Directing Church Skits 101

A Practical Video Course for Church Drama Directors & Volunteers

Runtime: ~100 minutes

Format: On-demand video lessons

Directing a church skit shouldn’t feel overwhelming—or intimidating. Whether you’re working with kids, teens, adults, or a mix of volunteers with little acting experience, Directing Skits 101 gives you the tools, structure, and confidence to lead rehearsals well and produce meaningful, engaging performances.

This course is designed especially for non-professional directors who want clear guidance, realistic expectations, and practical solutions that actually work in a church setting.

What You’ll Learn

1) Choosing & Adapting Scripts

Learn how to select the right script for your group and adapt it wisely.

• Pick age-appropriate material

• Adjust for time, space, cast size, and theme

• Decide when and how to include music

• Incorporate Scripture creatively without forcing it

2) Casting Correctly

Casting is about more than talent.

• Match roles to gifts, comfort level, and spiritual growth

• Help actors grow into parts they wouldn’t normally choose

• Factor in reliability—because showing up matters

3) Helping Non-Actors Act

Most church casts aren’t trained actors—and that’s okay.

• Make dialogue sound natural

• Teach projection, pacing, pausing, and tone

• Encourage emotion without overacting

• Simple confidence tools for nervous performers

• Where to look, how to move, and how to “hide behind the character”

4) Directing Essentials

Foundational directing techniques that immediately improve clarity.

• Blocking and movement

• Clean entrances and exits

• Managing costume changes safely

• Using tape marks to reduce confusion on stage

5) Rehearsal Planning

Get the most out of limited rehearsal time.

• One rehearsal vs. multiple rehearsals

• Warm-ups that actually help

• Time management strategies

• When to introduce costumes

• How much of the script to rehearse—and when

6) Basic Props, Costumes & Sets on a Budget

Do more with what your church already has.

• Common items worth using or making

• Creative staples like cardboard, sheets, paint, and twine

• What to avoid (including one very strong warning: no glitter)

• Practical costume logistics for kids, teens, and adults

• Backup plans for forgotten costumes

7) Sound & Music

Keep audio from becoming a distraction.

• Microphone basics

• Adding recorded music effectively

• Using in-house musical talent when available

8) Directing Kids vs. Teens vs. Adults

Each group needs a different approach.

• Kids: more structure, encouragement, fewer moving parts

• Teens: clear responsibility, controlled freedom, shorter rehearsals

• Adults: strong structure, focused movement, managing distractions

9) Body Language & Expression

Help your actors communicate visually.

• Acting so the audience understands even if they miss a line

• Using exaggerated movement to overcome stiffness

• Proper foot positioning, facial expression, and hand movement

• Modeling the behavior you want to see

• Using appropriate silliness to build comfort

10) Lines & Memorization

Reduce panic when lines are missed.

• Teaching faster memorization through deadlines

• Backup plans that don’t break the scene

• What to do when rehearsals are missed

• Encouragement for when something inevitably goes wrong

Who This Course Is For

• Church drama directors (new or experienced)

• Youth pastors and children’s ministry leaders

• Volunteers leading skits, plays, or seasonal programs

• Anyone directing performers with little or no acting background

Why This Course Works

This isn’t theory—it’s real-world church experience, taught with honesty, humor, and practicality. You’ll finish the course with a clear plan, calmer rehearsals, and stronger performances—without burning out your team.