Playing the Christmas Part

What happens when the actors become part of the message?

In Playing the Christmas Part©, a group of church performers gather to rehearse yet another Christmas production. They’ve memorized the lines, practiced their blocking, and even rehearsed their enthusiasm. But as the performance unfolds, something unexpected happens—the story starts working on them.

Behind the scenes, they wrestle with doubt, faith, pride, pain, and purpose. From the seasoned star struggling with emptiness, to the newcomer still riding high from accepting Jesus, every character—on stage and off—must decide if the nativity is just a script… or a call to transformation.

This heartfelt, thought-provoking drama shines a light not only on the miracle of the manger, but on the deeper story that leads to the cross. It's more than a play, it's a reflection of what happens when we stop playing Christmas and start living it.

Perfect for churches, Christmas services, and youth ministries, this bare-set production with 14 roles invites your audience to see the Christmas story with fresh eyes—and open hearts.

Cast: 14+

Bible Reference: Luke

Set: standard

Sound: wireless mics if available

Song: none

Lighting: ability to darken set

SFX: none

Props: script pages

Costumes: standard

Special Instructions:

• a sign: REHEARSAL

Time: 35

Sample of script:

Act I

(A sign is displayed on or near the stage that reads:)
Rehearsal
A Christmas Tale
7 PM Tonight

(All actors except the Director are already on stage—sitting, reclining, standing, or reading their scripts. The Director enters and stands at the edge of the stage, watching. The other actors do not notice the Director and continue silently without grand movements. The focus remains on the Director.)

Director (looking upward):
Well, here we are, God!
Day One, first rehearsal—the annual Christmas drama program here at Pine Street Church!
Well, truth be told, it is Day One as far as others (points to actors) are concerned.
For me, as director, this process has gone on forever, seems like.
But you know that, God. I know you do.
Not that I’m complaining, mind you. See, I get a lot of satisfaction from our drama program.
But, fact is, being involved as director is a really big commitment.
My job, my family, my other interests—they all take a back seat. They do suffer.
But that’s OK, God… I mean, like, it’s for you, after all. Right?

Seems like we spent countless hours searching for a script—nothing seemed just right.
Some too short. Some too long. Some too preachy, know what I mean?
Gotta realize—least the way I see it—some folks, they don’t go to church other than Christmas.
Well, Easter sometimes too… but thing is, can’t smack those kinda folks upside the head with the Bible, now can we?
So the script can’t be too preachy, I always say.
On the other hand, still gotta have a message, know what I mean?

Like I say, it’s for you.
After all, way I see it, the reason for Christmas is the birth.
Sure there’s Santa, and gifts, and eating too much.
But at the end of the day, Christmas is the birth of the Christ child.
Well, some might disagree, but that’s the way I see it anyhow.

So, anyhow, we started off on this project, went chasing down scripts.
Gotta tell you, some Christmas scripts don’t seem to so much as mention Christmas—let alone the birth of the Christ child.
Way I see it, that won’t do.
I mean, nothing wrong in a “feel good” message, but that’s not what I see as happening here.
I know you, for sure, would agree with me on that.

And so we searched!
Then, finally, there it was—the right message, the right length, the perfect script, seemed like.
(points out into audience, pauses, smiles)
Hey, guess I shouldn’t have said that.
I mean, it’s the folks who’ll be sitting out there—in the audience—they’re the ones that’ll decide if it’s right, or good, or perfect. Or acceptable.
And… well, you, of course—I mean, after all, you’re like God and all.
But my best guess is, you’ll find the drama works.

(looks over at actors, smiles)
And then, once we had the script, next step was to round up actors.
Not easy being an actor either, you know. Long hours of memorizing, practicing, getting all the moves down just so.
Some get it easier than others. But always seems like it comes together—works out—no major disasters.
(pauses, smiles, shakes head)
Well, there was the time in the Easter drama when Jesus fell off the cross…
That one we’re not gonna talk about—but it’s also the one no one forgets!

(walks closer to actors—they still do not see him. He walks among them.)
Never fails to amaze me how we bring together a group of individuals—diverse, unique—
Each one brings their own strengths and weaknesses to the drama…
Plants their thumbprint, you might say.

(actors freeze in position)
Such different backgrounds… like Bill here…

(Director watches with a smile as Bill comes to life and speaks)

Bill:
Another show. A Christmas Tale.
(looks around at the other actors)
Interesting group.
(moves to Joyce)
I’ve worked with her before. Young, but strong actor.
(moves to Eva)
And our Eva—she’s been on stage since she was a child.
The younger actors will learn from her.
(looks through his script)
Me? I’m cast as a prophet.
Makes sense, I guess.
It’s a heavy role, and I’ve got many years of experience in theater.
Even more, I’m a student of Old Testament scripture.
So the role should come easily to me.
(thinks)
I wonder if that’s a good thing?
Sometimes I’ve found when I don’t have to work hard at creating a role, it is… well… just that… a role.
This is an important role.
I need to personalize it… internalize it.
(looks upward in prayer)
God… in this portrayal of your earthly birth… let me not be merely speaking words.
Make a difference in my own life, God.

(Bill freezes. Director moves to Reg.)

Director:
And as for Reg… an interesting person…

(Reg comes to life, looking around fearfully)

Reg:
Wow! So this is it! First rehearsal.
I’ve worked hard at it—got my lines memorized, have the character figured out.
(shows hesitation)
But do I have the right inflection in my lines?
And have I really… properly… figured out the character?
I mean, I like acting—especially Christian theater.
I mean, after all, I am a Christian.
(looks around fearfully at other actors)
Likely some of the others won’t be Christian.
I hope they don’t expect me to share the gospel with anyone—I mean, I would, like… freak out!
(points to Betty)
I know! Anyone needs to hear the gospel, I’ll just turn them over to her—
I mean, she seems to be into that sort of thing.
(frightened, opens up script)
Oh man! I just know I’ve got the character all wrong!
I’d like to ask the director, but I’d just look so stupid!
No, I have to figure it out on my own.
Let’s see now… at the beginning I am…

(Reg freezes. Director moves to Joseph.)

Director:
From what I’ve seen so far, it seems to me that if I could clone this young man’s enthusiasm…
I wouldn’t have to show up at all…

(Joseph comes to life, excited)

Joseph:
Oh maaaannnnn! Is this awesome or what?!
To be here, with all these wonderful, talented people!
I mean, can you just imagine how much they’ll teach me about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ?!
You know, ever since I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior a few months back—
Things have just gone from awesome to… to… awesomer is what!
And now this!
I’m just looking forward to helping out others all I can—
To be like a… a servant.
Especially to her— (points to Eva)
I mean, she is like… way awesome!

Want to see how the story unfolds? DramaShare members get this complete script— and access to our entire library—free! Not a member? You can still grab this individual script and bring it to life.