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Monologues
About the book
“To be or not to be…” is the beginning of perhaps the most famous monologue in the English language (also called a soliloquy). A monologue is basically a long speech made by one person. It is often addressed to an invisible character in the scene, to a general audience or sometimes, it is simply the character speaking out loud to him or herself. Regardless of who is meant to be the listener, a monologue always allows the character to express innermost thoughts and feelings as a third person narrator of the scene could not. It is a wonderful way to bring a Bible character or historical figure out of the past and into the present. It is equally valuable in teaching Biblical truths through the types of people to whom we can all relate in our modern day lives.
In corporate worship, the performance of a monologue by an actor is impactful, inviting everyone to drop into a different place or time for a moment, and to share the experience whether humorous, moving or disturbing. Another advantage of including a monologue in worship, as opposed to a group drama, is that it requires only one actor. A single performer is much easier and less expensive to costume, stage and rehearse. The challenge, of course, is finding that one person who will commit to memorizing the lengthy passage (usually 10 to 20 minutes in length) to bring the character to life.
In this book, I share three stories in monologue form: a story of how I believe God sees us, a story of how God coaches us, and a story of how God prunes and prepares us for life. Whether you are a Minister, Worship Director, actor or individual reader, I hope you will enjoy and be moved by these stories with a dramatic flair.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 34:8
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13
Inspirational Verses
Excerpt from the book
The Least of These
Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, You did for me. -
Setting the Stage
The Character
A homeless person, written as a woman, but easily played by a man just by changing the name of “Ida” to any masculine name. This person is simple of mind and spirit (think “Forest Gump”) and accustomed to life on the streets, having known no other. She is sincere in all her expressions and reactions, and should be portrayed sympathetically without sarcasm. Her language is colloquial and often grammatically incorrect. A flavor of such speak is written into the script, but can be made your own….
Raise the Curtain
(Begin with your back to the audience and start the monologue by looking over your shoulder, focusing on an invisible passerby, and raising your crumpled paper cup, as you walk along with him.)
Excuse me sir, how are you today? Would ya have a quarter to spare? (pause) Well, thank ya anyway and you have a nice day.
(As you wait for another passerby, you try to warm your cold hands and you remember the gloves in your bag. Move back to your bag and dig through it searching frantically for the gloves, until the search ends in disappointment.)
Oooohhhhh! (Whining to herself) They got 'em! Must have been while I was sleeping at that shelter. Only found 'em a week ago over at the 3rd street bus stop. Should of worn 'em all the time. I saw everybody eyeing 'em. But they was so warm, my hands got hot when I was inside the building. So I put 'em in my bag and somebody took 'em while I was sleeping. Oh well, at least I didn't get beat up for 'em this time. You just can't hang on to any good stuff out here…
Behind the Scene
Winter in Washington D.C. is bone-
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