Adam and Eve Fashion Show
Drama
Kids split into 3 small group to prepare for a series of appearances in the spotlight on the stage to show off and describe one of three props. Think "fashion modeling."
Have a "runway" for the kids to come out on, some thumping music and a microphone for the announcer who will introduce each model.
Our 3 Modeling Groups are:
1. Fig Leaf Wearers (trying to cover up)
2. Wall Builders (hiding from God)
3. Clothing Models (what God gives us to 'wear')
Even if you have just a few students, you'll need to prepare for all three types of models. The "quick change" behind the stage can be fun.
See notes below for each of the three groups.
The Idea:
Models walk down a runway/stage one at a time -showing off their item as the announcer (teacher) reads from a card the students have prepared about their "ensemble." The location can be on a stage with a spotlight, or an elevated "runway" made out of tables with legs folded up and set on floor, or a strong low table that can be walked on. Be playful but safe in your setup!
Preparation of the Fig Leafs, Wall stones, and Clothing pieces is very important.
Each group creates their props, labels them, and practices presenting them. You work with them, seeding ideas, and helping them write out an "announcers card" to go with each item/model for the announcer to read as they walk the runway.
Like many dramas, you probably need to practice it once. Encourage them to "ham it up" as far as showing off their prop/fig leaf/clothing item. They are probably all familiar with "modeling poses" and modeling walks so ham that up. VISEOTAPE it for extra fun and reinforcement.
How the Adam and Eve Fashion Show Unfolds:
First, a Fig Leaf Wearer comes out onto the stage in the spotlight to "model" what they are wearing... a heavy/thick pair of flesh colored pantyhose and labeled fig leaf.
Like in a real fashion show, the "announcer" (teacher) has been given a card/script describing what the person is wearing. Creating these cards is part of the prop preparation process. See examples below. The teacher will have to embellish and add-to.
Second, a Wall Builder comes out into the spotlight (wearing boxes for effect), poses with their stone and then places their stone on the ground or on top of another stone -while the announcer describes what's on the stone.
Third, a "Clothing Model" comes out as if "on the runway" modeling an item of clothing God has made them.
Continue alternating between Fig Leaf Wearer, wall builder, and clothing model, until everyone has gone at least twice or you feel you have talked enough about leafs, stones and clothing. The lights come back on, and discussion in a circle ensues.
Post-show discussion option:
Collect the leafs/stones/clothing and randomly redistribute, --asking each student to explain the item (idea) they have been given. Pass around a stone and marker, inviting each student to add "something that keeps us from spending time with God." This will reinforce the concepts.
Suggestions for what the 3 Modeling Groups wear on stage:
1. Fig Leaf Wearers
2. Wall Builders
3. Clothing Models
1. A Fig Leaf worn over a flesh colored body stocking.
This is what Adam and Eve put on when they discovered they were naked. These are things we try to do to cover up our mistakes....but like fig leafs, they don't really work too good.
Suggested Fig Leafs:
Lying --lies are usually found out, and make us look even more stupid (naked) than before. Moreover, YOU know you lied, and you know GOD knows you lied, so you are really wearing an invisible fig leaf.
Blame --blaming others is a "cover up" and usually makes us look guilty, and small, and petty. We think it is covering up our nakedness, but it's really exposing us.
For the Fig Leaf: light green construction paper will do.
For the Flesh Color Body Stocking: Purchase a very thick pair of pantyhose.
2. Wall Builders
They carry a box-stone which has a big label on the side. After showing it off, they build a wall with it. These "models" are also wearing boxes on their arms and legs, which make them walk clumsily.
Suggested Stone Labels: (ways to ignore God, hide from God)
- The "don't go to church" stone. If you don't go, you don't have to confess/feel guilty.
- The "don't believe in God" stone. If he isn't real, then you can do what you want.
- The "don't pray" stone. If you don't listen to God, you don't have to change.
3. Clothing Models
God made clothing to replace the fig leafs before sending his children into the world.
These articles of clothing are labeled with the GIFTS of God we have to live our lives and do our work. The clothing not only cover our shame (save us), but help us to follow God. The clothing models are the most flamboyant. They can wear other funny clothes, but one item in particular is labeled and it is spoken about by the announcer.
Some suggestioned items of clothing:
- Over-alls and work boots... God clothes us with work to do, -to tend to creation and take care of others. By helping/working, we learn not to be selfish.
- Awesome Decorated Sneakers ....God wants us to play and be happy.
- Coat and Hat... God wants to shelter us from life's storms (we are not alone/naked in the world).
The Teacher-Announcer...
During preparation, work with the kids to create 'notes' about what each item/prop means, and what can be said about them. This is a great time to discuss and make life application with your students! Write out their insights and yours on cards and label each with the name of the student who will be wearing that item.
You are the "MC" of the fashion show. Announce the model's name, what they are wearing, and comment on what it means. Embellish with "fashion" phrases, such as, "fabulous," "ensemble," "stylish," and "what today's smart Christian wears" etc etc. Add your insights to each as they move with their prop. Dismiss each model with a "thank you...wasn't she lovely in those boxes?" etc. i.e. have fun with it.
I borrowed this fashion show idea from an old youth group activity we did in the 70's that had us putting on an "armor of God" fashion show. (Our show then was not limited to the items listed in scripture. I particularly remember the "put on the running shoes of God" model twirling across our stage, and "bandanas for Jesus" that covered our eyes so we wouldn't be distracted by beautiful girls in worship. ...Ah, the 70's youth group) That also reminded me of a "fashion show" game I used to play with my daughters when they were younger and would come home from school clothes shopping. I'd make funny stuff up about what they could do in their new shirts and skirts.
An idea from Neil MacQueen, Venice, FL
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