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LIFE
TRANSITIONS
MAIN POINT
The love of parents for their children and children for their parents is a powerful
force that binds them together. But sometimes it is also what gives them the courage to
face the next phase of their relationship. In this sketch, Julie and her dad are standing,
quite literally, on the threshold of a new relationship. She knows that when her father
walks her down the aisle to willingly participate in the symbolic "giving away of the
bride," he will be in reality entrusting her, for the rest of her life, to the love
and care of another man. They both stand at the end of the aisle waiting for their cue,
all smiles and encouragement on the outside, but nervous, fearful and full of doubt just
below the surface. As the "Wedding March" begins to play, Julie and her father
lock arms as he proudly escorts her to their hopeful future.
CHARACTERIZATION
Julie is a young bride of perhaps 22-25 years of age. Normally very smart
and sophisticated (a college graduate), Julie today is seen as part child and part young
woman. She is at once determined and wistful, confident and uncertain, full of strength
and full of fear. These differences play out in the way she addresses her father versus
the way she addresses the audience.
Dad should be played with similar types of differences: tender and
comforting to his daughter; and yet agitated, unreasonable and nervous when addressing the
audience. The comedy comes alive when the actor's emotional transitions are bold. Julie
and Dad have a loving relationship.
DIRECTOR'S NOTES
1) This is a comedic take on a very common experience. If played
correctly there will be tears from the audience, but don't ask for tears from the actors.
If they come without your asking, so much the better.
2) This scene can be played with no set at all. A wedding dress and
bouquet for Julie and a tuxedo (or suit) for the father is all that is necessary.
3) When one actor is talking to the audience, the other actor should
freeze in place. If the actor freezes in mid-gesture, he or she can continue with that
same gesture when character interaction resumes. This adds to the comedy and it also helps
the actors in transitioning in and out of freezes together.
4) Both actors need to play their characters with a sense of humor; the
quirkiness of the characters should endear them to the audience.
5) You'll need a "sound person" for this script to play the
recordings of "Sunrise, Sunset" and "The Wedding March." If possible,
play these over the general sound system.
RELATED SCRIPTURES
Genesis 2:24, which addresses leaving home for marriage is an obvious fit for this script.
Also texts on marriage itself, such as Ephesians 5:21-6:4, work well. Consider also Psalm
103:13, which speaks of a father's compassion for his children, and 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
on the qualities of pure love.
RELATED THEMES
The themes of marriage, parenting, Father's Day, a child's transition into adulthood,
trusting God to take care of our children and fear of change can all be illustrated with
this script.
