Length: 20 Minutes | Cast: 8–20 Actors | Genre: Christmas Comedy
Theme: Joy, Chaos, Christmas, Improvisation, Community

Summary

In this energetic, chaotic, SNL-inspired Christmas play, a church attempts to put on their annual Nativity program. But this year, things go wildly off the rails when the cast insists on improvising, the narrator desperately tries to keep control, and unexpected characters wander onstage — including a rogue snowman and an actor who keeps shouting, “LIVE FROM NEW BETHLEHEM, IT’S SATURDAY NIGHT!”

Lines are forgotten, props malfunction, characters argue about pronunciations (“Beth-leh…hum?”), and last-minute cast substitutions create glorious confusion. Through the noise, the message of Christmas shines: even imperfect people can bring a perfect story to life.

Cast of Characters

Narrator – Calm, composed, trying desperately to keep the play on track. Slowly unravels.

Mary – Responsible and gentle… until chaos pushes her limits.

Joseph – Nervous performer who keeps losing his lines.

Angel Gloria – Confident, overly dramatic, loves big entrances.

Shepherd Dan – Constantly improvising and accidentally stealing scenes.

Shepherd Eli – Tries to behave; fails.

Wise Person #1 – Serious actor determined to be “authentic.”

Wise Person #2 – Has no idea what they’re doing but pretends.

Wise Person #3 – Brings random props that make zero sense.

Snowman – A cast member who enters by mistake and never leaves.

Church Tech Guy – Controls sound, lights, and creates more problems than solutions.

Bethlehem Townsperson(s) – Optional crowd actors.

Chanter Kid – The one who shouts: “LIVE FROM NEW BETHLEHEM, IT’S SATURDAY NIGHT!”

Optional Roles

● Extra Shepherds
● Animals (costumed actors or kids)
● Stage Assistant
● Someone whose only job is to mispronounce “Bethlehem” differently each time

Production Notes

● Setting: A simple stage divided into two areas — “Town of Bethlehem” and “Fields.”
● Props: Manger, staff, random props (sunglasses, snowman costume, flashcards, microphone).
● Tone: High-energy comedy with heartfelt moments.
● Lighting: Warm and festive, chaotic during comedic moments.
● Recommended Age: 10 and up; flexible for youth or mixed-age groups.