After School Program
The After School Program meets for approximately six to eight weeks, three days a week for an hour session. Children may sign up for this program on a voluntary basis with their parent's permission. They are chosen on a first come basis until enrollment reaches approximately fifteen children.
Script—Queen Esther
"Queen Esther"
Scene I: The king's decree is announced.
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Chief Servant: Extra, extra . . . The king has issued a decree, he will be holding a beauty contest this Saturday. At that time he will chose a new queen. Extra, extra . . . Read all about it!! Girls, this is your chance to become the new queen. Extra, extra . . . Read all about it!!
Scene II: The beauty contest is held on stage.
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(The king sits on one side of the stage with his chief servant sitting next to him. Girls in the contest walk back and forth on the stage while the king pantomimes to his advisor, whispering and taking notes about each one. The king motions that he has made a decision. Girls are lined up at the back of the stage.)
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Chief Servant: (Comes to the middle of the stage.) And now for the moment we have all been waiting for. (Opens an envelop.) The new queen is Esther!
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(Esther is crowned the new queen—queen comes forward and the king places the crown on her head. They walk down the isle while music is being played and exit from the back of the auditorium.)
Scene II: This scene opens with Haman and Mordecai in deep conversation.
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Haman: As the king's chief advisor I command you to bow down before me.
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Mordecai: I bow down to no one but God Jehovah.
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Haman: We'll see about that!
Scene III: This scene opens with Haman and the king in deep conversation.
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(The king and Haman are on stage off to the side; they pantomime—gesture and talk quietly to each other.)
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Chief Servant: (Walks back and forth on stage while giving speech.) Haman told the king lies about the Jewish people. He asked the king's permission to kill the Jews. The king gave his permission.
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(Haman and the king exit together, quietly talking as they go down the aisle of the auditorium.)
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Haman: (Haman enters, walking down the aisle and talks to himself.) Oh, I'm so happy. I can't wait till all of those Jews are killed, especially Mordecai. I can't stand him. (Haman stamps his feet. He goes unto the stage as he speaks.) What day will I kill those Jews? I have the dice; I'll find out. (Haman throws small pebbles unto the stage while the Chief Servant narrates.)
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Chief Servant: Haman throws stones that look like dice onto numbers. They land on numbers 12 and 13. Haman believes that this means the 13th day of the 12th month. The stones that Haman throws are called lots. The Jewish word for lots means Purim.
Scene IV This scene opens with Mordecai and Queen Esther in deep conversation.
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(Mordecai and Queen Esther enter the stage pantomiming—gesturing and talking.)
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Chief Servant: (Walks back and forth on the stage.) Mordecai went to Queen Esther. He knew she was the only one who could help the Jewish people. Queen Esther agreed even though she was frightened. Queen Esther told Mordecai to tell the Jewish people to pray and fast for three days. Then she would talk to the king.
Scene V: This scene opens with a banquet planned by Queen Esther for the king. Haman was, also, invited to the banquet.
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King: What is that you want beautiful Queen Esther?
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Queen Esther: Oh, most honorable king, I have something very important that I must discuss with you. For you see, I am Jewish. Haman has told you lies about the Jewish people. He plans to kill all of the Jews. That means that I must die also.
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King: I am so sorry, my beautiful Queen. (Turns to Haman.) For this you will die. (Turns to soldiers standing on the side.) Take him and hang him.
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(Soldiers exit with Haman in handcuffs.)
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King: From now on, Mordecai will be my chief advisor. Come, come Queen Esther, it has been a long, long night.
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(The play ends with the king and queen walking down the isle and exiting.)