Director’s Notes:
This drama focuses on how many times we just want to be in our own comfort zone and not face that fact that God has expectations of us as Christians. Life is full of land mines and God knows exactly where they are. He wants us to listen to Him and trust Him so that his instructions will guide us past them.
The drama is, admittedly, light. I just wanted to write something funny and to introduce the subject matter before the pastor got up to speak.
Cast:
Tom: A man who doesn’t trust God enough
Beth: Tom’s wife
Props:
A small tent
The ability to play audio from the movie “Elf” (a portable DVD player in the tent works well here)
A bible
Letters
Bike Lock (or something that sounds like a lock opening)
Cell phone
Setting:
The family room
(LIGHTS UP CENTER STAGE where Tom is inside the tent (zipped close) watching “Elf”.)
Tom: (we hear Tom) Ha. Ha. Ha. That’s great!
Beth: (walks in taking off her coat) Tom? Tom, I’m home. Where are y… (notices tent). Tom? Are you in there?
Tom: Oh, hi Honey. Yeah. (still laughing at movie)
Beth: What in the world are you doing in a tent?
Tom: Watching “Elf”.
Beth: Tom, it’s way past Christmas and… (shakes her head)… wait a minute, why in the world are you watching movies in a tent?
Tom: It’s far more comfortable.
Beth: Uh, I think the couch is infinitely more comfortable than a tent.
Tom: No, I mean, it’s more comfortable. You know, a lot safer.
Beth: Safer?
Tom: Yeah. It’s a scary world out there and I decided that it would be a lot more safe if I just stayed in this tent.
Beth: You are so weird, Tom (starts looking through some mail she brought in and then lifts her head realizing something) Tom, aren’t you supposed to be at work?
Tom: I quit my job.
Beth: You what???
Tom: Yeah, I quit
Beth: Why in the world would you do that?
Tom: They had all these expectations of me. It just didn’t make me feel comfortable.
Beth: Thomas Jones, I have some expectations of you myself, I expect you to act like a normal human being.
Tom: See? You have these expectations too! How can I live up to it all? I mean, you need to do this, not do that, it’s just too much. Even God has all these expectations of me.
Beth: God?
Tom: Yeah, hold on. (We hear a bunch of lock sounds and finally the zipper opens just enough for Tom to hand a bible out. Beth takes it and opens it)
Beth: So?
Tom: So??? I’ve been reading it and God expects all this stuff from me. I mean, how can I handle it all? It’s just… (his cell phone rings) Hold on. Hello? Whassssuuuuppp? Yeah. No, that would be great, come on over. What? Yeah, I still have it up but now I have cable hooked into it. I’m sure you can fit. Okay, sounds good. What? Yeah, ok. I’ll call now. Cya. (hangs up)
Beth: Was that John?
Tom: Yeah, hold on one sec. (calling on his phone) Hi, I’d like to order 2 large sausage pizzas. Yep. 120 Main Street. Right. Okay. Oh, wait. If my wife doesn’t answer the door, go ahead and come on in. There will be a tent in the middle of the living room with the money there. Just leave the pizza by the entrance of the tent. Yep, thanks!
Beth: (She has endured enough of this and left when she heard him say that there was a tent in the middle of the living room.)
Tom: Ok. Cool. Now like I was saying. Beth? Beth are you there? Oh well. (starts watching “Elf” again) That Will Ferrell cracks me up. Ha ha….
(LIGHTS SLOWLY FADE )
END
© 2005 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