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AFTER THE PAGEANT
MAIN POINT
The purpose of this script is to enhance a Christmas Eve or Advent service with a depiction of a woman finding a moment of solitude during a hectic
children’s pageant. In her moment of solitude, she focuses on Jesus, puts herself in
Mary’s shoes for a while and thanks Him for all that first Christmas represented.
CHARACTERIZATION
Kathleen is a single woman, 35-60. She has a giving, servant’s
heart and is very creative. She loves being behind the scenes of the children’s pageant
and handles the pressure well. She is not sad to have a moment alone on Christmas
Eve to focus on her Lord and Savior. She is dressed in holiday colors, perhaps a
sweater and slacks.
Diane is the driving force behind the pageant. She had the vision for how it
should go and wants to see it come off perfectly. She is high energy, talks fast and
won’t take “no” for an answer. She can be carrying a clipboard and have a pencil
stuck behind her ear, wearing her Christmas dress.
Sue is a mild-mannered, young mom. She appreciates Kathleen very much. They
know one another from serving together in Sunday School. She is dressed up for the
Christmas service.
Melissa is a typical 5–7-year-old girl, dressed in an angel costume. She loves dolls
and is not afraid to speak her mind. She is not bratty or obnoxious.
DIRECTOR'S NOTES
1) The stage should be set with as much “stuff” and clutter as
possible (boxes, costumes, material, unused props)
2) Kathleen should have real jobs to do while listening to the closing moments of
the pageant. We don’t want her to look like she is just filling the time. Have her label boxes, fold
material, sweep glitter off the floor, etc.
3) Choose a spot for the characters to enter and exit and make sure they are
consistent in creating their “door” (unless you have a free-standing door).
4) The sounds of the pageant and the sounds of the singing in the sanctuary should be two separate focal points for
Kathleen. Establish where the pageant is and where the sanctuary is so the actor
knows where to focus.
5) The scene should start out fun and lively and make a nice turn to solemn and reflective during the monologue.
However, make the monologue heart-felt, not preachy.
RELATED SCRIPTURES
The Christmas story, the real pageant found in the Gospels, should accompany this sketch.
Also consider Mary’s famous song in Luke 1:46-55.
RELATED THEMES
Advent and incarnation.
