Director’s Notes: This was a drama I did a couple of weeks before Promise Keepers where I was encouraging the congregation to ‘Go the distance.’ Christianity is not a sprint. It’s a long distance race and we need to run to win. The race in this script obviously is a metaphor to our own walk with Christ. At first, it looks so easy and we have so much joy but it’s easy to get tired. We need to help and encourage each other to go the distance…
BTW, it would be helpful to record Dave’s thoughts and play them back via tape…
Cast:
Dave: A part-time runner
Robby: A full-time runner..
Props:
Athletic apparel
Setting:
A trail
(LIGHTS UP CENTER STAGE. Robby is standing up there running in place.)
Robby: Hey, you slacker. Cmon, let’s go.
Dave: (comes stumbling in) Who me? Slacker?
Robby: Yeah, you!
Dave: I’m pacing myself. Give me a sec ok?
Robby: Whatever.
Dave: (START TAPE) I can’t believe this. What have I gotten myself into? It sounded so innocent when he called me and said “Let’s go out for a little jog” “You like to run right? It’ll be fun!” “We’ll just start on a small trail off of the AT.” “Sure. No problem” I said. “Sounds like a cake walk. I do this all the time. Well, I’ve been reading a lot about it…. Well, I know people who run…. Okay, I’ve heard of this thing called running…”
Robby: Come on, you ready to get moving? It’s gonna get dark soon.
Dave: Give me a minute, ok? You’re starting to sound like Alice’s drill-sergeant sister on the Brady Bunch. (voice over) Okay, who am I fooling? I knew what I getting into from the start. I went to the seminar and when they asked who was ready to start running, my hand suddenly went up. It was all so thrilling. I mean, deep in my heart, I knew that I was born to be a runner – to feel the ground beneath my feet, to feel the wind in my hair, to feel my heart beating, faster and faster…
Robby: Okay, you ready now Bruce Jenner.
Dave: Hold on there, Schwartzinegger. Give me a second. (voice over) Okay, admit it. I’m done. I’ve got nothing left. I should have never become a runner. I should have stayed on the couch, remote in one hand, Mountain dew in another. I had the good life – I think. I mean, things were kinda blah but that was ok, right? I mean, all this running to do what? Some race? Man, look at him. He’s a runner. Not me. I’ve got to tell him. I’m done.
Dave: Robby, I tell you what. You go ahead okay. I’ll get there eventually. You finish the run.
Robby: You sure?
Dave: Yeah, you go boy.
Robby: Alright, I’ll see you later.
Dave: Later. (Robby runs off and Dave stays on the stage and turns his back to the audience. Suddenly Robby comes back and starts pulling Dave up.)
Dave: What are you doing?
Robby: You’re nuts if you think I’m going to let you quit. How about we just take it a little slower. Ok?
Dave: Well…
Robby: Good! (Starts pushing him on)
Dave: Okay, okay, okay. C’mon you slacker! (They laugh as they go on)
Robby: Who’s a slacker, etc…
(LIGHTS OUT SLOW)
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