Director’s Notes:
When people talk about a difficult adventure or journey they went on, I usually think about hiking on some mountain or across the country. God, however, sends us on difficult journeys every day. These journeys start when we seek God’s direction for our lives through prayer and study. He will often then take us out of our comfort zone and onto an adventure that we normally wouldn’t take. In the end, of course, we grow as Christians and our faith is strengthened as we see Him prove his faithfulness.
Cast:
Dave: A Christian heading out on an adventure
Teri: Dave’s well-grounded wife
Props:
A phone
A newspaper
A couple of chairs or a couch
Hiking stuff (stick, backpack, canteen, hat, atlas, etc.)
Setting:
Family Room
(LIGHTS UP CENTER STAGE
where Teri is talking on the phone…)
Teri: Yeah, yeah. Can you believe it? Psalm 119! I mean, who could possibly memorize Psalm 119. So, I told her she was nuts and sure enough, she starts rattling it off and…
Dave: (enters in the middle of her conversation, with hiking/survival gear on…)
Teri: …and… (looking at Dave strangely)… hey Barb, I’ve got to go. Dave is about to do something stupid. Yeah. Again. Ok. Bye. (hangs up) Should I guess?
Dave: I’m goin’ on an adventure.
Teri: I can see that.
Dave: Yep. Gotta go. The wild blue yonder is calling me. Gotta hit the trail. Gotta go walkabout.
Teri: Is that an Australian accent?
Dave: Well, you know, gonna have to sound like the natives, you know?
Teri: No. I don’t know. I have no idea.
Dave: Well, that’s ok. You see, it’s a God thing.
Teri: A God thing?
Dave: Yeah, God is calling me on a difficult journey. He’s calling me out there… (points dramatically)
Teri: And you’re going like that?
Dave: Oh yeah. I mean, I have to be prepared. I have everything I need to take on this adventure. Wanna see what I’ve got?
Teri: (sarcastic) Oh please. I can hardly wait.
Dave: Well, right here I’ve got the basic hiking stuff.
Teri: So, you need hiking stuff for this adventure that God has you on?
Dave: Of course. What kind of adventure would it be if there was no hiking.
Teri: Silly me.
Dave: Anyway. I’ve got the hiking stick. Good solid piece of God’s tree and all. And look at this. Got the hat on. Gotta have a hat. And of course, I’ve got the canteen filled to the brim with all the nutrients and vitamins that I need.
Teri: Water doesn’t have vitamins.
Dave: What do you mean, water? This is Mountain Dew. You have to have Mountain Dew to go on an adventure.
Teri: Of course.
Dave: Anyway, in case I need food…
Teri: Which, of course, you’ll club with your stick. (sarcastic)
Dave: (glares at her)…in case I need food, I’ll need something to fetch it. (opens his back pack) Say ‘Hi’ to mommy, Tiger.
Teri: You’re bringing the poodle?
Dave: Man’s best friend, you know. Need him for foraging and stuff.
Teri: Whatever.
Dave: Finally, I got this. My atlas. Very important.
Teri: (she takes it) Sure. I see. We all need a map of Indonesia. Very important.
Dave: Hey, you’ve got to have a map. Anyway, I told you you wouldn’t understand. It’s a God thing.
Teri: (sighs) Dave. Let me tell you something. Believe it or not, I go on a journey with God everyday.
Dave: Surely you jest.
Teri: Hey. I listened to you…. Like I said, I go on a journey with God everyday. There are things that He tells me that He wants me to do that are outside my comfort zone. Things that take faith. And do you know how He tells me? He tells me through prayer and through reading his Word. I mean, what better map is there? Dave? Dave, did you hear me?
Dave: (looking off in the distance) Getting’ dark. Not much daylight left before I make camp. Gotta go, honey. (kisses her on her check) (Dave leaves, head high)
Teri: Don’t forget to write.
Teri: (pause, watches him go. Turns to audience) Sorry Ladies. He’s taken.
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