Sketch Evaluation
Just click here to go to our former post where this is located. The library is open on Mondays until 7PM, so you can get in there before class sometime to read those 5 sketches. Don't know the other times they're open yet, but will post the hours when I find out.
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Sketch Evaluation #1
Name of Sketch: Love American Style by Jenny Vaughn Hall & Phyllis Wong
Name of Sketch Collection/Book: Dream Team Handbook by Alison Siewert & Others
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
Copywrite Date: 2003
On a scale of 1 – 10, I’d rate this script a 7.
I believe this sketch would fit perfectly in our local context without any modifications.
Style: Realistic Comedy
Target Audience: Non-Christians, Youth/Young Adults, Couples of mixed ethnicity
Performers Need To Be: Beginning
Structure:
The sketch immediately grabs one’s attention. Because firstly, the first line is called in Chinese; Secondly, the scene seems to throw the audience into some ongoing action; And thirdly, the premise is not given away but garnered through the conversation between the couple.
The dialogue between the couple was written so well - it flows naturally, logically from one unfolding point to another and quickly. It is well paced displaying the emotions and affections of the couple and rises, reaching a climax like any natural argument or tension. This tension is felt in the play with the words as well as the indicated directions.
I love that the conclusion of this sketch is left hanging. The couple doesn’t find a solution or happy ending but avoid further squabbling by going into dinner. It’s a satisfactory conclusion because it comes across naturally. A solution or happy ending would really seem like a cliché. The sketch seemingly like a glimpse into an ongoing situation, ends nicely here too, making the audience wanting for more yet having enough to imagine what may be.
I believe what the playwright is addressing here can be summed up with this: We are all alike yet we are all different. This theme is well delivered and believable as the premise sees a couple, an American man and an American-Chinese together at her parent’s for the first time. Upon this visit, does he as well as she realize that their cultures including who they are actually very different. Another, perhaps hidden theme, is ignorance of others’ cultures. This is seen in the character of the man. This apparent surprise of how different they are sparks off the question “Do you really know who I am?” This breaks into an air of tension and an argument. The play doesn’t end in any resolution but rather than this is a brewing issue they have to work out. The conflict is clear, realistic and adequate.
This sketch is written with much humor. You really can’t help but laugh every time the character of the man, John, says something. I truly feel that this script is developed in a fresh, creative way and would appeal to our locals who see a rising trend in mixed marriages.
Message and Production:
This script is concise, dealing with the issues mentioned adequately for its length. It provides no answers for the questions it carries. And it can never be called preachy at all. In fact, reading through it there’s no mention of God or even an apparent Christian theme. It just sits like a real-life secular piece. Maybe that’s what would make the Christian truth relevant to the audience. So what is the Christian truth presented? This took some time to figure out, and may be the and different people may garner different messages, but I believe it is unity in diversity as well as being aware, respectful and appreciative of our fellow men born of different ethnicity. These are addressed in the fruit of the Spirit, how Jesus treated the Samaritan woman at the well, the parable of the good Samaritan as well as Paul’s exhortation to do as the Romans do when in Rome, but to do so without compromising.
Yes, the production notes are adequate, making this very possible to produce. But it should be shown at an appropriate season or to the target audience. If this is catered for a worship service or congregation, the pastor’s sermon is necessary to link the Biblical values behind the play. If not, a congregation may be a bit lost as to what the point of this play is in a church setting.
Sketch Evaluation #2
Name of Sketch: Birthday Breath by Jenny Vaughn Hall
Name of Sketch Collection/Book: Dream Team Handbook by Alison Siewert & Others
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
Copywrite Date: 2003
On a scale of 1 – 10, I’d rate this script a 7.
I believe the script as a whole even the song a character sings is so familiar in the local context; it would work well without modifications.
Style: Realistic Drama
Target Audience: Christians, Non-Christians, Youth/Young Adults, Couples
Performers Need To Be: Intermediate
Structure:
Actually the sketch doesn’t really have any special element that grabbed me to stay on reading. Right at the beginning, you can figure that this is a scene between a couple on a romantic date. However, the almost immediate introduction of the conflict, or the character Steve’s apparent discomfort, made me curious enough to see what happens next.
The sketch develops quickly but can be easily followed. This is due to the very natural flow of dialogue between the characters. While the sketch seems quite wordy, the lines are concise and sharp to the point. It nicely reveals the characters’ wide range of emotions in the short span of time.
I like the conclusion of this sketch. It shows that honest reality can be a happy ending. It wraps up the couple’s conflict and propels them back to what they were doing at the beginning, dancing.
As the playwright describes before the sketch, this is a “slice-of life piece…about relationships, grace or being real with one another.” I believe the theme or issue revolves around how life/people isn’t all that perfect yet they still can be beautiful – “Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder”.
The premise is very believable and yet very fresh: It’s about a man reluctantly confessing to his girlfriend that she has bad breath. However, as her shock and hurt results in her feeling unbeautiful, he tries to convince her that she is beautiful while real.
The conflict is clear and adequate. It is introduced almost immediately by the man’s discomfort and later by his confession and her reaction. While the action is real and dramatic, the situation brings some awkward and funny moments. The honesty is refreshingly entertaining and touching.
Message and Production:
The sketch, though short in length, beautifully and effectively encapsulates the message of grace. I like that the sketch doesn’t seem to push a certain answer or statement but rather shows through its characters how we can respond honestly and gracefully to situations. This theme is so relevant to Christians, more so in example than teaching I think. Audiences can be left to reflect how we handle awkward situations – with judgement or grace. Pastors can pick up the themes of God’s grace to us or our grace towards others to preach on following the sketch.
This sketch has adequate production notes. But I believe actors need to be at least intermediate in skill in order to embody the dramatic tensions in a humorous situation through tone of voice, facial expressions and body language. These are not dictated in the script. This sketch is definitely possible to produce in local church settings.
Sketch Evaluation #3
Name of Sketch: Path Lights – Part 2 by Robert A. Allen
Name of Sketch Collection/Book: The Christian Orchestra and Other Plays for Church
Publisher: Encore Performance Publishing
Copywrite Date: 1994
On a scale of 1 – 10, I’d rate this script a 6.
Yes, this sketch could work in most settings, provided stage lighting is available.
Style: I think this sketch is an allegory as it illustrates the Parable of the Sower (Luke 8 : 4-15) using representations.
Target Audience: Christians, Non-Christians
Performers Need To Be: Beginning
Structure:
The beginning of the sketch didn’t really motivate me to keep going at it. But the inciting incident (the introduction of Nasty Nasty, and to an audience who have experienced this character in Part 1 - Nasty Nasty is further developed as it’s given a voice) makes it interesting and appealing. This kept me hooked on to watch for the conclusion.
Just like Part 1 of this three-part sketch series, there seems to be a natural quality to how the actions unfold. Perhaps it’s the simplicity of the sketch or its familiar style of presentation (good versus evil plot).
Yes, I felt the conclusion was satisfactory as it got to the idea/theme it was addressing simply and directly. As a follow-up to Part 1, it nicely propels an audience forward or deeper into the idea/theme.
The theme revolves around this inciting question : (As stated in the script) What does it take to turn us from a dependence on the Light?
The sketch is about a person handing out free flashlights or path lights as they call it. In this second part a passerby does take and use a path light, only to be lured away by a seemingly more attractive light. The good versus evil plot makes this premise believable or at least appealing to one’s imagination. It is rather predictable but once again the Light and Nasty Nasty are elements that bring freshness into the sketch.
The conflict is clear and adequately portrayed. The conflict is brought about by the character of Nasty Nasty, who lures a path light receiver away, in a sneakily flattering way.
Message and Production:
The script states that it’s based on Luke 8:4-15. However, I couldn’t clearly identify the link between the sketch and the scripture it illustrates. Perhaps, it’s an illustration o the worldly pleasures that attempts to tempt believers. But apart from this, the Christian truth or issue I garner from the sketch questions our trust and obedience to the Light or God when something tempting comes along. However, if I’m a non-Christian, I guess the sketch will make me question if my pleasures in life are really what they seem.
The length of the sketch is short but deal with the issue or questions raised impressionably.
I feel the sketch didn’t answer any questions. It realistically shows rather than tells its point of view. It leaves the audience hanging to have opinions, or even more questions.
The sketch isn’t preachy one bit. A non-Christian wouldn’t be able to trace any Biblical perspective from the sketch’s action and dialogue.
The sketch’s weakness lies in its difficulty to interpret it within the scripture stated. Thus the relevance of the message may be lost, if a preacher doesn’t follow-up after the sketch is performed.
The production notes are adequate except for a missing entry point that confused the flow of actions a tad bit for me.
It is definitely possible to produce this sketch. Nasty Nasty and the lights would make this production fun for the cast and crew to work on as well as educational and non-threatening for families with children to catch.
Sketch Evaluation #4
Name of Sketch: Path Lights – Part 3 by Robert A. Allen
Name of Sketch Collection/Book: The Christian Orchestra and Other Plays for Church
Publisher: Encore Performance Publishing
Copywrite Date: 1994
On a scale of 1 – 10, I’d rate this script a 5 (if evaluated individually) and 7 (if evaluated as the last part of a three-part sketch series).
Yes, this sketch could work in most settings, provided stage lighting is available.
Style: I think this sketch is an allegory just like its first two parts as it continues to illustrate the Parable of the Sower (Luke 8 : 4-15) using representations.
Target Audience: Christians
Performers Need To Be: Beginning
Structure:
In my opinion, the sketch would grab one’s attention and interest if shown as a follow-up of Parts 1 & 2. When I first read it as an individual sketch, it came across bland and disconnected. I believe it is unable to stand alone. But as I read it as a conclusion to Path Lights, it naturally grabbed me to want to read on. The dialogue, actions and revelation of certain characters/elements were engaging and I wasn’t disappointed.
In conjunction with Path Lights Parts 1 & 2, it develops logically and clearly before an audience.
I relished the conclusion. It was honest and encouraging. It served as a reminder that though sometimes when we think our work is useless and going nowhere, unknowingly God’s will is actually being worked out. God bears fruits in all that He plans, no matter whether we can or can’t see the fruit!
The theme revolves round this inciting question (as stated in the script) : Do we really trust the Light to lead us safely through life?
In this last installment of Path Lights, Elizabeth gives a path light to a lady who not only uses it but also realizes its importance, but is deceived by Nasty Nasty. It becomes creative but hits the truth hard when Nasty Nasty the villain reveals himself and that his weapon of deception is also a path light!
The conflict is quickly and suprisingly introduced when the character Nasty Nasty knows how to use a path light as well and, very aggressively and directly tries to lure away a potential path light receiver.
Message and Production:
Unlike Parts 1 & 2, Part 3’s link to the scripture it’s based on (Luke 8 : 4 – 15) is apparent to Christians as it clearly illustrates the Word of God (represented as the Light) growing but how our distrust in it when trials surface and our love for pleasures could lead us down a wrong path. Christians would also be able to parallel Nasty Nasty to Satan and his tactic of using God’s Word as a weapon (just like how Satan tempted Jesus as He fasted 40 days).
This sketch is truly ‘short and sweet’.
Some may feel it’s cliched to answer the inciting question with scripture but I feel this sketch did so candidly and shrewdly.
Though lines are written around scriptures (e.g. Valley of the shadow of death), it didn’t come across preachy or overdone.
The sketch is relevant to Christians, thus they be the target audience. However, it could be made relevant new Christians or non-Christians if the scriptures mentioned in the dialogue are explained in the context of the sketch. On the other hand this sketch could be used as a good opening for a sermon on the mentioned scriptures.
The production notes are adequate and it is definitely possible to produce this sketch. If done as a 3 Part Sketch series, weekly openers for a topical sermon, I believe it will be successful, appreciated and well remembered!
Sketch Evaluation #5
Name of Sketch: The Letter by Chuck Neighbors
Name of Sketch Collection/Book: The Comfort Zone: 11 Sketches to Challenge Your Faith
Publisher: Lillenas Drama
Copywrite Date: 2000
On a scale of 1 – 10, I’d rate this script a 10!
Yes, this sketch is perhaps the most workable one I’ve read thus far. It’s simple in its requirements of space/props (a table, pen, the script disguised as a notepad) and actors (1 middle aged man). The piece is also written simply. The language is clear but has such depth. It would work so well in our local church settings without any modifications.
Style: Reader’s Theatre or as a monologue if memorized.
Target Audience: Christians, Parents, Youth, Families
Performers Need To Be: Advanced
Structure:
The sketch draws one in at the very beginning. The scene opens with the ongoing action of an elderly man finishing up his letter writing. However, his projected disposition with sighs leaves an audience to ponder what his letter is about. When he begins to read the letter that starts with “It’s Your Birthday, Son” curiosity is piqued. Here in the letter is where the story unfolds slowly and clearly. It’s almost spellbinding.
The actions of the plot are but words as narrated by this character, and they are in the past tense. He interjects with his feelings and thoughts. However, an audience can easily follow and build a picture of what has happened and its resulting impact on this father.
The conclusion of this sketch seems like the climax of the sketch. It ends with the father reading his P.S. which indicates his desire to buy a computer game for the son’s grave – here the audience discovers the son is dead, the letter the son wrote was his suicide note and he died without knowing Christ! This final revelation is sure to make an emotive impact on the audience. It’s not a happy ending but it’s satisfies in addressing its theme.
The theme is based on suicide, grief, guilt and forgiving one’s self. The premise is about how the parents’ permissive style of authority was by the son as being uncaring. Through this, he soon joined wrong company and began on drugs. However, his parents’ own upbringing resulted them to respond in the other extreme, not intervening. This eventually led to the family’s disconnection, the son’s suicide and now the grief and guilt the parents bear. This premise is very believable. The story seems like a situation we may have heard or can see around us. It deals with issues so real and relevant to the current generation of parents and children. That makes the impact more profound.
There are two conflicts represented by the sketch. One is that between the parents and their son. The other is the father’s internal struggle with his guilt and self- forgiveness. Both are clearly and adequately verbalized through the letter. The latter struggle is also very dependent on the actor’s delivery.
The sketch is dramatic and somber, but its approach to the theme is honestly fresh and appealing. The letter’s language is voiced very well too.
Message and Production:
The length of the sketch is only 5 minutes but lays out the message powerfully. This message is based on the Christian truth found in Romans 12 : 9 – 21 (as stated in the book). It sets up teach about the answer to guilt; that it’s in the ability to forgive oneself when one discovers the Father’s forgiveness of our sins. But I love that this sketch does more than teach, it shows. It shows that this answer to guilt is not cliched but a real process. This is powerfully portrayed in the conclusion where the father cries, grieving while placing the letter in the Bible and hugging it. While the word ‘Christians’, the Bible, God the Father are used, they are not overused. I do not feel they are preachy but apt. It makes the message all the more relevant and meaningful to a grieving Christian.
This sketch is definitely possible to produce. The production notes only highlight actions. This would be inadequate to a beginning actor. Tone of voice, facial expressions, body language and even lights would be a crucial thing for an actor or director to work on.
Just reading the sketch touched me so deeply. I can imagine that when produced well, it will minister to a broken audience member.
-By Rachel
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