Serial Skit vs. Skit Series

Since we now have several “serial skits” posted as free downloads on this website, this might be a good time to discuss just what it is that makes a “serial skit” different from our “skit series.”

A “serial skit” is a skit made up of several short acts which are performed at intervals throughout your retreat or event.  There is a continuous story line with recurring characters.  As the retreat progresses, we follow the same characters in our skit as they learn lessons that emphasize and reinforce the theme of the retreat.   We find that our women enjoy and look forward to a skit progressing during the retreat, and watching the same characters learn and grow.  The impact a retreat skit can have is worth the time and effort!

The “skit series” differs from a serial skit in that each skit in the series is a stand-alone skit.  While the characters may be recurring, there is no continuous story line.  Most of the time, the different skits in a skit series could be used in any order, because there is no character progression (where the characters grow and change), nor is there reference to the other skits in the series. We often use the individual skits from a “skit series” at events that last over the summer months (with another skit from the series performed each time we meet).

With our women, serial skits have become popular.  In fact, they are the basis for two of the Retreat-in-a-Bag series of books.  Two of these books (Steadfast and Immovable and Disciplesheep) contain serial skits having three or more acts.  We also have several serial skits  and skit series available for free download here.

Caricature in Skits

“Caricature” is defined as “ludicrous exaggeration; distortion by exaggeration of parts or characteristics.”  I feel that in order to get your point across to your audience, certain characteristics must be exaggerated visually.  For instance, one of our skits (see website for free downloadable skit “Trees Planted by the Water”) calls for a character to be a fruitful tree.  In order for this to be recognized, we went way overboard.  Her hat was covered in all kinds of (artificial) fruit; we made a garland of fruit to go around her neck.  Because of our exaggeration, there would be no doubt in anyone’s mind (regardless of where they sat in the audience) that she was a fruitful tree.  As another example, when we have a character representing the enemy in any form, we want it to be obvious that character is evil.  At the very least, we dress the character in solid black.

I have said before that I am a minimalist as far as costumes and props are concerned.  However, as you read over the skit you have chosen, you will recognize those props or costume effects that are important to getting the point of the skit across visually.  They can be done simply, but the exaggeration must be able to be seen and recognized by those watching the skit.

“Uniquely Yours” Skits

You don’t need to write your own skit in order to have one that is uniquely yours, and uniquely adapted to your event theme.

First of all, no matter what skit script you use–your performance will always be unique.  Your ladies, mostly with little experience performing, will create a production made unique and special by their personal interpretations of the characters (including movements, costuming and voice accents).  On top of that, I have never produced a skit with amateur actresses that did not have some ad-libbing, particularly when there are mistakes made on stage. This adds its own unique element to the skit.

Second, skits can be easily made applicable to your particular event theme or scripture simply by adding narration to the beginning or end of the skit that makes the connection more obvious to the audience. Obviously, due to copyright concerns, it is not right to change the script.  But, skits don’t have to be custom-made for your particular theme.  They just need to relate, and the narration can bring the lessons home that you wish to emphasize.  In fact, many of our skits are broad enough that they could be made applicable for your specific theme just by adding your comments at the beginning or end.

The Value of a Read-Through

Once the skit has been written or selected, the next thing we do is have a read-through.  Anyone who has volunteered to help with the skit in any capacity is invited, and I may make a few special invitations to people I think may like to be involved in the skit or whom I consider to be perfect for a part in the skit. All are given the skit ahead of time, so they can become familiar with it.  At this point, few, if any, parts have been assigned, but if people tell me that they are interested in a certain part, I take note of that.  During the read-through, several things are going on:

• I am listening for those who read the parts and really “get” the characters.  I may let various people read each part.
• We read-through slowly, taking time to discuss ideas for sets, props and costumes.  When things are brought up in the group, we can discuss who has that particular skill or item.  For instance, in our last skit, we thought it would be fun to have an antique typewrite as a prop; lo and behold, someone had one and was willing to bring it.  And by the way, anyone who contributes a prop or costume is responsible to find it and bring it home after the skit is over!
• I always assign a “secretary” to take notes during the read-through.  I have found that it is too much for me to keep track of all the ideas that are brought up.  If people say that they have a certain prop or costume item, it is written down.
• We make a list of props needed for each act of a multiple-act skit.
• As the skit is read aloud, we find lines that do not work well, or are not easy to say.  Corrections and suggestions are made during the read-through which will be added to the final script.  Sometimes ladies will ad-lib some pretty funny lines which are added to the final skit script.

By the end of a read -through, I hopefully have a pretty good idea of who will be doing what, and more importantly, we all have a somewhat united vision of what the skit will look like on stage.

**Important Note:  Don’t assign a role permanently to anyone who has not registered for the retreat!