Just Look At Yourself!
Drama
Planting Seeds
A Collection Of Sermon Starter Sketches
Because of a wrong turn in space and in time, two deliverymen leave a very large screen television at a caveman's doorstep. He watches with growing discontent as the actors step out of their commercials and into his living room to tell him the things he lacks. "Just Look At Yourself!" deals with discontentment and the messages we receive about who we are and what we need.
Cast
Caveman -- communicates with grunts and gestures, but very expressive
Cavewoman -- independent for a cavewoman
Deliveryman 1 -- frustrated with his bumbling partner, but a little bumbling himself
Deliveryman 2 -- bumbling and incompetent
Aunt Sally -- grandmotherly looking, artificially sweet
Workoutman -- macho
Mr. Reamum -- condescending
Psychic -- female, phony
Diamond Man -- not a speaking part, to keep cast smaller it's best to double this part with another one.
Diamond Woman -- not a speaking part, to keep cast smaller it's best to double this part with another one.
Diamond Commercial Voice -- male, voice only, a commercial voice.
Jingle singer/Musician (optional) -- as each commercial starts and ends a short jingle can be sung or a short theme played on a keyboard/synthesizer.
Setting And Costumes
There is some type of primitive couch or chair on stage, maybe some rocks, a cave entrance, plants, animal skins, and the like. This is the home of the caveman and cavewoman.
Caveman and Cavewoman are dressed in animal print cavepeople clothes. The Deliveryman 1 and 2 are dressed in work shirts and pants or overalls with some type of logo on the back. Aunt Sally has her hair back in a bun, she is dressed grandmotherly in a dress and apron as if she has just stepped out of her kitchen. Workoutman is dressed in workout clothes. Mr. Reamum is dressed in a suit. Psychic is dressed in a loose, flowing blouse and skirt with lots of long jewelry and beads. Diamond Man is dressed in a suit. Diamond Woman is dressed nicely.
Props
Large frame made of wood, possibly cardboard; it is the frame of the television. It needs to stand up and must be big enough for people to step out of. A piece of material covers the opening. There is a slit where the commercial characters step through to talk to Caveman. On the bottom are knobs and buttons, like on a television.
Paper for Deliveryman to pull from his pocket
Bag of cookies for Aunt Sally
Contract and pen for Workoutman
Suit on a hanger for Mr. Reamum, this is in addition to the suit he wears
Two leather pouches for Caveman's and Cavewoman's purses
Small stones for Cavewoman's money
"Rock" for Caveman to use as couch
Necklace made of primitive looking beads
Shopping bags from department stores with purchases inside
"Diamond" necklace
Additional Notes
As each commercial appears on the caveman's television, a short jingle can be sung or played. The number of actors may be reduced by having actors play several parts.
(Caveman, through a series of grunts and gestures, tells his wife good-bye in front of the door of their cave. Cavewoman needs money. She holds up her leather pouch and turns it over to indicate she is out. Caveman takes out his leather pouch and pours some stones from it. He gives them to her. She hugs him good-bye and happily leaves. They both smile. He has the day to himself to relax. He looks around as if admiring the day and stretches contentedly. He settles down on his caveman rock or couch with a luxurious yawn. Deliveryman 1 and 2 walk on stage carrying the huge television. Caveman is out of their sight.)
Deliveryman 1: I still think we took a wrong turn somewhere. (It is obvious by their tone that the argument has been going on a long time.)
Deliveryman 2: We didn't take a wrong turn.
Deliveryman 1: Remember when the pavement ended and you kept going? You were supposed to turn right.
(There is an angry silence. They are still carrying the television.)
Deliveryman 1: Look at this place. It looks like we stepped back into the Stone Age. Do you really think someone here ordered an eighty-inch television?
Deliveryman 2: This is the place. Knock on the door.
Deliveryman 1: There's not a door.
Deliveryman 2: Then yell for someone. (pulls a paper from his pocket) Says the name's Rutherford.
Deliveryman 1: (yells) Mr. Rutherford ... Mr. Rutherford?
(Caveman is afraid of them. He is peeking at them from the other side of the stage. He is obviously not Mr. Rutherford. Deliverymen do not see him.)
Deliveryman 2: Let's just leave it.
Deliveryman 1: Leave it?
Deliveryman 2: They knew we were coming. They'll be home.
Deliveryman 1: You don't even know if this is the right place. We can't just leave it.
Deliveryman 2: It's the right place. Let's go!
(Deliveryman 1 throws up his arms in frustration. Deliveryman 1 and 2 walk away in different directions.)
Deliveryman 1: Jack, the truck's over here.
(Deliveryman 2 turns and follows Deliveryman 1 off the stage. When they are gone, Caveman tiptoes from his hiding place. He curiously examines the television trying to look inside and push the buttons. One button causes the screen to light up. Aunt Sally appears in the television. Caveman jumps back, afraid but intrigued.)
Aunt Sally: (holds a cookie and a cookie bag and talks in a too-sweet voice) Aunt Sally's cookies will fill your home with the warmth of fresh baked cookies. It's just like having Aunt Sally in your kitchen.
(Caveman looks hungrily at the cookies.)
Aunt Sally: (steps toward him out of the television screen, now talking in an accusing voice) Do you want these cookies?
(Caveman grunts expectantly and nods.)
Aunt Sally: Of course you do. Look at you. Are you happy? Of course you're not. Here all by yourself while your wife shops. She just leaves you here alone. What kind of a lonely, miserable life is that? Of course you need a cookie. You need the whole bag. (She hands him the bag. He takes it gratefully. She smiles sweetly again and goes back into the television.) It's just like having Aunt Sally in your kitchen. (exits)
(Caveman happily munches his cookies.)
Workoutman: (appears in the television next, he has a big smile and a pose) For just $65 a month, Power Gym can give you the body you wish you had.
(Caveman looks at himself, shrugs, and eats another cookie.)
Workoutman: (steps out of the television and looks disgustedly at Caveman and his cookies) Look at yourself! You're a weakling!
(Caveman looks at himself in a confused sort of way.)
Workoutman: Are you happy with this body? (grabs Caveman's arm and holds it up) Okay, let's see that muscle. Come on. (gets the Caveman to flex his muscle) Now look at this muscle. (flexes his own muscle) Come on feel it. Now feel yours again.
(Caveman compares their muscles, then slumps down on his rock.)
Workoutman: You need to sign up.
(Caveman grunts dejectedly and nods.)
Workoutman: (pulls out a contract and pen) I have a contract here.
(Caveman takes the pen and tries to figure out what to do with it. Finally he puts it in his mouth.)
Workoutman: (takes the pen and wipes it off) Here, I'll do it for you. (signs the contract and begins talking quickly) Now that's only $150. First month, last month, and a Power Gym T-shirt. (climbs back into the television, turns to his television audience, and says) At Power Gym you can get the body you wish you had.
(Caveman is looking at his muscles as the next commercial begins.)
Mr. Reamum: (with a superior attitude) At Reamum Brothers, we care about your image. Why settle for a suit, when you can have an exquisite wardrobe experience? (While still in the television, he squints out at Caveman as though he can't believe his eyes. He steps out of the television.) Look at yourself. You're a Neanderthal.
(Caveman smiles and grunts and nods.)
Mr. Reamum: (shakes his head in disgust) Do you know how long that suit's been out of style? Listen, you keep wearing that and the business world will pass you right by. You'll find yourself sitting out on the sidewalk with your briefcase and your laptop.
(Caveman is confused.)
Mr. Reamum: (hands Caveman a suit) Here. This one's your color. I'm sure you can't afford it. No one can really, but you need it. It will make you happy. (steps back into the television) Why settle for a suit when you can have an exquisite wardrobe experience? (exits)
Psychic: (appears on television) Do you want to be happy?
(Caveman grunts and nods.)
Psychic: Do you need to know where your life is headed?
(Caveman grunts and nods.)
Psychic: You deserve to enjoy your life without worrying about the future.
(Caveman grunts and nods.)
Psychic: At Psychic Helpers we take the worry out of your future. Our trained psychics are waiting for your call. Just pick up the phone and dial 1-800-Know Now.
(Caveman looks around but doesn't have a phone.)
Psychic: (Steps out of television and looks around for the phone) You don't even have a phone do you?
(Caveman shakes his head.)
Psychic: I ... could sense that. (stares off into space as though "seeing" something) I sense that you want to be happy.
(Caveman nods and grunts longingly.)
Psychic: I see so many possibilities in your future.
(Caveman grunts and puts his hand to his heart as though hearing what he's always wanted to hear.)
Psychic: (sees Caveman's taking her seriously and decides to risk a prediction) There was a time when you thought of starting a business.
(Caveman drops hand from his heart. His face falls. His grunt sounds like, "Huh?")
Psychic: (flustered) It ... It works better over the phone. (steps quickly back into the television and smiles) Take the worry out of your future, and dial 1-800-Know Now. (exits)
(Caveman slumps down on his rock. Then he slaps at the buttons on the television. It turns off. Cavewoman enters just after the television goes off. She doesn't notice the television at first. She is carrying big bags from various department stores and through grunts and gestures tries to tell him she stepped through a time warp and into a shopping mall [or something like that]. Caveman is distressed. He looks through her bags. He holds up the leather pouch as though asking how much it cost. Then Cavewoman spots the television. She stops and stares. She walks over and begins pushing buttons. Caveman tries to get her away from it. He mimics what happens when you push the button: People step out, berate you, and take your money. Cavewoman refuses to leave it alone. They argue. Caveman waves the empty leather pouch in her face. Finally Caveman drags or carries Cavewoman away while she struggles to get to the television. As they leave, the Cavewoman manages to hit the bottom of the television. It lights up again. Diamond Man and Diamond Woman appear on it. He is putting a necklace around her neck. They hold the pose and smile once the necklace is on.)
Diamond Commercial Voice: Tell her you'd marry her all over again. Nothing says it like diamonds.
(Cavewoman, just before she exits the stage, looks at the primitive beads around her neck then looks at Caveman and gives a discontented sigh. Caveman answers with an angry grunt.)
Cast
Caveman -- communicates with grunts and gestures, but very expressive
Cavewoman -- independent for a cavewoman
Deliveryman 1 -- frustrated with his bumbling partner, but a little bumbling himself
Deliveryman 2 -- bumbling and incompetent
Aunt Sally -- grandmotherly looking, artificially sweet
Workoutman -- macho
Mr. Reamum -- condescending
Psychic -- female, phony
Diamond Man -- not a speaking part, to keep cast smaller it's best to double this part with another one.
Diamond Woman -- not a speaking part, to keep cast smaller it's best to double this part with another one.
Diamond Commercial Voice -- male, voice only, a commercial voice.
Jingle singer/Musician (optional) -- as each commercial starts and ends a short jingle can be sung or a short theme played on a keyboard/synthesizer.
Setting And Costumes
There is some type of primitive couch or chair on stage, maybe some rocks, a cave entrance, plants, animal skins, and the like. This is the home of the caveman and cavewoman.
Caveman and Cavewoman are dressed in animal print cavepeople clothes. The Deliveryman 1 and 2 are dressed in work shirts and pants or overalls with some type of logo on the back. Aunt Sally has her hair back in a bun, she is dressed grandmotherly in a dress and apron as if she has just stepped out of her kitchen. Workoutman is dressed in workout clothes. Mr. Reamum is dressed in a suit. Psychic is dressed in a loose, flowing blouse and skirt with lots of long jewelry and beads. Diamond Man is dressed in a suit. Diamond Woman is dressed nicely.
Props
Large frame made of wood, possibly cardboard; it is the frame of the television. It needs to stand up and must be big enough for people to step out of. A piece of material covers the opening. There is a slit where the commercial characters step through to talk to Caveman. On the bottom are knobs and buttons, like on a television.
Paper for Deliveryman to pull from his pocket
Bag of cookies for Aunt Sally
Contract and pen for Workoutman
Suit on a hanger for Mr. Reamum, this is in addition to the suit he wears
Two leather pouches for Caveman's and Cavewoman's purses
Small stones for Cavewoman's money
"Rock" for Caveman to use as couch
Necklace made of primitive looking beads
Shopping bags from department stores with purchases inside
"Diamond" necklace
Additional Notes
As each commercial appears on the caveman's television, a short jingle can be sung or played. The number of actors may be reduced by having actors play several parts.
(Caveman, through a series of grunts and gestures, tells his wife good-bye in front of the door of their cave. Cavewoman needs money. She holds up her leather pouch and turns it over to indicate she is out. Caveman takes out his leather pouch and pours some stones from it. He gives them to her. She hugs him good-bye and happily leaves. They both smile. He has the day to himself to relax. He looks around as if admiring the day and stretches contentedly. He settles down on his caveman rock or couch with a luxurious yawn. Deliveryman 1 and 2 walk on stage carrying the huge television. Caveman is out of their sight.)
Deliveryman 1: I still think we took a wrong turn somewhere. (It is obvious by their tone that the argument has been going on a long time.)
Deliveryman 2: We didn't take a wrong turn.
Deliveryman 1: Remember when the pavement ended and you kept going? You were supposed to turn right.
(There is an angry silence. They are still carrying the television.)
Deliveryman 1: Look at this place. It looks like we stepped back into the Stone Age. Do you really think someone here ordered an eighty-inch television?
Deliveryman 2: This is the place. Knock on the door.
Deliveryman 1: There's not a door.
Deliveryman 2: Then yell for someone. (pulls a paper from his pocket) Says the name's Rutherford.
Deliveryman 1: (yells) Mr. Rutherford ... Mr. Rutherford?
(Caveman is afraid of them. He is peeking at them from the other side of the stage. He is obviously not Mr. Rutherford. Deliverymen do not see him.)
Deliveryman 2: Let's just leave it.
Deliveryman 1: Leave it?
Deliveryman 2: They knew we were coming. They'll be home.
Deliveryman 1: You don't even know if this is the right place. We can't just leave it.
Deliveryman 2: It's the right place. Let's go!
(Deliveryman 1 throws up his arms in frustration. Deliveryman 1 and 2 walk away in different directions.)
Deliveryman 1: Jack, the truck's over here.
(Deliveryman 2 turns and follows Deliveryman 1 off the stage. When they are gone, Caveman tiptoes from his hiding place. He curiously examines the television trying to look inside and push the buttons. One button causes the screen to light up. Aunt Sally appears in the television. Caveman jumps back, afraid but intrigued.)
Aunt Sally: (holds a cookie and a cookie bag and talks in a too-sweet voice) Aunt Sally's cookies will fill your home with the warmth of fresh baked cookies. It's just like having Aunt Sally in your kitchen.
(Caveman looks hungrily at the cookies.)
Aunt Sally: (steps toward him out of the television screen, now talking in an accusing voice) Do you want these cookies?
(Caveman grunts expectantly and nods.)
Aunt Sally: Of course you do. Look at you. Are you happy? Of course you're not. Here all by yourself while your wife shops. She just leaves you here alone. What kind of a lonely, miserable life is that? Of course you need a cookie. You need the whole bag. (She hands him the bag. He takes it gratefully. She smiles sweetly again and goes back into the television.) It's just like having Aunt Sally in your kitchen. (exits)
(Caveman happily munches his cookies.)
Workoutman: (appears in the television next, he has a big smile and a pose) For just $65 a month, Power Gym can give you the body you wish you had.
(Caveman looks at himself, shrugs, and eats another cookie.)
Workoutman: (steps out of the television and looks disgustedly at Caveman and his cookies) Look at yourself! You're a weakling!
(Caveman looks at himself in a confused sort of way.)
Workoutman: Are you happy with this body? (grabs Caveman's arm and holds it up) Okay, let's see that muscle. Come on. (gets the Caveman to flex his muscle) Now look at this muscle. (flexes his own muscle) Come on feel it. Now feel yours again.
(Caveman compares their muscles, then slumps down on his rock.)
Workoutman: You need to sign up.
(Caveman grunts dejectedly and nods.)
Workoutman: (pulls out a contract and pen) I have a contract here.
(Caveman takes the pen and tries to figure out what to do with it. Finally he puts it in his mouth.)
Workoutman: (takes the pen and wipes it off) Here, I'll do it for you. (signs the contract and begins talking quickly) Now that's only $150. First month, last month, and a Power Gym T-shirt. (climbs back into the television, turns to his television audience, and says) At Power Gym you can get the body you wish you had.
(Caveman is looking at his muscles as the next commercial begins.)
Mr. Reamum: (with a superior attitude) At Reamum Brothers, we care about your image. Why settle for a suit, when you can have an exquisite wardrobe experience? (While still in the television, he squints out at Caveman as though he can't believe his eyes. He steps out of the television.) Look at yourself. You're a Neanderthal.
(Caveman smiles and grunts and nods.)
Mr. Reamum: (shakes his head in disgust) Do you know how long that suit's been out of style? Listen, you keep wearing that and the business world will pass you right by. You'll find yourself sitting out on the sidewalk with your briefcase and your laptop.
(Caveman is confused.)
Mr. Reamum: (hands Caveman a suit) Here. This one's your color. I'm sure you can't afford it. No one can really, but you need it. It will make you happy. (steps back into the television) Why settle for a suit when you can have an exquisite wardrobe experience? (exits)
Psychic: (appears on television) Do you want to be happy?
(Caveman grunts and nods.)
Psychic: Do you need to know where your life is headed?
(Caveman grunts and nods.)
Psychic: You deserve to enjoy your life without worrying about the future.
(Caveman grunts and nods.)
Psychic: At Psychic Helpers we take the worry out of your future. Our trained psychics are waiting for your call. Just pick up the phone and dial 1-800-Know Now.
(Caveman looks around but doesn't have a phone.)
Psychic: (Steps out of television and looks around for the phone) You don't even have a phone do you?
(Caveman shakes his head.)
Psychic: I ... could sense that. (stares off into space as though "seeing" something) I sense that you want to be happy.
(Caveman nods and grunts longingly.)
Psychic: I see so many possibilities in your future.
(Caveman grunts and puts his hand to his heart as though hearing what he's always wanted to hear.)
Psychic: (sees Caveman's taking her seriously and decides to risk a prediction) There was a time when you thought of starting a business.
(Caveman drops hand from his heart. His face falls. His grunt sounds like, "Huh?")
Psychic: (flustered) It ... It works better over the phone. (steps quickly back into the television and smiles) Take the worry out of your future, and dial 1-800-Know Now. (exits)
(Caveman slumps down on his rock. Then he slaps at the buttons on the television. It turns off. Cavewoman enters just after the television goes off. She doesn't notice the television at first. She is carrying big bags from various department stores and through grunts and gestures tries to tell him she stepped through a time warp and into a shopping mall [or something like that]. Caveman is distressed. He looks through her bags. He holds up the leather pouch as though asking how much it cost. Then Cavewoman spots the television. She stops and stares. She walks over and begins pushing buttons. Caveman tries to get her away from it. He mimics what happens when you push the button: People step out, berate you, and take your money. Cavewoman refuses to leave it alone. They argue. Caveman waves the empty leather pouch in her face. Finally Caveman drags or carries Cavewoman away while she struggles to get to the television. As they leave, the Cavewoman manages to hit the bottom of the television. It lights up again. Diamond Man and Diamond Woman appear on it. He is putting a necklace around her neck. They hold the pose and smile once the necklace is on.)
Diamond Commercial Voice: Tell her you'd marry her all over again. Nothing says it like diamonds.
(Cavewoman, just before she exits the stage, looks at the primitive beads around her neck then looks at Caveman and gives a discontented sigh. Caveman answers with an angry grunt.)
