Director’s Notes:
In Matthew, Jesus rebukes the Pharasees for showing and proclaiming their good deeds in public rather than be rewarded by their Father in heaven in secret. For many Christians it’s easy to do something good but hard to not want to be recognized for it. We need to realize that God delights in our faithfulness to Him and our kindness to others. If others notice the work, then praise God. If they don’t then praise God for He notices and that’s what really matters…
Cast:
Brett Thurston: A soap opera actor
Jessie Nolan: A soap opera actress
Announcer
Stagehands (2)
Props:
A powerpoint show (I’ll post this asap)
A CD with uplifting, award-show music
A podium or music stand
An award
A folded list
Setting:
The 17th Annual Soap Opera Digest Awards
(LIGHTS UP CENTER STAGE, CD is playing fun music)
Ann’cer: Welcome back to the 17th Annual Soap Opera Digest Awards. You know her as the conniving, evil twin who came back from the dead. Please put your hands together and welcome from Days of Our Lives, Jessie Nolan!
Jessie: (Jessie enters to applause) Thank you. This year, the voting committee at Soap Opera Digest decided to create a new category: Best Humanitarian Entertainer. This award recognizes the one actor or actress who exemplified the virtues that we all hold so dear, outside of the set. Virtues such as compassion, courage, kindness, and goodness. All the things that the soaps you know and love are all about. The four nominees are.
Jessie: Trent Lockwood – One Life to Live
Jennifer Kelly – All My Children
Brett Thurston – Bold and the Beautiful
Janet Mills – As the World Turns
And the Soapy goes to….. (opens the envelope)…this is all so exciting… Brett Thurston – Bold and the Beautiful!!!
Brett: (Music plays again as Brett jumps out of his seat and hugs his wife. He then goes up to the stage and hugs Jessie and takes the trophy) Oh, wow. Oh my gosh. This is soooo great. Whooo! This is unbelievable. Wow. (settles down a little)
Brett: Well, this is a great trophy and a real honor to win this award. I have to say that as I look at the other nominees, they are all great actors and humanitarians but perhaps I’m just a little more human huh? Haha.
Brett: But seriously, I’m deeply honored and thankful for this award. I guess I should thank a few people. Well, one actually. I’d like to thank myself for all the good things I’ve done. There are sooo many that I brought a small list so that I might mention a few. (Pulls out a list – you should only show 1 page and then open up the other 10 that are folded there later)
Brett: First, there was the time that I helped poor Mrs. Gray down the stairs so she could get her mail. Next, there’s those cute little kids at the park that I bought ice cream for and helped them find their dog Fluffy. Next, there’s the large donation I made to the Foundation for vertically challenged little people of the South Pacific. (starts to get weepy) Excuse me, but this is all so emotional. (pulls out a hanky)
Brett: Thank you. Next, there was the baby I delivered in a phone booth amidst a gang war. Next, there’s testifying against Jimmy “The Hitman” Malone. There was also the time where I (starts to weep) stopped that shoplifter from stealing costume jewelry from J.C. Penny. That, that was really something… There was also (start playing music off the CD to get him offstage)
Brett: What? I can’t be done yet. I just started my list! (Unfolds the list so it falls all the way down to the ground.) There was the time I donated time to visiting the sick dogs and cats at Hollywood Animal Hospital. And there’s the time when I …
Brett: (stagehands start coming in)… gave $10 to the Salvation Army outside of Kmart. (stagehands pick him up and start carrying him off) And how about the time I called my Mom just to tell her that I loved her? How about that huh? Isn’t that something? I mean, (pointing to self) WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE?!?! ARGH!!
Jessie: (Goes back to the podium and picks up the trophy) Unfortunately, Brett is no longer with us so I gladly accept the trophy for him. Thank you.
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