After 928 posts and more than four years, I'm calling it quits on the blog in order to focus on other pursuits. My sincerest thanks to my five official followers that Typepad tells me that I have. I'm still on Facebook, still writing skits, and still writing whatever else I can get my hands in. God bless, and please keep in touch: john@righteousinsanity.com
Righteous Insanity
Drama Ministry, Short Films, and a Zombie Puppet
March 07, 2012
March 05, 2012
Free Skit Monday - A Den of Political Lions
Fun, different spin on the tale of Daniel and the Lions den with a tie-in to American history and our freedom of religion. (That's religion, not worship.) Enjoy.
A Den of Political Lions
By John Cosper
CHARACTERS
Johnson - A guard/ lion keeper
Leo and Connie - Lions (puppets of actors in costume)
A desk with a phone is on stage right. Johnson is sitting at the desk, dressed in either Biblical era armor or a modern zookeeper type uniform. If you are using puppets, the puppet stage is stage right with a sign on front that says: DANGER: LIONS. If you are using actors, have a barrier, fence or cage bars running from downstage to upstage, dividing the stage in half.
JOHNSON: Lion's Den, Johnson speaking... No, sir, I was just about to feed them... Oh really?... What's the name?... Sentence?... Really? Interesting. What time will he be here?... Well, they won't be happy about it, but I'll tell them... You know they don't like these last minute deals... Yes, sir, I understand. We'll do as the king asks.
Johnson hangs up. He walks over to the barrier. Leo and Connie enter.
LEO: Johnson!
JOHNSON: Hey, good morning, Leo.
LEO: Hey, do a lion a favor, toss me some bacon.
JOHNSON: Sorry, Leo, that was the general. You guys have an execution tonight, so no breakfast.
CONNIE: What? When did this happen?
JOHNSON: Just now. They arrested him this morning, and they want you good and hungry.
CONNIE: But we're hungry now!
LEO: You know, I don't mind the fasting thing, Johnson, but a little warning would be nice.
JOHNSON: I know, but it's the king's order, so we have to do as he asks.
CONNIE: Hey, Johnson, who is it? It's not another petty thief is it?
LEO: If it is, we better get some chicken on the side. There's no meat on those guys.
JOHNSON: Actually, it's the king's number two man.
CONNIE: Oooh, a politician! He oughta be plump and juicy.
LEO: What did he do? Assassination plot? Stealing from the treasury?
JOHNSON: He prayed to his own God.
CONNIE: That's it?
LEO: Well what's wrong with that?
JOHNSON: The king issued an order that for a month, no one can pray to any god other than the king himself. This guy is one of those Hebrews, and he got caught praying to his own God.
CONNIE: Wow. I know it's none of my business, but that just doesn't sound right.
JOHNSON: Right or wrong, the king's command is law here in Persia. You know that.
CONNIE: I know, I know. But people should have the right to... how should I put this? Freedom of religion?
LEO: Yeah, yeah, I know what you're saying. Like there ought to be a place where church and state are separate, and the state has no right to come in and tell people how to practice their faith.
CONNIE: Yes! And that right would be guaranteed in writing in a document... a Constitution, you know?
LEO: Boy, think of it, a place where people would be free to pray how they like, worship how they like. And no one would get thrown to the lions because of their religious faith.
Pause, as these thoughts sink in. Connie and Leo look at each other.
CONNIE: I dunno, Leo, I kinda want to eat.
LEO: Me too. But it would still be nice for the people.
CONNIE: Oh it would be wonderful.
LEO: Do you think there is such a place?
JOHNSON: No place I've heard. But maybe one day there will be.
LEO: Yeah. A land where all men are created equal, and the people are free to worship God in their own way. And we would call it... Taco Bell.
CONNIE: Taco Bell? That's the most ridiculous thing I ever heard.
LEO: I'm a lion, not a political scientist! What do you expect?
February 29, 2012
February 28, 2012
Another school, another town, another community asking why
My heart went out to the students and families of Chardon High School. I heard about it from a text from an acquaintance who is from that area originally. It seems like so long since we had one of these incidents. We'd almost forgotten about Paducah, Columbine, and so many more. And yet here it comes around again. The boy looks like all the others we saw before - quiet, reserved, with warning signs no one really heeded.
I wrote "The Waiting Room" in the wake of Columbine, and toured it with Youth for Christ Louisville. I wish that it was no longer relevant. It's the story of seven kids and the boy who shot them in the school halls coming face to face. It's message has nothing to do with video games or goth music or guns. It's love. If kids could learn to love each other, especially the "forgotten," maybe we could prevent the next tragedy - murder, suicide, whatever form it might try to take.
It's been revised (about a year ago) to update the language and dialogue a bit. Feel free to update some more as you so choose - if you choose to use it.
This script is free, and always will be, so long as it's needed.
February 26, 2012
Free Skit Monday - A New Model Dad
New skit for Dad's and Father's Day to go with last week's treat for mom.
A New Model Dad
by John Cosper
CHARACTERS
Amy- A girl looking for a new dad
Dad- Amy’s Dad
Jeff- Used Dad Salesman
Otto- German Fascist Dad
Buck- Sports loving Dad
Howard- Too busy Dad
[Director’s Note: To reduce cast size, you can have one actor do minor costume changes and play Otto, Buck, and Howard.]
Jeff is at stage left seated behind a desk with his feet up, reading a paper. Amy rolls her Dad on stage in a cushy chair. Dad wears a T-shirt, shorts, black socks, and a gut. He is also fast asleep. Jeff sees Amy and sits up.
JEFF- Can I help you?
AMY- Yes. I’d like to trade in our dad.
JEFF- Then you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to Crazy Larry’s Used Dad Lot. So, where is the old man?
AMY- Asleep in his chair...like always!
JEFF- (jolts when he sees Dad) I’ve seen worse. But don’t despair. Whatever you’re looking for in a father, Crazy Larry’s is bound to have it. Now, exactly what kind of features were you looking for? Something more sporty? Energetic?
AMY- Clean?
JEFF- Ah! I have just the man for you. (calls off) Otto!
Otto marches on military style.
OTTO- Achtung! Getten zee in a line! Macht schnell!
Amy stands at attention, nervous.
OTTO- Vut are you do-ink? You schould be home do-ink home-vurk!
AMY- But it’s Saturday!
OTTO- Zen you schould be do-ink chorz! If I am to be your Fa-ter, you vill haff to schape up! From now on, ven you get home from school, you do homevurk. Zen, you do chorz. At 5:30, you eat supper. Late comers do not get fruit cup. Six o’clock, dishes. Six thirty, shower. Seven o’clock, bedtime!
AMY- Seven o’clock bedtime?
OTTO- Right after butterfly kisses.
AMY- (walks to Jeff) I don’t think this one’s going to work out.
Otto exits.
JEFF- What’s the matter? Not what you had in mind?
AMY- Not exactly. My old dad made me do homework and chores, but he knew how to have fun too.
JEFF- I see. Perhaps a more fun-loving father then? Someone with a big heart who likes to be involved in your life.
AMY- Yeah. And one who enjoys sports.
JEFF- I have just the Dad you’re looking for.
Buck runs on.
BUCK- Hey, hey, how ya doin’ there, sport? You ready for some fun and excitement with dear old dad?
AMY- Yeah!
BUCK- Well that’s just what we’re gonna do! Starting tomorrow, you’re signing up for ice hockey.
AMY- Ice hockey?
BUCK- That’s right! Nothing builds character and a sound mind like a little blood on the ice!
AMY- But I’m a soccer player.
BUCK- Soccer! Soccer? Only weenies play soccer!
AMY- What did you say?
BUCK- I said soccer is for weenies!
AMY- (to Jeff) Okay, get him out before I have to hurt him.
Buck exits.
JEFF- But I thought you wanted an active Dad.
AMY- I do. But I want a dad who will let me be me, not what he wants me to be.
JEFF- I see. So you want someone who is supportive, but not so heavily involved. What about this one?
Howard enters.
HOWARD- Hey there, Buffy.
AMY- It’s Amy.
HOWARD- Whatever. I just want you to know that as your dad, I’ll be proud of you no matter what you want to do. And whenever life gives you lemons, I’ll be right there to help you turn them into lemonade. (cell phone rings) Just a minute. (answer phone) Hello?...We did? The Asher account?...I’m on my way. (hang up) Gotta run, guys. I’ve got a five-thirty meeting in L.A. (pulls out a ten dollar bill and hands it to Amy) Here. Go to the mall and get yourself something cool.
AMY- But can we just--
HOWARD- Sorry, Doris, gotta run! (runs off, yells) Don’t forget to feed the dog!
AMY- (stunned) We don’t even have a dog
JEFF- What do you think? He’ll let you be you, and he has a big six figure salary!
AMY- My dad never had that. But he was there for me. And he always listened.
JEFF- (shrugs) Well, I’m afraid you’ve put me in an awkward spot. I’ve already shown you all the Dads I have on the lot. The only one left is--
AMY- The only one I need!
Amy runs to their Dad.
AMY- Dad?
Amy holds Dad’s nose. Dad snorts and wakes up.
DAD- What the-- What the heck did you do with my TV?
AMY- I love you, Daddy!
Amy hugs Dad.
DAD- What the heck did you do with my real daughter?
February 21, 2012
Scotty Love - How to Judge Others
Scotty Love's got a new lesson for you this week, and his friend Randy is along for the ride. Will anyone learn anything in this lesson about judging others?
February 20, 2012
Free Skit Monday - Even Bad Guys Love Their Moms
I revisited some old friends this week - Dr. Insidious and Everyman from the Morbidman series. It was like I never quit writing for them, it came so natural. This skit's a little wordy than it probably needs to be, but I love these characters and never seem to run short of things for them to say. Here's a little something for Mother's Day or any other occasion you find to celebrate Mom.
Even Bad Guys Love Their Moms
A Righteous Insanity Morbidverse Skit
By John Cosper
www.righteousinsanity.com/morbidman
CHARACTERS
A Narrator
Everyman – An average super hero
Dr. Insidious – A really bad guy
NARR: In times of crisis, in times of need, there is one man who will always be there to stand up for truth, justice, and a other good stuff. He is the hero for the common man! He is... Everyman!
Everyman enters. He wears a three piece suit and a mask. He strikes a super hero pose.
NARR: Everyman is not the fastest super hero.
EVERYMAN: No, I am not!
NARR: He's not the strongest super hero.
EVERYMAN: No, I am not!
NARR: He's not the brightest guy either.
EVERYMAN: I what?
NARR: And he's definitely not the best looking.
EVERYMAN: Oh come on!
NARR: But if evil doers are up to no good, you can be sure Everyman will be there.
EVERYMAN: That's right!
NARR: Probably getting beat up.
EVERYMAN: Now that's just being mean!
Dr. Insidious enters with flowers, laughing an evil laugh.
EVERYMAN: Well, well, well, if it isn't Dr. Insidious.
INSIDIOUS: Everyman! What are you doing here?
EVERYMAN: I'm here in this supermarket to stop you from committing crime. And to grab a box of Wheaties.
INSIDIOUS: Bleccch! You actually eat that stuff?
EVERYMAN: It's not so bad with bananas, and it gives me the energy I need to bring you to justice.
INSIDIOUS: Keep your mask on, Everyman, I'm not up to no good today.
EVERYMAN: Oh no? Looks to me like you're stealing flowers!
INSIDIOUS: I'm not stealing flowers!
EVERYMAN: You steal everything, you.... you stealer! Remember when you stole the Picasso from the museum?
INSIDIOUS: I was borrowing it for a party.
EVERYMAN: And the Mustang from Tom's Ford?
INSIDIOUS: I took it for a test drive and forgot it wasn't mine.
EVERYMAN: And the time you stole second base?
INSIDIOUS: I was playing softball, you nit wit!
EVERYMAN: I think I proved my point. Now put down those flowers and let's go to jail.
INSIDIOUS: Like I said, Everyman, I'm not stealing flowers. (pulls out a credit card) See? I have my credit card today.
EVERYMAN: Evil Express Card? Member since 1999?
INSIDIOUS: Don't leave home without it.
EVERYMAN: I don't understand. Why would you, the most evil man in all the world, buy flowers?
INSIDIOUS: Because it's Mother's Day!
EVERYMAN: It is?
INSIDIOUS: Good heavens, don't you know your holidays?
EVERYMAN: Crime has no holiday, and neither do I.
INSIDIOUS: I got news for you, Everyman, everybody takes a holiday for Mother's Day. The Joker, Lex Luthor. Even Darth Vader gets all weepy when you bring up his Mommy!
EVERYMAN: But why?
INSIDIOUS: Because Mothers made us who we are! They gave birth to us, they taught us to walk and eat and talk, they taught us right and wrong. Of course, heh, my mother taught me more wrong than right.
EVERYMAN: I can tell.
INSIDIOUS: I owe a lot to my Momma. And you owe a lot to yours. You did get YOUR mother something, didn't you?
EVERYMAN: Well, actually, now that you mention it I...
INSIDIOUS: You didn't???
EVERYMAN: I've been busy lately. There's a lot of crime, and I...
INSIDIOUS: I can't believe it! You didn't get anything for your mother?
EVERYMAN: Like i said, I..
INSIDIOUS: Hold on, hold on. (pulls out his evil cell phone and dials) Hey, Mom? You know that guy Everyman? He didn't get his Mom anything for Mother's Day... I know! And people say I'm evil, right?... Sure, he's right here.
Dr. Insidious hands Everyman the phone.
INSIDIOUS: She wants to talk to you.
Everyman takes the phone.
EVERYMAN: Hello?... (Everyman tries to cut in, but Momma Insidious gives him an ear full) But... But I... But... But listen... But... But... Yes, ma'am... Yes, I know she did... Yes, yes, I will... Okay.
Everyman hands the phone back to Dr. Insidious.
INSIDIOUS: Hi, Mommy, gotta go... I love you too, Mom.
EVERYMAN: Guess I better get some flowers.
INSIDIOUS: You owe it to her. Moms are special people. They deserve the best.
EVERYMAN: Yes, they are.
INSIDIOUS: Today, flowers. Tomorrow, the WORLD!
Evil laugh.
EVERYMAN: You what?
INSIDIOUS: (covering himself, and his evil plan) I mean... Cookies. Tomorrow, I'll give her cookies. Come on, let's find some flowers for your Mom.
February 13, 2012
Free Skit Day: If It Feels Good
This is one of my all time favorite skits. It's also one that nearly cost us a big ministry opportunity. We performed this on stage at a large high school convention in Cincinnati as part of a skit show. The adults in the crowd hated us, wanted us yanked off the stage and tossed out the door. In retrospect, maybe we should have prefaced this with an introduction stating that the skit contained SARCASM and was not intended to be taken literally. Or maybe we could have just said, "If you don't get the message, ask a kid to explain it to you."
"If It Feels Good" is one of a number of RI skits featured on www.sundayschooldropouts.com. Enjoy.
February 11, 2012
Scotty Love on Getyoked?
Scotty Love's a married man, so no, he's not looking for love. He IS looking to hook up his good buddy Michael, a single guy who hasn't found God's will for his life yet... at least, that's Scotty's take.
Here's a bonus clip from The Scotty Love Show for this week. Check out the websites at the end for more funny stuff from Scotty Love and getyoked.net
February 08, 2012
Scotty Love - The Single Life
With Valentines Day less than a week away, Scotty Love drops an episode devoted to Christian singles.
John Cosper
I'm an award-winning writer and a director of drama, film, and fiction and the founder of Righteous Insanity..
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