Short Plays for Adults
Looking for drama ministry resources? You'll want to investigate the drama sketches here. Royalties are collected on the honor system—if you choose to perform a piece, just pay the $15 royalty online.
Build-Your-Own Jesus
Synopsis: When two preteen girls spot a “Build-Your-Own Bear” kiosk, they’re determined to build a friend to take home. They’re even more excited when the proprietor says they can have something more unique—a “Build-Your-Own Jesus”! However, their mother becomes uncomfortable when the “Jesuses” they build wind up being created in their own image...
Themes: Nature of Jesus Christ, remaking God in our own image.
Comedy, 6 minutes, 1 male, 5 females (including 3 children).
• Preview Script • Purchase Script
Creation/ Fall/ Redemption
Synopsis: Here's a collection of staged readings covering three of the great themes of Scripture: the creation of people, our fall from grace, and our redemption from sin. Each reading is structured in the form of an imaginative retelling of the Adam and Eve story.
Themes: Creation, fall, redemption, grace, Garden of Eden, marriage.
3 Staged Readings, about 5 minutes each, 1 reader (either gender).
• Preview Script • Purchase Script
The Dance
Synopsis: Heather, a skilled ballerina since she was a little girl, recently suffered a horrible accident that left her confined to a wheelchair. Her friend Nate arrives to visit, and discovers Heather has lost her will to live. Will he be able to help her rediscover hope?
Themes: Surrender to God, hope in suffering, importance of relationships, gifts and talents.
Drama, 9 minutes, 1 male, 2 females, 1 skilled dancer (either gender).
• Preview Script • Purchase Script
Easter Readings
Synopsis: This collection of staged readings for the Easter season contains 6 selections on topics including the Cross of Christ and the Resurrection.
Themes: Good Friday, Easter, Last Supper, crucifixion, resurrection, grace.
6 Staged Readings, various lengths and casting requirements.
• Preview Script • Purchase Script
Father's Day
Synopsis: It's been many years since Jack was abused by his father. But today, on Father's Day, he can't help remembering the pain. For mature audiences.
Themes: Abuse, fatherhood, forgiveness.
Drama, 6 minutes, 1 male, 1 recorded voice (male).
• Preview Script • Purchase Script
Inconspicuous
Synopsis: It's Missions Conference time, and that means ... He's looking! Ryan is terrified that God will call him to serve overseas. Don tries to assure Ryan that being a missionary is an honor, but Ryan won't have it—until The Call comes in on the Big White Phone ...
Themes: Missions, obedience to God.
Comedy, 7 minutes, 2 males (both roles can be changed to female parts).
• Preview Script • Purchase Script
The Man in the Suit
Synopsis: What happens when the pastor begins to doubt God; when he's living a nightmare and has nowhere to turn? Placing spiritual leaders on a pedestal is a dangerous thing ... For mature audiences.
Themes: Doubt, transparency, accountability.
Drama, 4 minutes, 2 males, extras (either gender).
• Preview Script • Purchase Script
Mustard Seed Holes
Synopsis: A young married woman has descended into the pit of depression, and refuses to seek treatment. She finally reveals to her husband that she believes her condition could only be caused by a lack of faith ... so all the drugs and counseling in the world cannot help her.
Themes: Depression, faith, healing.
Drama, 6 minutes, 1 male, 1 female.
• Preview Script • Purchase Script
Shattered
Winner of the 2002 CITA National Playwriting Contest (drama sketch category)
Synopsis: When an adult brother and sister sort through relics of their past, painful memories come back to the surface. We discover that their "happy" behavior is only a veneer, and underneath, their lives remain “shattered” from childhood abuse.
Themes: Forgiveness, sins of the fathers, family issues, child abuse.
Drama, 9 minutes, 1 male, 1 female.
• Preview Script • Purchase Script
Tetelestai
Synopsis: An agent for the IRS (Israeli-Roman Revenue Service) relates his experience watching the crucifixion. He finds it interesting that Jesus’ last word was “tetelestai” ... a word that he uses in the tax-collecting business!
Themes: Easter, crucifixion, atonement, cross, salvation.
Comedy, 5 minutes, 1 male.
• Preview Script • Purchase Script
The Truth Hurts
Synopsis: Staci goes to church. Her husband Don does not. One evening while their son Dillon is learning his memory verse (under duress), the "church issue" becomes a battleground. Before the dust settles, all three members of the family will discover that Truth is a double-edged sword ...
Themes: Authority of Scripture, church attendance, hypocrisy.
Drama, 10 minutes, 2 males (including one child), 1 female.
• Preview Script • Purchase Script
You Want Change for That Quarter?
Synopsis: George and Laura, a newlywed couple, critically observe others’ giving to the Salvation Army. After many snide comments, they finally make a very self-righteous—and meager—donation.
Themes: Giving, money, hypocrisy.
Comedy, 8 minutes, 3 males, 4 females.
• Preview Script • Purchase Script
If you're looking for longer scripts for drama ministry, check out
The Father's Gift, Christmas Presence, and From Garden to Tomb.