Production Guide for

ContentsWelcome......................................................................................................................................... 2Presentation.Options...............................................................................................................3–5Accompaniment.Options............................................................................................................ 6Set.and.Staging.Suggestions................................................................................................... 7–9Lighting.and.Sound................................................................................................................... 10Available.Resources................................................................................................................... 10Character.and.Costume.Suggestions.................................................................................11–12

Ruth Elaine

Schram

for satb choir, speakers and optional small orchestra

2

Welcome!Even.if.it.has.been.years.since.you.have.put.on.a.Christmas.musical,.or.you’ve.never.done.one,.it.is.easy.to.make.The Living Light.come.to.life.in.your.church.with.your.volunteer.musicians.and.actors.or.readers..The.music.and.drama.are.designed.to.be.accessible.to.any.size.church,.even.small.ministries.or.churches.with.limited.rehearsal.time.and.resources.

The.musical.is.about.35.minutes.long,.and.celebrates.the.birth.of.Christ.while.exploring.the.inner.thoughts.of.the.people.who.participated.in.or.witnessed.the.miraculous.events.of.the.first.Christmas..Presented.as.monologues,.characters.speak.one.at.a.time,.in.streams.of.consciousness,.eliminating.the.peril.of.dependence.upon.cues.or.other.characters.missing.a.line..This.format.also.provides.you.with.several.flexible.options.for.presenting.the.dramatic.portion.of.this.musical:.your.production.can.take.your.congregation.back.in.time.to.the.stable.behind.the.inn.and.the.moments.after.Jesus’.birth,.for.example,.or.the.characters.can.be.modern.representatives.of.the.various.eyewitnesses.at.the.manger.scene..

There.are.several.options.for.presenting.the.drama:•.Dramatic.representation.of.the.nativity.scene.in.biblical.costumes•.Dramatic.re-creation.of.Baroque.and.Classical.art.masterworks.of.the.nativity.scene•.Dramatic.readings.with.characters.dressed.in.black•.Readings.by.one.to.two.readers.with.simple.props.or.projected.pictures/artwork•.Use.of.the.professionally.recorded.monologues

The.music. has. been.written.with. the. volunteer.musician. in.mind. and. is. accessible. for. any. size. church,.music.program,.or.choir..Even.the.smallest.choir.can.perfect.a.meaningful.presentation.with.a.minimal.investment.of.time.

There.are.several.ways.to.approach.the.music,.which.is.available.in.both.SATB.and.SAB.voicings:•.Accompany.with.piano.and.small.orchestra.•.Accompany.with.piano.plus.one.or.any.combination.of.instruments•.Accompany.with.piano.alone•.Accompany.with.the.professionally.recorded,.orchestrated.accompaniment.CD.

The.piano.is.the.primary.instrument.in.this.accompaniment,.and.has.been.written.to.be.very.pianistic,.interpretive,.and.expressive..It.is.not.a.reduction.of.the.orchestration.but.a.lovely.accompaniment.that.works.beautifully.alone.or.with.one.or.any.combination.of.instruments..

The.unique.orchestration.includes.winds,.strings,.and.light.percussion..It.provides.for.maximum.flexibility.with.the.instrumentalists.you.have.available..Further,.the.instrumental.parts.are.well.within.the.abilities.of.the.volunteer.musician.and.have.been.designed.to.help.you.recruit.your.young.people.who.play.an.instrument.or.adults.who.may.have.played.or.taken.lessons.years.ago.

However.you.choose.to.present.The Living Light,.this.guide.is.designed.to.help.you.to.put.on.a.first-rate.production..Included.are.instructions.for.every.aspect.of.your.production..Just.choose.which.way.you.wish.to.present.the.musical.and.follow.the.instructions..If.you.have.any.questions,.do.not.hesitate.to.contact.me.via.email.at.ruthie@ruthie.com..I.would.be.delighted.to.assist.you,.or.put.you.in.contact.with.someone.who.can.help.you..

God.bless.you.as.you.prepare.The Living Light!.Please.let.me.know.how.it.goes!

—Ruthie Schram

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Presentation OptionsDramatic Representation in Biblical Costume

The.easiest.way.to.portray.the.scene.is.to.remain.frozen.like.a.photograph,.painting,.or.nativity.set..The.staging.suggestions.that.follow.support.this.presentation,.but.please.feel.free.to.be.creative.within.the.constraints.of.the.set.and.storyline..If.you.visualize.more.movement.and.interaction.to.add.to.the.drama,.feel.free.to.implement.that.as.well!.

Many.churches.have.a.manger.or.stable.prop.that.they.use.to.decorate.the.sanctuary.during.the.holidays..You.may.use.this.as.the.centerpiece.of.your.drama.and.beautifully.bring.the.nativity.scene.to.life.as.you.build.the.tableau.of.characters.around.it..A.diagram.of.this.tableau.is.shown.on.page.8,.and.additional.information.about.staging,.costuming,.and.lighting.this.type.of.presentation.begins.on.page.7..

As.you.consider.your.set,.remember.that.the.platform.should.be.raised.if.possible.to.allow.for.the.congregation’s.line-of-sight,.especially.when.characters.are.seated.or.kneeling..You.can.cover.the.floor.of.your.platform.with.burlap.or.other.rough.material,.and.scatter.hay.around.and/or.use.bales.of.hay.for.seating.and.ambience..The.manger.should.be.the.focal.point.of.your.nativity.scene.and.be.well.lit..If.desired,.a.backdrop.may.be.painted.that.suggests.stalls.for.animals.or.a.large.rustic.room.

If.you.don’t.have.a.manger.or.wish.to.design.one.to.be.compatible.with.your.platform,.it.is.simple.to.build.one.out.of.common.materials,.adding.hay.or.straw.to.the.inside.or.draping.it.with.a.soft.blanket..Instructions.with.illustrations.are.provided.on.page.9.

Each.character.has.a.short.monologue,.all.less.than.two.minutes.long.and.many.under.one.minute.long..They.are.based.primarily.upon.the.accounts.of.the.Christmas.story.in.Luke.1–2,.Matthew.1–2,.and.other.historical.information.sources..Their.purpose.is.to.provide.insight.into.various.responses.to.the.Christ.Child.and.different.reactions.to.Jesus’.birth..The.monologues.should.be.memorized.and.delivered.in.a.style.matching.the.character.descriptions,.which.are.found.on.pages.11–12..

These.descriptions.are.intended.to.help.the.speakers.develop.a.character.with.distinct.personality.traits.and.establish.the.motivation.for.the.reflections.and.thoughts.expressed..Each.character.should.study.the.description.so.he.or.she.can.deliver.the.monologue.as.that.person.from.long.ago,.with.emotion.and.conviction.

Both.Mary.and.the.Wise.Man/King.have.the.option.of.singing.a.vocal.solo.from.the.set..If.this.isn’t.feasible.in.your.production,.the.character.may.act.out.the.drama.while.a.choir.member.sings.the.solo.from.the.choir.loft..

Dramatic Re-creation of Nativity ArtThere.are.several.famous.paintings.of.the.nativity.scene.that.you.can.use.as.the.basis.for.your.crèche..The.three.paintings.shown.on.the.next.page.are.wonderful.starting.points.as.you.design.your.production..All.are.in.the.public.domain.and.you.should.be.able.to.purchase.a.high-res.version.that.can.be.projected.as.a.backdrop.or.reproduced.in.programs.and.posters..Of.course,.you.may.model.your.production.after.your.favorite.representation.of.the.nativity.

If. you. choose. this.method.of.bringing The Living Light. to. life,. your. characters. should.be.dressed. in.biblical-era.costumes..Use.your.preferred.piece.of.art.as.a.guide,.matching.the.colors.and.shapes.as.much.as.possible.to.the.artist’s.rendering..

Model.the.art.in.the.same.way.to.create.the.stable.where.Jesus.was.born..Remember.that.the.platform.should.be.raised.if.possible.to.allow.for.the.congregation’s. line-of-sight,.especially.when.characters.are.seated.or.kneeling..(Depending.on.the.art.you.choose.to.use.as.the.basis.of.your.production,.you.may.wish.to.adapt.the.costume.and.prop.suggestions,.found.on.pages.12.and.8,.respectively,.to.be.suitable.)

To.establish.your.scene,.begin.with.the.manger,.Mary,.and.Joseph..As.the.musical.progresses,.keep.adding.characters.until.your.platform.resembles.the.art.you.are.emulating..In.some.cases,.you.may.be.adding.more.characters.(like.the.Roman.Soldier.or.Citizen.of.Bethlehem).on.the.outer.edges.of.the.set.

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During. the.Reprise,. you.may. recess. your. characters. in. the. reverse. order. of. their. entrance,. leaving. only.Mary,.Joseph,.and.Jesus.on.the.platform..Returning.to.the.nativity.scene.re-creation.that.opened.the.musical,.without.the.extraneous.characters,.creates.a.very.dramatic.effect.

If.desired.and.as.long.as.the.artwork.is.in.the.public.domain.or.you’ve.secured.permission.to.use.it,.you.may.project.the.artwork.before.the.beginning.of.the.production.or.use.for.promotional.purposes.

Adoration of the Shepherds.by.Rembrandt..Photo.used.under.permission.of.Creative.Commons.license.CC-BY-SA.

Adoration of the Shepherds.by.Gerard.van.Honthorst..Photo.from.The.Yorck.Project:.10.000 Meisterwerke der Malerei..Used.under.permission.of.Creative.Commons.license.CC-BY-SA.

Adoration of the Shepherds by.Charles.Le.Brun.Photo.used.under.permission.of.Creative.Commons.license.CC-BY-SA.

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Dramatic Readings Dressed in BlackDress.all.ten.characters.in.black.and.seat.them.across.the.front.of.the.platform.on.chairs.or.stools..They.may.be.seated.singly,.or.arranged.in.small.groups..Regardless.of.which.arrangement.you.prefer,.it.is.best.if.the.readers.aren’t.seated.across.the.platform.in.the.order.they.speak,.but.rather.seem.to.be.speaking.randomly..

Suggested.seating,.if.in.groups:Soldier./.Shepherds./.Mary.and.Joseph./.Passerby./.Daughter,.Innkeeper,.Wife./.King

Suggested.seating,.if.arranged.singly:Soldier./.Innkeeper’s./.Shepherd./.Innkeeper./.Mary./.Joseph./.Shepherd./.Passerby./.Innkeeper’s./.King...................Daughter..........Adult.................................................................Child.................................Wife...

Because. the.Roman. Soldier,.Magi,. and.Citizen. of. Bethlehem.do. not. have. counterparts,. they. could. be. grouped.together.or.interspersed.between.the.other.groups.or.characters.

Black.music.stands.may.be.used.to.hold.monologues,.character.descriptions,.and.the.order.of.events.so.there.is.no.confusion.about.when.to.speak..(A.copy.of.the.Table.of.Contents.from.the.choral.score.makes.a.great.order.of.events.)All.cast.members.should.be.familiar.with.their.monologue.and.the.description.of.the.character.they.represent.so.that.they.can.read.with.emotion.and.expression,.but.the.monologue.does.not.have.to.be.memorized..

Microphones.may.be.visible.but.should.be.placed.below.the.speaker’s.face,.aimed.at.the.mouth..If.necessary,.each.character.may.come.forward.to.a.single.microphone.placed.in.a.central.location,.or.the.pulpit.or.a.podium.

If.you.have.projection.equipment,.the.name.or.title.of.each.character.may.be.projected.as.the.monologue.is.read..You.could.also.project.a.close.up.from.a.picture,.famous.painting,.or.other.representation.of.the.nativity.scene.

One or Two Readers with Props or Projected PicturesOne.or.two.people.may.read.the.monologues.from.the.pulpit,.a.podium,.or.using.a.music.stand..If.this.performance.option.is.selected,.one.way.to.establish.the.character.being.represented.is.to.use.a.simple.prop.that.defines.an.action.or.character.trait..For.example:.

• Innkeeper:.a.small.bag.of.coins.to.jingle.when.he.speaks.of.the.potential.profit.• Innkeeper’s Wife:.a.basket.of.bread.or.a.jug.of.water.to.offer.the.travelers• Innkeeper’s Daughter:.a.woolen.blanket.or.basket.of.eggs.or.fruit• Mary:.a.pastel.headdress.or.scarf.to.cover.her.hair• Shepherd (adult):.shepherd’s.hook.or.humble.strip.of.cloth.over.the.shoulder.• Shepherd (child):.a.small.bouquet.of.wild.flowers.or.a.piece.of.fruit.to.offer.Mary• Roman Soldier:.spear,.sword,.knife,.or.metallic-looking.helmet.or.shield• Joseph:.rough.vest.or.head.covering.in.earth.tones• Citizen of Bethlehem:.colorful.vest.or.head.covering,.or.walking.stick• King:.crown.or.jeweled.gift.for.Jesus’.family.

If.you.have.access.to.projection.equipment,.another.way.to.establish.the.character.is.to.project.the.name.or.title.of.the.character.as.the.monologue.is.read,.or.project.a.close.up.from.a.picture,.famous.painting,.or.other.representation.of.the.nativity.scene.

Play the Recorded Monologues The. easiest.way. to. present. the. drama.portion. of. this.musical. is. to. purchase. the. Performance.CD. recording. of.The Living Light. and.play. the.professionally. recorded.monologues.between. the. live. songs.. If.you.have.access. to.projection.equipment,.you.may.project.the.name.or.title.of.the.character.as.the.recording.plays.to.make.it.clear.who.is.speaking..Another.idea.is.to.project.pictures.of.the.biblical.characters,.a.famous.painting.or.other.representation.of.the.nativity.scene,.or.photos.representing.the.speaker.taken.from.other.productions..(You.are.welcome.to.borrow.pictures.my.husband.has.taken.of.various.productions.of.The Living Light..Contact.me.at.ruthie@ruthie.com.for.more.information.)

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Accompaniment OptionsPiano Accompaniment

The.piano.is.the.primary.instrument.in.the.accompaniment,.and.has.been.written.to.be.very.pianistic,.interpretive,.and.expressive..The.piano.part.is.supportive.of.the.voice.parts.and.yet.beautifully.artistic.in.its.own.right..It.works.fine.alone,.or.with.any.or.all.of. the. instrumental.parts..Because. the.piano.part. is.not. simply.a. reduction.of. the.orchestra,.you.will.use.the.same.piano.part.regardless.of.what.additional.instrumentation,.if.any,.is.used.

The Small OrchestrationThe Living Light’s.unique.instrumentation.provides.for.maximum.flexibility.for.you.as.a.conductor..Scored.for.flute,.oboe,.clarinet.1.and.2,.violin.1.and.2,.viola,.cello,.bass,.and.light.percussion.(wind.chimes.and.suspended.cymbal),.the.instrumental.parts.are.written.with.the.abilities.of.the.volunteer.musician.in.mind..Moderate.ranges.have.been.utilized,.as.well.as.comfortable.key.signatures.for.most.instruments..

Not.only.are.they.suitable.to.be.easily.and.expressively.played.by.professional.musicians,.they.are.manageable.for.young.people.in.your.church.who.play.in.the.local.band.or.orchestra,.or.have.taken.some.private.lessons..Adults.who.used.to.play.but.have.not.picked.up.their.instrument.in.years.will.find.these.parts.accessible.and.enjoyable..Even.beginners.who.have.never.accompanied.before.have.mastered.these.instrumental.parts.in.limited.rehearsal.time.

Each. and. every. instrumental. part. is. optional..When. used. all. together.with. the. piano,. the. effect. is. beautifully.orchestral.yet.not.overwhelming.even.for.a.small.choir..When.used.singly.or.in.any.combination,.the.instruments.seamlessly.augment.the.piano.part.and.add.remarkable.color.and.beauty..There.is.very.little.doubling;.each.part.is.autonomous.and.stands.alone.or.works.with.any.of.the.others..

If.you.only.have.the.winds,.it.will.sound.fine..If.you.add.the.strings,.it.will.be.gorgeous..With.or.without.percussion,.beautiful!.One.of.your.players.made.it.to.the.rehearsal.but.is.sick.for.the.performance—not.to.worry..No.part.is.so.dependent.upon.another.that.it.will.sound.wrong.if.someone.is.missing..

However. you. are. structuring. the. instrumental. parts,. I. would. suggest. a. one-hour. rehearsal. with. just. the.instrumentalists,.pianist.included..This.will.give.everyone.time.to.become.familiar.with.the.music.and.with.each.other,.and.give.you.time.to.troubleshoot.any.difficult.spots.and.develop.your.ensemble.sound.without.having.to.worry.about.vocal.cues..A.90-minute. to. two-hour.dress.rehearsal.with.all.musicians—choir,.soloists,.piano,.and.orchestra—and.cast,.if.used,.should.then.be.sufficient.to.put.the.finishing.touches.on.your.production.

Professionally Recorded Accompaniment CDIf. you. do. not. have. any. live. instruments. at. your. disposal,. or. if. you. prefer. to. use. the. professionally. recorded.Accompaniment.CD,.this.is.available.from.the.publisher.(item.number.99/2194L)..A.90-minute.to.two-hour.dress.rehearsal.with.your.choir,.soloists,.and.cast,.if.used,.should.then.be.sufficient.to.put.the.finishing.touches.on.your.production.

Rehearsal TipThe.music.to The Living Light.has.been.written.with.the.volunteer.musician.in.mind..It.is.accessible.for.any.size.choir.and.is.available.in.either.SATB.or.SAB.voicing..

Reproducible.part-dominant.rehearsal.CDs.for.both.voicings.are.available.from.the.publisher,.as.is.a.Performance.CD.that.includes.recordings.of.both.editions..(See.page.10.for.a.list.of.all.the.available.resources.).

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Set and Staging SuggestionsAll.of.the.characters.will.converge.on.the.stable.area,.which.is.the.musical’s.only.set..The.stable.area.may.be.open,.one.large.room,.or.individual.stalls..This.can.be.accomplished.with.a.simple,.rustic,.wooden.structure,.or.aided.by.a.painted.or.projected.backdrop.(if.space.permits)..Or,.it.may.simply.be.implied.by.the.presence.of.the.manger..(Like.the.props.and.costumes,.your.set.may.be.as.simple.or.as.extravagant.as.you.wish.)

The.Baby.in.the.manger.will.be.the.focal.point.and.should.be.placed.center.front..As.characters.speak,.their.attention.should.be.on.Jesus.(unless.otherwise.suggested.in.the.script)..The.Baby.Jesus.is.the.object.of.adoration.and.curiosity..

Help.your.actors.become.aware.of.the.projection.and.direction.of.their.voices..Although.it.may.seem.a.little.awkward.at.first,.monologues.should.be.delivered.toward.the.congregation.as.much.as.possible..Even.if.wireless.microphones.are.used,.it.benefits.the.viewer.to.be.able.to.see.facial.expressions.rather.than.the.actor’s.back.or.side..Stage.directions.within.the.script.do.indicate.to.look.at.certain.characters.within.the.stable.area,.but.the.words.will.not.be.heard.and.understood.unless.the.voices.are.aimed.outward..This.will.take.a.little.practice.but.is.doable.

Since.what.is.being.spoken.are.inner.thoughts,.other.cast.members.should.remain.motionless.and.not.react.to.what.is.said..Once.a.monologue.is.done,.that.character.is.free.to.face.the.manger,.standing,.kneeling,.or.sitting,.as.long.as.he.or.she.does.not.block.the.view.of.the.congregation.or.interfere.with.other.characters.who.will.be.approaching.and.need.room.to.maneuver.

Because.there.is.no.spoken.interaction.between.the.cast,.one.way.to.accomplish.the.tableau.is.to.create.a.staggered.semi-circle.of.characters.behind.the.manger,.as.illustrated.in.the.Main.Position.Chart.on.the.next.page..This.allows.the.actors.to.focus.on.the.Baby.or.look.at.Mary.and.Joseph.and.still.be.facing.the.congregation..The.person.delivering.the.current.monologue.should.move.from.his.or.her.main.position.to.one.of.the.monologue.positions.(which.is.also.where.the.microphones.are).and.return.to.the.main.position.when.instructed.to.do.so.(usually.after.song)..

Because.many.characters.sit.or.kneel.it.is.important.to.raise.the.height.of.your.performance.area.as.much.as.possible;.even.a.6-inch.platform.can.help.ensure.the.performers.will.be.easily.seen.by.the.congregation..If.you.have.stairs.to.work.with,.you.can.create.a.beautiful.visual.finale.by.placing.the.royal(s).and.attendants,.who.arrive.last,.on.the.stairs,.kneeling,.after.the.King.has.delivered.his.monologue.

If.children.are.involved.in.your.performance,.they.may.bring.small,.common.gifts.to.offer.to.Mary.and.Joseph.or.to.adorn.the.stable.area..Gifts.may.include.flowers,.plants,.fruit,.hay.or.straw.for.the.manger,.small.jugs.of.water.or.goblets.of.juice,.a.basket.of.eggs,.a.loaf.of.bread,.fabric,.blankets,.etc..Or.you.may.incorporate.your.children’s.choir.to.join.on.the.Glory to the Newborn King.carol.medley..They.could.be.dressed.as.angels,.or.in.white,.Christmas.attire,.or.robes.

Instruct.your.cast.not. to.do.anything.that.would.distract. from.the.monologues.or.music.. It’s.difficult. for.people.to. stand. still,. especially. children,. so. they.may.need. some. reminders!.Also,. remind. the. cast. to. be. aware. of. the.congregation’s.reaction..If. there.is. laughter.or.other.noise,. the.actor/speaker.should.wait,.motionless,.until. those.sounds.have.abated.before.continuing.the.monologue.

8

Main Position ChartThese.are.suggestions.only..Feel.free.to.adapt.this.to.your.building.and.situation.

If.desired,.a.structure.or.backdrop.to.imply.rustic.stalls.for.various.animals.or.one.large.room.may.be.erected.at.the.back.of.the.platform..Hay.may.be.scattered.around.on.the.floor.or.used.for.additional.seating..

Backdrop (opt.)

. ................................................Innkeeper Innkeeper’s Wife Roman Soldier Passerby Innkeeper’s Daughter . ..............Child.(opt.). ....................................................................................................................Child.(opt.)

. .......................Shepherd Child Shepherd Adult

. Shepherd,.kneeling.(opt.). ................................................................................Shepherd,.kneeling.(opt.)

King,.kneeling...Mon.1...Mon.2...Mon.3*

Mary JosephManger

. Angel.(opt.). .........................................................................................................................Angel.(opt.)King,.kneeling.(opt.)

. ...............Servant,.kneeling. ..............................................................................Attendant,.kneeling

. ...................................Attendant,.kneeling. ..................................Servant,.kneeling

*Mon.1,.Mon.2,.and.Mon.3.are.the.three.suggested.positions.from.which.the.monologues.should.be.delivered.

PropsHere.is.a.list.of.props.you.may.want.to.have.on.hand:

•.Straw.or.hay.to.scatter.about•.Additional.bundles.of.hay.or.straw,.if.desired,.for.decoration.or.seating•.Rustic-looking.farm.implements•.Bag.of.coins.for.Innkeeper.to.jingle.•.Shepherds’.hook(s).for.shepherd(s)•.Earthen,.clay.or.stoneware.jugs,.pottery,.or.goblets•.Woven.baskets.(earth.tones;.not.painted).•.Woolen.blanket•.Lantern.or.candles.(battery-powered.models.are.recommended.for.safety)•.Fruit,.bread,.eggs,.fabric,.or.other.common.items.to.give.Mary.and.Joseph•.Flowers,.plants,.or.other.simple.gifts.to.be.placed.in.stable.area•.Hay.or.straw.to.be.offered.to.the.animals.or.pad.the.manger.bed•.Bright,.jeweled.gifts.for.Kings.to.offer.to.Mary.and.Joseph

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Building a Manger

A.simplistic.wooden.manger.may.be.built.for.your.production.using.common.materials.and.tools.

Option 1To.make.the.legs,.nail.or.bolt.two.sets.of.2΄x4 s.(about.two.feet.long).in.a.cross.pattern..Nail.or.bolt.rectangular.pieces.of.plywood.(long.sides).to.top.portion.of.the.legs,.meeting.in.the.cross.section.of.the.legs..Nail.or.bolt.triangular.pieces.of.plywood.to.the.rectangles.for.the.end.pieces.(optional)..It.is.not.necessary.that.the.edges.fit.perfectly..Fill.with.hay.or.straw.

Option 2For.an.even.more.rustic-looking.manger,.nail.or.bolt.two.sets.of.2΄x.4 s.(about.two.feet.long).in.a.cross.pattern.to.create.the.legs..Nail.or.bolt.to.the.legs.six.to.eight.1 x4 s,.wooden.slats,.or.strips.of.plywood.that.have.been.ripped.down..These.should.be.placed.¾.to.1¼.inches.apart.so.the.manger.will.hold.the.fill.material..Fill.with.hay.or.straw..

In.either.option,.if.you.secure.the.legs.with.bolts.that.can.be.loosened,.the.manger.can.be.folded.flat.for.easy.storage..

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Lighting and SoundLighting

Since. Jesus. in. the.manger. is. the.primary. focal.point. of. the.drama.and. the. object. of. adoration.or. curiosity,. the.monologues.may.take.place.behind.the.manger,.with.the.character.facing.Jesus.and.the.congregation..(See.Main.Position.Chart.on.page.8.for.suggested.character.placements.and.monologue.presentation.).

Although.it.is.not.necessary.to.have.spotlights,.the.manger.should.be.placed.where.it.will.be.well.lit.and.the.focal.point.of.all.that.occurs.during.the.musical.

If.you.do.have.spotlights.or.movable.lights,.focus.the.brightest.light(s).on.the.manger,.with.the.less-bright.lights.on.the.other.characters.or.individual.speakers..

SoundHide.microphones.in.the.set.and.props..The.best.place.is.in.the.manger,.as.most.of.the.monologues.will.be.given.by.characters.coming.forward.and.adoring.the.Baby.Jesus.

Wires.should.be.hidden.beneath.burlap.cloth.or.hay/straw.on.the.floor..

For.safety,.tape.the.wires.in.place.and.alert.your.cast.as.to.their.placement..

Available Resources65/1989L. SATB.Score65/1991L. Performance.CD/SATB.Score.Combination99/2195L. SA/TB.Part-dominant.Rehearsal.CDs.(reproducible)

65/1990L. SAB.Score65/1992L. Performance.CD/SAB.Score.Combination99/2200L. SA/B.Part-dominant.Rehearsal.CDs.(reproducible)

30/2279L. Small.Orchestra.Score.and.Parts99/2184L. Accompaniment.CD

99/2192L. Performance.CD.(includes.both.SATB.and.SAB.voicings)99/2193L. Bulk.Performance.CDs.(10.pak)

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Character and Costume SuggestionsCharacter Descriptions

JosephDevout,.loving;.concerned.about.Mary.and.his.role.in.her.life,.and.Jesus’.life.

MaryDeeply. spiritual;. humble,. introspective,. with. a. gentle,. quiet. spirit;. overwhelmed. by. the. gift. of. Jesus. and. her.responsibility.to.raise.God’s.Son..(Historically,.young.women.of.this.era.married.soon.after.puberty..Mary.may.have.been.as.young.as.13..Use.a.mature.teen.or.a.young.woman.in.this.role.if.possible.)

InnkeeperBusinessman,.pragmatic.and.practical..Moderately.inconvenienced.by.the.events.of.the.evening,.but.trying.to.be.helpful.and.hospitable..Distracted.by.the.possible.material.gains.he.will.get.from.the.crowds;.not.focused.on.Jesus.

Innkeeper’s WifeTender-hearted,.motherly;.empathetic.to.Mary’s.plight.and.the.rough.surroundings.in.which.she.finds.herself..A.little.unsure.of.the.miraculous.nature.of.these.events,.but.her.heart.is.being.swayed.

Innkeeper’s DaughterEnamored.with.the.scene.and.especially.the.Baby;.believes.these.are.miracles..Identifies.with.Mary,.as.she.is.of.a.similar.age..Slightly.jealous.of.Mary’s.role.as.the.mother.of.the.Messiah..(Like.Mary,.role.should.played.by.a.girl.in.her.early.teens.or.a.young.adult.).

Shepherd (adult)Frustrated.with.his.lot.in.life.but.thrilled.to.have.witnessed.the.angels’.song.and.to.have.been.the.first.to.be.invited.to.greet.the.Savior..Believes.assuredly,.absolutely.

Shepherd (child)Excited;.views.all.this.with.wonder.and.simple,.child-like.faith;.accepts.Jesus.unquestioningly.and.is.ready.to.spread.the.word.

Roman SoldierObserves.the.commotion.from.the.sidelines;.available.to.keep.order.if.needed..Not.at.all.convinced.of.any.royalty.or.deity.among.these.poor.common.Jewish.folk..Tough,.militant,.gruff;.a.large.man.in.stature.and.personality.

Citizen of Bethlehem, a passerbyCranky,.outspoken,.and.annoyed.by.crowds.but.drawn.to.the.stable..Unaware.of.the.miraculous.nature.of.these.events.and.the.deity.of.this.Child..Enamored.by.the.arrival.of.the.magi.

King/Wise ManWorshipful,.sure.that.Jesus.is.the.One.True.King..Demonstrative.and.emotive;.rich,.powerful,.and.loud..Accustomed.to.obeisance,.attention.and.accolades..

Optional RolesIf. you.wish. to.make. the.production. bigger. or. utilize.more. volunteers,. you.may. add. any. of. the. following.non-speaking.roles.at.your.discretion:.

Additional ChildrenAdd.younger.children.of.Innkeeper’s.family.placing.them.around.the.manger,.as.indicated.in.the.Main.Position.Chart.on.page.8,.or.near.the.Innkeeper.and.Wife..

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You.may.also.use.small.children.as.little.angels,.dressed.in.white.or.with.wings.and/or.halos..(Halos.are.easily.crafted.from.tinsel.garlands.)Your.children’s. choir.may.wish. to. join. the.cast.and.congregation. in. singing. the.Glory to the Newborn King. carol.medley.with.the.choir..They.may.be.dressed.as.angels,.in.Christmas.attire,.in.white,.or.in.choir.robes.

Additional ShepherdsAdd.other.non-speaking.shepherds.of.various.ages,.if.desired..Have.them.kneel.or.look.on.from.the.outskirts.of.the.manger.scene..

Additional Kings/Wise MenAdd.as.many.kings,.attendants,.and.servants.of.all.ages.as.desired..

CostumesMost.fabric,.sewing,.or.craft.stores.have.a.supply.of.patterns.for.biblical.costumes.you.may.purchase.or.refer.to.for.ideas..Also,.many.companies.carry.authentic.historical.costumes.that.may.be.rented.

An.ultra-simple.pattern.for.most.biblical-costume.needs.resembles.a.large.T:.cut.two.large.pieces.of.fabric.in.this.shape,.put.“wrong.sides”.out.and.sew.them.together,.leaving.an.opening.for.the.head.and.two.for.the.arms..Rope.or.fabric-strip.belts.may.be.added.for.shaping.or.length.control..Finished.hems.are.not.necessary.for.sleeves.or.skirt;.in.fact.frayed.edges.create.a.very.effective.finish.for.humble.clothing.of.that.era..Mary,.Joseph,.and.the.Innkeeper’s.family.would.be.dressed.in.a.particularly.humble.manner.

For.those.who.will.be.kneeling.for.extended.periods.of.time,.kneepads.may.be.worn.and.hidden.under.costumes,.especially.if.the.floor.is.a.hard.surface.

WomenWomen.were.completely.covered,.including.their.hair..Costumes.may.vary.in.fabric.and.color..Simple.sandals.or.bare.feet..No.eyeglasses.or.jewelry..

MenMen.were.covered.from.neck.to.ankle..Headdress.is.optional..Sandals.or.bare.feet..No.eyeglasses.or.jewelry..Because.beards.and.longer.hair.were.common,.encourage.the.men.who.will.be.portraying.the.male.characters.to.forego.haircuts.and.shaving.(if.feasible).for.several.weeks.or.months.prior.to.the.production.to.create.an.authentic.historic.representation.of.the.period..If. this. is.not.feasible,.wigs.may.be.used.or.you.can.always.cover.men’s.heads.with.rectangles.of.cloth.tied.on.with.braided.rope,.or.plain.or.braided.fabric.strips..

ChildrenCovered.from.neck.to.ankle..Sandals.or.bare.feet..No.eyeglasses..

Roman SoldierMilitary.uniform.of.the.era—metallic-looking.shield,.metal.helmet,.small.shiny.sword,.spear,.or.knife,.etc.

Magi, attendants, and servantsRegal.costumes.in.rich,.jewel.tones;.crowns.(if.desired)..Attendants.and.servants.should.be.dressed.in.much.fancier,.brighter.clothing.than.shepherds.and.Innkeeper’s.family..Sandals.may.be.embellished..Long.hair..Flashy.jewelry,.if.desired..