As A Child

Children can be so simplistic, so naïve. They trust what has been laid out before them.
Imagine adults using that kind of child-like transparency in their faith. What would
happen? Imagine the possibilities!

Cast:
The bulk of this drama is a monologue; however, a variety of male and female voices are used in the recorded sound clips. The actor could be male or female, any age.

Lighting:
If available, a spotlight should be on the actor at all times. If a spot is unavailable, then regular lights are all that is necessary.

Costume:
Standard clothing.

Set/Props:
No particular set is necessary; however, the actor will need a television remote and a chair.

Sound:
The actor should be wearing a lapel microphone, if available. Arrange for either sound
recordings or offstage voices for the TV sound clips. 

Sample of Script:

Spotlight comes up to reveal an empty stage, except for a chair at center stage. There is
a TV remote on the seat of the chair.

Actor enters stage, picks up the remote, and sits down in the chair. When he raises his
arm and points the remote to the imaginary TV, (which should be “located” downstage
right), the sound clips should come on. Be sure actor knows to time the sound clips, as
he will “change channels” and begin a new clip as required in the script. 

Sound clip #1: . . . and it looks like more trouble for Dr. Adam Woodbury as many of his patients are considering filing lawsuits against the longtime doctor. It appears his patients are questioning the methods that Woodbury has practiced for over 30 years. While the legal battle continues . . .

Actor, visibly frustrated, “changes” channel.

Sound clip #2: . . . so far two parents have decided to remain in the classroom while class is in session, monitoring the teacher’s methods. Many students feel their parents are going too far, while school board officials, officially at least, welcome the parental interaction.

Actor “changes” channel.

Sound clip #3: . . . all I can say is that I just want to warn everyone not to trust anyone! I mean, everyone is out for number one, and don’t think you are somehow going to get something even slightly worthwhile without paying a huge price! People! Wake up and smell the coffee!

In extreme frustration, actor “turns off” the TV and throws the remote on the chair. He walks to downstage center as he gathers his thoughts.

Actor: (Frustrated.) This is getting ridiculous! What are we coming to? A world where we are taught not to see good in people, but to judge them first? Pre-judge? We seem to jump at the chance to crucify someone for their wrongdoings without giving them a chance to defend themselves! Ridiculous!

Why can’t we trust anymore? What has happened to our basic trust? We live in a society where we are taught to question, doubt, and be suspicious, rather than to absorb, trust and understand. Those who don’t raise questions are labeled as irresponsible, uncaring! I’m not saying I shouldn’t be on guard, watchful, but is it necessarily irresponsible when I am trusting qualified people with my best interests? Isn’t that what they are there for?

(Sighing.) Oh, to be a kid again, you know? We never had any cares or
concerns. We just simply trusted. I remember the first time I jumped off
the edge of the swimming pool. I looked out and there was my Dad,
waiting for me, his arms outstretched. There was never a doubt in my
mind he would catch me. I knew that if I just held out my arms, I would
be just fine. Now that’s trust – pure trust.

Oh, I can hear them now! “That kind of blind trust can lead you down a
slippery slope!” Yes it can, if left to itself. That’s why we need a
guidebook, somewhere to measure people and groups against an
acceptable norm. Children of all ages need a guidebook. I have mine,
(pick up Bible), and I find it keeps me in step.