Director’s Notes:
This was an idea I had for quite some time. I had heard the phrase “I wasted the day with my son today” and I decided to turn the negative meaning into a positive one so I changed it to “I wasted the day away with my son today.” The content of the conversation between father and son can be anything you want…
It’s by far my favorite drama.
Cast:
John: A dad
Jimmy: A son
Martha: A mom
Props:
Fishing poles
Folding chairs
Setting:
The family’s backyard
(LIGHTS UP CENTER STAGE on John and Jimmy who are fishing.)
Jimmy: So, what do you think, Dad?
Dad: What do I think about what, Jimmy?
Jimmy: Are we going to catch some fish?
Dad: I don’t know. What do you think?
Jimmy: I think it’s just a matter of time.
Dad: Sounds good to me. Did you bait your hook?
Jimmy: Yep!
Dad: Then we’re all set. So, tell me, do you miss school?
Jimmy: Yeah, right Dad.
(There is a lot of conversation between father and son here with the father asking the son lots of questions about what he did at a party, what he’s watching on tv, where they want to go for vacation, etc. This goes on for some time…)
Mom: (comes out) John? John you know it’s 5’oclock. You gonna start the grill?
Dad: Oh, yeah, sure. Wow. Is it 5 already?
Mom: Yep. You guys have been out here a long time. What are you two talking about?
Dad: Stuff.
Jimmy: Stuff.
Mom: (Looks around and leans down, speaking quietly so only Dad can hear) Dear, you realize don’t you that you’re fishing in our swimming pool.
Dad: (looks at his son and smiles) Yep.
Mom: (get’s it) Oh, okay. Well, (kisses him on the cheek) maybe dinner can wait another half an hour. (She walks off)
Jimmy: Hey Dad, who do you think is stronger: Superman or the Hulk?
(
Lights slowing begin to fade here…)
Dad: Hmmm, well, I don’t know. They’re both pretty strong. What do you think?
Jimmy: I think the Hulk cause when he gets angry, he gets stronger.
Dad: Yeah, but isn’t Superman, like, always strong?
Jimmy: Yeah, I guess but the Hulk is bigger and he’s green!
Dad: Ah, of course, I had forgotten about that. Hey, which Pokemon do you like the best?
Jimmy: I like Pikachu.. etc…
(LIGHTS COMPLETELY OUT)
END
(c) 1999 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