ELKHART, Ind. (AP) — A northern Indiana high school district used mannequins instead of student actors after a federal judge banned its annual live Nativity scene.

There was applause and cheering at Concord High School on Saturday when the curtain rose revealing a static Nativity scene at the school's Christmas Spectacular show.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union sued the district on behalf of a Concord High School student and his father, arguing that a Nativity scene conveyed an endorsement of religion. A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction to stop this year's live scene.

School officials say the injunction only applied to a live scene and that they complied with the judge's order.

The ACLU and the foundation didn't immediately respond to requests for comment sent Sunday morning.