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Overview

Synopsis

Highly theatrical and yet intimate at the same time, Lucas Hnath’s The Christians blurs the line between church and theatre (and in some ways, turns one into the other). In an unspecified American locale, Pastor Paul basks in the glory of having built a megachurch with thousands of loyal congregants and a newly-paid-for building. But a singular sermon that will radically shift the church’s teachings starts a ripple effect that could have devastating consequences both personally and professionally. Hnath’s masterful use of language illuminates the showmanship and the faltering of a pastor caught between preserving what he believes to be true or the church that he’s dedicated his life to building. With richly layered and authentic characters, The Christians is an immersive look at the cost of internal politics.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
2014
Genres
Drama
Settings
Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
A megachurch in 21st-century America
Cast Size
small
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Ideal For
College/University, Ensemble Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Includes Adult Characters

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Pastor

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Associate

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Elder

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Wife

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Jenny

Ensemble

Female

Non-singer

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    A group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together.

    A type of theatre practice that creates a sensory experience for the audience members, through staging, sets, seating arrangements, and script content.

    A type of church with a particularly large membership and usually with a variety of social and educational activities.

    Favoring change or reform as opposed to keeping things as they are.

    The study of religious belief and philosophy.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Kevan Dunkelberg

Kevan Dunkelberg

Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright