, Matthew 27:41-42, Luke 23:39-43, Matthew 27: 45-48, John 19:30, Mark 15:39, Matthew 28: 1-8.

The Gospel Adventure Holy week.doc [90.5Kb]

Uploaded Tuesday, 28 February 2023 by Chris

Details: David Hardy; Scripts Since 2007; 28 March 2014

Summary: A court case in which witnesses to the crucifixion of Jesus are questioned regarding the later disappearance of the body.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 7min
Scripture: MATT 27:62 -66 and 28:11 - 15
Actors: 1M/F, 4M

Details: David Lee; Scripts Since 2007; 22 March 2014

Summary. A crucifixion drama set to the song "No hay nadie come tu" by Marco Barrientos. We have used this very effectively outdoors.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 9min
Actors: 6+M, 2M/F

Details: Kathy Applebee; Scripts Since 2007; 14 March 2014

Summary: Based on Luke 22 and John 13 & 14, this five scene script can be used for just Jesus washing his disciples' feet (scenes 1-3) and/or instituting the Lord's Supper.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: Scenes 1-3 run about 5-6 minutes, 5 and 6 are 3 minutes each. Scenes 1 -3 can be produced as a stand-alone skit as well as 4 & 5 as a stand-alone.
Actors: 13M

Details: David Hardy; Scripts Since 2007; 12 March 2014

Summary: A reflection by Mary Magdalene on her discovery at the empty tomb.
Style: Dramatic. Dur: 3min
Actors: 1F

Details: Jo Bower; Scripts Since 2007; 07 March 2014

Summary: Various people present at the crucifixion react to what they have seen. This is suitable as a Readers' Theatre presentation. (Inspired by a sermon my father, Rev. James T. Ramdall,preached when I was a child.)
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 15min
Actors: 6M, 3F, 1VO + various voices

Details: Jeanette Walters; Scripts Since 2007; 07 March 2014

Summary: A briefly told account of the resurrection and Jesus' various appearances to his disciples. This would work well as an acted reading, or readers' theatre.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 8min
Actors: 1F, 3M, 2M/F + Various non-speaking parts.

Details: Sandy Conway; Scripts Since 2007; 07 March 2014

Summary: Two women wonder what will happen to their friend Mary Magdalene, now Jesus has been crucified. (Note: Language is that of British working class women.)
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 12min
Actors: 2F

Details: Caroline Fletcher; Scripts Since 2007; 05 March 2014

Summary: This play would work well at Easter time as it portrays the crucifixion. It also looks at the question of suffering and demonstrates that though terrible things happen in this world, this does not mean that we have an uncaring God who cannot sympathize with our suffering: Jesus lived amongst us and shared our pain. The Bible passage used at the end of the play is the NIV version of Isaiah 53:3-6, an Old Testament passage understood by Christians to predict the suffering of Christ and his atoning death. [This author has several other excellent plays at www.freechristianplays.tumblr.com]
Style: Dramatic Duration: 20min
Actors: 5M,2M/F

Details: Barry Brannen; Scripts Since 2007; 22 January 2014

Summary: An Easter skit. What effect did Jesus have on Pontius Pilate? Drawing from the 4 Gospel accounts, with some imagination of a conversation in Pilate’s household on Resurrection Sunday.
Style: Dramatic Duration: 12min
Actors: 2M,1F

Details: Jeremy Moodey; Scripts Since 2007; 21 March 2013

Summary: A short sketch in which a judge gives his summation to an imaginary jury about who Jesus was, based on Jesus’ own words on the cross.
Style: dramatic Duration: 5 min
Scripture: Jesus’ words from the cross as recorded in Luke 23, Matthew 27 and John 19.
Actors: 1M/F

Details: Sheila Hamil; Scripts Since 2007; 24 January 2013

Puppets at Easter

Summary: Focusing on Thomas at Easter and after the Resurrection.
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 5min
Actors: 1N, + puppets
Scripture: John 20:19-20

Details: Sheila Hamil; Scripts Since 2007; 24 January 2013

Summary: These three dramas – Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday – were written for a children’s activity morning. A large white sheet with a strong light source behind it is needed, so that the children’s shadows are shown miming the actions, while the narrator reads out the poem. Shapes such as a cardboard donkey, palm fronds may also be used.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: Short.
Actors: Any number

Details: Sheila Hamil; Scripts Since 2007; 24 January 2013

Summary: An Easter bible reading set to “rap” music.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 2min
Actors: Any number
Scripture: John 18:28-40

Details: Jim Hatherly; Scripts Since 2007; 23 January 2013

Summary: A monologue, in which the disciple Thomas reflects on his time with Jesus, and the events following the resurrection.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 12min
Actors: 1M
Scripture: John 20: 19-31

Details: Jim Hatherly; Scripts Since 2007; 21 January 2013

Summary: Two sets of characters, modern day and from the time of Jesus, are forced to reassess their lives by the events of the first Easter.
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 12min
Scripture: John 20: 1-18
Actors: 3M, 1F

Details: Jim Hatherly; Scripts Since 2007; 21 January 2013

Summary: A monologue from one of those whom Jesus met following his resurrection on the road to Emmaus.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 10min
Actors: 1M/F
Scripture: Luke 24: 13-35

Details: Sheila Hamil; Scripts Since 2007; 12 January 2013

Summary: Using David Dimbleby's Question Time programme (UK TV), we bring up arguments about the Resurrection of Jesus. The pupils from Churchill Community College took up a 'write a drama for Easter' challenge. This is what they came up with.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 5min
Actors: 4M, 1F

Details: Sheila Hamil; Scripts Since 2007; 12 January 2013

Summary: A light-hearted radio news report from the events of Palm Sunday.
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 6min
Actors: 4M/F

Details: Sandy Conway; Scripts Since 2007; 12 January 2013

Summary: Two women discuss Mary Magdalene and the events of the first Easter.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 10min
Scripture:Mark 16:9-11, John 20:14-18 and parallels
Actors: 2F

Details: Jeremy Moodey; Scripts Since 2007; 05 November 2012

Summary: A short sketch based on the Roman Centurion’s experience of the crucifixion.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 5min
Scripture: The crucifixion accounts in Luke 23 and Matthew 27.
Actors: 1M, 1F

Details: John Holden; Scripts Since 2007; 29 February 2012

Summary: A monologue, by the man who held the sponge up to Jesus on the cross on Good Friday.
Style: Drama. Duration: 8min
Actors: 1M

Details: Jeanette Walter; Scripts Since 2007; 10 January 2012

Summary: It takes a personal encounter with Jesus for Thomas to believe Christ has risen.
Style: Comedy/drama. Duration: 10min
Actors: 5M

Details: Melinda Cousins; Scripts Since 2007; 09 January 2012

Summary: A suburban couple are upset when their donkey goes missing. They get a surprise when they hear a commotion at the end of the street. Keywords: Palm Sunday
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 5min
Actors: 1M, 1F

Details: Melinda Cousins; Scripts Since 2007; 17 December 2010

Summary: A modern-day take on Palm Sunday, with a shopaholic wife, a long-suffering husband and their household pet.
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 6min
Actors: 1M, 1F

Details: Malcolm McLean; Scripts Since 2007; 13 June 2010

Summary: This is a true story in the form of a passion play, but the setting has been changed to modern times, and some events have been added or rearranged for dramatic purposes. The play is modern dress, designed to be suitable for school performance.
Style: Dramatic Duration: 60min +
Actors: 38M, 19F, 5M/F, 1VO, 1N, +Various

To read this script, click here.

Details: Sue Walton; Scripts Since 2007; 10 June 2010

Summary: This is a sketch about the Resurrection, from the point of view of the Roman soldiers assigned to guard duty outside the tomb. There are three scenes, with an appropriate Bible reading between each one, giving time for scene changes. The letter included in Scene Three is an alleged report of the trial and death of Jesus sent by Pilate to Rome, and is included in an apocryphal book, ‘the Acts of Peter and Paul’. Keywords: resurrection. Style: humorous. Duration: 20 min.
Actors: 7M, 1M/F
Scripture Reference: Matthew 27:62-65; Matthew 28:1-15;Luke 24:9, 11, 36-48

Details: Kerrie Polkinghorne; Scripts Since 2007; 01 October 2009

Summary: An allegory on the Easter story, with God depicted as a Pet Shop owner.
Style: Drama. Duration: 8min
Actors: 1 Narrator

Details: Susan Ticknor; Scripts Since 2007; 24 September 2009

Summary: Mary receives a surprise visit from a Roman soldier one year after the crucifixion of Jesus.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 5min
Actors: 1M, 1F

Details: Melinda Cousins; Scripts Since 2007; 08 April 2009

Summary: A shopaholic wife returned from a buying binge and a bored husband find their day is turned upside down when their beloved Daisy is taken by a stranger. Keywords: Palm Sunday
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 6min
Actors: 1M, 1F

Details: Ian Wishart; Scripts Since 2007; 18 February 2009

Summary: Sometimes we can miss the point of Lent and reduce it to simple ritualistic abstinence. Perhaps by approaching it more positively, we can truly deepen our relationship with Jesus, and see each Good Friday and Easter Sunday with a fresh sense of awe, thankfulness and rejoicing. A light-hearted sketch for an all-age meeting. Keywords: Lent, sacrifice.
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 8min.
Cast: 3F, 1M

Details: Terri Savage; Scripts Since 2007; 14 May 2008

Summary: Two women proclaim the resurrection news. Keywords: resurrection
Style: Drama. Duration: 2min
Actors: 2F

Details: Terri Savage; Scripts Since 2007; 14 May 2008

Summary: Mary, mother of Jesus, is struggling with the torture of her son. She cries out to God with her struggles, and then asks for God's help to remain strong. Keywords: Easter, death, resurrection, suffering.
Style: Drama: Duration: 3min
Actors: 1F

Details: Cedric Downard; Scripts Since 2007; 29 April 2008

Summary: A one-act play, in which the Sanhedrin (the highest tribunal of the Jews) is meeting in Jerusalem to examine the evidence and try Jesus. After accepting evidence and opinion from many witnesses and discussing the issue, Jesus is found guilty, condemned to death and then crucified. To the amazement of his followers and the authorities who condemned him, Jesus rises from the dead and offers a challenge to all before ascending to heaven. Keywords: Easter, crucifixion, resurrection, trial.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 30min
Actors: 18M, 3F, 4-6 M/F, 1N

Details: Bonnie Degagne; Scripts Since 2007; 01 April 2008

Summary: A Palm Sunday reader’s theatre. A parallel of the practice of the lamb sacrifice and Jesus being the final sacrifice in its place. Keywords : Passover, Paschal, sacrifice lamb, Palm Sunday.
Style: Dramatic. Duration : 5min
Actors/Readers : Two people.
Scripture: John 12: 12-19

Details: Kevin Renshaw; Scripts Since 2007; 24 January 2008

Summary: This Readers Theater piece, focusing on the Easter story, is an examination of spiritual callings through Joseph of Aramethea and his decision to bury Jesus. (Originally staged with back cyclorama and back lighting, creating silhouettes to the audience). Keywords: Easter, calling, spiritual gifts, ministry, doubts, fear.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 15min
Actors: 3M, 2F, 2M/F
Scripture reference: raising of Lazarus through the Passion and appearance of Jesus to the Apostles in Acts.

Details: Phillip Barker; Scripts Since 2007; 15 October 2007

Summary: A short play suitable for a youth group or drama group to perform in Church.The play is set as a modern day hearing into the events that allowed the ‘Jesus Cultists’ to claim that Jesus was resurrected from the dead. The Commander of the Guard is called to give testimony and be cross-examined - insofar as a Roman soldier could be cross examined in a Jewish court.
Keywords: Easter, Empty Tomb, Resurrection, Jesus, Roman Guards, Asleep, Stone rolled away, Conspiracy, Stolen body,
Style: Drama
Actors: 1M 3 M/F
Props: include, four desks, chairs, a modern day Army Sergeants uniform, a Judges wig and gown.
Duration: 7-10 mins
Scripture Reference: Matthew 27:63 and 28:11 – 15

Details: Susan Walton; Scripts Since 2007; 28 August 2007

Summary : A sketch in five small scenes, each portraying a stage in the life of Barabbas. It was performed for, and by children, and is to illustrate that sin, if not dealt with, goes from bad to worse and hurts not only ourselves but those around us. I’d like to think that Barabbas was a changed man after Jesus took his place on the cross; only eternity will tell! Keywords: Barabbas, Easter, punishment, rebellion, sin, cross.
Style: Drama. Duration: 10min
Actors: 7M, 2F, 3-5M/F, +V

Details: Ray Markham; Scripts Since 2007; 03 August 2007

Summary: Two characters discuss the significance of eggs at Easter in a humorous way. Keywords: Easter, eggs, new life.
Style: Lighthearted. Duration: 4min
Actors: 2 puppets

Details: Ray Markham; Scripts Since 2007; 03 August 2007

Style: Lighthearted. Duration: 4 min
Actors: 2 puppets
Summary : Two characters discuss the significance of the cross on the hot cross bun in a humorous way. Keywords: Easter, cross, hot cross buns.

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