Easter

Inquiry into the Removal of the Body of Jesus of Nazareth

David Hardy · 28 March 2014

Style

Dramatic.

Duration

7min

Scripture

MATT 27:62 -66 and 28:11 - 15

Actors

1M/F, 4M

Summary

A court case in which witnesses to the crucifixion of Jesus are questioned regarding the later disappearance of the body.

Script

Charactors Barrister Witnesses: (can wear period costumes or modern day costumes) Malchus, - A servant of the Jewish High Priest Pontius Pilate -…

The Easter Story - a mime

David Lee · 22 March 2014

Style

Dramatic.

Duration

9min

Actors

6+M, 2M/F

Characters

Jesus Two angels Two disciples Judas Pharisee Pilate Soldiers

Summary

. A crucifixion drama set to the song "No hay nadie come tu" by Marco Barrientos. We have used this very effectively outdoors.

Script

Song starts Jesus stands at the centre of the stage or area to be used with his head bowed. At 25 secs, Jesus walks to the audience holds out his arms and pulls…

The Last Supper

Kathy Applebee · 14 March 2014

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

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.

Script

CHARACTERS: Jesus and twelve disciples (Peter, John, Simon, Matthew, Thomas, Philip, Thaddeus and Judas speak) PROPS: Table covered with a white tablecloth, 13 cushions,…

How Can It Be

David Hardy · 12 March 2014

Style

Dramatic.

Duration

3min

Actors

1F

Summary

A reflection by Mary Magdalene on her discovery at the empty tomb.

Script

The first day of the week gave little hope. all of our expectations disintegrate in time Waiting in fear of a rap on a locked door. How can it be, I've been so changed…

The Faces of Easter

Jo Bower · 07 March 2014

Style

Dramatic.

Duration

15min

Actors

6M, 3F, 1VO + various voices

Characters

John Mary, Mother of Jesus Roman Soldier Joseph of Arimathea Jairus Jesus (voice only) Other voices A Roman Citizen, an unbeliever Jewish Woman, a Believer Mary Magdalene Peter Director’s Notes: This was an extremely moving play using teens to perform. However, adults will do just as well, or a mix. The only props called for are a large cross and a representation of the tomb. We made a big cross on a stand… rough wood, with no attempt to put a finish on it. For the second act we made a cave entrance out of chicken wire, covered it with newspaper and spray painted it brown. We put it at the back of the stage so the congregation could see the mouth of the cave. The readers referred to it, looking at the cave sometimes, and at the congregation the rest of the time. If you can make a good cave, it also could be at the front of the stage with the mouth facing the readers. Anything would be fine as long as the congregation know it represents the tomb. We had the readers staggered in position around the stage like we would stand if they were part of a crowd. Crowds never stand in straight lines. When we first did this play, we had young teens playing the disciples in the second act. They wanted some action so after Mary said her opening lines, they raced in to look at the tomb, then caught their breath, and explained their actions to the audience. The dialogue does not need to change if the action is added. However, props are not necessary. If the readers look up as if looking at a cross or into the tomb, the congregation will enter into their imaginary props. This also could be used as a very effective classic readers’ play format with the readers in formal wear, standing or sitting at their music stands.

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.)

Script

SCENE ONE (Friday evening. At the Cross. The trial is over. Mary, mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, John, the beloved disciple, and Jairus are but a few of the people at…

Easter Narrative

Jeanette Walters · 07 March 2014

Style

Dramatic.

Duration

8min

Actors

1F, 3M, 2M/F + Various non-speaking parts.

Characters

Narrator, Mary, Cleopas, Thomas, Angel, other disciples.

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.

Script

Mary: (from a distant microphone) My heart was broken the day I saw you die. Now as every hour passes I can’t help but cry. How could they do this to you my…

Easter Dialogue 2

Sandy Conway · 07 March 2014

Style

Dramatic.

Duration

12min

Actors

2F

Characters

Joanna Susannah

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.)

Script

SCENE 1. (Joanna and Susannah are sitting talking.) J: I wonder what that Magdalene girl’ll do now? S: Poor Mary, she adored him! J: …

The Suffering God

Caroline Fletcher · 05 March 2014

Style

Dramatic

Duration

20min

Actors

5M,2M/F

Characters

Christian Agnostic Jesus four Roman soldiers Notes: There are no props or scenery required for this play apart from a Bible. The idea is to keep it simple, so when the soldiers force the crown of thorns onto Jesus' head, for instance, it is left to the audience to visualise the crown. Minimal costumes would be helpful for the soldiers and Jesus, just to clarify their identity to the audience.

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]

Script

(ENTER AGNOSTIC & CHRISTIAN. CHRISTIAN CARRIES A BIBLE. THEY STAND TO THE FRONT LEFT OF THE STAGE FACING THE AUDIENCE) AGNOSTIC: Thanks for inviting me to your service.…

What is Truth?

Barry Brannen · 22 January 2014

Style

Dramatic

Duration

12min

Actors

2M,1F

Characters

Pontius Pilate – authoritative, yet thoughtful. Intelligent Pilate’s wife – a strong-willed woman, supportive of Pilate but can stand up to him Centurion – strong, military man. Respects Pilate

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.

Script

(Pilate is pacing, unsettled. Wife enters SR) Wife: Why don’t you come back to bed, dear? You’re never going to get to sleep by pacing up and down. Pilate: …

Evidence that demands a verdict (with apologies to Josh McDowell)

Jeremy Moodey · 21 March 2013

Style

dramatic

Duration

5 min

Scripture

Jesus’ words from the cross as recorded in Luke 23, Matthew 27 and John 19.

Actors

1M/F

Characters

One: a judge, dressed in judicial garb, sitting at a ‘bench’.

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.

Script

(The judge enters solemnly, sits down and addresses an imaginary jury) Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the time has come for me as judge to offer my summary of the…

Supper in the Upper

Sheila Hamil · 24 January 2013

Style

Light-hearted.

Duration

5min

Scripture

John 20:19-20

Actors

1N, + puppets

Characters

Narrator Jesus Thomas Other disciples (Narrator speaks while the puppets act out the story.)

Script

Puppets at Easter Summary: Focusing on Thomas at Easter and after the Resurrection. Narrator: It was the evening on the first day of the week, and the doors were…

Shadow dramas: Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter Day

Sheila Hamil · 24 January 2013

Style

Dramatic.

Duration

Short. Actors: Any number

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.

Script

Palm Sunday Jesus rode into the city, So excited was the crowd He sat upon a donkey, And the beast was very proud. The people waved palm branches, And they…