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                      SALE-ING TAKES ME AWAY

MAIN POINT
The thrill of the hunt in America has shifted from the wilderness of the outdoors to the mall and the cash register. Getting something for nothing, or at least for as little as possible, is no longer a pleasant exception but the grand expectation. The resulting perception is that nothing is worth paying full price for. Investing in things that really matter - things that are eternal - is the one place where there is no room for bargain-hunting or corner-cutting.

CHARACTERIZATION
Liz is a likable, levelheaded woman who knows a good deal when she sees one and enjoys being around others who do the same. She's teachable and kind but not intimidated. Play her with a sense of gentle savvy.
Mrs. Walton is a veteran who's been bargain-hunting so long, she's lost some perspective. Play her as no-nonsense and in control, but not too gruff. When her softer side is revealed at the end, we want to like her and feel she's not too far gone after all. She should be about the same age as the others because she played with the same doll as they did. Most dolls don't stay in style too long.
Penney, Joann, Claire and Tiffany (all named after stores where women might shop) are basic, groupie "extras." Play them with childlike enthusiasm, excitable and eager to please their teacher.

DIRECTOR'S NOTES
1) Use follow spots on Liz during the soliloquies while darkening the rest of the set; switch instantly back and forth to full lights and no spots during the classroom interaction.
2) Blocking is key as Liz moves into the scene and then shifts from being in the scene to addressing the audience. Time her lines so that as she finishes her first address to the audience, she has worked her way into the middle of the classroom, has sat at a desk and has blended in among the other students. A nice effect can be reached if all other characters are able to freeze in unison, hold their frozen poses during Liz' soliloquies, and spring to life in unison when the scene resumes. During the middle soliloquy, Liz need only turn in her seat and talk to the audience rather than stand or withdraw from the scene.
3) Fast-paced timing will enhance the humor in the classroom interaction. Make the back-and-forth between teacher and student brisk and crisp as they are discussing their bartering techniques.
4) Just about any props one might find at a garage sale can be interchanged for the "show and tell" segment. Adjust the prices to reflect the items you use.
5) The characters need not all be female. Mixing in a male might add to the humor, especially in Tiffany's role.

RELATED SCRIPTURES
The classic example for counting the cost is the picture of the tower-builder and the king preparing for battle in Luke 14:28-33. Other scripts to be considered are: Matthew 13:44-46, Luke 9:23-27, Matthew 10:32-39 and Philippians 3:4-11.

RELATED THEMES
The script can be used for topics such as full commitment, discipleship, priorities and sacrifice. Consider using it during a leadership training session or a discipleship weekend retreat. If a drive for volunteers and ministry positions is the focus, it can be an effective tool for illustrating the contrast between giving from one's excess and giving what actually costs something.