Please note that I am a strong proponent of the Reader's Theater technique of presentation.
Therefore these scripts were written to be presented in that format. Since the imagination is
the only limitation in Reader's Theater, you may find some minor problems with staging
some of the scenes should you attempt to present them realistically. You may call me with
questions. 530 692-1124

This listing of scripts is divided into the following divisions. Click on the one you are
interested in and you'll be taken right to it.

Christmas || Easter || Humorous || Serious Short || 

Serious Long || Pantomimes || Drama Articles

THE BELLS OF CHRISTMAS
7-15 actors 20 minutes
Suggested donation $12.00 For a lengthly sample of this script CLICK HERE
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE

***NEW! To hear a live recording of "The Bells of Christmas" email jim@orionsgate.org
for access code.

"The Bells of Christmas" is a Jim Pappas rewrite of an old Italian legend. It
is said that if ever a brave and noble deed is done in our little mountain village
the great silver bells up in the cathedral will ring when the doer of the deed
kneels to pray. All of the great poets, artists, politicians, officers and commoners
of the village have done their best to earn the favor of heaven and are on their
way up the snowy road to the cathredal. Two little boys are hurrying up the
hill so they can hear the silver bells that they believe are sure to ring. They hear
a groan down the bank and their simple lives suddenly become much more
complex. 

Also available soon will be downloads of the script, musical backgrounds and
sound effects so you can produce your very own heart-warming and professional
sounding play. Inquire email

You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE

MARY'S SONG
l2-25 actors 90 minutes
One of our earliest and best received seasonal plays. From the despair of the crucifixion
to the joy of the resurrection, from the dreams of engagement to the unjust charge of
unfaithfulness from her one love, the story of Mary is an enjoyment and an inspiration.
Suggested donation $25.00 Musical sound track available on CD
Suggested donation $25.00
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE
For a lengthly sample of this script CLICK HERE

He's Waiting For You: The Story Of Mary Magdalene
Suggested donation $25.00
For a lengthly sample of this script CLICK HERE
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE

This is the script for our heart warming Audio Book novel based on the life of Mary
of Bethany. Written in a Job-like Christian allegorical style, this drama speaks volumes
about how God's love can radically transform the most degraded life. A Christmas
season story that begins with an angel's song over the hills of Bethlehem and ends
with a call to turn our hearts towards the highlands of heaven.

This is perhaps the most important play I have ever written. It will challenge your actors
and change lives like nothing you've ever performed.

Not strictly a Christmas season play but there are elements that make it fit quite well.

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New!
The Kiss
This play was written for my Master's Thesis and is so powerful that the
normal audience will sit in silence after the last line is spoken. From the betrayal of Jesus until
His last breath this play is closely patterned after the 4 gospels and yet there is added detail drawn
from research of the times. 
Time: Approximately 50 minutes
Cast: 6-20 men 1-2 women
Suggested donation $20.00
For a preview of this play CLICK HERE
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE

THE CRUCIFIXION
A compilation of the 4 Gospels with added commentary. A good one man reading.
Time Approx. 25 min.
Suggested donation $3.00
For a preview of this reading CLICK HERE
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE

WHY ISN'T JESUS HERE?
5-l0 actors 20 minutes
A trio of small plays set on the Sabbath day after the crucifixion.
Act l: the illegalities of Jesus' trial -
Act 2: the common people's distress at Jesus' absence -
Act 3: the multitude of prophecies fulfilled in Jesus.
Very moving portrayal -many details not commonly considered
Suggested donation $7.50
For a preview of this play CLICK HERE
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THE LAMB: A STORY OF THE EXODUS
12 Actors 90 minutes
The story of the Exodus from the point of view of a Hebrew and Egyptian family
whose oldest children just happen to have taken a serious liking to each other. When
Moses returns from the desert to free the children of Israel, choices have to be made
by the young lovers, the evil taskmaster, Dobni, and the Hebrew parents. Lots of
acting challenges. Only related to Easter as it ties in to the True Passover Lamb.
Suggested donation $25.00
For a preview of this play CLICK HERE
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE
Now is Spanish - See below


New!
El Cordero - TRADUCCION
Suggested donation $25.00
For a preview reading of this play CLICK HERE
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE

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SONNY THE SOUP SIPPER
By Bill Truby, Pete McLeod and Jim Pappas
2-6 actors. Approx 45 minutes
One of our favorites. Lots of fun with deeper meanings than you expect at first. This allegory
is set in a vast underground soup factory. You and all the other workers were born here. You
live, love, work and die in the dim gray dampness of an underground world. There is no hope,
no escape. However, from time to time a newspaper from "The Boss" drops through the one and
only window. It tells of a bigger world where there is warmth and light and beauty. A place
where the flowers are not extinct and life has no end.

Wanna go there? Find out how in this fun play with some very touching moments and some
deep thoughts on life.

Suggested donation $15.00
For a preview of this play CLICK HERE
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE
 

HEAVEN'S A NICE PLACE TO VISIT, BUT . . ..
6-9 actors 40 minutes
Our best seller - especially popular in summer camps across the U.S. The story of a man 
who falls asleep on the couch and rides a dream to heaven. In his dream he learns that
even heaven, with all its wonders and pleasures cannot bring happiness to a man without
Christ. A humorous beginning that ends on a heavy thought. Try it!
Suggested donation $15.00
To read a large preview of this script CLICK HERE
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE

 

MISSION DESPICABLE
2-3 puppets or actors 15 minutes
O.Q. Sprinkles hates kids and assigns one of his best chemists to the task of developing a
secret chemical that will attract kids and then slowly destroy their happiness. A humorous
and informative study on sugar that will captivate kids of all ages.
Suggested donation $10.00
To read a large preview of this script CLICK HERE
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE

Now in Spanish!

MISSION: DESPRECIABLE
Escrita por:
JIM PAPPAS
© 1978
Traducida por:
ELGA DOMÍNGUEZ
To read a large preview of this script CLICK HERE
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE

PILGRIM'S DIGRESS
4 actors 20 minutes
Suggested donation $7.50
A humorous modernization of Paul Bunyan's famous work. "Tape Pusher", "Luke Warm"
and "Many Byways" each try to lead "Earnest Seeker" on their road to the celestial city.
You plug in the names of the current religious fads and controversial figures and away
you go! Fun!
To read a large preview of this script CLICK HERE
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE

WHICH WAY TO HEAVEN?
2 actors 20 minutes
Suggested donation $7.50
Mr. Peabody reaches what he believes to be the gates of heaven. His interview
with a secretary reveals many weaknesses in his "Christian" life and results in
his starting down a road that leads to an unknown destination. An excellent
discussion starter
To read a large preview of this script CLICK HERE
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE

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I CAN DO IT MYSELF, THANK YOU
3 Actors 7 minutes
Suggested donation $3.00
This play is set in the wilderness of Sin during Israel's journey to the promised land.
Because of rebellion God's protection has been withdrawn and the fiery serpents are
everywhere, bringing swift and painful death. Moses is shown the cure and for those
who believe - it works. But, as always, same have a different idea of how to be saved.
This is their story.
To read a large preview of this script CLICK HERE
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE

GETHSEMANE
A dramatic description of the garden hours. Another good one man reading.
Approximately 25 min.
Suggested donation $3.00
To read a large preview of this script CLICK HERE
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FOR ONE ALONE
4 actors 40 minutes
Suggested donation $15.00
The fall of man with a new twist that makes your audience sit up and think about the
infinite love of God for just one person. A great play for 4 actors to stretch their abilities.
Tears of love guaranteed.
To read a large preview of this script CLICK HERE
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE

Now in Spanish. Translated by Elga Domínguez

New! 6/28/04
Por Uno Solo:
Suggested donation $15.00
To read a large preview of this script CLICK HERE
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE

La Historia de Eva
Escrito por:
Jim Pappas
© 1986
Traducido por:
Elga Domínguez

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SIX O'CLOCK NEWS
l4-34 actors 90 minutes
You are a young evangelist out to expose the superpowers trying to destroy Christianity.
Your nominal pastor, relatives and friends oppose you. You are strongly advised to be
silent on such subjects. Do you shut up or shout out as God convicts you to speak? A
thought-provoking Sci-fi look into the future and our responsibility to obey God first
and man second.
Suggested donation $25.00
To read a large preview of this script CLICK HERE
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE

He's Waiting For You: The Story Of Mary Magdalene
17 actors - approximately 90 minutes

   This is one of the most moving plays I have ever written. It was first commissioned by
"Reflections," the drama ministry from Campion Academy in Colorado. The director
was Thure Martinson and the play has been touching lives in a powerful way ever since
it was written in 1993. I had been talking about writing a play based on the life of Mary
Magdalene for years and finally Thure encouraged and enabled me to actually do it.
   A few years later I put together a fairly experienced drama team here in Northern
California and we began rehearsals on "He's Waiting For You." In the process of rehearsing
we also recorded everyone's part so we could have something to sell after our programs.
Well, after several weeks I had it all edited together and had added sound effects and beautiful
original music by a dear brother named Edwin Ray.
   So can you guess what happened? First of all, when I sat the cast down to preview what
they had recorded in bits and piec,es, they had no idea that they were about to listen to a
completed product. So, when I played the finished tape for the team I had several grown men
sitting there in silence with tears in their eyes. When we discussed our next move one of the
lead players said, "We can never top that. Lets call our mission finished." And so, by mutual
consent we called off rehearsals and have let the tapes stand for themselves. This has never
happened to me before and I doubt it ever will again, but it was a powerful testimony to the
power of this script. Lives have been changed by this script. To read about one CLICK HERE
   If you decide to take on this challenging script I suggest you go to our order page
(You May Click Here) and obtain these CDs for study. You'll need to scroll down to the
tenth item to order the CD. I also suggest that you perform this script as a Reader's
Theater production.
Suggested donation $25.00
To read a large preview of this script CLICK HERE
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HER

Now available in Spanish
Suggested donation $25.00

Él Está Esperando Por Ti:
La historia de María Magdalena
Por:
Jim Pappas
© 1993
Traducido por:
Elga Domínguez
You may read a large preview of this script by CLICKING HERE
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE 

Christiana's Progress
Adapted from Orion's Gate's audio script
by
Sarah Elder
copyright 1999
A stage production of "Christiana" adapted by a young home schooler, Sarah Elder.
The play features several brothers which can easily be given girl's names if need be.
Lots of fun parts, tender moments, fierce battles and character parts that will be tons
of fun to perform. There is an especially tender ending that makes me long for heaven.
Good job, Sarah!
Suggested donation $5.00
You may read a large preview of this script by CLICKING HERE
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE

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Lots of fun, requiring little or no stage preparation or props. These programs can be
done using young or old who have had little or no background in drama or mime.
Mime techniques required are at a minimum. By using these detailed scripts you
will have a performance ready in no time! Especially good for those who are shy
of speech but want to be involved somehow.

All Mimes are shared with you in script form which you and your performers can
work from to bring the mime to life.

MOTE
2 Actors 2-4 minutes
A short mime illustrating the principle of "judge not that ye be not judged".
("Why beholdest thou the mote in thy brother's eye when behold a beam is
in thine own eye?") Synopsis: Joe Plain meets Joe Cool on stage. Joe Plain has
his tie on slightly off-center. Joe Cool, who has multicolored socks, an unbuckled
belt, a mis-buttoned shirt, unkempt hair, etc. sees this glaring problem on Joe Plain and...
Suggested donation $5.00
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE

SPRINGS OF GIVING WATERS
3-10 Actors 15 minutes
A longer mime which illustrates the principle of "Give and it shall be given unto you."
Synopsis: Two hoods on the street are approached by a Christian witness. He leads them
to Christ and then, after baptizing them tells them that they must share what he has
given them if they want to retain it. They agree and soon have a chance to put their
words into practice. Shows the different characters that are developed by sharing or
not sharing. We have had a wonderful response from this one. So will you!
Suggested donation $7.50
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE

INFIRMITIES
4-5 Actors 4-6 minutes
An extremely touching mime illustrating the first 6 verses of Isaiah 53: "The Lord
hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Although short, the unexpected ending
brings tears to many an eye.
Suggested donation $5.00
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE

STATUES
3 actors 3-5 minutes
A mime illustrating the Scripture: "They that compare themselves among
themselves and by themselves are not wise." Deciding for oneself is the theme
of this mime.
Suggested donation $5.00
You may donate by secure server by CLICKING HERE

l. Philosophy of Christian Drama - Some thoughts on the morality and
motivations of Christian drama.

2. Production Schedule - More than you'll ever want and all that you'll ever
need to keep larger plays on schedule. Time frames for director, actors,
public relations, costumes, etc. etc.

3. Reader's Theater Techniques - A brief description of this simple, time
saving and cost effective method of presentation.

4. How To Finance Your Drama Ministry - A brief look into the hows
and whys of raising funds for your drama ministry

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To donate use one of the methods available below.After your donation is registered
you will be sent an access code which will enable you to download your script.