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Archive for Skits

Adjusting a Skit to Fit Your Theme

Posted by Debby on September 25, 2012

Today, I am adding a free downloadable skit to our website resources. The original title of the skit is “Miss Bold and Beautiful 2012” and is a very short, two-act skit based on a beauty pageant. It was written to fit a theme from Nehemiah, which speaks in Neh. 4:17 about how the Israelites accomplished God’s will and rebuilt the wall by holding a hammer in one hand (to build) and a sword in the other (to fight the enemy). When you read the skit, you will see that the winner of the pageant, Wendy Warrior, is described and scripted in such a way as to work with that theme.

But this is a skit that can easily be adjusted to fit your theme. For instance, if your theme was centered on the Proverbs 31 woman, the pageant winner’s description and dialogue could be revised to fit that theme. In rewriting the script, you can follow the flow of the current script, and yet customize it for your particular use! If you are reluctant to try your hand at this, get a group of friends together and brainstorm. You may be surprised at the talent your friends possess.

Download the skit here, revise it and use it! It is a fun and easy to produce skit with few props. There are no copyright considerations to be concerned about. It can be used for just about any event. Let us know how you did!

Posted in: Retreat and Event Planning, Skits

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You CAN Do a Skit!

Posted by Debby on March 18, 2011

Do these comments sound familiar?

We don’t have an appropriate script.
Even if we had a skit, what would we do about copyright laws?
None of our ladies have an acting background.
We don’t have time for numerous rehearsals–we all have small children at home and busy lives.
We don’t have money to put into a production.
What would we do about sound and lighting?

These are just excuses! While it would be nice to have those with professional background or acting experience, that is not required for a skit to be produced and have value for your retreat. And while you want to do your best in serving the Lord in whatever your hand finds to do, producing a skit at a retreat need not be a time-consuming or expensive project. However, it is admittedly difficult to find an appropriate skit, particularly if you want one which has spiritual application related to your theme. If you do find one, you may be limited by copyright restrictions.

In fact, one reason our Retreat-in-a-Bag series was created was to make skits available and workable for the small church. In each themed book of the series, we provide a skit which can legally be copied for use in your women’s ministry. The skits are written specifically for novice skit producers, with simple instructions for props and production. If your actresses follow the script, you can improvise in all other areas. Women have good imaginations, and the barest of props (and costumes) can do the trick.

Tags: retreat, skit, skit script, women's ministry

Posted in: Skits

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Why Include a Skit at your Retreat?

Posted by Debby on November 18, 2010

Skits We are big fans of including a skit during every event we can, especially during retreats. The best skits are funny and entertaining while at the same time being meaningful and applicational. Skits can add a dimension to your retreat where learning is taking place–yet under the guise of entertainment. Skits should highlight the essence of the retreat’s theme. While skits provide a break from the serious, they can still be an integral part of the message that is being conveyed throughout the retreat.

Additionally, people learn differently. All women do not learn best through the hearing of teachings (auditory). Some women learn better by reading (visual learners). And others learn better when they actively participate. One of the things I learned as a learning disabilities teacher was that the best way to ensure learning was to combine the learning styles–a multisensory approach. We use times of quiet reading, listening to the Word being taught and watching and participating in a skit to ensure that we are reaching as many of our ladies as possible.

Check out our downloadable skits!

Posted in: Retreat and Event Planning, Skits

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The Most Important Thing in Producing a Skit

Posted by Debby on November 18, 2010

What is the most important thing in producing a skit? Is it good actors? Is it elaborate props? Is it extraordinary sound and lighting system? None of the above. The most important thing is making sure that every word can be heard by the audience.

Once you have a script, and women (no matter how inexperienced) who are willing to act, the one key issue is that the skit can be heard by those attending the retreat. A good script is one where we don’t want the women to miss a single word. This is a huge issue, especially when you may be performing in a room that is long and narrow, or has high ceilings–all of which can make being heard a challenge. Additionally, your sound equipment may be limited or non-existent. Add to that that you are probably working with inexperienced, nervous actresses.

Just from our experience over the years, we want to offer a few tips:

If you have access to one or more microphones, the ladies must practice with the microphones and how they will be used and shared between them in the midst of the staging.. It is not natural to most, and it is easy to get caught up in the moment and forget to talk into the microphone.
If you have to share one microphone, it can still work! We’ve done it! But your actresses need to practice handing the microphone to the right person. Your audience wants to hear, and they will be patient as you make this effort to ensure every word is heard.
If there are no microphones, ladies need to project their voices. While it may affect the expression that can be heard in the voices, it is more important that the words be heard;
A key issue is for each actress to FACE THE AUDIENCE when she is saying her lines! And that is not natural. It is natural to face and speak toward the person you are talking to. But your actresses need to practice projecting toward the audience, especially if no amplification is available.
Have a person in the back checking sound; if room has especially poor acoustics, ask audience to move forward during the skit.

Posted in: Lessons Learned, Skits

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