A drama about Priorities
Director’s Notes:
Let’s face it – we’re too busy. Steven Curtis Chapman sings a song about the “busyman.” The Bible says that a man dies and leaves behind all his busy activities. Sometimes when I write a drama, God uses it first and foremost in my own life. There are a few laughs in this one but that’s about it. Nothing really funny about this subject. I ended it as I’m apt to do – the Everyman can’t make up his mind as the lights fade…
Cast:
Dave: A workaholic Dad
Jimmy: Dave’s Son
Props:
A phone
Some papers
A chair
A desk
A laptop (if available)
Setting:
Home office
(LIGHTS UP CENTER STAGE)
(Dave is busy working hard.)
Dave: I just don’t get it. I can’t seem to get these numbers to come out right! I mean, how many times do I have to run them? Argh! Maybe I’m cursed. That’s it! I’ve been cursed! Who’s the god of mathematics? I’m SURE there’s a god of mathematics and he’s got it in for me!
Dave: (Stands up on chair playing the god) You there, puny mortal! I am Algorithm, the god of mathematics and I bring you endless days and hours of unresolved decimal points and balance sheets that do not jive!
Jimmy: (Enters) Hey Dad. What are you doing?
Dave: (looks at this son) Nothing Jimmy. Daddy is just losing his mind.
Jimmy: Cool. Okay, I’ve got something for you.
Dave: (gets down) Um, Jimmy, I’m really busy… you see (phone rings) Hold on.
Jimmy: (sits down on steps)
Dave: Hello? Oh, hi Chris. Yeah, I’m looking at them right now. What? No, I haven’t. Yes, I know but I tried to get it done Friday… I tried to get it done Friday night – I tried to get it done Saturday even but the numbers won’t match. Yes. Yes. I know, they’re gonna be there at 3 on Monday.
Jimmy: Dad?
Dave: Hold on pal. (back to the phone) Yes. I know. Look Chris, there are only so many hours in the day. I’m trying to get these numbers to jive. Yes. I’m looking at them right now. Yep, I see that right here on page 4. What? Page 5? (looks at the papers on his desk) Uh, I don’t have a page 5. Yes. No… wait a minute. That’s right! Wait a minute it’s got to be here somewhere…
Jimmy: Dad. I have the numbers you need.
Dave: What?
Jimmy: Here you go.
Dave: Wow. Thanks Jimmy. You’re a lifesaver. (back to phone) Hold on. Let me look these over.
Dave: (He looks at them but notices this is not the page he thought it was…)
Dave: Um, Jimmy. What’s this?
Jimmy: Read it.
Dave: Hold on Chris… (he begins reading out loud)
Dad’s Time Monday – Friday : 50 hours of work -1 hour a night with me or 5 hours
Saturday: 6 hours of work – 3 hours with me
Sunday: ?
Dave: (looks at his son) Um, Jimmy…
Jimmy: I’ll wait outside, ok dad?
Dave: Uh… (phone) Yes, Chris, yeah, I’m still here. Yes, I know how important this is. What? Did I find the numbers? (He looks at the paper) Yeah, I found them…
Dave: (he looks back and forth between the computer and where his son left as the LIGHTS SLOWLY FADE)…
END
(c) 1998 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