Roadtrip to the Ark

“Roadtrip to the Ark” is a heartwarming, comedic stage play following two fun-loving youth leaders and five unique teens on a 10-hour trek to visit the famous Ark Encounter in Kentucky. Along the way, they navigate unexpected roadblocks (both literal and spiritual)—from duck crossings to a roadside rescue—learning that sometimes the greatest lessons of faith happen before you even arrive. Full of laughter, prayer, and personal growth, “Roadtrip to the Ark” will inspire audiences of all ages to see God’s hand in every mile of life’s journey. Join us for a memorable ride you won’t want to miss!

Characters:

• Sara (Youth Leader) – Bold, energetic, adventurous. Yearns to guide the teens with love but sometimes worries if she's doing enough.
• Mike (Youth Leader) – Jokester, easy-going, with a big heart. Looks for moments to turn laughter into lessons.
• Katie (13) – Energetic and curious; dreads the 10-hour drive but is excited for the Ark.
• Jake (16) – Reluctant teen, popular, but uncertain about spiritual matters.
• Ben (14) – Quiet, shy, secretly excited about the trip; looking for a sense of belonging.
• Lucas (15) – Insightful, admires Jake, enthusiastic about the Ark.
• Gas Station Man – A kind stranger in need of a little roadside help.

Biblical References:

• Genesis 6–9: The story of Noah’s Ark is central to the trip, reminding the teens of God’s provision and care for all creatures.
• Galatians 6:2: “Carry each other’s burdens…” reflected when the group helps the Gas Station Man with his flat tire.
• 1 Timothy 4:12: Encourages young believers to set an example; shown through Jake’s growth and Ben’s quiet faith.
• Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go…” echoing how God guides them on this journey.

Run-Time:  10-15 minutes depending on pacing

Scene 1: Church Parking Lot (Morning)

(Lights up on a stage. A "stage van" sits half-loaded with suitcases and backpacks. The group bustles around, preparing to leave.)

Sara (clapping her hands with enthusiasm): All right, everyone—this is it! Our epic road trip to the Ark Encounter! Ten hours, one van, and countless memories just waiting to happen. Who’s ready for a serious adventure?

Mike (finishing a donut, feigning bravado): If this glazed donut counts as my fuel, I’m good to go. No better way to start a road trip than with sugar. We’ve got a van full of excited kids… or at least mostly excited?

Katie (rolling a small suitcase): Excited, sure. Terrified, definitely. Ten hours in a van with minimal Wi-Fi? I’m on a budget plan, people. No data, no drama, right?

Jake (arms folded, checking his phone): Are we sure this is the best day for it? We’re missing half our youth group, plus I’m missing, like… a perfectly good Saturday doing nothing.

Lucas (gives an encouraging shrug): Eh, more snacks for us! And hey, we can always do another trip next year—double the fun.

Ben (blurts out loudly, then goes shy): I’m… I’m ready. (He clears his throat.) I mean, I’ve never been to Kentucky before. Not exactly sure where Kentucky is, but uh… I can’t wait to see it. (Quietly) Just don’t ask me for directions.

Sara (laughing, patting Ben’s shoulder): No worries. All roads lead to the Ark… eventually. So buckle up, my dudes, ‘cause we’ve got a date with a big wooden boat!

Mike (gestures toward the van, brushing donut crumbs off his hands): Right! We’ve got gear, snacks, and a faith-based playlist so epic it’ll make Noah’s forty days feel like a weekend. Time’s a-wastin’—daylight is burning, people!

(The kids hurry to load up, chatting and joking: Katie complains about her phone, Lucas brims with excitement, Jake lingers skeptically, Ben shyly smiles, and Sara double-checks everything. Mike cranks the engine.)

Sara (raising her voice over the bustle): Last call for restrooms or regrets! We’re heading out in three… two… one—Ark Encounter, here we come!

(They all pile into the van, laughter and chatter filling the air. Lights dim slightly as the engine revs and they drive offstage.)

(End Scene 1)

Scene 2: On the Road (Monologues)

(Lights shift to a simple “van interior” setup on stage. Katie, Jake, Ben, and Lucas are seated in rows behind Sara and Mike, who are up front. Soft traveling music plays in the background.)

Katie (steps forward, spotlit in a brief monologue): I might be the only 13-year-old on the planet who’s thrilled about seeing a giant boat. But wow, this drive? It feels endless already. I mean, Noah was stuck in an ark for 40 days—I should be able to handle ten hours in a van, right? Right? (She glances back anxiously, then returns to her seat.)

Ben (quietly steps forward): Sometimes I feel… invisible in this group. I’m not loud like Katie, or confident like Jake, or knowledgeable like Lucas. Still, I think God wants me here. Maybe this trip is about me finding my own voice… even if it’s just a whisper. (He edges back into his seat.)

Jake (rolls his shoulders, steps forward): Everyone thinks I’m the fun guy. Always cracking jokes. But truth is, I’ve got a lot on my mind. Not sure where I stand on all this faith stuff. Noah’s Ark? A 10-hour drive for some giant boat? Maybe I’ll find something there… or maybe I won’t. At least I like everyone here. (He sighs and sits down.)

Lucas (bounds forward, beaming): Man, I’ve watched every documentary on the Ark ever made. I’m so stoked! I just hope Jake realizes we need him to be part of this journey. I mean, I can tell something’s bothering him. I don’t know how to help exactly, but I’m praying. (He returns to his seat, excited.)

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.