Director’s Notes:
When we become Christians, we say “Take my life, Lord.” We then enter an exciting journey, walking down the narrow road. Unfortunately, it’s easy to become comfortable at some bend in that road and decide that this is far enough for now. I wrote this drama to make a point that we need to finish this hike we’re on – like we said we would. Why do we settle for the base of the mountain when it’s far more wonderful above the treeline?
Cast:
John: A hiker that wants to follow God for the long run
Ray: A hiker that is comfortable where he is
Props:
Backpacks, sleeping bags, etc.
Appropriate hiking gear
A scenic picture of a mountain (if you have a screen to display it on. Need one? Email me.)
A piece of paper (page 2 of the script works!)
Setting:
The camp site at the base of a mountain
(LIGHTS UP CENTER STAGE where Ray is lying on his back, eyes closed, head
propped up on his sleeping bag.)
John: (comes walking up) Hey Ray. Let’s get a move on.
John: Ray? Hey Ray! (kicks him).
Ray: What?
John: I said, let’s get going. I think we can make the timberline before nightfall.
Ray: I don’t think so.
John: Why not?
Ray: Cause I’m not going.
John: What do you mean? We have to finish the hike.
Ray: YOU finish the hike. I’m done.
John: You’re done?
Ray: Yeah. Done. Finished. Over. Hello???
John: You can’t be done. We’ve only just made it to the base.
Ray: Look John, I have everything I need right here. I don’t need to go any further. Besides, have you seen that trail?
John: Yeah. So?
Ray: So? Man, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a trail so narrow. Not to mention how steep and rocky it is.
John: Hey, c’mon Ray. This was part of the deal remember. When we started this journey we said that we’d finish it no matter what.
Ray: No, you c’mon. Look around you John. This place is great. (reaches into his backpack) Here.
John: What’s this?
Ray: It’s a list of PROS why we should stay here.
John: These are you’re PROS? Okay, let’s go through them.
Ray: Fine, go ahead.
John: Fresh Air?
Ray: Yeah, beautiful skies, don’t you think?
John: Food and water?
Ray: Got me a well over there and a couple acres of fruit trees over there.
John: Good fellowship?
Ray: Yeah, have you seen that girl that lives just down the road?
John: Okay Ray, right now it might seem that all this is fine. It might actually look better than fine. But what are you gonna do when it starts to storm? Where you gonna go? And what happens when your well goes dry or when the winter comes and there’s no fruit on the trees? Or when you take your shoes off and that girl get’s a whiff of the real you?
Ray: Hey!
John: You think the air is fresh here? Just wait until you get above the clouds. You think this water tastes good? Try drinking out of clear, mountain streams. You lookin for fellowship? Well, you haven’t had fellowship until you’ve been up on the mountain.
John: So, you comin?
Ray: (nothing)
John: You wanna stay here? Fine. I’m finishing the hike. Looks like a list of Cons to me, Ray. (drops it in Rays’ lap)
Ray: (Looks at the list and at John as LIGHTS FADE…)
END
(c) 1999 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