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This topic is for posting Drama and Puppet lessons and ideas for teaching the story of the Fiery Furnace.


Misc gleanings from previous posts in this forum

Skits - Fiery Furnace

2 scripts for this story by same author: Bob Snook

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego - Reader's Theater

Shadrach, Meshach & what's his name - Script

Our minister and a few senior high students did it to kick off our rotation.

Last edited by Luanne Payne
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Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

Drama Workshop

 

Summary of Lesson Activities:

Children will use a script called "Babylonian Idol".

 

Editor's Note: As originally posted, the writer had the kids rehearse on Sunday and perform the play at their Wednesday fellowship group. We've made a slight modification to fit it into a Sunday lesson lasting 40 minutes or more.

 

Memory Verse: Romans 8:28
"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him."
He appointed them to be saved in keeping with his purpose.

 

Lesson Objectives:

  • Children will act out a fun modern day version of the fiery furnace story.
  • Children will discuss doing what’s right even when it’s hard.

 

Leader Preparation:

  • Read the scripture ahead of time.
  • Gather the materials.

Supply List:

  • Golden Idol costume
  • Mic for host
  • Table and chairs for judges
  • Tour Guide


 

Presentation

 

Opening-Welcome and Lesson Introduction:

Greet the children and introduce yourself.

 

Open with a prayer.

 

Dig-Main Content and Reflection:

  

How will you act when your parents and Sunday School teachers aren’t there and you are asked to do something that is wrong?

 

Lesson:


1. Read Daniel 3 from the Adventure Bible.

 

2. Ask the following questions:

  • What were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego asked to do that they were taught was wrong? (bowing down to the king’s statue)
  • Did they change their minds about obeying the king when they were brought before him? Why or why not? (They knew it was wrong and they knew God could save them)
  • What happened when they were thrown in the furnace? (they didn’t burn; a fourth man also appeared in the fire)
  • How did the king feel about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s true God after they survived the furnace? (He made it a law that no one could say anything bad about God)

 

3. Discussion: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s parents weren’t there when they faced King Nebuchadnezzar and his fiery furnace but they still did what was right. How will you act when your parents and Sunday School teachers aren’t there and you are asked to do something that is wrong? (Ask for some examples of times when they will have to “Bow or Burn.” I.e.- When people are gossiping about someone else. When a friend is watching a TV show you’re not supposed to watch. When friends are trying to get you to break a class rule, like chewing gum in class or cheating on a test.)

 

4. Pass out the scripts and assign parts and rehearse.

 

Script: "Babylonian Idol"

 

Characters:
Host
3 Judges
Shad
Mechelle
Abe
Golden “Idol”

Props/Costumes:
Golden Idol costume
Mic for host
Table and chairs for judges

Setting:

The skit is set up like the American Idol show. It begins with the host standing center stage and the judges sitting at a table over to the side. Position the table diagonally so that the judges are looking at the contestants but can also be seen by the audience.

Host:

Welcome back to Babylonian Idol! During the commercial break, we counted up the votes and we have now narrowed it down to our final three contestants. Would you like for me to bring them on stage? All right. Here they are…Shad, Mechelle, and Abe!

(Shad, Mechelle, and Abe walk onto the stage, waving at the audience, and stand by the host.)

Host:

I know we’ve chosen songs for you and had the Babylonian people at home call in and vote for the past several weeks, but tonight we’re going to do things a little differently. We want to see if you are worthy to be called the next “Babylonian Idol.” Our judges will be asking you each a question and the people will vote based on your answers. Shad step forward. (Shad stands next to host.) How are you? Are you feeling nervous?

Shad:

No. I’m ok. My parents have prepared me for this moment all of my life. I’m ready!

Host:

Great! Let’s begin. Judges?

Judge #1:

Hey, Shad! I’m so proud of you! You know I’ve been pulling for you all season, right? So don’t let me down. Here’s your question:
If you were walking along the street and found a wallet on the ground that was full of money, what would you buy with all of that money?
a. A fur coat
b. Snakeskin boots
c. A golden necklace with the letter S

Shad:

Well…I wouldn’t buy anything.

(Judges all gasp)

Judge #1: Nothing!?

Shad:

I would try to find the owner of the wallet.

Host:

Okay…(shaking his head and ushering Shad back to his place in line.) Mechelle, why don’t you come on up and show Shad how to play the game?

(Mechelle stands next to host)

Host:

Judges, what’s Mechelle’s question?

Judge #2:

(Do a Bristish accent, if you can.) Mechelle, I didn’t vote for you at the auditions and I never thought you had any talent. I’m not expecting much from you here either. Here’s your question:
Your agent just called and wants you to try out for a rated-R movie. Which movie would you audition for?
a. Let’s Shoot Everybody
b. Run Them Over With Your Car
c. Halloween 18

Mechelle:

Well…I wouldn’t choose any of those.

(Judges gasp.)

Judge #2:

Not surprising…

Host: Why?!

Mechelle:

My mom won’t let me see rated R movies. And those movies don't sound uplifting.

Host:

All right, Mechelle…(shaking his head and ushering her back in line.) We’ve got one more contestant here. Abe, come on up!

(Abe stands next to host)

Host:

Judges?

Judge #3:

Yo, dog! You’ve brought the love here every night, dog. Let’s see what you’ve got tonight! Here’s your question:
The fans are swarming all around you. You’re signing autographs and people are screaming your name. Suddenly you see someone you go to school with. This guy doesn’t have any friends…you know a real loser. Some other people are pushing him trying to get closer to you, but he keeps calling your name. To make yourself look really cool in front of your fans, do you:
a. Just ignore him and act like you’ve never seen him before
b. Walk past him and push him like everybody else
c. Call him a dork and high five everybody nearby

Abe:

Well…I wouldn’t do any of those things.

(Judges gasp.)

Judge #3: Yo, dog!

Host: Why?!

Abe:

I don’t treat people like that.

Host:

Okay, folks. (Abe joins the others in line.) It’s time for you to call or text in your votes. This should be very interesting to see how this all turns out. While we’re counting up the votes, judges give us your thoughts.

Judge #1:

I think they’re all really special people, but I just don’t know if they have what it takes to be the next Babylonian Idol.

Judge #3:

Yo, dog, I know what you mean! They’ve got to live the life of the world, dog.

Judge #2:

None of them deserve to win as far as I’m concerned. All I have to say is “YAWN!”

Host:

(Holding his hand on his ear) We’ve just got word that the results are in. The winner of this year’s Babylonian Idol is…(shocked) nobody. It’s a three-way-tie. You each got only one vote and that was just from your own moms.

(Shad, Mechelle, and Abe high five and hug each other.)

Host:

Luckily we have a way to do a tie-breaker. Bring out the Idol.

(Golden Idol walks out then freezes like a statue.)

Host:

When you hear the trumpet and then the music plays, we want you to bow down to this idol. The judges will decide who does the best bowing and groveling and that person will win. Are you ready?

Shad:

Are you kidding?!

Mechelle:

There’s no way I’m going to bow down to that thing.

Host:

If you don’t do it, you will lose everything!

Abe:

No. If we bow down to that statue we will lose everything that really matters.

Mechelle:

We don’t want to worship your idols or be worshipped by others either.

Shad:

The only one who is worthy of being worshipped is God.

Abe:

We’re out of here!

(Shad, Mechelle, and Abe walk off stage.)

Host:

I’ve never seen anything like this before. What is Babylon coming to? What would we be without our idols? (Put hand to ear)

This just in:
1 Samuel 12:21-Do not follow after idols. They can do you no good… because they are useless.
and
Psalm 96:5 The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the Lord made the heavens!
Well, that’s all our time tonight. Thanks for watching and join us next time for Babylonian Idol!

 

Suggestions:  

 

Project this script large on the wall. You can do this by either using an LCD or overhead projector. This will turn the script into "cue cards" for all the players and leave their hands free.

 

Videotape the skit. If time, do it twice changing roles. Leave time to view.

 

The "Babylonian Idol" script is fun, and a take-off of the currently popular "American Idol" TV show.


 

A lesson written by Abby Rosser from: North Boulevard Church of Christ

Murfreesboro, TN

 

A representative of Rotation.org reformatted this post to improve readability.

 

Last edited by Rotation.org Lesson Forma-teer

Originally posted by member RachelH
Editor notes: A simplified version of this drama script is posted below.

Drama Script for Daniel 3

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: Three Men in the Hot Seat


Characters: Narrator 1 & 2, King, Announcer, people, musicians, person 1, person 2, person 3, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego Red ribbon sticks

Props: Statue, trumpet ( kazoo), instruments (recorders), wood, billows- if you can’t find one, have the kids just “blow” with their mouths, 3 ropes, “fire”
Editor suggests: use red ribbon sticks to represent the fire

Script:
Narrator 1: Daniel found favor with King Nebuchadnezzar (can substitute King Neb) and was given a high position and many gifts. Daniel asked that 3 men be put in charge of the country in Babylon – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. (Shad-rack, Me-shack, A-bed-knee-go)

Narrator 2: King Nebuchadnezzar made a great statue of gold. It was 90 feet high and 9 feet wide and set up by Babylon. Then the king gathered together all his officials – princes, governors, judges, and more.

King: I have gathered you all here for the dedication of this gold statue. (Have someone hold onto a chair/step, and someone else stand on it and present the “statue”-can be small)

Announcer: People of all nations, races, and languages, when you hear the sound of trumpets, followed by the music, you are to fall on your knees and worship the gold statue. Anyone who doesn’t worship the statue will be thrown into the fire immediately.

Narrator 1: So as soon as they heard the trumpet (Play horn/kazoo) followed by the music (Play instruments), the people bowed down and worshipped the gold statue (People worship statue)

Narrator 2: Now there were 3 Jews who did not believe it was right to worship the gold statue. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego believed in only the Lord God. They would not worship the idol. (“Statue” goes off stage)

Narrator 1: There were other men in the country who tried to stir up trouble. They said to the king,

Person 1: (To king) May the King live forever!

Person 2: We know of 3 Jews who are disobeying your laws.

King: What!

Person 3: Those three will not worship the gold statue!

King: Throw them in the fire NOW!

Narrator 2: So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were brought before the king.

King: Do you think there is any god who can save you from my anger and the fire?

Shadrach: We will not defend ourselves.

Meshach: If our God can save us from your fiery furnace, then he will.

Abednego: But even if our God doesn’t save us, we will not worship your idol.

Narrator 1: (The King sits down to watch the fire) Then the King got really mad. He ordered to turn up the fire 7 times hotter (Add wood & blow billows into the fire 7 times) He ordered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be tied up (bind wrists) and thrown in the fire. Because the fire was so hot, the guards themselves burned up. (Guards fall to the ground and roll away)

Narrator 2: The king sat and stared into the fiery furnace. He jumped up in amazement.

King: (Leaping to his feet) Didn’t we tie up 3 men and throw them into the blazing furnace?

Announcer: Yes we did, your majesty.

King: (Add an angel in white with the 3 walking around) Why are there 4 men walking around in the fire? They are not tied up – and not hurt. And look! The 4th one looks like a god!

Narrator 1: So King Nebuchadnezzar went to the door of the blazing furnace and called out,

King: Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, come out of there at once!

Narrator 2: And the 3 Jews came out of the fire unharmed. All gathered around and saw. Their hair was not singed, nor their clothes burned, nor did they smell of smoke.

Person 1: Mmmmmmmmmmm! (Sniffing the 3) You smell good!

King: Praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Your God sent His angel to rescue you because you kept your faith in Him. Your God is Great!

Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego: (High 5’s and dancing around) Uh, huh. Yeh! Our God is Great! Yes, our God is Great!

Announcer: Now the King commanded that everyone would respect the Lord God. There is no other God that can rescue like this one!

Narrator 1: And King Nebuchadnezzar praised God and believed. He promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to higher positions.


By Rachel Haugland – for non-profit use
Reference: The Amplified Bible – The Good News Bible – The Children’s Bible

A representative of Rotation.org reformatted this post to improve readability.

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Last edited by CreativeCarol

Gemmy Light for Decorating or Shadow Drama Ideas for the Fiery Furnace

This idea comes from Supporting Member jwmcrae, found over in the What's in YOUR Supply Closet? here at rotation.org.

I've copied it below. She also posted it in this forum under MISC ideas and tells what the hanging fabric is, here's the link to it.

"If you like to decorate for your units, this is a great time of year (Fall) to pick up the Gemmy Lightshow Lights. Our local Lowes and Big Lots stores both have them. We use the red ones to create flame effects. Attached is a picture of our "furnace" figures that we created with plastic tablecloths and cellophane for our Daniel and his Three Friends Unit."

IMG_2926

Her additional notes on how they used the lights...Gemmy Lightshow Light

"We use the type shown on the single stake. The stake screws into the handle. When we use them on the floor, we stack 3 bricks with holes and feed the stake through the hole for stability. When we hang them, like we did with blue ones for our whale, we unscrew the stake and ziptie the hanger where needed. "



Member Luanne Payne adds:

The orange light (pictured) is made by Gemmy and may be called either "Fire & Ice Projection Lightshow" or "Lightshow Fire and Ice Spotlight".

Storytelling Fiery Furnace

I purchased two of these and used in our "Fiery Light's" Black Light church sleepover.  Were very effective for the night time storytelling. Had one pointed towards the girls and one onto the wall in front of us. Had them both plugged into a power bar so they were easy to turn on at the right moment in the story (overhead lights turned off-storyteller needs a flashlight to continue reading) . Very effective! (P.S. As she suggested above , I stacked 2 bricks with holes to hold them in an upright position.)

The story I used was “The Men Who Liked To Say No” written by Bob Hartman. It is found in his book: "Telling the Bible Over 100 Stories to read out loud". Gives Telling Tips for audience participation.

Shadow Drama Fiery Furnace

What is Shadow Drama--Students pose and move behind a backlit sheet dramatizing the narration as they hear it and have rehearsed it.  For full details visit our "How to Do a Shadow Theater" resource page.

When I first saw Jennifer's post about the Gemmy Light I wondered if the orange light would work in a Shadow Drama behind the white sheet and when I tried it, it looked amazing as it swirls around, making the actors look like they are surrounded by fire, see photo below and in the left corner the effect on the white bedsheet. I didn't screw in the spike, but instead just sat the Gemmy Light on the chair, as pictured. Note: Regarding the white light, a lamp with a 100 Watt floodlight bulb will give you better defined shadows, than a 50 Watt lightbulb used here, but use what you have available!

Shadow-Drama-Lighting-Fire-BG-1

I also tested out filling a large glass bowl with water and a food drops of red food coloring and shone my light through it onto the white bedsheet. The effect is shown in the upper right corner of the below photo, a nice warm orange glow.

Shadow-Drama-Lighting-Fire-BG-2

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Last edited by Luanne Payne

Fiery Furnace Drama and Scenery

I wrote a drama for this story that uses at least 10 people. You can use 20 or more since you need a crowd for all of the scenes. You can also do it with less than 10 people if you allow some people to have double roles. We used our adult teachers along with the students. The script is attached to this lesson.

Scene One takes place in the throne room. To make this room, I hang plastic purple table clothes from rods I have installed in my classroom. The thrones are actually folding lawn chairs (fit for a king and queen -ha! ha!) You can see additional throne room instructions in the Esther lesson.

throne room

Scene Two, we find ourselves out in the field before the gold statue that GoldStatueNebuchadnezzar had built. This is my favorite frugal prop. As I was thinking of how to visualize the statue, I remembered that we had a roll of gold foil Christmas paper at the church. Most rolls of wrapping paper have at least 19 feet on them, so you will have plenty to make a statue that goes from floor to ceiling.

I found a really simple picture of the statue online. I printed it onto a transparency and then used a black sharpie to make the outline clear (I simplified the statue to make it easier to draw). I taped the foil to the wall and drew the statue using the overhead projector. I was able to cut it out right on the wall. Here is the final product. You could do the same thing with a computer and projector. The statue only cost a dollar or two since I got the paper on sale after Christmas. What a bargain!


When we did the drama, I downloaded trumpet fanfare ahead of time and played it at the appropriate time in the script.


The last scene takes place at the fiery furnace. I wrote about how I made the furnace in this post about repurposing. Here is a picture of it again.

FieryFurnaceWithFlames



1-Kid Frugal Logo [800x318)

Moderator's note: This drama lesson is from Rotation.org member Joan Eppehimer's KidFrugal blog.  It is part of a large group of lessons and resources that she developed to make "ministry happen when there are no resources to make it happen." Thank you, Joan, for sharing your creativity with our community!

You can read more about Joan and her ministry here.

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Last edited by Luanne Payne

re: The "Babylonian Idol" script posted above...

This is fun! I have another short one for the lions.

One consideration for the elaborate props is that they work if you're doing that workshop repeatedly. We do a workshop once, then the following week do another, so we typically do four different lessons. So unless we're using props that can be used throughout, we don't have the people power to make such big backdrops for a single lesson.

Last edited by Neil MacQueen

RE: The Drama skit by RachelH, posted above...

I love this skit. I adapted it to simplify the language and the number of parts, for our smaller, mostly younger class. Here it is if you'd like to use it.

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Last edited by CreativeCarol

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