The holiday season is the perfect time to come together and celebrate traditions that warm the heart and bring joy to communities. One of the most beloved holiday traditions is Book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a humorous and heartfelt story about the mischievous Herdman siblings who unexpectedly take center stage in a town Christmas pageant. Whether planning for a school performance, church event, or community theater, booking The Best Christmas Pageant Ever can create an unforgettable experience.
This comprehensive guide will walk through how to book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever for your event—covering everything from script options to securing performers—and ensuring your holiday pageant is a memorable success.
What Is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever?
Before booking, it helps to understand what makes this story so special. Written by Barbara Robinson in 1972, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows the Herdman children, known as some of the worst kids in town, as they unexpectedly take leading roles in a traditional nativity play. Their fresh and untraditional interpretation of the Christmas story reveals new meaning and charm, blending humor with heartfelt messages of acceptance and kindness.
The story has since become a staple for holiday pageants in schools, churches, and theaters across the country, often performed as a play or adapted into films.
Step 1: Decide the Type of Production
You have two main options when booking The Best Christmas Pageant Ever:
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Hire a professional theater company to perform the pageant at your venue. This option is ideal if you want a polished, no-hassle experience where all actors, costumes, and direction are provided.
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Organize your own production using licensed scripts. This involves casting your own actors, often students or community members, and managing the rehearsal and production process.
Both options have benefits. Professional troupes bring expertise and convenience, while self-produced shows engage your community directly in the creative process.
Step 2: Source Licensed Scripts and Rights
If choosing to produce the pageant in-house, securing an authorized script and performance rights is essential. Using licensed materials respects copyright laws and supports the author’s legacy.
Popular reputable sources for scripts include:
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Pioneer Drama Service
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Samuel French (Concord Theatricals)
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Theatrefolk
Check availability and licensing fees on these platforms. Some also offer study guides and supplemental materials to enhance educational value.
Step 3: Casting and Rehearsals
Depending on your group size and venue, cast the production thoughtfully. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever includes roles for children of varying ages, making it suitable for elementary schools to community theaters with diverse ensembles.
Plan your rehearsal schedule well in advance to accommodate the busy holiday season. Consider inclusive casting to reflect the spirit of the story’s themes — welcoming all children regardless of background or experience.
Step 4: Budget and Logistics
Create a clear budget covering:
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Script and rights fees
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Costumes and props
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Venue rental (if applicable)
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Marketing and publicity
Many schools and churches offset costs through fundraisers or sponsorships.
Ensure sufficient technical support (lighting, sound) if producing a larger-scale event, and plan for audience seating and COVID-19 safety protocols as needed.
Step 5: Booking a Professional Company
If you prefer to bring in a professional troupe:
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Research local or regional theater companies that specialize in holiday productions.
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Reach out early (preferably 4-6 months ahead) to check availability.
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Verify that their production aligns with your venue’s capacity and technical setup.
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Discuss customization options, such as shortening the play length or adapting for specific audience needs.
Where to Buy or Book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
You can purchase official copies of the book or scripts from major retailers such as Amazon, AbeBooks, or directly through theatrical service providers. For performance rights and professional booking, visiting licensed distributors is key.
One highly reliable source is HarperCollins Publishers, which publishes the book and related materials. Their official site provides access to purchase options and authorized stage adaptations:
HarperCollins – The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Tips for a Successful Pageant Event
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Promote early and widely to build audience enthusiasm.
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Engage the community by involving parents, teachers, and local businesses.
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Maintain flexible rehearsal times to accommodate participants’ schedules.
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Celebrate the message of acceptance and kindness inherent in the story.
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Record or stream the event for those who cannot attend in person.
Read More: Engaging Classroom Activities for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Conclusion
Book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever can be a joyful and impactful way to celebrate the holidays while bringing communities closer together. Whether hosting a professional performance or organizing a DIY production, thoughtful planning and early preparation make all the difference for a smooth and memorable event.
Embrace the humor, heart, and lessons of the Herdman siblings this season, and create traditions that will be treasured for years to come.
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