Have a Nice Day

"Jack-in-the-Clock"

The "Jack-in-the-Clock" script illustrates how we have a choice in controlling our own emotions—whether to be angry, resentful... or even happy!

© Copyright, Jane and Dal Harris, 2006. Permission is granted to modify this script to meet local needs.

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Message:

You have a choice to be in control of your own feelings.

Bible References:

• Psalms 30:11-12
• Matthew 6:18

Cast:

• 2 actors (any gender)

Set:

• None

Costumes:

• Pat wears street clothes.
• Jack-in-the-Box wears bright clothing (a yellow smiley-face T-shirt is recommended).
• Clown makeup, gloves, or other accessories may be used if desired.

Props:

• A chair for Jack-in-the-Box.
• Optional: A large cardboard box with a clock face painted on it, placed around Jack’s chair.
• A sheet of paper for Pat (instruction sheet).

Time:

3-4 minutes

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Script

(Setting: Jack-in-the-Box is on stage, either hidden inside a box or slumped over in a chair, head down. Pat enters, holding an instruction sheet.)

Pat: (excited) “Okay, I’m not going to be late anymore! This new alarm clock is supposed to be the best there is. It’s guaranteed to wake you up—and wake you up happy! It’s called ‘Jack-in-the-Clock!’ What fun! I’ll just adjust it here…”

(Pat fiddles with the back of Jack. Jack suddenly pops up, grinning, waving hands, and continues gaily until Pat pushes him back down.)

Jack: (cheerfully) “Have a nice day! Have a nice day! Have a nice day! Have a nice day! Have a nice—”

(Pat pushes Jack down. Jack slumps over again.)

Pat: (laughs) “Oh wow! That is so cool! This is going to be great. Let me read here about how to set it.”

(Jack pops up again.)

Jack: (cheerfully) “Have a nice day! Have a nice day! Have a nice day! Have a nice day! Have a nice—”

Pat: (pushes Jack down) “Hold on here, let me figure out how to set you—”

(Jack pops up again.)

Jack: (cheerfully) “Have a nice day! Have a nice day! Have a nice day! Have a nice day! Have a nice—”

Pat: (pushes Jack down, frustrated) “Alright already! Take a break, will you? You’re making me wonder if this will be a nice day.” (Pauses, Jack stays silent.) “That’s better. In fact, this has the makings of a crummy day. I have to go to the dentist, and there’s that meeting with my boss—that probably isn’t going to be a good thing. The car is making a funny noise, and—”

(Jack pops up again.)

Jack: (cheerfully) “Have a nice day! Have a nice day! Have a nice day! Have a nice day! Have a nice—”

Pat: (pushes Jack down, exasperated) “Good grief!”

(Jack pops up again immediately.)

Jack: (cheerfully) “Have a nice day! Have a nice day! Have a nice day! Have a nice day! Have a nice—”

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