8 | RE: Why?

I know I'm a late responder, but I think the best response to sreese is to address the fact that productions in the past have been bad, address the concerns people have about not wanting to be a part of cheesy drama, and assure them that's not what the goal is. Is the goal to edify the body, to reach the lost, or both? It's a question you and your pastoral leadership really need to address yourself before you take the leap to the next production. If you are trying to start again after past failures, start with a small skit with a few of your strongest actors in it, or even a "freeze-frame" which has no dialogue but can be incredibly powerful. I myself earned a degree in theatre before I got saved, but I was hesitant to get involved in the church drama in part because of the "cheese factor" but mostly because I didn't want it to be about me, when clearly it should be about pointing people to Jesus. It was a freeze-frame drama done on Veterans day that inspired me to finally get involved, and now I am very active in our drama ministry, which produces one-act plays every Easter and Christmas (give or take) at our church, as well as supporting other ministries in the church. Our pastor has said from the pulpit that "we don't do cheese here", so we have a tall order to fill each time!

posted at 1/15/10 5:36 PM by GODONSTAGE

7 | RE: Why?

That I can agree with.

posted at 2/7/09 10:48 AM by WELOVEJESUS

6 | RE: Why?

Personally I use all ages in my dramas. If the scrpit calls for a child, I use a child. If it calls for an older person, I use an older person. Naturally if a message is geared to a specifice age group, I would use actors of the peer group. Using quality scripts with a variety of ages, in my opinion, will speak to more people. It's more life-like, people can relate. Nobody lives in a world of all one age group (or gender or race or ...).

posted at 1/23/09 4:39 PM by 123DRAMA

5 | RE: Why?

I don't believe that ALL drama has to have "young people" in it. Why can't churches get out of that mentality?

posted at 1/15/09 5:04 PM by WELOVEJESUS

4 | RE: Why?

srees:I don't think enough churches today really understand how sophisticated today's 'young people' have become. You need to introduce some element of daring or risk in the enterprise (the word EXTREME is overused, but kids need to feel they're doing something on the edge) in order to engage the 16-24 year olds. Think of the post tobacco settlement anti-smoking ads that have the feeling of a 'happening' type event. Identify the strongest believers (most secure in their Christian identity yet unafraid to engage the world) and CHALLENGE them to confront their generation at large by dramatising real life situations where faith is needed and lacking. also, it's better to go multi-media, combining video and stage action to appeal to kids higher capacity for processing visual images.

posted at 9/29/08 5:55 PM by BOGIE52

3 | RE: Why?

How can I create interest within drama ministry that will solict young adults. I need people with skills they don't want to ba a part of becaused of past bad productions I need suggestions Revised 9/4/08 12:51 pm CST by SREESE

posted at 9/4/08 12:48 PM by SREESE

2 | RE: Why?

I believe it is because traditionally church plays are hokey, lame, not well done or written, hastily thrown together (or at least look like it) and in general, something only a mother could love. The solution is to use quality scripts, encourage your actors to do their very best (remember your audience is Jesus) and the highest quality sets and costumes you can afford. I belive it is Priss who says, "Bad drama is bad drama whether it is Christian or secular."

posted at 7/14/08 4:31 PM by 123DRAMA

1 | Why?

I don't want to be negative. I love theater and I always have, but when I tell non Christians that I am a part of a group that uses drama in non church settings they usually start talking about why they hate church plays so much? Has anyone else had this experience?

posted at 2/23/08 3:11 PM by WELOVEJESUS