“Plastic Steeple”

By: Ray Deck

www.ministrylive.org

Purpose: To demonstrate to Christians the necessity of sharing their faith, to shake and
knockdown the walls built up around the hearts of a self injurer, To show practically how to share
the gospel of Christ with the searching world.

Character Synopsis:

Drew Young— Good Kid; Praise Band Leader; Veteran Christian

Tom Young— Recently Saved; Father of Drew; Wants to be a Testimony but doesn’t know how
Alyssa Bailey— Lost focus on the people; Program driven; overly friendly w/ Drew
Emily— Hangs around the church; gothic girl; mysterious; cutter; Spiritually Seeking
Frank Davis—Unsaved; relatively nice guy; good friend and co-worker of Tom Young

Plotline Introduction:

The whole drama is set on a Saturday Night – Sunday Morning. A church is the main setting with
secondary sets in an office building and a home. The plot focuses on a Father and Son who are
looking to share their faith with those around them. Drew is a veteran Christian, who is
accustomed to the church scene. He is the character that possesses all of the head knowledge
and none of the passion. His Faith has grown stale. He is ministering in the church out of duty
and not devotion. Drew, has grown up in a split home where his mother was a Christian and his
father was not. The boy’s father was only recently saved (seven days ago), thus he has no idea
how to share with those around him what has happened in his life, but he has a huge desire to do
so. Two side characters are also involved. First there is Emily, who is bitter at everyone and
everything especially the church. For reasons unexplained, she starts hanging around the church
building. She is angry, depressed and engages in self-injury as a coping mechanism. She is the
spark that will eventually ignite the fire in Drew. Secondly, Alyssa Bailey, student leader of the
praise team, is minimally involved with people, but has taken a liking to Drew. She is rude to
those she doesn’t like, program driven and snubs Emily early in the script. She later regrets the
way that she ignored people on her way to fame and success in the ministry.
Scene 1: Church
“Praise Team Practice”
Scene opens in the Church Auditorium with Drew, Alyssa and the Praise Team practicing.
They are shooting the breeze, talking and being friends. Eventually they get down to the
business of practicing “God Shaped Hole” for the church service tomorrow.

God Shaped Hole

By Plumb

Every point of view has another angle
And every angle has its merit
But it all comes down to faith
That's the way I see it
You can say that love is not divine and
You can say that life is not eternal
"All we have is now"
But I don't believe it
And the restless soul is searching
There's a God-shaped hole in all of us
And it's a void only He can fill
Does the world seem grey with empty
longing
Wearing every shade of cynical
And do you ever feel that
There is something missing?

There's a God-shaped hole in all of us That's my point of view

Freedom of motion during this song: The musicians should look relaxed and comfortable
with one another.
Scene 2: Office
“If At First You Don’t Succeed”

Two desks / cubicles of an insurance office are the setting for the office. (Only used once)
Two guys are seen shooting the breeze at the end of a rare Saturday work day. The
connection must be made between Tom and Drew. (Perhaps by a comment and/or a
picture on his desk) The other individual, Frank, is clearly unsaved and expects Tom to be
interested in doing the same things after work (because the two have partied and had
drinks together in the past). Tom is avoiding a religious conversation and clearly nervous.

FRANK: on the phone Yes, Mr. Davidson… No, Mr. Davidson… I’m very sorry Mr. Davidson…
Yes, I understand, sir… Well, that isn’t exactly what we had in mind. You see we have talked
about… to Tom He… He just hung up on me.

TOM: Again?

FRANK: Yes. I don’t know why it surprises me anymore.

TOM: This working on Saturday business… Let’s not do it again, eh Frank?

FRANK: I’m with you. Hey, are we almost done?

TOM: Well… the whole point of coming in here was to finalize the Davidson case before Monday,
but if we aren’t getting anywhere…

FRANK: Right. So I need to…

TOM: Yep.

FRANK: picks up the phone, angrily and starts to dial; he stops half way through and hangs up
the phone You know what. I give up. Forget it. This guy is an ambulance chaser. You know it, and
I know it. I’m done playing this game. I just don’t understand why people are such jerks.

TOM: nervous laughter yeah…he he

FRANK: starts to pack up; So, what’s you’re boy up to today? Drew, right? Does he play ball?

TOM: No he doesn’t. Ah… he’s um… he’s busy today.

FRANK: You know, I was really impressed when I met him the other day. There’s genuinely
something different about that kid. I wonder what it is (questioningly).

TOM: He is… a good kid…

FRANK: What I wanna know is why can’t we take all of the Davidson’s in the world and turn them
into upstanding young men like, Drew.

TOM: Well, I don’t know.

FRANK: Oh, you’re just being modest; I’d bet you’re the one who should get the credit. Good kids
always have good parents.

TOM: Well… I don’t--

FRANK: But on the other hand, He’s a really sharp kid. I mean, I’ve thought sometimes that I wish
my kids were as considerate as your boy. But their not; I wonder what makes the difference.

TOM: Yeah, well… it’s actually. Well, the difference is um… well… ah… Boy Scouts.

FRANK: Really!?

TOM: Yeah, you know, honor and all.

FRANK: hmm… Interesting… So, we goin’ out tonight? Pub on the corner, like usual?

TOM: Ah, I don’t know.

FRANK: Oh, you’re wife won’t mind.

TOM: It’s not that, you see… something has changed.

FRANK: Yeah I know, the Pub just hasn’t been the same the last few weeks. It must be the
game. The last few haven’t been any good. Nobody wants to watch Arizona State or something.
There’s a good team on tonight, so it should be a little livelier.

TOM: No that’s not what I was… oh, I mean, yeah. Sure, that’s… I’ll be there.

FRANK: You okay, man?

TOM: Yeah, why?

FRANK: Nothing. You’ve been just a little… different… the last week.

TOM: pregnant pause Ah, it’s just been a long week. I’ll uh…

FRANK; See you tonight?

TOM: Yeah.

FRANK: Okay, buddy! Take it easy. Frank finishes packing on this line, and makes a quick exit.

TOM: exasperation Nice Tom. Good work. Smooth. Way to tell him. I never thought it would be
this hard. Pulls a Bible out of the bottom drawer

The scene closes with a missed opportunity. Tom packs to leave as he sings to himself
“Here I Go Again”
Here I Go Again
By: Casting Crowns

Father, hear my prayer

I need the perfect words Chorus:
Words that he will hear
And know they're straight from You But here I go again
I don't know what to say Here I go, here I go
I only know it hurts
To see my only friend slowly fade away Chorus:

Chorus: This might be my last chance

So maybe this time
I'll speak the words of life
With Your fire in my eyes
But that old familiar fear
is tearin' at my words
What am I so afraid of?
'Cause here I go again
Talkin' 'bout the rain
And mullin' over things
that won't live past today
And as I dance around the truth
Time is not his friend
This might be my last chance
to tell him that You love Him
To tell him that You love him
This might be my last chance
To tell him that You love him
You love him, You love him
What am I so afraid
What am I so afraid
What am I so afraid of?
How then will he know
What he has never heard?

But here I go again

Here I go again

Lord, You love him so

You gave Your only Son
If he will just believe
He will never die
But how then will he know
What he has never heard?
Lord he has never seen mirrored in my life

Tom hits the light switch as he leaves.

Scene 3: Church
“Last One in Church”

Emily is seen outside of the church. Crying, shaking, holding herself; she is clearly in
pain. Eventually she sings “Cut” Second Verse

EMILY MONOLOGUE:

Every word is meaningful, and speech should be separated and thoughtful; she’s making it up as
she goes. These are powerful lines, but they are void of context. Execution must be perfect to be
effective.

Church… What a funny building, full of funny people, with funny ideas. What was it that Derek
always said…? ―Funny is just another word for sick and twisted!‖ What a bunch of weirdo’s. You
know, my Mom went to church, and what did she do for me? She threw me out on the street!
―Love your enemy,‖ but not your daughter who doesn’t look like you do, like you want her to;
that’s different. Isn’t it FUNNY how their actions indicate church but don’t exactly match what they
say? My Dad went to church too… I’d bet… but I wouldn’t know about him, now would I. Blind,
they call me. What am I blind from? Why doesn’t anybody show me instead of sneering at me.
Lost, they say, but anyone who finds me just throws me back into the seething pool of humanities
masses. That’s alright, they have their drug, and I have mine. Broken and starting to cry A crutch
looks different for different people. Intro starts The difference between me and them is that I don’t
hate them for being different from me.

Cut If you would just look me in the eye

By Plumb I feel alone here and cold here
I do not want to be afraid Though I don't want to die
I do not want to die inside just to breathe in But the only anesthetic that makes me feel
I'm tired of feeling so numb anything kills inside
Relief exists I find it when
I am cut I do not want to be afraid
I do not want to die inside just to breathe in
I may seem crazy I'm tired of feeling so numb
Or painfully shy Relief exists I find it when
And these scars wouldn't be so hidden I am cut

As she gets to the end of the song, she acts out cutting (SFX: makeup scars on forearms;
bloodline concealed by razor hand; uncovered as she draws the razor over her arm)
Scene 3 …continued: Church
“Last One in Church”

Black on her as lights come up in the church:

Drew is packing up his guitar and Alyssa is also preparing to leave. They talk briefly.
Alyssa is clearly consumed by superficial things (i.e. numbers, crowds, program etc.)
Drew is as polite as necessary. Gradually, Drew feels the heat of temptation and goes to
leave. This scene is the key to Alyssa’s character.

ALYSSA: Hey Drew, good job today.

DREW: Thanks, you too.

ALYSSA: No, I mean really good. That song is tough, and no one else can really keep up with
me, but you did great.

DREW: Ah… thanks.

ALYSSA: All for the Love of the Music, huh?

DREW: Well… not really. It’s for the love of the Savior.

ALYSSA: Yeah, that’s what I meant. But for next week, we need to learn that other song… what
was it called?

DREW: Ah… I don’t think you told us.

ALYSSA: laughs Oh Drew, don’t be so silly. Sure I did. The song that they did at Covenant last
month…I know I told you…

DREW: No I really don’t think—

ALYSSA: Drew! Don’t play dumb. You’re much cuter, when you have it all together.

DREW: Um… Okay… Thanks, I’ll see you later.

ALYSSA: You’re not going yet are you?

DREW: It’s… almost six. I’ve been here for four hours.

ALYSSA: But you got to play! I live to sing, and I know that a musician with your talent has got to
love it! Come on, Drew. I know that you love the music… and the crowd…

DREW: And God?

ALYSSA: Yeah, that’s how we do that. All the love God, serve God stuff is by doing what we love.

DREW: Eh… That seems a little backwards to me.

ALYSSA: ―He will give you the desires of your heart.‖ Remember, silly! Flirty laughter

DREW: I don’t think that’s what God was talking about when he—

ALYSSA: So, are you up for it?

DREW: Up for what?

ALYSSA: The song!

DREW: What song?

ALYSSA: Oh Drew!

DREW: Look, I’ve gotta go... ah… see if Pastor Todd is still in. I’ll see you in the morning, okay?

ALYSSA: Yeah, sure.

She sings to herself contemplatively

Do you love me 'cause

Real I am desperately searching for something
By Plumb Real
Look at me, I'm twenty-three
Beautiful, a sight to see I close my eyes, imagine time
Tonight Will not forget
My sacrifice
A little dress to draw the press
And I'll be leaving I numb the ache and decorate
All the rest behind My emptiness
Stand naked in the light
Well, be pleased, girl
If this is what you wanted Well, be pleased, world
The whole world is watching you take the If this is what you wanted
stage This young girl is everything that you made
What will you say What will she say

Aren't I lovely The world goes home

And do you want me 'cause The lights go down
I am hungry for something that will make me My lipstick fades
real Away
Can you see me and

Alyssa stops singing as she hears Drew returning. Uneasy looks are exchanged between
them in order accentuating the awkwardness. They both move to exit together. Alyssa
exits and runs over Emily as she leaves. She makes a rude comment as Drew watches in
disgust, and starts to sing “Does Anybody Hear Her”
Does Anybody Hear Her
By: Casting Crowns

She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong
direction
She is trying
But the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadventure
just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even know she's going
down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in
you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?

As he gets to the end, she starts to sing “Cut” as if not hearing him. He joins in with her,
and they sing a non-interactive duet w/ Backwards Mirror Choreography

Cut
By Plumb Guy and girl Duet:
I do not want to be afraid You are not alone I am not alone
I do not want to die inside just to You are not alone I am not alone
breathe in You’re not a stranger
I'm tired of feeling so numb No you are His
Relief exists I find it when Let go of your anger
I am cut Trust Him, you will find
OH… You do not have to be afraid I don’t wanna be afraid
He died so you could have the peace, of Jesus I do not
wanna die inside just to breathe in
I know you’re feeling so numb I’m tired of felling so numb
Relief exists you’ll find it when Relief exists, I’ll find it when
You are His.
Scene 4: Home
“Back Home”

This scene is a simple coming home conversation between Father and Son. Tom and Drew
talk about their day and what has happened. It is designed to connect the dots left by the
first few scenes; it also acts as a pressure release. Dad enters a little confused and
disappointed that he missed that opportunity, while Drew enters clearly disturbed by what
he has just witnessed. Both of them warm up after talking to one another. Scene Closes w/
Drew leaving and Tom staying on set.

DREW: DAD! Yelling across the house DAD! Are you home!

TOM: Yeah! Yells back from off stage Coming!

DREW: drops onto the couch and sets his guitar down; speaks as Tom comes in Hey.

TOM: Hey, how was practice.

DREW: Good. Still the same from Alyssa. She’s… just… Alyssa.

TOM: She’s just a woman, that’s all.

DREW: laughs yeah. How was you’re day?

TOM: half hearted Good.

DREW: I’m not convinced

TOM: No, it was a good day, I just… didn’t get a lot done.

DREW: Did you get a chance to talk to Frank?

TOM: Yes.

DREW: Really! Oh, Dad that’s Awesome! Did you tell him?! Did you tell him what happened to
you!? That you got saved?

TOM: No.

DREW: What? But you said that-

TOM: I know. You asked if I got a chance. I HAD a chance, and I just didn’t.

DREW: Oh.

TOM: long pause; He asked me to go with him to the pub. I always go to The Corner on
Saturday’s. If I don’t, then he’s really going to wonder

DREW: But DAD! That’s the point! You change, and they notice. Isn’t that how you started
coming to church with us anyway? Meeting Pastor Dave...?

TOM: Yeah, I guess, but Frank and I go a long way back. If anybody knows me, he does. How is
he going to believe that I--

DREW: Because, he will admire the difference in you, not despise it. Knock at the door; I sure do.
Is that him?
TOM: Probably, I was supposed to meet them an hour ago.

DREW: Are you going to tell him?

TOM: I… I’ll try.

DREW: I’ll be in here. Tell me how it goes.

TOM: Okay. Moves to the door

Scene 5: Home
“Successful Witness”

FRANK: Hey! Slightly accusatory Where you been?

TOM: Here, why?

FRANK: WHY!? Dude, we were supposed to meet over an hour ago? You haven’t missed a
Saturday for as long as I’ve known you. Tom, Rutgers is playing.

TOM: Yeah, I know…are they winning’?

FRANK: …yes…

TOM: good. Awkward pause here

FRANK: Tom, lets go! What’s the hold up?

TOM: I can’t.

FRANK: What?

TOM: I can’t. I mean, I shouldn’t. Not anymore.

FRANK: non-verbal’s of exasperation; exclamation somewhere in the midst of T’s line

TOM: Look, here’s the deal. A week ago, I went to church with my wife, and they said some
things that… well, they made sense to me. I understood what they were talking about, and I just
figured it was time that I stop living just for myself.

FRANK: So… let me get this straight. You are buying into all that God/Church stuff that your wife
is always after you about? Where did this come from!? She’s been gone all week.

TOM: I know. She’s in Houston with her sister for the surgery.

FRANK: She was the one always nagging you about that sin and hell stuff. So what happens
when she leaves? You cave in. You are such a softy, Tom.

TOM: NO! It’s not that. Look, everything that the Bible says is true! I can’t explain it, I don’t
understand it all, heck, I’ve only been a Christian for a week! All that I can tell you is what God
has done in me. Why do you live? Why are we on this planet? Just to live and be happy, come
on, Frank, there has got to be a reason for living. I lived for Pam, but what I found was that Pam
didn’t live for me! You were asking about Drew today, that’s what makes him different, and that’s
what has always made Pam different. They… We... live to serve the God that created us.
FRANK: Whoa, Whoa slow down dude. You lost me.

TOM: Just come with me to church tomorrow. Meet the pastor. He can explain it, I don’t feel like I
can do it right, yet.

FRANK: hesitate Okay. Okay, I’ll come.

Scene 6: Church
“Plastic Steeple”

All in church on Sunday Morning before the service starts. Drew is playing at the front
(warm up). Emily slinks in the back and sits there. Alyssa walks by her and notices her;
still oblivious to the impact she has had on her. Drew watches that exchange, and leaves
his guitar to go talk to (her??) Emily as Alyssa looks on. Tom and Frank enter together and
find a seat. The Pastor’s shame grows as the scene develops. He moves to singing
“Stained Glass Masquerade” All are involved in this song, and the focus shifts around
based on who is singing at the moment.
Stained Glass Masquerade
By: Casting Crowns
Drew:
Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so
small
Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover
That I don't belong
Alyssa
So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll
believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the part again
So everyone will see me the way that I see
them
Drew & Alyssa:
Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation's open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade
ALYSSA:
Is there anyone who's been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who's traded
In the altar for a stage
The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart
Drew:
But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
Fade to Black as Everyone looks into the Audience
Close with Video?
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be
Emily:
Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay
ALYSSA, EMILY & DREW:
Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation's open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade
ALL:
Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation's open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade
DREW:
But if the invitation's open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade
ALYSSA:
Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so
small