DINNER THEATER DRAMAS

Perusing and purchasing scripts is much easier at www.theater4church.com.  Please visit us there since the drama web pages on this site will be phased out over the next few months.

Mystery Dinner Theater programs consistently draw large crowds.  Guests sit together at tables where they will eat, enjoy the drama, and then compare notes.  Accusations are turned in before the final scene occurs and the guilty party is revealed!

Every script includes: logos, example playbill, table game for audience, set up suggestions, ballots, example ads, character descriptions, Greatest Mystery Handout,. . .

Scripts are fun and family friendly.  These scripts have been used by youth groups, both novice and experienced drama teams, libraries, hospitals, cheer leading teams, etc.  Once you have presented your first mystery dinner, guests will be asking when the next one will be!!

Countless churches use Mystery Dinner Theaters as fund raisers to raise funds for missions and other needs!

  Printable doc with script overviews and ordering details.

Printable doc with guidelines for hosting a dinner theater.

A new copyright agreement has been written.
 

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Please go to the new site to find the script that is ideal for your organization.

 

Murder (or Attempted Murder) Mystery Drama #10
“Wrangle at Red Mountain Ranch”
by Nancy Bond

Synopsis:
A right lively crew heads out west to a real dude ranch.  They are seeking to hash out their differences by living a cowboy’s life and reenacting scenes from the Old West.  Just as hope appears, several scalawags are caught lyin’ like a rug.  One pilgrim retaliates by taking out the worst scoundrel of all.   Your audience will enjoy coming dressed western style.  Cost:  $125     View some pictures!

Mystery Drama #9
“Sabotage on 'The Ultimate Server'”
by Nancy Bond

Synopsis:  Tonight the TV reality show “The Ultimate Server” begins taping in front of a live audience. Seven contestants will battle to outplay, outperform, and out serve in order to acquire the $250,000 grand prize.

Murder (or Attempted Murder) Mystery Drama #5
“Suspect Hollywood”
by Nancy Bond
(This is our most popular first timer script!)

Synopsis:
A hilariously, funny dinner theater about some “famous” and some not so famous actors and actresses who are auditioning for a new movie entitled Peril of the Prodigal Son.  The director has made lots of promises to the potential cast members and financiers of this movie.  But can he keep these promises and how will they react if they are betrayed?  There are several suggestions for involving audience members that will make this a fun night to remember!!  Also, since the majority of the dialogue takes place during an audition – cast members will be able to read most of their lines from the script.  Two options for endings.  (And a slightly different script for a non-murder option.)    Read Other's Comments
Cost:  $125

Dinner Mystery Drama #7
“The Conundrum on the Crackerjack Cruise”
by Nancy Bond

Murder Mystery Drama #8
“Murder at Mike's”
by Nancy Bond

Synopsis:
It’s opening night at a new 1950’s style restaurant – Mike’s 50’s Cafe.  Guests arrive dressed in fifties attire ready to celebrate!  As the night progresses, secrets will be revealed.  However, some characters are desperate to keep things hidden.  And when one person decides that murder is the only solution, the audience is called on to help solve the crime.  Who did it?  How did he or she do it?  And why? 

There are 2 options for endings.  One has a strong family message and the other one provides variety. 
Cost:  $125
 

FAQ's about the "mini-mystery”?

What is a "mini-mystery"?
The script is short, the cast is small, the staging is simple, and the cost is a steal!  At only $65, this type of mystery makes a great option for first-timers or for quickly putting together a fun evening between larger events.  (Script memorization is still recommended.)

The cost is much less because the length of the script is only about 30 minutes in total.  And now there are several accompanying documents including:  mystery ballots, suggested games for the audience, character descriptions/overview for the cast, graphics, sample play bills, sample advertising and invite handouts, etc.

Keep the evening simple by doing a dessert theater or make this mystery part of a lock-in event.

Why did you create these shorter scripts?
When teaching workshops, I realized that simply stating facts was quite dull.  So, I created the first script as a way to show attendees how much fun the audience has in watching the drama and trying to solve the mystery.  Plus, the cast has a GREAT time too!

Then, I realized from you all that many churches who are new to dinner theater need something short, easy, and quick to put together.

Which Mini-Mystery is your favorite?
My favorite tends to be the newest one because I think I learn as the years go by how to be a better writer.  So, Moolah Mystery is my fav right now.  And it was also fun to reminisce and include a bit of myself in each character.  (For example:  Robin is a shag carpet raker and I absolutely loved doing that!)

Would you recommend a mini-mystery for a church that has already done a few dinner theaters?
No.  Go for the full length - unless you have a youth group who is brand new to the process or if you want something quick and fun for part of a bigger event like a retreat or camp.
 

Mini Mystery Drama C
“Moolah Mystery”
by Nancy Bond

Synopsis:
Four teenagers decide to stop procrastinating and start working on a school project.  But when a bag of money is discovered in the Harper’s home, suspicions quickly arise!  Allegations are pronounced.  Lies are revealed. Conspiracies are divulged.  Is a bank robber in their midst?  Who wants revenge?  Who dares to call the police?  Will the family be permanently ruptured?

Decorations will be fun to create for this 1970's themed script.  Plus, the money theme will inspire lots of ideas too.

Mini Mystery Drama B
“The Surprise Party Bamboozle”
by Nancy Bond

Synopsis:
Friends have organized a surprise party for Jake’s 25^th birthday.  Jake’s best friend, Brodie, gives him a very unique gift.  But his friends become annoyed with Jake’s reaction to his new found power that this gift provides.  When one of them demolishes the gift, the audience is asked to help solve the case.

Mini Mystery Drama A
“The Cupcake Caper”
by Nancy Bond

Synopsis:
A young man, Logan, is extremely excited about the upcoming night.  He plans to surprise his girlfriend, Jessie, with a romantic proposal at the park where they met playing volleyball.  However, his plans are crushed when he discovers the carefully selected engagement ring is missing!