Description

Going through the motions of telling the Christmas story.

A group of actors prepare for a Christmas performance, talking, thinking about what they were projecting, then evaluate what has happened to them during the performance.

Cast: 14+

Bible Reference: Luke

Set: standard

Sound: wireless mics if available

Song: none

Lighting: ability to darken set

SFX: none

Props: script pages

Costumes: standard

Special Instructions:

• a sign: REHEARSAL

Time: 35

Sample of script:

Act I

There is a sign saying:

Rehearsal
A Christmas Tale
7 PM Tonight

All actors except director are on stage, sitting, reclining, standing, reading their script
Director comes on stage, stands watching from the edge of stage, other actors do not see director, actors continue to silently go about their business without grand moves which would distract from the director’s comments, the intent is to keep the focus on the director and not the actors

Director, looking upward:
Well, here we are God!
Day One, first rehearsal, the annual Christmas drama program here at Pine Street Church!
Well, truth be told, it is Day One as far as others, (points to actors), are concerned.
For me, as director, this process has gone on, forever, seems like.
But you know that God, I know you do.
Not that I am complaining, mind you. See, I get a lot of satisfaction from our drama program.
But, fact is, being involved as director is a really big commitment. My job, my family, my other interests, all of them do take a back seat, they do suffer.
But that’s OK God . . . I mean, like it’s for you, after all. Right?
Seems like we spent countless hours searching for a script, nothing seemed just right.
Some too short.
Some too long.
Some too preachy, know what I mean?
Gotta realize, least the way I see it, some folks they don’t go to church other than Christmas.
Well, Easter sometimes too, but thing is, can’t smack those kinda folks upside the head with the Bible, now can we?
So the script can’t be too preachy, I always say.
On the other hand, still gotta have a message, know what I mean?
Like I say, it’s for you.
After all, way I see it, the reason for Christmas is the birth.
Sure there’s Santa and gifts and eating too much.
But at the end of the day, Christmas is the birth of the Christ child.
Well, some might disagree, but that’s the way I see it anyhow.
So, anyhow, we started off on this project, we went, chased down scripts. Gotta tell you, some Christmas scripts they don’t seem to so much as mention Christmas, let alone the birth of the Christ child.
Way I see it, that won’t do. I mean, nothing wrong in a “feel good” message, but that’s not what I see as what’s happening here.
I know you for sure would agree with me on that.
And so we searched!
Then, finally, there it was, the right message, the right length, the perfect script seemed like.
(points out into audience, pauses, smiles)
Hey, guess I shouldn’t have said that, I mean, it’s the folks who will be sitting out there, in the audience, they are the ones that will decide if it is right, or good, or perfect. Or acceptable.
And . . . well, you, of course, I mean like after all, you are . . . like God, and all.
But my best guess is you will find the drama works.
(looks over at actors, smiles)
And then, once we had the script, next step was to round up actors.
Not easy being an actor either you know. Long hours of memorizing, practicing, getting all the moves down just so.
Some get it easier than others. But always seems like it comes together, works out, no major disasters.
(pauses, smiles, shakes head)
Well, there was the time in the Easter drama when Jesus fell off the cross.
That one we are not gonna talk about . . . but it’s also the one that no one forgets!
(walks closer to actors, they still do not see him, he walks among them)
Never fails to amaze me how we bring together a group of individuals, diverse, unique; each one brings their own strengths and weaknesses to the drama., plants their thumbprint you might say.
(actors freeze in position)
Such different backgrounds, like Bill here . . .

Director watches with a smile as Bill comes to life, speaks

Bill: Another show. A Christmas Tale.
(looks around at the other actors)
Interesting group.
(moves to Joyce)
I have worked with her before. Young, but strong actor.
(moves to Eva)
And our Eva has been on stage since she was a child. The younger actors will learn from her.
(looks through his script)
Me, I am cast as a prophet.
Makes sense I guess.
It is a heavy role, and I have many years of experience in the theater.
Even more, I am a student of Old Testament scripture.
So the role should come easily to me.
(thinks)
I wonder if that is a good thing?
Sometimes I have found when I don’t have to work hard at creating a role, it is . . . well, . . . just that. . . . a role.
This is an important role.
I need to personalize it . . . . internalize it.
(looks upward in prayer)
God . . . . in this portrayal of your earthly birth . . let me not be merely speaking words.
Make a difference in my own life God.

Bill freezes, Director moves to Reg

Director: And as for Reg, an interesting person . . .

Reg comes to life, looks around fearfully

Reg: Wow! So this is it! First rehearsal.
I have worked hard at it, I have my lines memorized, have the character figured out.
(shows hesitation)
But do I have the right inflection in my lines?
And have I really . . . properly . . figured out the character?
I mean, I like acting, especially Christian theater . . . I mean, after all I am a Christian.
(looks around fearfully at other actors)
Likely some of the others won’t be Christian.
I hope they don’t expect me to share the gospel with anyone, I mean, I would like . . freak out!
(points to Betty)
I know, any one needs to hear the gospel, I will just turn them over to her, I mean, she seems to be into that sort of thing.
(frightened, opens up script)
Oh man! I just know I have got the character all wrong!
I would like to ask the director, but I would just look so stupid!
No, I have to figure it out on my own!
Let’s see now, at the beginning I am . . . .

Reg freezes, Director moves to Joseph

Director: From what I have seen so far it seems to me that if I could clone this young man’s enthusiasm I wouldn’t have to show up at all . . .

Joseph comes to life, excited

Joseph: Oh maaaannnnn! Is this awesome or what!