Director’s Notes:
We’ve all heard that Jesus talks more about money than any other single subject. Why? Because if there’s anything that we keep our hands clenched around it’s money. If we can trust God with our kids and our future, why can’t we trust Him with our resources?
This drama can also be used in a stewardship series as part 2.
Cast:
Dave: An average man
Teri: Dave’s wife
Props:
Some bills
A chair
A desk
A laptop (if available)
Mop
Laundry
Drill and safety glasses
Setting:
Home office
(LIGHTS UP CENTER STAGE)
Dave: Hey Honey. Where are you!
Teri: (offstage) I’m upstairs!
Dave: Okay. Just letting you know that the Assistant, Assistant Marketing Manager is home from work.
Teri: (offstage) Okay. I’m busy right now. Dinner is in an hour.
Dave: No problem. I got the mail. I’ll just…uh…. Well, maybe I’ll pay bills.
Teri: (offstage) Okay.
Dave: Okay. I’ll pay the bills then! That’s what I’m gonna do. I’m gonna pay the bills now.
Teri: (comes in with tons of laundry) Are you making me feel guilty for not paying the bills?
Dave: Who me? Nooooo. (she glares) Um… I’ll just pay the bills.
Teri: Good idea. (leaves)
Dave: Ah, ok. Well, let’s, uh, do this. (sits down) Um, looks around.. Honey, where’s the…?
Teri: (off stage) it’s in my purse!
Dave: …checkbook. Okay! Thanks! (gets checkbook). Alright, let’s see. Okay, good. A balance of $3500! That’s a good start. (starts opening bills)
Dave: Alright, lets take care of the essentials first. Mortgage. (Types on laptop). $1550. Alright. Leaves a ton. Next!
Dave: Electric. $350!?!!? Honey! Honey!
Teri: (enters with mop) What?
Dave: The electric bill is $350! How is that possible?
Teri: Well, you see, the house needs heat in the winter and…
Dave: I understand that but maybe we can turn it down a little more and wear sweaters and stuff.
Teri: Dave, I keep the house at 68 as it is.
Dave: Well, maybe you can keep it at 67?
Teri: Whatever. (leaves)
Dave: (shouts after her) Thank you! Okay, $350. Next. Car insurance….$512!?!?! Honey? Why is the car insurance so high???
Teri: (off stage) Because you bought a new car.
Dave: Didn’t your friend at the insurance company cut us a break?
Teri: (off stage) please tell me you aren’t blaming me for buying a new car.
Dave: Well, I….. nevermind.
Teri: Thank you.
Dave: $512….grrrr…. Okay, next. Visa. $612?!?! Honey! Please come here!
Teri: (enters with cordless drill) What now?
Dave: What in the world did you buy at Harris Teeter for $612???
Teri: It’s called food. You eat it.
Dave: 600 bucks worth of food?
Teri: Dave, the bill comes once a month. That’s what our family eats in a month. I mean, you were there most of the time, you saw what we bought. You said we could buy whatever we wanted…
Dave: Yes but…. But…. Well, look at this Visa bill? How in the world did we rack up $4500???
Teri: (counts on fingers) Big screen TV, new washer, snowblower, kids clothes…
Dave: Okay. Okay. I get it, Miss smartypants.
Teri: (glares at him) I’ve got to go check on dinner. (leaves)
Dave: Okay, pay a bit off the Visa …… okay, one more. (opens bill) Compassion? What the? HONEY!?!
Teri: (comes in with apron on) Oh for crying out loud, Dave, what is it now?
Dave: What in the world is Compassion and why did we send $100 for 2 Christmas gifts???
Teri: Compassion is an organization that keeps kids in other countries alive and they get a chance to learn about God. I sponsored 2 kids remember? I told you about it and you said “fine.” We sent them each $50 and they were able to buy clothes, books and one even bought their family a cow.
Dave: A cow? A COW? You gave away MY money to buy a kid a cow?
Teri: Who’s money?
Dave: MY money.
Teri: (Looks at computer screen) Not any more it’s not.
END
© 2004 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