Need help with a Christmas play program timeline? October isn’t too early to start the planning process. In fact, your church’s Christmas plans should now be officially underway!
What type of Christmas play program or pageant is your youth ministry or children’s ministry planning? If you’re just starting to map out how to put on the best Christmas pageant ever, we want to help!
Here is a sample timeline for any Christmas play program. Feel free to follow or adapt this plan. Let it guide you to seasonal success!
Start Planning Your Christmas Play Program Now
- Decide which program to use.
- Work with your church leadership team to select a date for the performance. Also nail down a budget.
6 Weeks Before the Event
- Put information about the program in your church newsletter and bulletin.
- Send an email or personalized invitation to families in your church. Invite them to participate in this family event and to invite others.
- Hang posters around your church and community.
- Send flyers home with kids.
- Add information on your church’s website.
- Have families spread the word.
- Reserve rooms in your church for scene rehearsals. Get one large room for the performance (if not doing it during a normal service). Also get one snack-friendly area for the cast party.
- Enlist your team: Cast Party Caterer, Registration Team Members (if your program needs these), Assistant Directors (to help with different scenes and other duties), Sound Tech, Photographer (you’ll want to get parents’ approval first), Costume Designer, Set Designers, and Actors!
5 Weeks Before the Event
- Hold an introductory meeting to cast your vision for the program.
- Meet with your team to discuss duties.
- Read through the entire script with your team.
4 Weeks Before the Event
- Give the script to the Sound Tech, the Assistant Directors, and the Actors.
- Set rehearsal dates.
3 Weeks Before the Event
- Continue to hold rehearsals.
- Make a press release to send to local media.
- Have the Costume Director come in with costumes to try on.
- Check in with the Set Designers.
