The Life That Sam Built

Sam’s got it all figured out—or so he thinks. He tithes, avoids “bad habits,” lectures his son on morality, and keeps a close eye on his suspicious neighbor… all while stuffing his face with popcorn and swiping a few office supplies for himself.

In this sharp and surprising skit, audiences follow Sam’s carefully constructed life as it’s revealed for what it truly is—a façade built on judgment, pride, and self-deception. With humor, irony, and heart, The Life that Sam Built holds up a mirror to those of us who talk the talk but forget to walk the walk.

A compelling addition to any service or drama night focused on integrity, hypocrisy, or Christian living.

• Run-time: Approximately 5–6 minutes
• Cast: 6 roles (Sam, Sam’s neighbor, Sam’s son, Sam’s co-worker, a homeless person, Narrator)
• Bible Reference: James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Sample script

Narrator:
(As Narrator reads, the action takes place. Be sure to pause for both action and audience reaction time.)

Narrator:
This is the life that Sam built.

(Sam enters stage area.)

Narrator:
Here is the co-worker whom Sam does not trust.

(Co-worker walks across stage from right to left.)

Narrator:
Here is the son whom Sam lectures on life.

(Son walks across stage from left to right.)

Narrator:
Here is the neighbor Sam judges.

(A female leg in nylons and a heel, along with a hand waving a colorful scarf, appears “around the corner” from offstage.)

Narrator:
And this is the neighborhood drunk Sam condemns.

(Homeless drunk staggers across stage from right to left and remains on stage, unsteady.)

Narrator:
Sam knows he’s a pretty good guy.

(Sam stands, looking puffed-up and proud.)

Narrator:
He gives money to his church and other charities.

(All characters except the drunk gather around Sam and are handed liberal amounts of monopoly money.
The drunk then approaches, hopeful for a handout. Sam lifts his nose in the air and walks away, crossing the stage toward a chair or recliner.)

Narrator:
He likes to keep his body pure by not smoking or drinking alcohol.

(Sam hugs an oversized bowl of popcorn, stuffing his face and drinking a can of soda. He sits in a recliner, remote in hand, watching TV.
The drunk peers in from a pretend window, looking hungry. Eventually, the drunk digs through a nearby garbage can and finds a wrapper to lick or a bone to gnaw.)

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