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A Nativity Play for Children

rlmodranski by rlmodranski
Last updated: 02/15/2012

A Shepherd's Childhood Memory

First performed at Sycamore Tree Church in Steubenville, Ohio, this play is easily memorized and costumed. Written for children under the age of 13, it could easily be done by older thespians. Keep reading to get an overview and find out how you can get it for your group.

PS - This could be your last chance to get this play FREE! I've submitted it to a publishing house and should they accept it, you'll then need to order it from them. Keep Scrolling for details!



THE CAST

This play only requires one adult

It could obviously be done with more if necessary. You could even divide Levi's part and have two shepherds reminisce together. However, it was written for one adult and several children. The children's parts are small and easy to memorize for use with a younger children's ministry.

Additionally, every part EXCEPT Mary and Joseph can be played by either gender. While we expect the shepherds and magi to be men and the angels to be girls, the Bible never mentions gender in any of these roles. So, if you're group isn't balanced quite right to make the roles "traditional," this play will allow you some flexibility.
  • LEVI - The only adult in the production. A 40 something shepherd(ess)
  • AARON - One of three 8-12 year old shepherds - about 6 lines
  • ELI - One of three 8-12 year old shepherds - about 4 lines
  • ISAIAH - One of three 8-12 year old shepherds - about 5 lines
  • JOSEPH - Mary's husband - about 7 lines
  • MARY - Jesus' Mother - 2 lines
  • INNKEEPER - Boy or Girl - 6 lines (also written for 2 people with about 3 lines each)
  • ANGEL - Any boy or girl - 2 lines
  • CHOIR OF ANGELS - the rest of your younger girls - 1 line repeated all together
  • SHEPHERDS - the rest of your younger boys - no lines, but some pantomime to go along with the narration
  • MAGI - (optional) - if you have a lot of extra kids, several of them can be wise men - there is an optional part to Scene V for them. CAN BE MORE OR LESS THAN THREE!!! We don't know how many magi there were, only that there were 3 gifts.

STAGING AND PROPS

  • STAGE CENTER: Stable with a manger - can be simple or have hay, animals (even 2 dimensional) If you're able to use lighting as suggested, it might have a light on the back to help light the angels
  • STAGE LEFT: Shepherd's field - a few bales of hay with a makeshift fire in the middle
  • STAGE REAR: Risers- or something that the angels can stand on to get them up higher than the stable. These should be behind the manger so the angels can't be seen until their scene
  • STAGE RIGHT: The Inn Fake wall with door - OPTIONAL: Above the door is a sign "Bethlehem Inn" Perhaps "NO VACANCY" on the sign somewhere like it's added.
  • SCREEN: If power point is available, there are a few suggestions to add to the production
  • LIGHTS: You'll find direction for lighting if available - Sycamore Tree Church used two Million Candle handheld spots - available at hardware stores for $10 each - and a few floods on special switches

THE SYNOPSIS

Levi (the only adult in the play) is a 40 something shepherd looking after the sheep with some pre-teen shepherds in training. As Scene I opens we find him returning from Bethlehem with some exciting news to share with his young companions. Levi has heard some news while replenishing supplies in town, reminding him of a night more than 30 years before. A night of unexpected light, unexpected visitors and an unexpected baby. As Levi reminisces, the story comes alive as children portray Mary, Joseph, the innkeeper, the shepherds, angels and wisemen.

First performed at Sycamore Tree Church during the 2009 Christmas season, this nativity pageant was a huge hit with the participants as well as those who helped with props, lights and costumes. With only one adult in the cast and seven or less lines for each of 8 children, plus plenty of non-speaking parts, this play works well for any sized children's ministry.

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This page last updated: February 15, 2012

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This Happy Snowman page written by

rlmodranski

Singer, Songwriter, Inspirational Speaker, Author & Desktop Publishing Designer.
Besides singing and writing, I love golf, reading and my family!!!
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