The Substitute

A powerful silent drama that speaks volumes.

In this moving mime performance, three characters illustrate the deep truth of Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice. As one mime faces injustice and pain, another silently steps in—bearing every blow in his place. This skit is a striking, non-verbal portrayal of Jesus taking on our burdens, sin, and suffering. No props needed, just raw emotion, perfect timing, and the message of redemption.

Cast: 3 Mimes | Props: None | Themes: Substitution, Sacrifice, Redemption

Sample Script

NOTE: Mimes do not necessarily have to be whitefaced, regular clothing is satisfactory. Jesus, (Mime 3), would likely be dressed in white.

Mime 1 comes on stage, playing with large mimed ball.

Mime 2 comes on stage, watches Mime 1, grins viciously, sneaks up behind Mime 1, grabs ball away from Mime 1.

Mime 1 watches as Mime 2 plays with his ball, Mime 1 frowns, sad.
Mime 1 reaches in pocket, pulls out three small balls, juggles.

Mime 2 starts to notice that Mime 1 is having fun, gets progressively serious, annoyed, angry, throws the large ball away in disgust.

Mime 3, (Jesus), comes on stage, Upstage Center position, watches Mime 1 and 2.

Mime 2 walks over to Mime 1, very angry, grabs the three small balls, pushes Mime 1 down to the floor.

In total unison with Mime 1 falling, Mime 3 falls.

Mime 1 and 3 stand up, feel for bruises.

Mime 3 walks to Mime 1, puts arm around Mime 1, dusts off his clothes, comforts Mime 1.

Mime 2 is happily playing, juggling, out of corner of eye watches Mime 1 and 3, becomes progressively aware of them, and progressively more angry, finally throws balls away, walks in front of Mime 1.

Mime 2 is immediately in front of Mime 1, Mime 3 puts arm around Mime 1, Mime 2 pushes Mime 3 to the side.
Mime 3 stands sufficiently far away from Mime 1 and 2 that the audience can clearly see Mime 3.

Mime 2 winds up and punches Mime 1.
Mimes 1 and 2 must be close to each other, and Mime 1 somewhat masked by Mime 2 in order that the audience can not see that the blow does not actually hit Mime 1.

As Mime 2’s fist “hits” Mime 1, Mime 3 falls backward to the ground, holding his face.

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.