Director’s Notes:
Petra once did a song called “Killing My Old Man.” The song was based on the idea from Ephesians 4 which calls believers to “put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts…” Paul then tells us to “put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness.”
Sometimes I write dramas that hit close to home. This is one such drama. Why is it that, as a Christian, I continue to allow the old self opportunities to hang around? We need to remember that we are made new in Christ and that our old self needs to die…
BTW, I get the largest number of positive comments from people when I do dramas like this one. It’s very easy for the congregation to see themselves in the drama. Thanks to the Holy Spirit for convicting me that I need to live right!
Cast:
Jim: A Christian businessman
Donna: Jim’s assistant
Tina: Shipping clerk
Props:
A chair
A clipboard (Donna can attach the script to it!)
A phone (a cell phone would be great. Have someone call it at the appropriate time in Jim’s letter.)
Setting:
The office
(LIGHTS UP CENTER STAGE where Jim is talking on the phone.)
Jim: Yeah, that sounds really good, Ray. Yeah, I’ve been thinking more about the church’s web site also. What if we put a thingamajig that rotates a Bible verse every 10 seconds or so. Hmmm? Yep, we could tie it right in with Ephesians. What? No, I haven’t found the code for it yet. I have a good brother in the Lord that can get if for me. Yeah, right, the same guy that got the weather doohickey. Right.
(Donna enters and Jim motions her to sit down)
Yeah, Wednesday was really good. I think our group is opening up much more. Hmmm? Yeah, that was good insight. Do you think we can spend more time in prayer though? It seems like we have a good amount of fellowship but not enough time in prayer and praise. (listens) Great. Okay, that would be good. All right. God bless. Bye.
Jim: Sorry about that. That was my pastor.
Donna: I gathered as much.
Jim: Yeah, when we get talking.. .whew!
Donna: I know how it is. So what do you need?
Jim: Need? Oh yeah, I need you to take a letter to Bruce Johnson, our sales rep at Dell computer.
Donna: Okay. Shoot.
Jim: Dear Mr. Johnson. I’m writing you this letter in regard to the last shipment of Pentium machines. It appears… (phone rings)
Jim: Hello? Oh, hi honey. What’s up. I’m very busy. Hmmm. Uh huh… well, look I really don’t know what to tell you. Buy whatever you think he wants. I know it’s my father’s birthday. You’ve made that perfectly clear before. Look, I work all day to make the money. The least you can do is pick out the present. Okay, look, I’ve got to go. Just do it okay. Bye.
Jim: Anyway, where was I?
Donna: It appears…
Jim: Right… It appears that the shipment of July 1st was in error. We ordered 17 Pentium 450 meg processors and our clerk Tina only received (interrupted by Tina)
Tina: Jim, sorry to interrupt. Did you see that email I sent you yesterday? I need to schedule a meeting on it asap.
Jim: Sorry Tina. Yeah, I saw it. Go ahead and look at my Outlook calendar and schedule it for tomorrow ok?
Tina: Sounds good. Thanks Jim! By the way, nice tie! You look good today.
Jim: Thanks! I’d say the same to you but you always look good. Ha ha. (watches her go and he lingers on her…)
Tina: Thanks. Bye.
Donna: Jim? Jim!?
Jim: Hmmmm? Oh yeah, sorry, um, where was I?
Donna: Only received?
Jim: Oh, yeah. …and only received 15 processors. Actually, Donna, tell them we only got 14. Okay, Please contact me with any questions. I expect the missing 3 machines here on Monday. Best regards, Jim Davis.
Jim: Okay, read that back to me please.
Donna: Dear Mr. Johnson. I’m writing you this letter in regard to the last shipment of Pentium machines. It appears that I am rude to my wife on the phone and that the shipment of July 1st was in error. We ordered 17 Pentium 450 meg processors and our clerk Tina only received inappropriate flirting from me and 15 processors even though I’d like my assistant to lie and say 14. Please contact me with any questions. I expect the missing 3 but really 2 machines here on Monday. Best regards, Jim Davis. (Donna should enunciate the italicized parts)
Jim: Donna?!? Are you crazy? Don’t you know the difference between what you’re supposed to say and not say? Between the good stuff and the bad stuff?
Donna: Funny, (pause) I was going to ask you the same question.
(LIGHTS OUT)
END
(c) 2000 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