ENACTED WORD
Friends of the Groom Theater
Resource Center
ENACTED WORD
Techniques for Memorizing and Performing Scripture
When looking for a script to perform in a church setting, one powerful resource is scripture itself. Each of the videos below provides an example of a theatrically staged Bible passage and includes instructional notes explaining the techniques used.
Watch Video Demonstrations of Enacted word:
Video 1: Memorizing and acting out scripture – Mark 6
The story of the beheading of John the Baptist, performed by one actor from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible. The performance is followed by helpful notes for memorizing and presenting scripture.
Video 2: A call to Worship- How to act out scripture as a group – Psalm 25
A portion of Psalm 25 performed by three actors, suitable for use as a call to worship or the opening sentence of a worship service--followed by instructions on how to arrange and present scripture theatrically.
Video 3: PENTECOST - HOW TO PREPARE AND ACT OUT SCRIPTURE – Acts 2
The story of Pentecost from Acts 2, memorized and performed by three actors using the exact words of the text arranged to enhance their theatricality. The demonstration is followed by detailed instructions explaining how the passage was prepared and rehearsed.
Video 4: hOW TO ARRANGE, INTERPRET, AND ACT OUT SCRIPTURE – Hebrews 12
A group performance that combines a memorized presentation of scripture with contemporary scenes that interpret the scripture--followed by instructions on how the passage was prepared and rehearsed. The text, taken from Hebrews 12, stresses the need for unity in the church and highlights typical conflicts that threaten peace.
Video 5: PEACE BENEDICTION - MEMORIZING AND ACTING SCRIPTURE AS A Group – Philippians 4
A how-to demonstration with three actors performing a Bible passage (Philippians 4:4-6), suitable for use as a benediction.
Instructions:
Guidelines for Preparing a Bible Passage to Enact
1. Pick the right passage.
Does it inspire you or speak to you?
Does it tell a story?
Does it have strong visual images or strong emotions?
2. Read and study the passage.
Read it multiple times.
Read it in context.
Read it in several versions.
Read what commentaries say about it.
Familiarize yourself with how to pronounce names and places.
3. Analyze the passage.
What is the structure of the passage?
Does it have sections that can be set apart from each other?
Does it have a beginning, a middle, and an end?
Where is the climax?
Are there characters who speak, or are there implied characters?
4. Arrange the passage.
Break the text into sections.
How will you indicate characters? With voices? With subtext?
Where will you speak faster or slower? Where will you pause?
If you’re working with a group, who will speak which lines?
Where and how will you move to set sections apart?
What lines will you emphasize with special techniques like speaking in unison, or layering, or repeating certain phrases?
How will you make a strong beginning and a strong ending?
5. Rehearse the passage.
Rehearse out loud, on your feet, imagining the audience—or even better, in the space where you will actually perform.
Count on an hour of rehearsal for every minute of performance.
If possible, get an affirming director who can be your mirror—and tell you if you can be seen and heard.
MORE TECHNIQUES FOR PERFORMING SCRIPTURE:
DUAL TRANSLATIONS - Two performers alternate reciting different translations of the same passage
MOTION PICTURE - A group technique for interpreting Biblical passages with repetitive movements and lines
SCRIPTURE PYRAMID - An imaginative way to present a verse of scripture one short phrase or word at a time
© 2025, Friends of the Groom Theater Company
Activities and techniques in the Friends of the Groom Theater Company Resource Center are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.
The Resource Center is designed to assist churches, organizations, and individuals
with creative worship and Christian Education.
It is available to the general public for free under the terms of the Creative Commons License above.