----------------------------- A NOTE REGARDING THIS VERSION ----------------------------- This script is from the HIS COMPANY CATALOGUE of plays and musical resources. It is in ASCII (or plain text) format, and is intended only to be used for evaluation purposes. Visit our web site at http://hc.dlampel.com to download the FREE Adobe Acrobat (PDF) version for performance. ----------- DESCRIPTION ----------- THE TRAIN Type: Sketch Description and Synopsis: The Train is a fable about stewardship. In it three passengers who are more accustomed to pampered treatment find that they are expected to contribute their talents toward the "family" traveling together on the train. This is a popular sketch with audiences--and Pastors. It delivers a simple, direct message on stewardship--be it stewardship of our time, money or talents. This sketch works best when it is played a bit "campy", with broadly drawn characters. Theme: Stewardship Characters: Mrs. Shipley (middle-aged) Miss Newelpost (younger) Mr. Periwinkle (middle-aged) Conductor (middle-aged) Set: 3 chairs, arranged with 2 on one side and 1 on the other with an "aisle" between. Length: 5 min. ------ SCRIPT ------ THE TRAIN Copyright (c) 2000 David S. Lampel His Company [The Train is a short fable illustrating the need for everyone who considers themselves members of the Kingdom to do their part in and for the Kingdom. There are no free rides. The characters are sketched and played broadly--almost as caricatures. With an unlimited budget, they would be costumed in Victorian dress, with high collars, bustles, etc. In lieu of that, Sunday-go-to-meeting dress will do. Characters: Mrs. Shipley, a middle-aged housewife Mr. Periwinkle, a middle-aged businessman Miss Newelpost, a young school teacher The Conductor Props: Conductor - a "brochure" for the train - a little black book Mr. Periwinkle - a business card - a train ticket The setting is a passenger train. The players are three passengers and a conductor. On stage are three chairs arranged to resemble a passenger car configuration--two together, with the third on the other side of the "aisle". As the passengers enter they are making small talk.] MRS. SHIPLEY Isn't this a beautiful train! MISS NEWELPOST Such lovely appointments! MR.PERIWINKLE So well made. Strong construction. [They take their seats in the chairs.] MISS NEWELPOST And a smooth ride. MRS. SHIPLEY (aghast) But the service is pitiful! Why, last night there was no one to prepare my bed. I waited hours! MISS NEWELPOST (nodding her head) And this morning my breakfast never came at all. MR.PERIWINKLE That's nothing. I had to carry my own bags onto the train--(wincing) and me with a bad back! MRS. SHIPLEY Obviously they don't think much of their passengers. We really should write a letter to the president of the line. [The conductor enters from behind the passengers while they are speaking, passing down the "aisle." (Note to Director: It works very well to have the Conductor enter down the aisle from the back of the audience, passing through the other characters before being stopped by Mr. Periwinkle.)] MR.PERIWINKLE They just don't have enough stewards to go around. MISS NEWELPOST (noticing the conductor) There's the conductor! Maybe he can help. MRS. SHIPLEY (to MR.PERIWINKLE) I'm so thirsty. Ask him to get us some tea. MISS NEWELPOST And something to eat! MR.PERIWINKLE (to the CONDUCTOR) My good man, would you get us something to drink. Some tea would be nice, (checking with his companions) and maybe some breakfast. We are quite famished. MISS NEWELPOST Oh yes, please! CONDUCTOR (stopping; taken aback; a bit flustered) My, my....I couldn't do that. No, that wouldn't be right at all. MRS. SHIPLEY (aghast) See here! What do you mean? (to her companions) Such impertinence. CONDUCTOR (nervously looking around) Dear, dear.....this is unseemly. I thought it was stated clearly in the brochure. (fumbles for a brochure out of an inside pocket; reading) "First-class passage...no charge for ticket....all necessities provided...." Yes, here it is: "Responsibility for all the above lies completely with the passengers themselves." (putting away brochure; relieved) Well, that's a relief! For a minute there I thought we might have a lawsuit on our hands. (pause) You see, you are the stewards. (turning to go) Now, will there be anything else? MR.PERIWINKLE Now hold on! This is an outrage! MRS. SHIPLEY There must be some mistake. I would never have agreed to such an arrangement. MISS NEWELPOST We are more accustomed to having people take care of us. CONDUCTOR Ah, but you see, you're on "The Train" now. Things are different. You're now a part of the family. [The passengers look at each other, confused, mouthing the word "family".] CONDUCTOR (with pride) The Father's train is different from others. It has the finest accommodations--everything the best. It also has the finest engineer and (preening) conductor. The engineer and the conductor keep the train rolling perfectly and on time. But the passengers on the train are expected to give of themselves. They have been left in charge of the rest of the family. MR.PERIWINKLE (blankly) Really? CONDUCTOR It was on your ticket! (he takes a ticket from Mr. Periwinkle; after scanning to locate what he is looking for) Yes, here it is: 1 Peter 4:10, "Each one has received a special gift; employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (he returns the ticket) MRS. SHIPLEY But....what can we do? CONDUCTOR (pulling out a small pad) Let's see.....Mrs. Shipley, isn't it? Oh yes, I see here that you are an excellent cook,. (she nods her head proudly) Well then, you can be in charge of our Wednesday night dinners. MRS. SHIPLEY (considering, then graciously condescending) Yes, I could do that once. CONDUCTOR (amused) Once?! (chuckling) Why, no, my dear. We will need it every week. MRS. SHIPLEY (weakly) Every week? CONDUCTOR He gave you that gift! What have you been doing with it? (turning to Miss Newelpost; finding her name on his pad) Now, Miss Newelpost, you're a school teacher. Third grade, correct? (she nods, pleased) Perfect! The children on the train are always needing Sunday School teachers. (Miss Newelpost looks slightly stunned) It's so important. (pause; looking at list) Now Mr. Periwinkle. It says here you're in sales, and that you-- MR.PERIWINKLE (reaching for his card) Why yes, we have the finest line of-- CONDUCTOR (stopping him) That's really not necessary. But we can certainly use your talents. You see, we have people in some of the other cars of the train who are brand new to the family. They just got onto the train and are really unsure of their next step. We need people who can go into those cars and speak with the newcomers--help guide them along, as it were. [The man starts to object.] CONDUCTOR Also, we sometimes actually leave the train to invite others aboard. You'd be perfect! MR.PERIWINKLE I--I really wouldn't know what to say to them. I don't think I could. CONDUCTOR (baffled) You mean, you're refusing? MR.PERIWINKLE (indignantly) I wasn't aware it was a requirement. CONDUCTOR (with sad resignation) It's not. You may ride on the train even if you don't help. (pause; begins to leave, then turns back; to all three) But isn't it funny that you're so eager for the free ride and all the extras that go along with it--but don't want to give anything of yourselves. Nothing of the abilities that the Father has so freely given you. You didn't have to pay. (pause) Well, like I said, there's no obligation. You can stay on the train. (as he turns to go; sadly) But He'll be so disappointed. MR.PERIWINKLE (after some thought) W--wait a minute. Would I have to do it . . . alone? CONDUCTOR (happily) Oh, my no! I'll be there beside you all the time. I'll tell you what to say. MR.PERIWINKLE (after a pause to think it over) Well, all right. I'll give it a go. CONDUCTOR Oh, He'll be so pleased! Come, come everyone. There are others waiting for you. [They exit, trooping after the Conductor.] ---------------- COPYRIGHT NOTICE ---------------- This script is Copyright (C) 2012 David S. Lampel. This data file is the sole property of David S. Lampel. The data file may not be altered or edited in any way. It may be reproduced only in its entirety for circulation as "freeware," without charge. All reproductions of this data file must contain the copyright notice (i.e., "Copyright (C) 2012 David S. Lampel"). This data file may not be used without the permission of David S. Lampel for resale or the enhancement of any other product sold. This includes all of its content. Brief quotations not to exceed more than 500 words may be used, with the appropriate copyright notice, to enhance or supplement personal or church devotions, newsletters, journals, promotions, or spoken messages. Permission is hereby extended for this script to be printed for rehearsal and performance use. Copies may be reproduced in sufficient number for the director, actors, and technical personnel, as long as each copy contains the copyright notice (i.e., "Copyright (C) 2012 David S. Lampel") ----------------- USING THIS SCRIPT ----------------- For electronic distribution, the Internet version of this script uses the following conventions: * character names are in ALL CAPS. * stage directions within a character's line are enclosed in parentheses (e.g., "(with anger)"). * stage directions without are enclosed in brackets (e.g., "[They exit.]"). * the plus sign (+) indicates when to cue trax or begin intro for next song ---------------------------------------------------------------------- These plays and musical resources are made available free-of-charge, without obligation, in service to our Lord and to His glory. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- David S. Lampel Winterset, IA 50273 USA Complete resources at http://hc.dlampel.com/ "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." (Rom 11:36) 20120305