Director’s Notes:
As I mentioned earlier, you can alter many of my existing dramas to work with a new subject. With that in mind, I decided to alter ‘The Attic’ to focus on why how people know that we are Christians. When you hear the old song ‘They will know we are Christians by our love…’ what does that mean to you? How do we show others that we are Christians? Although no one has a literal ‘Box O’ Jesus’ where they keep evidence of their faith, many people show their relationship with God based on stuff ather than how they live…
Cast:
John: A man who wants to be taken seriously as a Christian
Katie: John’s wife
Props:
A number of cardboard boxes (One with Box O’ Jesus written on it)
A cap with a Christian slogan on it
A Sunday School pin
A scarf
Setting:
The family’s attic
(LIGHTS UP CENTER STAGE where John is rummaging through a box.)
Katie: John? John? Where are you?
John: I’m up here, honey.
Katie: In the attic?
John: Yeah.
Katie: (comes in) What are you doing up here? It’s so hot! Don’t tell me you’re getting the Christmas stuff down already!
John: Hmm? Oh, no, no. It’s only the middle of August… I still have a couple of weeks for that.
Katie: Well, what are you looking for?
John: My Box O’ Jesus.
Katie: Box O’ Jesus?
John: Yeah. You know, my Box of J E S U S….(pronounces it slowly)
Katie: I know what you said. I just don’t know why you said it. What in the world is a Box O’ Jesus?
John: You’re kidding right? Do you mean to tell me that you don’t own a box O’ Jesus?
Katie: Uh, no.
John: Wow. Well, for you unfortunate souls, it’s where I keep my Jesus stuff.
Katie: (sarcastically) Oh, now it’s so clear to me.
John: Good. (buries his head back in the box)
Katie: John. I am your wife. Tell me right now what’s in that…
John: AHA! Here’s the first piece. (takes out a baseball cap and quickly puts it on his head) What do you think?
Katie: What do I think about what?
John: Hmmm, see? It’s my “What Would Jesus Do” hat. Remember when I got this? I had this on when I was in Minneapolis 7 years ago when the Pope visited. (Holds it up high) This hat got run over by the Pope mobile… It’s sacred. This will show him!
Katie: Show who?
John: Nick at work. I overheard him telling Jim Wells that he didn’t think I was much of a Christian.
Katie: Really.
John: Yeah, this hat will show him that I believe in God and I’m proud of it!
Katie: John, I’m not so sure…
John: (interupts her) That it’s enough? You’re right! I’ve got more stuff in here.
Katie: I can’t wait.
John: AHA! (takes out a pin and pins it on)
Katie: What is that?
John: This? This is my Sunday School attendance pin.
Katie: (Dumbfounded) What?
John: Yeah, you see, when I was a kid, you got this pin see? And every year that you had perfect attendance you got a bar added to the bottom of it – kinda like a general but, er, more like a church general.
Katie: Church general?
John: Yeah. This will show Nick how serious I am about God. This will prove that I’m a follower of Jesus all the way baby!
Katie: John, I think…
John: It’s still not enough? You’re right! (starts going into the box again)
Katie: John? John? JOHN?! (pulls him out!)
John: What?
Katie: Did it ever occur to you that none of stuff this matters?
John: What do you mean?
Katie: I mean that other people will know you are a Christian by how you act, what you say, how you treat them, and how kind and compassionate you are. And when you get the opportunity, by what you tell them about Jesus and what’s He’s done in your life.
John: (long pause) Yeah, sure. Now, where’s the rest of that stuff? (goes back to the box)
Katie: Argh! (storms off stage)
John: AHA! Honey? Honey! Here it is! (he throws it around his neck as he shouts after her) The Scarf of Turan!!!
(LIGHTS OUT FAST)
END
(c) 2001 Dave Marsh
Hello and welcome to Stage Right, the online drama ministry of EXW. My name is Dave Marsh and there are a few things you should probably know about me. First, I’m not a ‘theatre guy.’ I’ve never quoted Shakespeare (at least seriously), and I’ve never played Daddy Warbucks in Annie. Second, I received my ‘training’ in writing, directing, and acting at a church called Willow Creek (in Illinois.) Third, I’m an online games producer by trade but my real passion is found in telling others about Christ through contemporary church drama.
I have a few opinions about drama in the church as well. I think that contemporary drama is both underutilized and misunderstood. I believe it is something like 5-10 years behind contemporary worship. When many churches think about using drama, it usually involves the Passion Play or a children’s Christmas musical. Many people don’t have the opportunity to experience what are called ‘slice of life’ dramas. These dramas may last only 3-4 minutes long but create a powerful (and many times humorous) illustration on any given Sunday. I also believe that any church, no matter what size, can use drama effectively, giving God glory, and inspire/convict normal folks like you and I to walk closer to God
So, what’s Stage Right all about? It’s about offering you the advice and resources you need to help you create and act in contemporary Christian dramas. I’m no expert, but I’ve seen lives changed as I continue to strive for excellence in this area, constantly praying that God would use me to tell others about how to live for Him. Over the coming weeks and months, I hope to provide you with articles about creating a drama philosophy, working with your pastor, developing a team, writing short effective scripts, directing actors, and acting on stage. I also look forward to hearing from you, taking suggestions on topics that you feel should be covered
Over the last 3 years, I’ve written over 45 dramas that are easy to memorize, require few actors, and are highly humorous and relevant. These dramas are available to you for free and will be added to this site over the course of the next few months. You can currently download all of these dramas from my personal site (www.dave-marsh.com) and can contact me personally if you wish (dave).
I look forward to serving you here at EXW and want to thank Steve for asking me to jump on board.
In His hands
Dave Marsh