In this interactive play, children in the audience shout "Courage" when prompted by Peter Pixie, a holiday elf who uses a magic dream to help Tim overcome his shyness and gain self-esteem. Any holiday could by substituted for Christmas referred to in this play, but it might be difficult because Peter Pixie's opening remarks to the audience refer to A Christmas Carol. However, the play can be presented any time during the year because of its strong message.

Peter Pixie's opening remarks to the audience refer to A Christmas Carol in which dreams cause Scrooge to become a better person. Peter explains that he was not part of that story because he had another assignment; helping Tiny Tim, a shy boy whose only friends were in stories. Peter adds, "I gave Tiny Tim a magical dream that changed his life. Let's look in on THIS Tim at the start of HIS adventure."

The play opens with Tim claiming to be too tired to join his family's holiday celebration downstairs. He falls asleep after opening his story book, only to be awakened by Peter Pixie. With the help of the audience shouting "Courage" when Peter Pixie rings a bell, Tim continues to gain self-confidence as he helps the elf rescue Hansel and Gretel from the witch, Little Red Riding Hood from the Big Bad Wolf, and Jack and his beanstalk from the giant. Was it only a dream? Peter's answer: "Dreams are some of the most important things we have going. You see, if you can dream it, you can make it for real. Tim, without our dreams we have nothing."

In conclusion Tim says, "True, but this was only a dream and you gave me magic." Peter: "The only magic you used was the magic you had in you all the time. Let's hear the magic word!" Peter rings the bell, and the audience shouts "Courage." The lights come up, the audience is recognized as elf helpers, and they give him one more jolt of magic to send him home. After an explosion of lights, Tim's mother comes into his bedroom, and he prepares to join the family celebration.

Cast members may be any age, children or adults (the original cast at Concordia College, Chicago, was composed of college students; sixth grade students performed it at Elm School, Hinsdale, Illinois).Traditional fairytale costumes and fragmented set pieces suggestive of storybook illustrations suggest the magical dreamlike quality of the one-act play which should flow quickly between scenes.

See also: Audience-Participation Plays