By Peggy Barnell
A sketch about possessions. Watch the fast-forward life (from beginning to end) of a woman who loved her things more than anything else.
Jennifer- the woman
Narrator
Mom
Dad
Teacher/coach
Grandmother
Boss
Doctor
Professor
Suitors (2 or as many as you like)
(The sketch opens with Jennifer center stage. She is
surrounded in a half-circle by the rest of the cast - except for
the narrator who stands off to one side of the circle.)
As the sketch progresses, Jennifer “grows” from a very young child
to an adult. The only words spoken by Jennifer throughout the
sketch (until the end) is “Mine”: and she says it in an
age-appropriate manner. With each thing that is given to her,
Jennifer reacts with enthusiasm - snatches the things being
offered to her and clutches them tightly - each time adding to her
collection until it may be difficult to handle them all.)
Narrator: Jennifer was born into a loving family. From the time that she was very small, she was adored by her family.
Mother & Father: (doting) You are our most precious child - our baby girl, Jennifer. We love you this much! (they give her a few toys and/or lay them close to her)
Jennifer: Mine!
Narrator: As Jennifer grew into a little girl, she continued to win the affection and approval of those who surrounded her.
Dad: Look what the tooth fairy brought you, Jennifer - a twenty dollar bill! (hand her the cash)
Jennifer: Mine!
Mom: You ate your vegetables every night this week, Jennifer- sweetie. Look what Mommy has for you. (gives her a Barbie or toy)
Jennifer: Mine!
G-ma: Your old grandma wants to give you a little something, Jennifer - for working so hard at learning to ride that two-wheeler. (hands her some cash)
Jennifer: Mine!
Narrator: Jennifer learned to love her things very much. She worked hard for them.
Teacher: (presenting award) For outstanding achievement in soccer, it is my honor to present you award.
Jennifer: Mine!
Dad: Honey, your mom and I are so proud of your excellent grades, we’d like to give you a little something we know you’ve been wanting… (hands her car keys)
Jennifer: Mine!
Mom: You did a great job cleaning up your room, Jennifer. Why don’t you go buy yourself a little something. (hands her a credit card)
Jennifer: Mine!
Narrator: Jennifer continued to work diligently for her rewards - and she was quite selective, too.
Suitors: Jennifer, will you marry me?
(suitors one at a time bend down on one knee to offer and imaginary ring and proposal to her. She takes her time making her selection, then chooses the man she wants and grabs him and the ring like all her other things)
Jennifer: Mine!
Professor: Your Master’s degree, Jennifer.
Jennifer: Mine!
Narrator: Jennifer grew into an adult. She continued to reap the benefits of her hard work and efforts.
Boss: The company would like to offer you this salary, Jennifer (hand her a paper) with all the perks. Of course, there is room to advance.
Jennifer: Mine!
Doctor: Congratulations, Jennifer. You and your husband are the parents of a beautiful baby boy!
Jennifer: Mine!
Narrator: But one day, the unthinkable happened…
Jennifer: (for the first time, she looks at the narrator) Huh??
Narrator: It was a tragic accident.
(one or two of the actors mime driving a car out of control that runs into Jennifer. She can spin around or fall down, but she should try not to lose any of her things.)
(All actors are now somber and begin to hum a funeral-type tune softly. Jennifer is surprised, confused, frightened)
Narrator: We gather today to say good-bye to Jennifer - a beautiful woman -
(as the narrator begins to speak, actors begin to pry her possessions out of her grip, one at a time)
Jennifer: No-o-o-o-o!!! Mine! No-o-o-o-o! Mine!
Narrator: (continues) Jennifer was devoted to her career and to her family, and she loved all the nice things that hard work can bring. May God have mercy upon her soul…
(Jennifer is slowly pulled away from the circle and no longer has any possessions. She silently mouths “no… mine…no…mine…no…)
(Optional - narrator can quote Luke 12: 32 - 34)
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© Peg Barnell. All rights reserved.
This play may be performed free of charge, provided no entrance
fee is charged for the performance. In return, the author would
appreciate being notified of any performance. She may be
contacted through her website, www.peggybarnell.com