The Wrap Group

“The Wrap Group”
Written by Frederick Passmore
Copyright 2006 Sheep Laughs Publications

Synopsis: A young man attends a support group for people addicted to popping the air bubbles in packing material. It shows that trying to deal with addictions from a purely secular standpoint is futile, only a spiritual approach is truly effective. After hearing several testimonies as to the power the bubbles have over them, and the trouble they have resisting it, the other people begin to have cravings. One new visitor tries sharing his faith in God as the source of his power to overcome, but after seeing the interest the group in showing in his testimony, the group leader forbids it, and forces him to leave, along with the member that invited him. At the end all of the attendees as well as the leader are furiously popping bubbles as it gets out of hand.

Length of play: 8-10 minutes.
Number of cast: 7 speaking parts, and as many other extras you can recruit in support parts.
Category: Comedic, medium-length skit, modern-day parable

Price of script PDF & Skit Trax MP3: Instant Download ONLY: Add to Cart: $12.99

Price of script PDF & Physical CD: (Since the Skit Trax consist of only opening and close music tracks, there is no physical CD for this script. The PDF and MP3 download above are all that is available.)

Soundtrack key: This is the type of script where your actors deliver their lines and the soundtrack supplies the background music and sound effects as the script calls for them. This particular script only comes with two tracks,  the short open and close music, which incorporates the sound of popping bubble wrap to the rhythm of the music.

Note: The bubble-popping is used as a metaphor for various types of addictions, including sexual. This skit is a parable that applies to all kinds of dependencies; it is not about the fictional bubble-wrap addiction, (although there may be such a thing in some small way). There is no need to actually name types of common addictions, as the script is dealing with them in a metaphorical way. Making it literal destroys the effectiveness, and negates the humor. Trust your audience to see the point; there is no need to hit them over the head with it.

Characters: Leanne, the Group Leader. Neal, George, Anna, Jake, and a few others as extras. Larry, the new visitor. The Security Guard. NOTE: any of the parts may be switched in gender depending on your cast. Just pencil in an appropriate name change for the character if you change it.

Setting: an arrangement of chairs, as many as needed to seat the cast, probably 10-12, arranged in a semi-circle facing the audience. if you need to do two rows of chairs due to your stage size, stagger the front chairs with the back ones so that no-one is blocked from view.

Props: A small sheet of bubble-wrap for each person. A partial roll of bubble-wrap, or a long sheet of it. A large pocketbook, big enough to hold the roll or sheet of wrap. An 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper, or larger paperboard, with the Positive Affirmation Statement printed in it. (Click here to open a large-text printable version of it to use.)

(A general description of the script; not all details or scenes are here, but it gives you an overall picture of what it is like.)

As the skit begins, Larry and Neal enter the stage. The group leader, LeAnn, comes in from the opposite side, and Neal introduces her to his friend, whom he has invited to the meeting.  As they talk, the cast of attendees files in and take their seats, engaging in light chatter with each other. Once all in, LeAnn calls the meeting to order with a group recitation of the Positive Affirmation Statement, which she holds up and leads them in reciting. She then introduces the visitor Larry to the group and invites him to share a little about himself. He relates the struggle he has had with bubble wrap addiction in the past, but has been doing well lately and came to share what he has learned about overcoming it. LeAnne then invites the members to speak, either with victory testimonies or confessions. Several do, but most are confessions of failing to abstain with any success. Each of their stories, although humorous, show the futility of depending on will power or even support of others in the grip of the same addiction.

Preview a a couple of PDF pages of the script that contains the scene above by clicking here: the_wrap_group_sample_01

When Larry points this out, and mentions that their failings are because of a lack of spiritual strength, the members are intrigued and begin to question him about it. After some initial sidetracking due to mistaken perceptions about spirituality voiced by various members, Larry gets a chance to share his faith in Christ, and the power He gives to overcome the sins of the flesh that bind and enslave. Before he can get too far, LeAnn steps in and curtails his testimony, pointing out that there is no room in the meeting for religion. When Larry wonders why, she insists that since the group receives some government funding, the (so-called) Separation of Church and State will not allow any mention of religion.

When Larry questions how any hope can be offered to those trapped in the bondage to sin, she refutes the notion that any of them are suffering from sin (and all that word implies), but are rather sick, and can be treated by approved methods, with positive results. Larry refers to all the confessions as proof that there are no positive results, which angers her. As Larry tries to finish his statement of faith, LeAnn picks up a phone and calls in a security person. She insists that Larry leave immediately, and when he friend Neal stands up to defend him, she commands him to be escorted off the premises as well. Neal retorts that he doesn’t want to stay if some legitimate course of help and hope is being denied to the hearers, and follows Larry out, telling him that he wants to hear more.

Preview a couple of PDF pages of the script that contains the scene above by clicking here: the_wrap_group_sample_02

Once Larry and Neal are gone, LeAnn apologizes to the rest of the group for that “unpleasantness,” and she asks for more confessions or victory testimonies. One young woman stands and confesses that she has brought some bubble wrap in her pocketbook in case she needed a popping break. When LeAnn insists she hand it over, the sight of it triggers a wave of interest in it among the group. As the leader holds up the confiscated contraband, she tries to reinforce the idea that one can overcome the urge by believing in one’s self…. but the group begins to confess, one after the other, the real reasons they are there: to network with others with the same interest, and find new outlets for their addiction. LeAnn is aghast that they are not really there to kick the habit, as they begin exchanging sources for bubble wrap.

As Leann begins to try and contain the rebellion, she begins to unconsciously pop the bubbles as she speaks. When the group points that out to her, she begins to give in, popping more, and enjoying it. Others bring out their own smuggled-in pieces, and popping is going on all over the room. When one member brings out a large roll of it, they all give chase to her, running around the room after her screaming for it, and finally all chasing her out the door, LeAnn included.

Read some of the testimonials about the script from just a few of the many users:

Note: If your church is participating in the Saddleback “Celebrate Recovery” program, this is the perfect skit for you! Here are a couple of testimonials from people that discovered it for themselves before I ever made the connection:

The Monee Free Methodist Church in Monee, IL will be performing your skit “The Wrap Group” on January 4.
This is perfect for us to use to help us promote our new Celebrate Recovery program!  The Celebrate Recovery Team is doing the skit on Sunday morning to draw attention to our weekly CR meetings.  God is so good!  Thank you so much for sharing this skit. The skit is so funny yet completely gives glory to the Lord.  It is perfect!
God bless you!
-Cheri Coakley

Hi, Fred!
Crossroads Ministries at Woodward Avenue Church of God, Athens, Tennessee, will be doing your script “The Wrap Group.” I was so excited to find this skit. I love it! At Crossroads Ministries we are using the recovery-based program, “Celebrate Recovery” by John Baker. We are a growing ministry and I am enthusiastic about using this skit to reinforce the fact that recovery through Jesus Christ is the only true recovery found for life’s addictions, hang-ups and habits. This skit gently allows people to see the importance of Christ in their recovery and how their addictions have control of them without, as you stated, “hitting them over the head with it”. We may also use this skit in our jail ministry as well. Thank you for such a great work. The Lord has blessed you with a unique gift and I know he will bless those who hear and see your skits performed as well. May God bless and keep you and your ministry. Thank you again.
-Laura Cruze

Fred,
My name is Rebekah Dunbar and I am 17 years old, and live in Arkansas. I attend First Freewill Baptist Church and every year my drama team competes in a National Youth Conference that our denomination puts on.
Two years ago I came across your site when looking for a drama for us to compete with, and found so many skits that related to that year’s theme and made it easy to work with and memorize for performing. That summer we used the Bubble Wrap skit which was a huge hit, we won district and made it all the way to Nationals where we competed and won! Following the performance we had multiple churches ask where we came up with the idea and if we could come and perform it for their home church. Of course we directed them all to your website where we ended up competing against some of the churches that we gave your reference to that summer. We were even asked to visit some church camps where we had the opportunity to perform and work with students our own age, that we talked to and had the chance to share our testimonies and tell them about our personal walk with Christ.

I don’t want to take up too much of your time but I wanted to thank you for doing what you do. I think all of the skits on the site are interesting and modernized which is sometimes hard to find for a church competition. This upcoming year we will most likely be using another one of your scripts to compete with. Our drama team could not have performed as well without the basis of the skits put on your site. Again, thank you and I pray that God blesses you and your site.
In Christ, Rebekah Dunbar

Fred,
The Chelsea Bible Church will be using your script “The Wrap Group” on March 12 for a youth competition where they are challenged to use their spiritual gifts. The purpose of the event is to help youth discover their gifts and to help them better at using them. I will be using this site for a long time. You have done an excellent job at producing quality content that points to the glory of God.
-Josh Ellis
Chelsea, AL

Fred,
Our high school Sunday Bible School class (at the Horton Road Original Free Will Baptist Church) will be performing “The Wrap Group” at our annual “Youth Sunday” on 2/28.
They laughed a lot as they read through it and argued over who got which parts. They made connections of Bible principles, so we were pleased that they grasped the moral easily and understood the life application. This skit has a great cast size with minor parts that still have real contributions. Because of the story line, we can actually include extra kids in our event even though they may only be casual or occasional visitors. Hopefully, we’ll remember to let you know how the skit is received by the congregation. I was very pleased with the content matter and the time-length of this skit – several of these would be a perfect fit for the type of service we’re having.
Rebecca Roberts
Durham, North Carolina

Fred,
We will be doing “The Wrap Group” at thr Glory Baptist Church in Appomattox, VA on August 31.
We have been working on drama with the teens in the church for about a year and they were quite disappointed with the skits we were choosing. We asked one of the teens to find something they would like and during an internet search, your website was found. Several skits were considered by the class and they chose the perform “The Wrap Group.”
I have never seen them so excited about the previous skits they performed! Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to help these children grow in God and in drama.
-Victoria Campbell

Dear Fred,
About a year ago I was desperately in need of a skit for my high school youth group to perform in our church, the Plainfield Methodist Church in Plainfield, Wisconsin, a couple of weeks. The skit I had ordered from another site (that had sounded terrific on paper) was dull and boring. It seemed that I had exhausted all the skits out there. I had been doing skits for a couple of years with my group successfully, but now I was running out of material.
Anyway, one day I sat down at the computer and did a word search, (seemingly the same word search I had done a million other times) but this time I prayed for God to help me find something that would fit my group and congregation’s needs. Well, in a matter of seconds your site pops up (like magic!).
Ever since I have been in heaven! We have now performed “The Creature in the Closet,” “The Wrap Group,” “How To Be Spiritually Fit” and today “The Crate Escape.” They have all been a blast to perform. They don’t need a lot of practice (which we all like) and there are few props needed. Most of all we love the humor and the soundtracks.
Teenagers get the message in a way they can relate to. Way to go Mr. Passmore, you are really doing God’s work! Thank you for providing this gift to us all.
Many Blessings,
-Cathy from Plainfield

Fred,
The St. James the Greaater Catholic Church in Eau Claire,WI. will be doing “The Wrap Group” on March 12th.
I read this and right away knew who would play Leanne’s part! It is exciting and perfect for my 8th graders that I teach each Wednesday night. I think the kids will really identify with the message and get it!
I just stumbled onto your site and feel that God must have been directing me to it. This is great material and the message is right on the mark! This is a great way to reach kids these days and bring God and faith into their impressionable minds!
Thanks a lot Fred, you are a true disciple of the Lord! God Bless and thanks for your ministry!!
-Mark Weinfurtner

Fred,
I just want to first thank you so so much for the skit, “The Wrap Group” (and the website)!!
I have started a Prayer Group at my church for the young teens and every once in awhile we plan and perform a Sunday program.
So one day I was at work and I began to pray, and started asking God to help me find something funny but also have a good point, and he did, he blessed me with your skit! It was so awesome, the people in my church loved it so much, they laughed and laughed, even the people I had help me laughed.
We had a blast practicing it, we just couldn’t stop laughing! We even had special guest that Sunday and they asked for your website and a copy of the skit, how awesome?! I just wanted to write and tell you how much I love this website! Also I will be using more of your skits! I will keep you in my prayers.
Thank you and may God bless you!!

-Heather
Berwick, PA

Fred,
We used “The Wrap Group” for our first Friday night YOUTH NIGHT on Feb. 16th. It was great. The adults performed the skit for the kids and I think the adults had as much fun doing it as the kids did watching it. This is an excellent site and I’m hoping to use more of your skits. Keep them coming!!!
Shari Alexander,
First Free Will Baptist Church
Mountain Home, Arkansas

Okay, if you liked the story breakdown, and enjoyed the script previews, and were encouraged by the testimonials of those that have done it, buy the complete script and soundtrack here! 

Get the script PDF (to print out) and audio tracks (to burn to your own CD) here.
Price of script PDF & Skit Trax MP3: Instant Download ONLY: Add to Cart: $12.99

Since the tracks for this skit only come to two, there are not enough for a CD to be offered. The Download option is the only one available for this script.

Questions before ordering? Call me at 912-347-9579!

Comedic, Live Radio Style, Medium-length Skit, Modern-day parable, Reader’s Theater     addictions, persecution, recovery