This Is Athletics -- Check Your Christianity At The Door
Drama
Graduation Is Not For Angels
Contemporary Christian Dramas
Object:
Decisions for Christ are sincere at the moment, but too often
actions befitting such a decision are much more difficult to achieve.
Using the sports arena as a springboard, these dramas place the
struggles of the Christian walk into a teenager's everyday setting
where they can relate in a very real way.
Scene I
Setting: In the church parking lot after a youth meeting fall bonfire
Characters:
JOHN: Teenage boy, football player, Christian and member of the youth group, leader, lives life to the fullest
MARK: Teenage boy, football player, more serious, especially about his Christian walk, member of youth group
CLAIRE: Teenage girl, vivacious, always ready for action, serious about Christian walk, member of youth group
Costumes: Clothes suitable for a cold evening
Props: None
Scene: All three characters enter from right, talking excitedly. They are obviously all very cold
* * *
CLAIRE: (Shivering and rubbing hands together) Talk about cold! This wind could freeze penguins in Australia!
MARK: Hey, Frostie, you should have worn a warmer coat like me.
JOHN: (Looks at watch) Well, guys, I'd better split. Still have a conclusion on my term paper to write for Bishop before second period tomorrow. Boy, I've hated every minute of that assignment.
MARK: (Teasing) Put it off again until the last minute, huh? Good ole John. You must enjoy a lot of stress in your life.
JOHN: (Shrugs shoulders) Yeah, but, hey, I didn't want to miss youth Powerhouse. The bonfire and the speaker were really great!
CLAIRE: (Excitedly) I'm with you. It was a terrific night! You know, it's about time someone starts asking us where we're going with Christ. We all just figure everyone's a Christian, but none of us really knows who's committed. It's pretty easy to slide that way.
MARK: I agree. It's too easy not to take a stand. When Rod asked for a recommitment of our lives to Christ tonight, I knew it was something I needed to do.
CLAIRE: I'm really excited. A lot of us decided to "go with God" tonight. We're all in this together.
JOHN: (Interrupts) And this chatting isn't getting my paper done. I'm outta here. See you guys tomorrow. (Waves, heads off stage left)
CLAIRE: (Teasing) 'Bye, John, hope you get that paper done.
MARK: See ya.
(CLAIRE and MARK exit right)
Scene II
Setting: Sidelines of a football field (other sports can be substituted with little variation)
Characters:
JOHN: Same character as Scene I
MARK: Same character as Scene I
Costumes: Football gear, helmets, pads
Props: Football, football helmets
Scene: Time-out during football game, Mark and John enter, go to center stage
* * *
MARK: (Breathless, as though he's been running, straightens pads, messes with helmet) Man, I didn't think coach would ever call time out. Hey, are you all right? I saw number 37 give you an elbow to the ribs. Boy, that animal is one brutal machine.
JOHN: (Kneeling, feeling ribs and wincing, helmet on the ground) No, man, I'm not all right. Feels like a Mac truck just drove over me -- twice!! Owww ... (Through his teeth) Those guys out there need to be taught a lesson ... that we don't tolerate cheap shots around here. (Pauses) But I'm ready. Wait 'til the next play. You're going to see blood, man. Blood everywhere!
MARK: Boy, he must have really clipped you. You're really ticked!
JOHN: (Still wincing) That joker likes face masks, too. Slick weasel. I say an elbow, a few fingers in the right places ... he should be squawking "mommy" long before half time.
MARK: (Calmly) Aw, overlook it, he's just a punk.
JOHN: (Determinedly) Nope, not me. He's mean, I'm mean. We're a good combination. A cleat to the groin might be a nice touch.
MARK: (Seriously) John, overlook it.
JOHN: (Gets up and stretches) Why? This is football, man.
MARK: Because we are a clean team. We play fair!
JOHN: Correction pal -- we get even. Cover for me out there, okay?
MARK: No can do.
JOHN: (Pushes Mark's shoulder playfully) Hey, going soft? Moth eating that brain of yours? That punk won't hurt you.
MARK: (Without hesitation) No. Sunday I made a commitment. I'm standing by it.
JOHN: (Surprised) Whoa! This isn't about church, jock. This is football! Rock, sock, smash, trash, blood, guts, gore.
MARK: Correction, man, this is about good sportsmanship; this is about another guy who's obviously forgotten the rules and needs to be reminded that REAL men play fair.
JOHN: (Muttering as he checks out his helmet) I can't believe it. No elbows, not getting even. Doesn't feel right. This is definitely going to take some getting used to ...
MARK: (Slaps JOHN on the back) Atta boy. Now you're thinking on all cylinders. Come on, let's go finish this game.
JOHN: (Muttering to himself) ... not going to be easy ... no cleats, no blood, no gore ... B ... oring....
(Both characters put on helmets and exit stage right)
Scene III
Setting: Spectator stands of a volleyball game
Characters:
CLAIRE: Same as Scene I
ANN: Bouncy, outspoken teenager, also attended Powerhouse, part of youth group
Costumes: Teenage casual clothes
Props: Seating to resemble bleachers, sack of popcorn
Scene: During volleyball game, two seats center stage
* * *
ANN: (Sitting as though she is watching the game. Chomping nervously on popcorn, excitedly) I can't believe we're behind 13-15. We've just got to win! This team's been rated number one all season!
CLAIRE: (Sitting beside ANN, reaches over for some of Ann's popcorn, sighs) Fat chance of pulling this one out! Doesn't help when the line judge is their principal, either. (Stands up and shouts) Come on! Let's go! Get tough, get tough! (Sits back down)
ANN: (Very into the game) Okay, Andrea's serving. That's it. No. Okay. (Jumps to feet) That was not out! (Stamps foot) That ball was not out! Are you blind, you ...
(CLAIRE jumps up quickly and puts her hand over Ann's mouth)
ANN: (Surprised and angry) What did you do that for?
CLAIRE: I was afraid of what you were going to say.
ANN: You mean, "you dumb ..."
(CLAIRE quickly puts her hands over Ann's mouth again)
ANN: (Angrily) Stop it, will you!
CLAIRE: (Backs off) Okay ... okay ... Don't get so huffy. I just didn't want you to make a fool of yourself, that's all.
ANN: (Very heatedly) Excuse me! This is a volleyball game, not church. That line judge is blinder than a bat! He's actually throwing the game, and you are making your business to muzzle me like a nanny goat. I can't believe it! (Shouts) Need glasses, ref? (Looks smugly at CLAIRE) There, I was too quick for you. (Shouts) Sit down, lady. Your principal's looking out for your team just fine.
(Both girls sit back down, munch popcorn, both are very quiet)
ANN: (Resignedly) Okay, what's the deal? I've yelled at games ever since you've known me.
CLAIRE: I guess I thought last week's Powerhouse decision, that we were going all the way with Christ, would make a difference. (Hesitantly) I guess I thought maybe you'd want it to make a difference.
ANN: (Sarcastically) Excuse me! So, aren't we Miss Goodie Two Shoes? You've been known to yell a lot worse things than that! A lot worse! And I quote ...
CLAIRE: (Interrupts) Don't even start. I know. But when I think about all the underclassmen who saw me stand for Christ, watching me as I'm screaming garbage ... It hit me like a lead rock, what a poor sport I've been.
ANN: (Not affected) Big deal. Hey, you're convicted ... I'm not. I say let those little punks deal with our bad habits. I'm not my brother's keeper ... quote Cain.
CLAIRE: Ah ... and did you know every word you speak you have to account for when you get to heaven? "Hi, God, you know all those wonderful names I called people at all those volleyball games ... 200 of them? Wow, I didn't think I said that many. Well, (Laughs) I was just kidding ... all in fun. By my words I am justified, You say, and by my words I am condemned? Oops."
ANN: (Stops her partner) Okay, I'm convicted, I'm convicted. (Screams) Come on team, let's roll!
CLAIRE: What! (Jumps to feet) Out? You call that out? No way! That ball was in, you lying, thieving --
(ANN jumps to feet and quickly puts hand over Claire's mouth)
CLAIRE: (Looks shocked, then grins) Ooops!
ANN: (Laughs) Looks like we've got some cleaning up to do. Thanks for being such a good friend.
(Both girls give each other a high five and exit stage)
Scene IV
Setting: After the football game
Characters:
JOHN: Same as in Scene I
MARK: Same as in Scene I
Costumes: Casual teen clothing, light jackets
Props: Box or stool for sitting
Scene: Outside of school after game
* * *
(Both characters enter from left chatting)
MARK: Good job, John. That quarterback sack. Man, you've got speed!
JOHN: Thanks. (Winces) Oooh, my ribs still hurt. Not to mention my neck. That punk hung onto my face mask like he thought the earth was flat. You don't know how bad I wanted to make him sing.
MARK: (Laughing) Hey, I noticed. The fire in your eyes was smoking clear out of your helmet.
JOHN: (Grinning) Would you believe, I even went up to Mr. Big Shot after the game and said, "Good job"? Of course, it was easy. We stomped 'em! (Pauses) But I still would have loved to have clocked him. Made him pay, big time!
MARK: Yeh, I know. But then, what would that have accomplished? Nothing.
JOHN: It would have proved to him he can't always bully people around.
MARK: And you can?
JOHN: (Sits on box) Boy, since youth Powerhouse you've been a case. That recommitment to Christ has really messed with your brain. You're really playing by the Book.
MARK: Listen, man, it's God's rules or the devil's rules. Besides, you made the same commitment I did. There's no middle. And, don't forget, the devil eats his followers for lunch.
JOHN: (Resignedly) I know ... I know. Guess you'll be skipping the post-game party.
MARK: The bash?
JOHN: Yeah. (Pauses) The drinking I can leave. (Gives MARK a playful shove) It's the girls that I hate to give up. You don't get much cuddling at youth group, and I'm a growing boy.
MARK: Serious about any of those girls?
JOHN: Naw, just a good time, that's all. A little arm around the shoulder, a little necking ... just messin around.
MARK: (Pauses, sits on floor beside JOHN) You know, somewhere, the girls you and I will eventually marry are partying tonight. Think they're messin around?
JOHN: (Emphatically) Nope. No way. They're sitting at home being good little girls. I don't want anyone manhandling my future woman.
MARK: While you're manhandling someone else's future woman?
JOHN: Got it!
MARK: Wrong! Dead wrong!
JOHN: (Sighs) I can tell this commitment thing is going to cost me big time if you have anything to say about it.
MARK: Not me, pal. It's God who's set the rules. Just think. You don't have to pay back grudges. You don't have to bully your way through life. You won't be used stuff when you walk to the altar to get married.
JOHN: (Interrupts, stands) Okay ... good enough for me. I'm starved. Let's get something to eat.
MARK: (Gets up off floor) And while you're at it, why don't you get rid of those beer bottles you've got stacked around your room?
JOHN: Hey, man, now you're meddling. (Slaps MARK on back) I'll do it. Let's see if the girls want to go for pizza.
MARK: No post-game bash?
JOHN: No post-game bash!
(Both characters give each other high fives)
MARK: You're on!
(Both characters exit stage)
Scene I
Setting: In the church parking lot after a youth meeting fall bonfire
Characters:
JOHN: Teenage boy, football player, Christian and member of the youth group, leader, lives life to the fullest
MARK: Teenage boy, football player, more serious, especially about his Christian walk, member of youth group
CLAIRE: Teenage girl, vivacious, always ready for action, serious about Christian walk, member of youth group
Costumes: Clothes suitable for a cold evening
Props: None
Scene: All three characters enter from right, talking excitedly. They are obviously all very cold
* * *
CLAIRE: (Shivering and rubbing hands together) Talk about cold! This wind could freeze penguins in Australia!
MARK: Hey, Frostie, you should have worn a warmer coat like me.
JOHN: (Looks at watch) Well, guys, I'd better split. Still have a conclusion on my term paper to write for Bishop before second period tomorrow. Boy, I've hated every minute of that assignment.
MARK: (Teasing) Put it off again until the last minute, huh? Good ole John. You must enjoy a lot of stress in your life.
JOHN: (Shrugs shoulders) Yeah, but, hey, I didn't want to miss youth Powerhouse. The bonfire and the speaker were really great!
CLAIRE: (Excitedly) I'm with you. It was a terrific night! You know, it's about time someone starts asking us where we're going with Christ. We all just figure everyone's a Christian, but none of us really knows who's committed. It's pretty easy to slide that way.
MARK: I agree. It's too easy not to take a stand. When Rod asked for a recommitment of our lives to Christ tonight, I knew it was something I needed to do.
CLAIRE: I'm really excited. A lot of us decided to "go with God" tonight. We're all in this together.
JOHN: (Interrupts) And this chatting isn't getting my paper done. I'm outta here. See you guys tomorrow. (Waves, heads off stage left)
CLAIRE: (Teasing) 'Bye, John, hope you get that paper done.
MARK: See ya.
(CLAIRE and MARK exit right)
Scene II
Setting: Sidelines of a football field (other sports can be substituted with little variation)
Characters:
JOHN: Same character as Scene I
MARK: Same character as Scene I
Costumes: Football gear, helmets, pads
Props: Football, football helmets
Scene: Time-out during football game, Mark and John enter, go to center stage
* * *
MARK: (Breathless, as though he's been running, straightens pads, messes with helmet) Man, I didn't think coach would ever call time out. Hey, are you all right? I saw number 37 give you an elbow to the ribs. Boy, that animal is one brutal machine.
JOHN: (Kneeling, feeling ribs and wincing, helmet on the ground) No, man, I'm not all right. Feels like a Mac truck just drove over me -- twice!! Owww ... (Through his teeth) Those guys out there need to be taught a lesson ... that we don't tolerate cheap shots around here. (Pauses) But I'm ready. Wait 'til the next play. You're going to see blood, man. Blood everywhere!
MARK: Boy, he must have really clipped you. You're really ticked!
JOHN: (Still wincing) That joker likes face masks, too. Slick weasel. I say an elbow, a few fingers in the right places ... he should be squawking "mommy" long before half time.
MARK: (Calmly) Aw, overlook it, he's just a punk.
JOHN: (Determinedly) Nope, not me. He's mean, I'm mean. We're a good combination. A cleat to the groin might be a nice touch.
MARK: (Seriously) John, overlook it.
JOHN: (Gets up and stretches) Why? This is football, man.
MARK: Because we are a clean team. We play fair!
JOHN: Correction pal -- we get even. Cover for me out there, okay?
MARK: No can do.
JOHN: (Pushes Mark's shoulder playfully) Hey, going soft? Moth eating that brain of yours? That punk won't hurt you.
MARK: (Without hesitation) No. Sunday I made a commitment. I'm standing by it.
JOHN: (Surprised) Whoa! This isn't about church, jock. This is football! Rock, sock, smash, trash, blood, guts, gore.
MARK: Correction, man, this is about good sportsmanship; this is about another guy who's obviously forgotten the rules and needs to be reminded that REAL men play fair.
JOHN: (Muttering as he checks out his helmet) I can't believe it. No elbows, not getting even. Doesn't feel right. This is definitely going to take some getting used to ...
MARK: (Slaps JOHN on the back) Atta boy. Now you're thinking on all cylinders. Come on, let's go finish this game.
JOHN: (Muttering to himself) ... not going to be easy ... no cleats, no blood, no gore ... B ... oring....
(Both characters put on helmets and exit stage right)
Scene III
Setting: Spectator stands of a volleyball game
Characters:
CLAIRE: Same as Scene I
ANN: Bouncy, outspoken teenager, also attended Powerhouse, part of youth group
Costumes: Teenage casual clothes
Props: Seating to resemble bleachers, sack of popcorn
Scene: During volleyball game, two seats center stage
* * *
ANN: (Sitting as though she is watching the game. Chomping nervously on popcorn, excitedly) I can't believe we're behind 13-15. We've just got to win! This team's been rated number one all season!
CLAIRE: (Sitting beside ANN, reaches over for some of Ann's popcorn, sighs) Fat chance of pulling this one out! Doesn't help when the line judge is their principal, either. (Stands up and shouts) Come on! Let's go! Get tough, get tough! (Sits back down)
ANN: (Very into the game) Okay, Andrea's serving. That's it. No. Okay. (Jumps to feet) That was not out! (Stamps foot) That ball was not out! Are you blind, you ...
(CLAIRE jumps up quickly and puts her hand over Ann's mouth)
ANN: (Surprised and angry) What did you do that for?
CLAIRE: I was afraid of what you were going to say.
ANN: You mean, "you dumb ..."
(CLAIRE quickly puts her hands over Ann's mouth again)
ANN: (Angrily) Stop it, will you!
CLAIRE: (Backs off) Okay ... okay ... Don't get so huffy. I just didn't want you to make a fool of yourself, that's all.
ANN: (Very heatedly) Excuse me! This is a volleyball game, not church. That line judge is blinder than a bat! He's actually throwing the game, and you are making your business to muzzle me like a nanny goat. I can't believe it! (Shouts) Need glasses, ref? (Looks smugly at CLAIRE) There, I was too quick for you. (Shouts) Sit down, lady. Your principal's looking out for your team just fine.
(Both girls sit back down, munch popcorn, both are very quiet)
ANN: (Resignedly) Okay, what's the deal? I've yelled at games ever since you've known me.
CLAIRE: I guess I thought last week's Powerhouse decision, that we were going all the way with Christ, would make a difference. (Hesitantly) I guess I thought maybe you'd want it to make a difference.
ANN: (Sarcastically) Excuse me! So, aren't we Miss Goodie Two Shoes? You've been known to yell a lot worse things than that! A lot worse! And I quote ...
CLAIRE: (Interrupts) Don't even start. I know. But when I think about all the underclassmen who saw me stand for Christ, watching me as I'm screaming garbage ... It hit me like a lead rock, what a poor sport I've been.
ANN: (Not affected) Big deal. Hey, you're convicted ... I'm not. I say let those little punks deal with our bad habits. I'm not my brother's keeper ... quote Cain.
CLAIRE: Ah ... and did you know every word you speak you have to account for when you get to heaven? "Hi, God, you know all those wonderful names I called people at all those volleyball games ... 200 of them? Wow, I didn't think I said that many. Well, (Laughs) I was just kidding ... all in fun. By my words I am justified, You say, and by my words I am condemned? Oops."
ANN: (Stops her partner) Okay, I'm convicted, I'm convicted. (Screams) Come on team, let's roll!
CLAIRE: What! (Jumps to feet) Out? You call that out? No way! That ball was in, you lying, thieving --
(ANN jumps to feet and quickly puts hand over Claire's mouth)
CLAIRE: (Looks shocked, then grins) Ooops!
ANN: (Laughs) Looks like we've got some cleaning up to do. Thanks for being such a good friend.
(Both girls give each other a high five and exit stage)
Scene IV
Setting: After the football game
Characters:
JOHN: Same as in Scene I
MARK: Same as in Scene I
Costumes: Casual teen clothing, light jackets
Props: Box or stool for sitting
Scene: Outside of school after game
* * *
(Both characters enter from left chatting)
MARK: Good job, John. That quarterback sack. Man, you've got speed!
JOHN: Thanks. (Winces) Oooh, my ribs still hurt. Not to mention my neck. That punk hung onto my face mask like he thought the earth was flat. You don't know how bad I wanted to make him sing.
MARK: (Laughing) Hey, I noticed. The fire in your eyes was smoking clear out of your helmet.
JOHN: (Grinning) Would you believe, I even went up to Mr. Big Shot after the game and said, "Good job"? Of course, it was easy. We stomped 'em! (Pauses) But I still would have loved to have clocked him. Made him pay, big time!
MARK: Yeh, I know. But then, what would that have accomplished? Nothing.
JOHN: It would have proved to him he can't always bully people around.
MARK: And you can?
JOHN: (Sits on box) Boy, since youth Powerhouse you've been a case. That recommitment to Christ has really messed with your brain. You're really playing by the Book.
MARK: Listen, man, it's God's rules or the devil's rules. Besides, you made the same commitment I did. There's no middle. And, don't forget, the devil eats his followers for lunch.
JOHN: (Resignedly) I know ... I know. Guess you'll be skipping the post-game party.
MARK: The bash?
JOHN: Yeah. (Pauses) The drinking I can leave. (Gives MARK a playful shove) It's the girls that I hate to give up. You don't get much cuddling at youth group, and I'm a growing boy.
MARK: Serious about any of those girls?
JOHN: Naw, just a good time, that's all. A little arm around the shoulder, a little necking ... just messin around.
MARK: (Pauses, sits on floor beside JOHN) You know, somewhere, the girls you and I will eventually marry are partying tonight. Think they're messin around?
JOHN: (Emphatically) Nope. No way. They're sitting at home being good little girls. I don't want anyone manhandling my future woman.
MARK: While you're manhandling someone else's future woman?
JOHN: Got it!
MARK: Wrong! Dead wrong!
JOHN: (Sighs) I can tell this commitment thing is going to cost me big time if you have anything to say about it.
MARK: Not me, pal. It's God who's set the rules. Just think. You don't have to pay back grudges. You don't have to bully your way through life. You won't be used stuff when you walk to the altar to get married.
JOHN: (Interrupts, stands) Okay ... good enough for me. I'm starved. Let's get something to eat.
MARK: (Gets up off floor) And while you're at it, why don't you get rid of those beer bottles you've got stacked around your room?
JOHN: Hey, man, now you're meddling. (Slaps MARK on back) I'll do it. Let's see if the girls want to go for pizza.
MARK: No post-game bash?
JOHN: No post-game bash!
(Both characters give each other high fives)
MARK: You're on!
(Both characters exit stage)
