Why Do We Need Theater?

I found this thought the other day and it expressed a great deal of what I feel the value of theater is to our lives and especially to children.

WHY DO WE NEED THEATRE? Author Unknown

1. Theatre prepares students for life in the real world by guiding continual development and refinement of interpersonal skills. (True---you have to learn to work together as a cast and company to put together a play)

2. Theatre has the ability to affect students on a personal level by contributing to mental, emotional, and social growth. (Absolutely--they have to give it their all on all of these levels in order to accomplish the goal)

3. Theatre helps students develop a sense of community and social responsibility. (Ditto)

4. Theatre gives students the opportunity to voice opinions, explore personal concerns, and produce viable solutions to problems. (It also gives them a way to express themselves in a positive manner and find solutions to issues only discussed)

5. Theatre encourages diversity and the exploration of the human experience. (oops--I think I answered this one one too early)

6. Theatre explores various cultures and breaks down damaging stereotypes. (enough said)

7. Theatre asks students to be active participants and advocates for others, aware of surroundings and their ability to mediate and effect change.

8. Theatre communicates the fact that as many ways as we humans are different, we share common bonds and can connect with everyone on some level, bringing new understanding and compassion to our lives.

Why do you think we need theater? Do you actively participate?

Related Posts: A Dream Come True

Churches As Theater

After almost a year back in local community theater productions I can tell you that I see similar things happening in both of my worlds (at times they seem to collide)

One of the things happening in most growing churches is the use of theatrical principles of design, space, lighting, sound and props.

I found this site this week while searching for stage design ideas for upcoming series. This company has taken the word "theater" to a new level in church work--and it seems to be working.

Take a look and let me know what you think?

What is the value of theater in church work?

Worlds of Wow

Worlds of Wow Photo Blog

Theater Is Everywhere

Can you find theater where you live? If not check out



This is a Friday Funny!

Follow Me to Wonderland!

Tonight is opening night for ALICE IN WONDERLAND at The Ritz Community Theater. This is the culmination of 6 weeks of rehearsals with 18 kids (from 3rd grade to Juniors in High school). They really have been a joy to work with.

Just a few things to get ready today at the theater and then we'll be ready to open. Have you made your reservations?

This Is One Musical I Won't See

I love the theater, I really do, but does this musical really constitute anything of artistic value or is it purely political? (or opportunistic). My feeling is that it will make it to Broadway at some point and sometime in the future I'll be watching the Tony awards and it will get some prize. I'll just shake my head.

What do you think?

BAD DAY AT GOPHER'S BREATH--Ritz Theater Fall production

Today was the final performance of BAD DAY AT GOPHERS BREATH (Samuel French) a western farce. It was the first time that my wife and I have been on stage together (me as BARKEEP and her as TEMPERANCE LADY). We certainly had fun.

The Ritz Community Theater here is an all volunteer organization. I'm privileged to be on the Board of Directors and to have had the chance to direct a play here (UNDER THE SYCAMORE TREE) and will direct the next one (CHRISTMAS BELLES). All that fun begins tomorrow night with the first read through of the cast.

My entire family has been on stage here at The Ritz. I'm grateful for a place where we can all plug in and add to the culture of our community.

When Dreams Become Reality

Almost 4 years ago I walked into The Ritz Community Theater here in Snyder just to see what was there.  Along the walls of the theater were pictures of past productions that spanned some 11 years.  I thought to myself "I'd love to direct a play here someday". That dream came true this weekend with UNDER THE SYCAMORE TREE.

I've been part of three productions here (as an actor) and expressed my interest to direct last fall.  It all came to be with this production and now that I am on the other side of it I can speak of the lessons I've learned.  This was in ways a whole lot like a church production and very different at the same time.

1.  Resources are always at a premium.  Even though this was a secular venue--I had to make the most of the least.  Every old flat was used; every can of old paint was inspected; every prop was borrowed or loaned.  I've seem to become an expert in this field with many years of church productions.

2.  People are your most important asset in any project.  Knowing a bunch of people from different venues here in the city (church, school, social, business) helped in pulling together talent across the spectrum to make it happen.  Never discount that little piece of information you learn about someone--you might just need it some day.

3. Organization and lists are a must in any big project.  If you aren't detailed--then surround yourself with people that are.  I'm a BIG PICTURE kind of person--I was so fortunate to have so many detailed people around me on this project.

4.  Celebrate the wins--minimize the losses and keep moving.  You have to remember in any project there will be setbacks, but ultimately with the goal in mind you move forward. This is true in any organization or project.

5.  Dream it-then make it happen. This project came together in less than a month.  Not ideal but it can be done in a short amount of time if you put your mind to it.

6.  Don't stop there--keep dreaming.  I've already begun planning another show.. I know--I'm stupid but I loved it.

What projects are you working on?

Opening Night--Under The Sycamore Tree

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Tonight was opening night for our play UNDER THE SYCAMORE TREE. We had a great audience and it always helps when they laugh in the right places.

I'm so proud of this cast. This production was put together in 3 1/2 weeks.. amazing and also very harrowing! Tonight I had the chance to sit back and release it to the artists who volunteer so willingly to be in these plays.

Way to go cast.

Thomas Boyd took these amazing photos. You can find him at his blog site.

UNDER THE SYCAMORE--SET COMPLETE

The set for UNDER THE SYCAMORE TREE is done. The crew did a fantastic job on the set. It was a collaborative effort. Thanks Nathalie, Selena, Lance and Trisha!

UNDER THE SYCAMORE--PRODUCTION WEEK

It's production week for UNDER THE SYCAMORE TREE. The box office is open and taking reservations; the set is almost complete and it's looking awesome; the technical stuff has been eating my lunch; the cast and crew have spent copious amounts of time together and bonding and all we need is a show.
We go up on Friday evening. If you haven't secured your tickets--do that today.
Don't look how the director is dressed... it's casual on the set--really casual.

These pics don't do justice to the set and the awesome floor. I'll post more of those on Friday after we have our official photo shoot Thursday.

Any last minute suggestions?

There's No Business.. Like Show Business...

I've been spending the last 4 Friday's at The Ritz Theater getting ready for our production next weekend of UNDER THE SYCAMORE TREE. Since I've done everything that I can do visually (base coating the flats) I've been sworn off the finishing details on the backdrop, I'll spend today getting the music and lighting cue sheets ready while also recording some final voice overs. It's getting close!
These pictures were taken Wednesday night as Nathalie Kelley began her work on the background. She's amazing and it was such fun to watch her work.

The cast is hanging out at the Theater running lines and really enjoying each other's company. I forget how much community is built in the theater when you work on a production.

Ok--off to work on the sound cues!

Under The Sycamore Tree--The Work Begins

The work has begun on The Ritz Theater production of UNDER THE SYCAMORE TREE. You'll see updated post through out the next month about rehearsals and preparations.

I was reminded tonight as we read through the script how important theater is to our culture. In a visual society, perhaps we've become too dependent on the electronic, televised and over-produced segments to give us the arts. Maybe we've forgotten the thrill of the live visual event that calls for us to engage with the artists on stage and think as we see.

Live theater does that. It draws you in and asks you to think as you see. That's something that's rare today.

The cast is varied. Some have been on the stage recently and some haven't seen the footlights in a while. I think that will be good as we each challenge each other to rise to our best for this effort.

Were you involved in theater?

Feeding Local Theater

We attended our High School's One Act Play on Saturday. They produced "Pygmalion" and placed as alternates in the competition (although I thought they should have advanced--the last play was suspect!)

I was involved in One Act in high school and I attribute much of my interest in Visual Arts to this endeavor. Read this post about my influence from my drama teacher in High school

Here's what the UIL (University Interscholastic League) says about One Act Play.

The League’s One-Act Play Contest, founded in 1927, is the largest high school play production contest or play festival in the world. More than 14,000 Texas high school students in more than 1,000 plays participate in 300 plus contests, which take place from the beginning of March through the three-day, 40-production State Meet One-Act Play Contest. The One-Act Play Contest is supported by more than 200 college and university faculty members serving as critic judges. The League’s theatre program is considered by historians to be the foundation of educational and community theatre in Texas. It continues to be a major factor motivating increasing numbers of schools to offer theatre arts as an academic subject.

I was sitting there Saturday looking at these marvelous productions that these kids have been working on for months. More than just the production itself, these kidshave learned valuable life lessons about public speaking, teamwork and understanding art. I saw Jocks and Nerds all intermingled and enjoying the beauty of art expressed through drama.

I'm so glad that my children have come to love the stage (2 of them attended all 6 plays with me) and they understand the nuances of the stage and art

See how theater rallied around a local teen involved in a wreck here

You Can Even Eat The Dishes

Tonight was a wonderful performance of Willy Wonka Jr. The play combined the best part of the original Willy Wonka Movie and the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movies.

Mattie was Viloet Beauregard--the bratty girl who loves bubble gum. Her suit even inflated when she was tasting the gum. It was priceless.

The kids did and outstanding job. Theater is big here in our town. It starts early and keeps on going. Way to go cast of Wonka!

Were you ever in a school production?

Willy Wonka Jr.-Tonight!

Tonight is Willy Wonka Jr.! Actually it began last night and they said it was great. To my faithful friend in Indiana that keeps checking... pictures will be up by 10PM--promise. Thanks for checking back.

In honor of Wonka--here's a little something.



What was your favorite part of Willy Wonka?

Willy Wonka Jr.

It's production week around here as our middle child participates in her final Junior High production of Wonka.    

She will be Violet Beuregard, the gum chewing brat who evenutally pushes the edge and gets to be a giant blueberry ( Now that will be a sight!).   They'll have rehearsals everynight this week and I'll post pictures from their dress rehearsals.  Break a leg Wonka crew!

A Valentine's So So

Diane and I had a date last night---they are becoming more frequent as  A) the kids are beginning to have their own social schedules  B) they no longer need a baby sitter.  I think I'm beginning to like this.

We dropped them all off at their designated spots and then went to dinner ( a quick dinner since it took forever to get them to each place).  We decided to catch the local production of "Allo, Allo"(a British Sitcom) at the local college.

You know that I love theater and I love to support the local arts scene.  I had never seen a production at this place--so I was excited.  The place was filled with young and old (seemed to be more college kids than I would expect at a production and there was a family with small children) and not a bad crowd for a Friday night.

From the get go I could tell this was going to be a production with lots of innuendos and they began flying fast as the bar owner Rene' recounted his escapades with Mimi and others.  It was uncomfortable. 

 It got deeper--much deeper.  Diane reached over and grabbed my hand and squeezed because she was uncomfortable.   We had no idea what we were watching. At intermission I saw the family leave with their small children and another couple that we knew departed too.   It was suppose to be a comedy but not many people were laughing and I couldn't gauge whether that was because we were uncomfortable with the subjects or it was just British humor.

I'm a big fan of theater and I believe that we should support it.  But there is so much good material out there, why would they choose to do something without labeling it as "watcher beware".   It baffles me.

Should theater be rated?  Family friendly or "At Your Own Risk"

Put On A Happy Face- Local Church Impacts Theater

I had the privilege tonight to attend the performance of BYE BYE BIRDIE performed by the Steeple Players in Hendersonville. 

Celebrating their 15th year the company began in the building of First United Methodist in Hendersonville as a ministry to provide a place for family entertainment and also a play for actors and people of faith to come together to provide art for their community. I think they've succeeded.

The cast was a mixture of young and old, and to the sold out crowd it was a most enjoyable evening. Bravo to the company of Steeple Players for a great evening.

Whenever I travel I try to pick up an evening or event of culture in the area. It began back in 2007 when I went to Grand Rapids for the Daybreak Conference and saw this play and this play in the area. Grand Rapids has 8 resident theater companies, not to mention a ballet and symphony. Talk about an arts community.  

When I go to these things I get inspired at what my community could do if we could all get together and express our art-thus impacting our culture.

What about it? Want to join me?

Nashville Bound

I'm Nashville bound today as I make my way there for Cre:ate Conference.

Tonight I'll attend  BYE BYE BIRDIE produced by the Steeple Players in Hendersonville.

Here's a little bit about the Steeple Players:

Originally located at the Hendersonville First United Methodist Church, the Steeple Players utilized the church's main facility for its productions. There we began our mission as a ministry, providing a safe haven for children and adults to utilize their God-given gifts and talents in theatre production. We also welcome and encourage participation from residents of Sumner County and surrounding areas.

This mission, along with the high quality of productions we present, has led to the expansion of our organization beyond what the church facility could physically accommodate. Our 2003-2004 season presented Steeple Players with the opportunity to relocate to our own venue.

The leadership of Steeple Players is made up of residents of the Sumner County area. There is no paid staff - volunteers do all the work of the organization. The Steeple Players supports its operating budget with revenue from productions, sponsorships, and donations.

I'm always interested in artists who impact their community with their craft. I'll post pictures later tonight.

Watercooler Wednesday- A Journey of Design

This post is part of Watercooler Wednesday's on Randy Elrod's site, Ethos. It's where the Creatives and Passionates meet each week to exchange ideas and thoughts on the creative life.

Thinking back through the years, I often wonder why I've ended up doing what I do. Yes, I'm a product of my environment and upbringing (in the church) but my particular bent toward creativity can't be traced to one element in my life. I used to worry about how many different artistic things I was interested in, thinking that I wasn't skilled to a depth in any discipline. Only after I began to appreciate the different experiences that I had in my life was I really able to see the steps that have led me to where I am today. I'd like to recount some of that in today's post.

Art - I can remember one of the first loves of my life was art class in elementary school. Whether it was drawing, crafting or sculpting, I always had my hands in something. I love to draw (doodle) and I guess the basic concepts of transferring what I was seeing in my brain to paper began here. (My claim to fame was a first place ribbon at the county fair for a chalk drawing of the desert. I used to have this---I don't know where it is now). I didn't stay in formal art classes, but I think I carried some of the principles into other areas below.

Music- Music has always been a big part of my life. One of my earliest family photos is me straining to reach the keyboard of our old upright piano in the living room. From my earliest memories I can remember imitating music that I heard on the radio or on the church. This carried on through 11 years of piano and now 37 years of playing keys. Thanks to early piano teachers I carried through with my practices and now today I enjoy the pleasure of making and leading music each week.

Photography- In my freshman year of high school I became interested in photography. With the purchase of a Minolta XG camera (do they even make Minolta's any more?) I quickly began to transfer those prinicples I learned in art of balance, proportion, scale, lighting, color and more to photographs for now forgotten yearbook annuals. I looked back at that first annual the other day--I can still identify my photographs--and they're not half bad.

Drama- I ended up in Drama class by a fluke and have never regretted being a part of this discipline. With the principles of staging, proportion, scale and color, I've been able to create environments within ministry because of my exposure to the stage. I know about production and technical theater. I continually thank Mrs. Hamilton (my HS drama teacher) for all that she taught me about drama. (She's still teaching school at Frenship High School)

Floral- During college I needed a job and ended up at a floral shop one day for a delivery position. That's all I wanted to do--deliver. However, this small shop needed a dual player and they shoved some roses in my hand and said "DESIGN" (the first time I had ever heard the word). This began a career in floral and floral arts that saw me through college, seminary and other periods of my life. I tranferred the principles of photography and art to this discipline and have used the skill for more than 20 years. Learning how to manage big events and big conceptual projects was one of the benefits of working in this industry.

Business- Early work experience post graduate led me to the world of retail where I learned about purchasing products and materials. Seeing how the large businesses treated products and displays gave me an insight to visual attraction that people had to stores and items. Never mind that I was given the responsibility of purchasing garments that I would never wear, I succeeded in understaning trends, colors and fads as they came and went. My achieving goal was purchaing 5,000 items on a re-order of a fast selling good, only to have them pepper me with them when I left the company at my going away party. (Sell through the second time wasn't so swift). I learned budgeting and organizational methods here.

Computers- If you knew me in college you would laugh today at my obsession with computers. I hated business computer class and couldn't understand the language (today I read XML, CSS and HTML for codes--go figure). I love computer stuff and spend a great deal of time with computers. My venture in this area began with an overpriced laptop in 1994 that had 32MB of memory and a black and white screen. Today I've upgraded to an APPLE. I guess knowing this area helped me jump the curve on the technology that landed in the late 90's for graphic design, web design and more.

Technology- One of the most recent things for me has been harnessing technology for use in design. I've been a devoted follower of SKETCHUP from Google for over a year and even carried a tutorial DVD with on my recent travels to Egypt. I've learned AVID video editing, sound editing, SWISH, FLASH and more not to mention a dabble in the ADOBE realm with Photoshop. I'm not expert--but I've conversant in these areas.

Travel- I've been blessed in the last 3 years to see some major part of the world that before I had only read about. Seeing the cultures of Mexico, Italy, India, Guatemala, Great Britain, France and Egypt as well as travel within the US have opened my design eyes in so many ways. Being able to appreciate the principles of design in these settings has increased my creativity a great deal.

Wow--that's a lot of writing and if you've successfully made it through the end of this post, I'd love to hear from you what your journey of design has been. What have been your influences?

Design photo by: Costi