Christmas and New Year
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- Peggy Barnell
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: The story of one man’s search for meaning in life and his encounter with a pair of bumbling, not-so-bright church custodians. The pair are comparable to ‘Dumb & Dumber’, but they take the job of caring for the house of the Lord very seriously, as well as the task of “leaving the light on” for the lost who may pass by .
Style: Dramatic Duration: 30min
Actors: 5M, 5F, 1M/F
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- Jim Hatherley
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: After her visit from Gabriel, Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth, and they share what has happened.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 10min
Actors: 2F
Scripture: Luke 1: 39-45 (46-55)
Characters:
Mary and Elizabeth
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- Michelle Patterson
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: A series of readings and commentary based on Isaiah's prophecy of Jesus.
Style: Dramatic Duration: 5-10 minutes
Actors: 5 m/f, could be combined for fewer people
Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7
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- Alan McElreavey
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: This sketch is, unashamedly, a humorous take on the story of the three wise men, and the sketch does make a reference to the traditional biblical story of the three wise men towards the end. However, in all other regards, this is a fictitious, funny (hopefully) rendition of the story. The sketch was originally written for 3 girls within our church – hence the title. However, feel free to experiment with your casting.
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 7-10min
Scripture: Loosely based on Matthew 2:1–12
Actors: 3F, 1M, +2V
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- John Shekleton
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: A readers' theater presentation for Christmas Eve.
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 7min
Actors: 1M, 1F, 2C
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- Barry Brannen
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: A humorous look at how the nativity events may have played out in a time of Covid.
Style: Light-hearted Duration: 10min
Actors: 2F, 7M, 1M/F
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- John McNeil
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: The inside story of Christmas, told by Mary as an older woman to doctor and historian Luke. Note: This play (which can also be performed as a musical) is based very carefully on the gospel narrative. It brings to life the personalities of Mary and Joseph, and the tensions of the times, rather than leaving them as Christmas card characters. A CD containing the music score, and a DVD of a performance are available from the author.
Style: Drama Dur: 50-60min
Actors: 6F, 10M, 1M/F, +V
A copy of the script may be downloaded by clicking on the link below.
A video of the original performance can be seen on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMQZQMgPngo
- Details
- Alan McElreavey
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: This sketch is, unashamedly, a humorous take on the story of the three wise men and the sketch does make a reference to the traditional biblical story of the three wise men towards the end. However, in all other regards, this is a fictitious, funny (hopefully) rendition of the story. The sketch was originally written for 3 girls within our church – hence the title. However, feel free to experiment with your casting.
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 7-10min
Scripture: Loosely based on Matthew 2:1–12
Actors: 3F, 1M, +2V
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- Mark Main
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: A 15-minute short play in one act. The Christmas story told through Matthew and Luke as they expound upon the Nativity in their actual Biblical words while their narration unfolds with the other actors’ performance.
Style: Dramatic Duration: 15min
Actors: 10M, 2F, 3M/F, 1C, +Various
To download the full script, click on the link below.
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- Jonathan Budd
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: Two monologues, in which a cynical newspaper reporter with the Nazareth and Galilee Gazette has to deal with two highly unusual phone calls from people who suspects have been drinking too heavily.
Style: Lighthearted. Duration: 2 x 5min
Actors: 1M/F
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- Mwendwa Kiko
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: In this one-act play, a Bethlehem couple who run a bed-and-breakfast establishment are threatened by a tax collector with losing everything they have. Their daughter Elizabeth makes matters worse with her forthright views. In the midst of turmoil, a pregnant woman and her husband arrive, but there is no room in the over-crowded inn. And to crown it all, some high-ranking officials from out of town arrive into the scene of chaos.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: Approx 30min.
Actors: 3F, 6M (2 non-speaking), +various.
To download a copy of the script, click on the link below.
All enquiries can be directed to the author, Mwendwa Kiko, at
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- Jim Hatherley
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: This piece could be used in worship on a Sunday or midweek, or as a discussion piece for an Advent-Christmas evening.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 7min
Scripture: Matthew 2: 13-23
Actors: 1M, 1F
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- Jim Hatherley
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: Two shepherds try to understand what is happening in the heavens and on earth. This 'playful playlet' is designed to be integrated into a Christmas service, back and forth between actors and the hymn "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night”. It could be used at the beginning of the service, or later in conjunction with the gospel lesson from Luke. It will need the co-operation of choir and instrumentalist (who might have the script ahead of time for cueing) and some brief introduction to the congregation, but not much.
Style: Humorous. Duration: 12min
Actors: 2M
Scripture: Luke 2: 8-17
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- Sheila Hamil
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: A photographer and his /her assistant enter the stable and begin to take a photo of Mary , Joseph and the baby Jesus. Before the photograph is taken, a procession of people interrupt, and crowd out the holy family, and eventually the real person, that Christmas is all about, is sadly obliterated from view.
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 10min
Actors: Large cast.
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- Deborah S. Anderson
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: It is Christmas shopping season (Christmas Eve?) The scene is a department store window, with shoppers outside. Two actors, representing Mary and Joseph, are on stage with a manger placed between them. They freeze – since they represent a store window display. A series of shoppers pass by and look at the display...
Style: Dramatic. Duration: Approx 6 minutes
Actors: 1M, 1F, 6M/F
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- Dougie Paton
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: Two extra-terrestrials from a distant galaxy try to work out what Christmas really means.
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 7min
Actors: 3 M/F
Scripture reference: Luke 2:6-14
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- Kathryn & Heribert Westerveld
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: Mary is called and she wonders why she is so special..
Style: Monologue with 2 players. Duration: Approx 5 min.
Actors: 1V, 1M/V
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- Heather Wallis
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: A play written for adults which, in telling the nativity story, attempts to “put flesh on the bones” of the principal characters and the impact which the events would have had on their everyday lives. Gabriel acts as an independent observer and five further principal characters narrate their stories, touching upon the difficulties which aspects of the story would have entailed e.g. the hardships of the journey to Bethlehem, and imaging their feelings as the tale unfolds. Taking into account the historical background (laws, religious traditions, etc. of the time) it highlights the reality of the circumstances and people (e.g. Mary must have been, in fact, one tough cookie – getting pregnant whilst betrothed, obliged to undertake the journey to Bethlehem in the final stages of pregnancy and give birth in a stable, far from friends and family, and, just when she might have been able to settle into family life, forced to flee to Egypt... yet she came through it all although she was only a country girl in her early teens). Putting the events into context makes the nativity story a truly dramatic tale.
Style: Largely monologues in blank verse. Duration: Approx. 45min
Setting: The play requires only minimal props and lighting and, because of its structure, individual scenes could easily be rehearsed within the home.
Actors: 6M, 2F, 1C, 1VO, +V
The script may be downloaded by clicking on the link below:
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- Keith Lowe & Peter Gador-Whyte
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: An attempt to describe perhaps what went on within the inn on the first Christmas Eve. Could the innkeeper have been the hero of the hour?
Style: Light Comedy Duration: 8min
Actors: 1M & 1F
Scripture: Luke 2: 1-7
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- Pammy Ann
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: A version of the Christmas story in simple English, as written for a TEFL group at my church's Christmas party, to remind them of the real meaning of Christmas. It could be done by children too. Minimum costume is an option, no props needed except a doll or baby. It is a summary of the Nativity Story from the gospels.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 10min
Actors
1N, 7M, 1F, 2M/F
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- Pammy Ann
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: A summary of the nativity story from the gospels. It is in simple English, as it was written for a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) group at a church Christmas party, to remind them of the real meaning of Christmas. Also suitable for children. Minimum costume is an option, no props needed except a doll or baby.
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 9min
Actors: 7M, 1F, 3M/F
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- Dougie Paton
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: A family out Christmas shopping discover there are parallels between the Christmas story and today's world.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 7min
Actors: 3M, 5F
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- John McNeil
- Scripts Since 2007
The following monologues cover the traditional themes of the Advent Sundays: Love, Joy, Peace, and Hope. A fifth, for Christmas Day, completes the set.
A Strong Love: The Story of Joseph
Elizabeth: Weeping Turns To Joy
The God Who Brings Peace: The Message of Isaiah
A Bundle of Hope -- the Shepherds' Story
All scripts are available for free use (see conditions at the foot of each script).
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- John McNeil
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: Isaiah's prophecies regarding the coming of Messiah Jesus are frequently quoted. But it's not always appreciated that God gave Isaiah the words during a time of intense danger for the Kingdom of Judah. An Advent monologue.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 7min
Actors: 1M
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- Helen McNeil
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: We seldom hear from Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, but she had a significant part to play in God's plan of redemption for mankind. In this monologue, she tells her story.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 7min
Actors: 1F
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- John McNeil
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: What did it cost Joseph to support Mary when she became pregnant with Jesus? Mary would have been in disgrace -- in danger of being stoned -- but Joseph chose to stand by her. He tells his story in this monologue.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 10min
Actors: 1M
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- Murray Collingwood
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: A family with little understanding of Christmas beyond the commercial discover something of the true meaning through some interactive fairy tales.
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 10min
Actors: 2M, 1F, 4C, + Various
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- David Nicholson
- Scripts Since 2007
Original Story by Nan F. Weeks
Reintroduced to a New Generation of Readers by David Nicholson
Summary: While sitting in my adult Sunday School class, I heard Nan Weeks’ story If He Had Not Come for the first time; and I must say, the story captivated me right from the start. I can remember driving home with my young family that very Sunday morning thinking to myself, “I am going to read this story to my family this and every Christmas to come.” It’s been nearly thirty years, and the tradition of sharing this simple, thought-provoking story continues on. And now, I would like to share it with you . . .
It was Christmas Eve, and after Bobby carefully hung his stocking above the fireplace, he climbed the stairs to his room. Most of the time Bobby didn’t like going to bed, but tonight he wanted to get to sleep so he’d be up bright and early on Christmas morning. He was looking forward to finding out what was in those packages under the Christmas tree!
Before he had gone up to his room, though, Bobby and his dad sat by the Christmas tree for their daily Bible reading. Some of Jesus’ words to His friends in John 15:22 stayed with Bobby and kept circling through his mind even after he had climbed into bed. He whispered them over and over until he fell asleep. The five words were, “If I had not come.
It seemed like Bobby had hardly gone to sleep when a loud voice called, “Get up, Bobby, get up right away!” He sat up and rubbed his eyes. Was it morning? Was his dad calling to him already? He jumped out of bed and pulled on his clothes. He sure wondered if he was going to get the presents he wanted—new skates, a flashlight, a baseball, maybe that model airplane he’d seen at Woolworths! He hurried downstairs.
But all was still, and no lights were on. His dad wasn’t waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs, his mother wasn’t in the kitchen making breakfast. And the Christmas tree was gone! No stocking hanging above the fireplace, no wreaths in the window, and no presents!
To download the full story, click on this link:
http://www.mediafire.com/download/qwxbm15017zumzq/If_He_Had_Not_Come.pdf
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- Keith Lowe
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: Prophets Micah and Isaiah discuss their visions of the future Christmas.
Style: Light Comedy/Drama. Duration: 6min
Actors: 2M
Scripture: Micah 5:2; Isaiah 11:1; Isaiah 7:14; Psalm 72:10; Psalm 72:9
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- Victor Cooper
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: A variation on Charles Dickens' story of Ebeneza Scrooge. In this, the Spirit takes Scrooge back in time to see the arrival of Jesus, and subsequent events through to His crucifixion.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 30min?
Actors: A large cast, the majority non-speaking.
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- Blaine Dueck
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: These 5 monologues are 5 different responses to Jesus’ birth. The scripts are best used in the order given, as they kind of have a succession to them. The characters play off of the previous character's lines a little bit. As the monologues are being delivered, the hearer will be guided through soul-searching questions about their own commitment to Jesus and how they are letting God use them to further His kingdom. Some of the humor would be best suited to be used for Youth. Feel free to tweak these scripts to suit your audience.
Style: Dramatic with light moments. Duration: 15min
Actors: 4M, 1F, 1M/F
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- Mark Main
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: The Christmas story told through Matthew and Luke as they expound upon the Nativity in their actual Biblical words while their narration unfolds with the other actors performance. Luke, Matthew, Storyteller, Narrator and Gabriel have larger parts and would typically be given to teens and/or adults, whereas the other parts may be children, teens or adults.
Style: Drama Duration: 15min
Actors: 15+M, 2F, 5+M/F, +V
A copy of the script may be downloaded by clicking on the link below.
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- Derek Walters
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: The three Wise Men's camels are not impressed with the journey they are being taken on.
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 7min.
Actors: 3M/F
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- Jacob de Bruyn
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: It is a few years before the year zero CE. The birth of the Messiah has unexpectedly been brought forward, and Archangel Gabriel puts a young and inexperienced Events Management Team in charge of taking care of proceedings on earth. Led by ‘Junior Angel’, the team tries their best, but do not always succeed in achieving their goals. In fact, most of the time, things seem to go wrong.
Message: God’s plans are realized notwithstanding seemingly contradicting evidence.
Style: Comedy, mostly. Duration: 40min(?)
Actors: 8M/F + 15V small, non-speaking parts.
To download a copy of this script, click on the link below:
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- Kathleen Appleby
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: Teenaged Jasmine, granddaughter of one of the Magi, decides to disguise herself and join the caravan following the star of Bethlehem, dragging childhood companion Meshach into another one of her "hare brained" schemes. Meanwhile King Herod takes extreme measures to protect his throne from a rival king. Style
: Dramatic. Duration: 1hour
Actors: 12M, 3F, as many extras as desired
Scripture reference: Matthew 2
To download the script, click on the link below.
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- Kathleen Appleby
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: A series of Readers Theater vignettes covering the Christmas story.
Scripture: Based on Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2.
To download the script, click on the link below.
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- Kathleen Appleby
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: Reactions to Jesus Birth are portrayed in this “TV documentary” style presentation.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 22min
Actors: 9 M, 3F, 3 M/F; doubling possible
To download the script, click on the link below.
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- Kathleen Appleby
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: Gabrielle’s visit leaves Mary with an unsettling choice. Demons try to discourage Mary from accepting God's plan while David, Ruth and Rahab encourage her to submit.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 6min
Actors: 3F, 2M, 4M/F.
Scripture references: Luke 1-2, Esther 4, Isaiah 49:6, Hebrews 11 & 12, Psalms 23, 2 Corinthians 6:2
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- Kathleen Appleby
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: A silly Christmas (or just after) comedy set in the Stellar Departure Department of heaven. The egotistical stars, a frantic Mr. Sandman and one lost child will have the audience laughing Mr Sandman can't figure out what he is to do with the newest star who shows up without orders.
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 15min
Actors: 1M, 3F, 2M/F, 1C
To download the script, click on the link below.
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- Kathleen Appleby
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: Folks are startled when an alien lands and wants to know what Christmas is all about, but not nearly as much as when they realize how shallow their attitudes are.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 1min
Actors: 5M/F, 1C, +V
Scripture reference: Matthew 2, Luke 2
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- Kathleen Appleby
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: The nativity story in dramatic format for mature casts. At the Nazareth community well, young women respond to Mary’s pregnancy with near vicious gossip and speculation while her parents are concerned and bewildered. Only Joseph and Elizabeth truly believe her claims to have seen an angel. The final scene occurs at a well in Samaria with Jesus talking to a woman who came to draw water.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 25min
Actors: 10F, 8M with doubling possible. Extras as angels, Magi, shepherds and servants.
Scripture reference: Luke 1-2, Matthew 1-2
To download the script, click on the link below.
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- Michelle Patterson
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: Young parents find out that both sets of their parents are coming to visit for Christmas, to be there for the baby’s first Christmas. One set is staid and conservative, the other is ex-hippie and charismatic.
Style: Dramatic, with light touches. Duration: 30min (approx)
Actors: 4M, 3F
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- Ruth Sen
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: Christmas raises the question of whether we are available to do what God asks us to do. This script contrasts different attitudes to being willing to fit in with God's purposes.
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 10-15min.
Actors: 1N, 3M, 1F, 2M/F, + extras
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- Michelle Patterson
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: A monologue by Mary right after the birth of Jesus. This was written as part of an Advent series. Others in the series are Silent Thoughts, Gabriel, and The Temple Pair.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: Approx. 5 minutes
Actors: 1F
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- Michelle Patterson
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: A monologue by Gabriel, talking about delivering messages to people. This was written as part of an Advent series. Others in the series are Silent Thoughts, Mary Ponders, and The Temple Pair.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: Approx. 5 minutes
Actors: 1M/F
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- Michelle Patterson
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: A monologue by Zacharias right before the birth of John. This was written as part of an Advent series. Others in the series are Gabriel, Mary Ponders, and The Temple Pair.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: Approx. 5 minutes.
Scripture: Based on Luke 1
Actors: 1M
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- Michelle Patterson
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: Anna and Simeon share their thoughts as Jesus is being brought into the temple for dedication. This was written as part of an Advent series. Others in the series are Gabriel, Silent Thoughts, and Mary Ponders.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: Approx. 5 minutes
Actors: 1M, 1F
Scripture: Based on Luke 2: 22-39
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- Peter Minson and Scott Kindig
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: Two friends mull over the significance of Christmas.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 6min
Actors: 2M/F
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- Stacy Legg
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: This skit focuses on hope. We see the wives of the Wise men getting ready to send off their husbands and their fears and hopes for the journey.
Style: Dramatic, with light touches. Duration: 7min.
Actors: 3F
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- William Derek Graham
- Scripts Since 2007
Summary: This drama is portrayed as a live television reality show hosted by Mr. Jeremy Kyle and his team of trained researchers, medical and psychological experts. They endeavour to assist the guests who contact the show to find solutions to their personal, matrimonial or family conflict with the aid of mediation, counselling, polygraph and/or D.N.A. testing or drug/ alcohol rehabilitation.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 10min
Actors: 2M,1F