Drama Ministry

Words, Words, Words: Tips to Writing Effective Christian Sketches
A "Q & A" with the editors of Drama Ministry
Q: What top 3 things should a playwright keep in mind when writing pre-sermon sketches for their church?
A: 1. A pre-sermon drama doesn't have to come full circle. The temptation is... Read Post →
More Posts by This Author

A letter from Regi Stone in response to current events
We’re living in one of the most unusual moments in history. The Coronavirus has shifted how we do almost everything, especially for those in ministry: online church, Facebook Live worship, sermons and more. Read Post →

Six Days Till Sunday: A Week in the Life of a Sketch
Okay, so you'd like more than six days? Fine. These are just hypothetical steps that can fit longer schedules just as well. But don't kid yourself. Many a sketch goes down with even less than six days’ warning... Read Post →

Using Scripts in Other Settings
When you see a title like that, some of you immediately think, "What other settings?" Other than worship is the answer. We assume that most of you are on board with the idea of mixing drama with worship. In fact, it's no secret that we believe the most influential place for drama is in a church. Read Post →

Minimalist Sets: Making Worship Drama Easier Yet
Complication. Hassles. Time-consuming work behind the scenes. These are some of the things that keep drama from being invited back to worship... Read Post →

Building An Event
So, you've mastered the three- to five-minute sketch. But now the pastor wants you to fill the usual 30-minute preaching slot with drama while he's on vacation. Or the outreach committee has decided that a 45-minute program of drama would be the perfect seeker event. Where do you get scripts to fill that much time? Read Post →

Over- and Under-Memorizing: Finding the Sweet Spot
When I proposed to my wife, I didn't recite my offer like a schoolboy doing the pledge of allegiance. Nor did I stammer around waiting tor the right words to come. In fact, I had covertly rehearsed the scene so many times... Read Post →

The Power of a Compliment
I’ve been working out (aka exercising) for about a year now. No, I haven't attained consistency that borders on irrationality, but I have managed to become a regular in a great Tuesday/Thursday class. For me this is nothing short of miraculous. Not long into my regimen, I looked in the mirror and wished for more —more of the good, less of the bad. To my eye, it seemed as if nothing had changed…until one day. Read Post →

Using Drama in Worship
At first thought, many people quickly assume that drama and worship are two separate entities. One exists within the poignant moments of a Last Supper scene at Easter time, the other within a fifteen-minute window between the welcoming announcements and the offering. While both involve music to some respect... Read Post →

The Advent Season: Dramatically Preparing the Way for Christmas
Historically, Advent is a time to contemplate not only the joyous birth of a babe in Bethlehem, but life and death, eternity and the Lord’s return. Read Post →

On Being Indispensable
The other night I was at church getting ready for drama rehearsal when I realized I didn't feel well. Read Post →

Teamwork Works: One Model for Ministry
It's Tuesday, and your pastor gave two thumbs up to the sketch you picked out for his sermon. All that's left is to round up the cast and start rehearsals. Read Post →

What Makes Dialogue Good?
Despite ever-increasing budgets for high-tech movies, great movies are first and foremost great stories. Read Post →

Test Driving A Script
Few of us would buy a car without first driving it. Sure, we might like its lines, its horsepower or its price. Read Post →

Building Blocks
Although it would be nice to have a theater degree and a group of 20 professional actors signed up for the drama at your church, it is not necessary. Read Post →

Making The Point The Point
We've all had the experience of walking down to the basement only to forget what we were looking for. Read Post →

Learning To See God In Our Reality
I believe the things that seem the least spiritual may actually be the most spiritual things we do. Read Post →

Pick Up The Pace
Helping beginning actors to understand - and make use of - timing is one of the most practical ways to improve their performances. Read Post →

Handling Difficult People
It's 30 minutes before service time and you're still waiting for John, who has the major role. It's too late to do mike checks and you're starting to wonder if he's even going to show. Read Post →

Reflections on Parenting from A Mom In the Trenches
When I was reading over scripts for Mother’s Day, it was as though life slammed me in the face. Read Post →

OH NO! It's show time...where's Jesus?
It was finally here. Opening day! The biggest Easter play the church had ever produced. Read Post →

Your Easter Event: Intimacy vs. Pageantry
How do you react to a sermon when you're touched by what's being said? Do you give little grunts of appreciation, maybe even a vocal "amen" when the Spirit really moves you? Read Post →

10 Powerful Reasons Why Church Drama Is a Good Thing
Oh. You thought we were talking about THAT kind of church drama... Nope. Sorry to disappoint you. Instead, we’re big fans of church drama ministries. Read Post →


Post-mortem
One of the most effective ways to encourage your actors is the post-performance meeting. Read Post →

Auditions Tonight...No Experience Necessary (Part 2)
I got the PART! I tried to act nonchalant, like it meant something, but not like it was so important that if I hadn’t gotten the part, I couldn’t have pulled myself together. Read Post →

Auditions Tonight...No Experience Necessary (part 1)
There it was, as plain as day. “Auditions for the adult spring drama. Monday evening. Seven o’clock.” Read Post →