Drama & The Arts
DRAMA/THE ARTS
If you are given to God, you follow into unexpected terrain. God is leading my own family into creative ways to honor Him. This page (under construction) will feature several aspects of that creativity.
CHRISTIAN FILM-
My involvement with Theater goes back to grade school productions; college classes, and a lot of Church and Evangelistic Street Theater in my 20's. Soon, God directed me away from the temptation of vanity, pride, and spiteful competition I began to see-even in "Christian" Theater. Instead, He led me to use any such gifts to help others do their best performance, through Drama-coaching. Over decades, I've primarily volunteered in this manner in churches, schools, and with my own daughters. I began to build a clientele, but quickly realized I could not handle a significant load. Therefore, I only accept one paying client at a time, and have the joy of connecting the student with a humanitarian Christian organization, (to whom I request they pay.) Six months ago, Hannah felt called away from her beloved High School Band and back into acting, asking for help developing her skills for a possible future in film-acting. She feels it is not only her passion, but God's plan for her. She knows it would take God's intervention itself to become a "successful" film actress--but believes God wants to use her in his larger plan, through this medium.
In Jan. 2012, Hannah has asked me to fore-go most of my remaining "mom" activities in order to put that energy into teaching her what I know of acting, and managing her budding career. We begin each acting lesson with a mother/daughter discipleship lesson, though she hasn't always embraced it. I have found the process a great joy, (when Hannah maintains a teachable Spirit!) After one stage production, (to re-unite her with her former acting passion), she was cast in a Colorado Web Series based on the classic Christian novel "In His Steps." At age 14, she needed accompaniment, and God told me to audition for the first time in 30 years. Although our parts were only supporting roles, it took 10 days to shoot our parts. (Our scenes are primarily in Episodes 6, 9, and 12. But I encourage you to watch it all!) [Honestly, I spent much more time praying than acting!] The Series was released in Sept. 2012, can be viewed freely online and , God willing, will cause at least a few pew-sitters to examine their lukewarm ways. (You might skip the first 30 seconds of each episode, as it's just credits.)
http://www.inhisstepstheseries.com/
While in Colorado. I prayed God would show us a Christian film-maker near Sacramento who needed help. Within a few days, I read a newsletter about "The Creative Eye," a film based on Isaiah 53, being cast in Sacramento. Turns out, we got involved with the creator, a sweetheart named Jim Pappas, and here is a promotional clip--just out. [The scene's photographer is a symbol of Christ, who will heal all our wounds.] UPDATE: The film is now complete-(12/12) and available through OrionsGate.org
Like I said...unexpected terrains...I had NO idea I could cosmetically manage to "scar-up" my sweet baby's face for this video clip!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGajywzxJbU
11/23/12 Our newest family film project is as the "Family at the Foot of the Cross" in a remake of the classic Calvary-based book "The Desire of the Ages," by Helen G. White. There was no such part initially in the script, and all the appropriate roles had been filled. But when the firecracker Director, Nancy Myers, got to know us a little, she spontaneously "wrote in" a scene for our family to portray! We are so grateful to be a part of a great movie classic. It will be a year before the actual movie is available, so I'll post here our 3-take audition submission, just for your viewing amusement. It was a little challenging, grieving the death of Christ, when we used a banana-sticker on the ceiling as our "crucifix!"...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNhhUTe6IjE
Read more about this wonderful movie at the official website:
http://www.thedesireofagesproject.com/index.html
12/17/12 This Sunday, we had a very different "Church" experience, indeed! Our family drove to Oroville (along with 30 other actors) and shot the Bible scene regarding the verse, "Anyone who has never sinned, let him cast the first stone." We literally spent hours yelling (like an angry mob) such unusual remarks (at the Jesus actor) as "Kill the whore!," "NO mercy!," "Jesus, are you mute?!," and "Stone her!" It was so out of character for the Christian actors...there was necessarily a lot of nervous laughter and well-meaning teasing to lighten the situation. I've never seen a Director fill so many roles simultaneously. Nancy was like a whirling dervish, and had the gift to balance 12 plates while remaining sensitive. Quite a joy to behold, a pleasure with whom to work.
12/23/13 Director Nancy felt led of God to make enormous changes to the scene recently shot...so much so that it is perhaps unrecognizable from the original script. Our daughter is still seen sneering, "Kill the filthy whore!" (At which we can't help but laugh, as it is SO out of character with our sweet Hannah!) Apart from that amusement, our family viewed the edited version with awe and reverent silence. The Holy Spirit enlivened that scene in a most beautiful manner, through extreme editing and heavenly music. Now, we are more honored than ever to be a little part of this production. I believe, as always, the most I can do to pray for every participant to be bowed to God and every scene empowered by His Holiness.
