Creative Arts @ Trinity: A Certificate in Creative Arts

A Lesson in Make-up Application with Linda Ong

2011-02-24T06:18:00.000-08:00

Linda is the cheif make-up expert at Trinity Christian Centre. She has a beauty shop at The Adelphi, called Beautylink. She comes every semester we have this course to do the lesson on make-up application. There's nothing like hands-on to learn!

Flash writing exercise (non-fiction)

2011-01-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

Given starting text to the scene:

[She walks in the door and locks it behind her. ...

How I added on:

...Angry. There is a knock. She opens the door. HE is standing there.]

HIM: You stay there for awhile.

[Silence. They stare at each other.]

HER: OK.

HIM: You need to cool off. What happened out there was way--

HER: What happened out there has nothing to do with my "lack of margin." Those two guys are lame!

HIM: Turn on the aircon. Read a book. Write an email. Take a shower. [SHE glares at him] Pour yourself a glass wine. Chill!

[HE closes the door. She paces. Picks up a few things and puts them away. Straightens up. Sits on the bed for 30 seconds in silence. Gets up and goes to the computer. Facebook appears projected on the rear wall as she updates her status.]

"KIMBERLY ...has been sent to her room for having a bad attitude and fighting."

[LIGHTS up on living room. HE returns. BOYS are flaked out on sofa and chair. A football game is on the television set.

HIM: So, did they score?

posted to Multiply/Bloomwhere/fb

FLASH WRITING EXERCISE 2 @ Paya Lebar

2011-01-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

I took out a black satin embroidered tissue pack. One of many I’d purchased a few years ago. “Creative Stimuli” I called it and told the students to write whatever scene came to their mind based on what they saw there.

Here’s mine:

[Well appointed kitchen. Somewhere in an expensive USA suburb. SHE, holding a small parcel, enters. HE sits at counter, reading the Wall Street Journal. Unseen, the SISTER sits in kitchen counter. Her clothes indicate she is something different.]

SHE: Oh, “Singapore.” It’s light.

[SHE sets it down on the counter. HE doesn’t look up.]

HE: aren’t you going to open it?

SISTER: [To audience] It’s so hard to buy for people who have everything.

[SHE opens a chilled bottle of still San Pelligrino and pours it in a fine crystal glass]

SHE: The suspense is killing me.

HE: They mean well.

SISTER: How does one maintain a relationship long distance?

SHE: [picks up the parcel again.] Well, at least we know it can’t be another strange woodcarving from Malaysia.

HE: I think it was Indonesia.

SHE: Whatever.

[SHE puts it down again]

HE: Maybe it’s another batik sarong.

SISTER: [Continues] At first it’s exciting and fun to share the adventures. Keep in touch. Find ways to share in each other’s life.

SHE: No. It’s too lightweight this time.

SISTER: They were kind of like into it at first.

HE: [makes a move to get up] Well if you’re not going to open it,...

SISTER: Vicariously.

HE: ...let me.

SHE: No. [rips] Oooh! “Raffles Hotel” Potential.

SISTER: But when months stretch into years. And interests change....

HE: A tissue holder?

SISTER: ...the distance becomes more than PHYSICAL.

SHE: [looking at it] I think it’s kiind of sweet.

HE: Bless her heart. At least she tries.

[HE takes his paper and exits. SHE stands. Not quite knowing what to do with the silk embroidered tissue holder from The Raffles Hotel, Singapore.]

[LIGHTS]

Theatre Arts & Ministry Applications, Term 1, Course Schedule

2010-12-30T07:41:00.000-08:00

Module Title	Theatre Arts & Ministry Applications
Module Code	WAETH40210 / AAETH40203
Year and Term	2011 Term 1
Assessments and Contribution to Final Grade	Evaluations & Reviews 45% Sights & Sounds, Ch Reaction Paper (5%) Two Live Performances (15%) Five Script Evaluations (15%) Class Review/Highlights Paper (10%) Playwriting 35% Original Play Idea Worksheets (5%) Two Character Analysis (5%) Early Draft (10%) Final of Original Play (15%) Exam 20% Post your assignments on class blog as a member or as a comment. http://CreativeArtsTCA.blogspot.com
Lecturer	Kimberly E. Creasman, (kimberly@crms.com.sg)

Schedule & Assignment Due Dates

Date of Class or Event	What we’ll do. What you need to read or prepare.	Assignments Due	Syllabus Page
WEEK 1 January 3	Discussion of Reading Assignment: *Sights & Sounds* ch3 “A Christian Response to Theatre” Discussion: Your previous theatre exposure, primary interest in this course. Vocabulary Pictionary & Charades with terms from syllabus: Theatre Styles	*Sights & Sounds* ch3 Reaction Paper (5%)	4 38-39 (55)
WEEK 2 January 10	Backstage Tour: TBD Intros & PRACTITIONERS: The Theatre Artists behind the scenes (p, & pictionary w A-M of Glossary *Tech Theater* ch 1 & 14 (7 pgs), A-M Glossary		5-6 38-46
Friday 14 January NOTE: You are only required to see and review 2 of the plays listed in this syllabus.	Recommended Play: What did You Learn Today? Arts House Playden Tickets avail on SISTIC (limited seats avail at time of printing)	Local Theatre Devised	13

Date of Class or Event

What we’ll do.

What you need to read or prepare.

Assignments Due

Syllabus

Page

WEEK 3

January 17

Script Writing: Themes, Structure, Character

Reading Assignment:

Drama Ministry ch 6 “Writing A Winning Sketch”

Video:

Not for grade: Eavesdropping Dialogue Assignment

1 page of a conversation you overhear

Start to Prepare:

Sketch Evaluations

2 x play idea worksheets

2 character analysis

7-12

47-51

WEEK 4

January 24

Script Writing: Dialogue, Show Don’t Tell, Suspense, Surprise, Reversals.

Discussion of play ideas.

Video

+ Theatre Vocabulary Pictionary (all terms)

5 Sketch Evaluations (15%)

*2 x Play idea worksheet (5%)

*2x Character Analysis due (5%)

7-12

47-51

Jan 28

8PM

NOTE: You are only required to see and review 2 of the plays listed in this syllabus.

RECOMMENDED PLAY: Something Old, Something New Standard - S$25 (excluding $2 charge) * price(s) excludes booking fee
Drama Centre Black Box (National Library Building L5) Tickets avail on gatecrash.com.sg

31 January

TERM BREAK

Arts4Jesus Singapore egroup – meet up @ Kum Yan Methodist Church. First time the egroup has met up since 2007!

Big chunk of reading coming up!

Read ahead!

WEEK 5

February 7

Costuming – Field Trip

4:30 PM Costume City - 203A Henderson Rd #09-03 Henderson Ind Pk 6270 1722

Bus Services (along Jalan Bukit Merah): 5, 14, 131, 147, 167, 175, 196, 197, 275, 855, 961. Bus Services (along Henderson Road): 57, 145, 176, 272, 273, 274, 648. Nearest MRT Tiong Bahru.)

5:30 PM Costumes Connection - 390, Victoria Street, #03-23, Golden Landmark 6292 5529

(open till 7) Costumes & Mascots 6299 0882 - Blk 15 Beach Rd #01-03 Beach Centre

(open till 8PM) No 1 Costume 32 Aliwal St 6333 9440

9-10PM we’ll stop for dinner and discuss the reading.

Reading Assignment:

Technical Theater ch 7, 8

Assignment Due:

Evaluation Paper of Performance 1 week after performance watched. (7.5%)

* First draft of Script due (10%)

14-15

Date of Class or Event

What we’ll do.

What you need to read or prepare.

Assignments Due

Syllabus

Page

WEEK 6

February 14

Scenery & Properties

Reading Assignment:

Technical Theater ch 3, 4, & 11

16-24

WEEK 7

February 21

Make-up - Guest Lecturer: Linda Ong

Reading Assignment:

Section on Make-up in syllabus.

First Drafts returned

Assignment Due:

Evaluation Paper of 2^nd Perf. (7.5%)

WEEK 8

February 28

Lighting & Stage Management

Reading Assignment:

Technical Theater ch 12 & 13

30-34

March 3

NOTE: You are only required to see and review 2 of the plays listed in this syllabus.

Recommended Play: Preview of EMILY OF EMERALD HILL

Standard - S$89, S$74, S$59, S$44, S$89 (VIP Box), S$29 (Restricted view)

Local Theatre

WEEK 9

March 7

Read aloud Scripts. Bring enough copies for everyone in class. Pictionary & Charades if time allows.

1-17 Mar 2011

Recommended Play: The Gingerbread Man

Tues - Thurs, 9.15am

Mon - Sat, 11.15am, 2.30PM

Fri & Sat, 7.30pm

Children’s Theatre

WEEK 10

March 14

Directing & Staging

Reading Assignment:

Drama Ministry ch 7 & 8 Directing & staging

Final Draft of Script due (15%)

35-37

March 21

STUDY BREAK

Saturday

26 March

2PM

NOTE: You are only required to see and review 2 of the plays listed in this syllabus.

Recommended Play: THE LION KING

DURATION

Approx 2 hrs 30 mins

VENUE(S)

Sands Theater at Marina Bay Sands

C Reserve - S$125

D Reserve - S$85 – (Kimbelry bought this ticket)

E Reserve - S$65

Musical Theatre/Children’s Theatre

March 28

Final Term Exam (20%)

Class Review/

Highlights Paper (10%)

Learning READERS THEATRE

2009-11-04T01:19:00.000-08:00

TCA Performing Arts Students - in class ensemble work. Not an easy assignment! I'm most impressed by how easy you are to work with and be directed. You take risks and follow directions - even when you think you may make a fool of yourself! Welcome to theatre! A good director won't let you make a fool of yourselves, and you didn't here!

2009-09-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

Friends who are passionate about Jesus and Theatre!

Last Thursday thru Sat Dr. Dale Savidge* came to Singapore and we had a great intensive class : PERFORMING THE SACRED at TCA College (where I have the privilege of teaching the theatre courses for students who want to use creative arts in ministry:

(see FB group page for photos). We're all exhausted, but full from great fresh insight on the relationship between Christianity and Theatre, as well as collaborating with one another on bringing Scripture to life in creative ways.

Then, yesterday, Wednesday - Theatre Practitioners had a "Uniquely Singapore City Tour"

Working professionals in theatre and performing arts had a full day of tourism and hanging out. It was a good excuse to get together, know one another better, and be mutually encouraged by taking Dr. Savidge around out town.

Tonight: Drama as Ministry Fellowship

A casual gathering of those who use Theatre in ministry - or would like to. Held at Hope Church Singapore, Cuppage Plaza, top floor auditorium. A great opportunity to meet up with others who share your passion, and meet Dr. Savidge with some Q&A follow up to the PERFORMING THE SACRED class last week (for those who missed it!). If you've recently presented something for worship, or have a short script that's getting polished up, or have produced a short video for worship, bring it along as a show-and-tell to inspire us! (text ahead of time, so we can plan accordingly!)

Check out the Facebook group page for details! (join the group too!)

(Photos from our first showcase workshop May 2nd)

Hope we get to see you this week!

For the CITA SIngapore team,

K!Mberly Creasman

Theatre Practitioner/Explorer

Church Resource Ministries

*Info on Dr. Savidge & TCA College, Certificate in Higher Education in Creative Arts:

http://www.tca.edu.sg/

Dr. Savidge was brought out for TCA's 30th Anniversary celebrations starting later this week. I've known and respected Dale since 1992 when I joined CITA (a 20+ year old organization for networking and resourcing Christians in Theatre Arts). He wrote the chapter on theatre in Amour Publishing's SIGHTS & SOUNDS: A Christian Response to Media and the Arts (local) and helped us in designing the theatre courses for the college. He has 2 masters degrees and a PhD in English and Theatre, and has his own arts management company representing some extremely talented actors in USA (including Rich Swingle who came from New York to be in the cast of Judah Ben Hur years ago, and & Bruce Kuhn who came through a few years ago to do his Gospel of Luke in a few venues and teach a worshop on Biblical Storytelling at GBST.)

If you want to read more about Dr. Savidge, Here's the link to the CITA leadership page on the Christians in theatre Website. But trust me. He's not only well connected to what Christians are doing in theatre, and extremely smart, he's also just an all around great man.
http://cita.org/site/?page_id=8

Doubting Thomas

2009-06-10T01:19:00.000-07:00

In the Performing Arts course, we learn about different performance styles. This particular adaptation has taken a well known Bible character, Thomas the Disciple, and placed him in a modern setting. In adapting this, we imagined Thomas if he were meeting up with his friends in 2009, in a Singaporean Kopitiam years after the resurrection of Christ. Actually, it is a Kopitiam in heaven, because, in the end Thomas tells his friends of his eventual martyrdom for the cause of Christ.

In our placing Bible characters in modern settings, with local language, the audience can more easily identify with them. Otherwise, these characters might be seen as Ancient History and having no relevance to modern people's lives. But a modernized depiction breaks down stereotypes and helps us learn from and apply lessons of these ancient peoples. In the same way Jesus used parables to teach, these modernized Bible characters are just one way of effectively reaching and communicating with 21st century people. May God bless you in your effort to teach God's truths with creativity.

“Doubting Thomas”

I guess you could say I did doubt, but this nickname “Doubting Thomas” is really bo-fair leh. Yes…I may found the idea of rising from dead kang kor xiong xin, but I didn’t make doubting my way of life. Being a doubter was not my permanent condition.
I wanted to know the truth, so I said so. ”unless I see the kang in His hand and put my chiu ji thru, I will not believe it”. Bo salah, right?

I took Ye-So a xi pretty hard. I didn’t expect yi zhou ka an-neh kin, and in the way that it did.

Wa jin xiong xin without Him. My life qua bo lo. In the days immediately after yi a xi, Wa sial ke! Trying to sort through all my emotions and make plans for future. And hor, after that 3 kang kor days, the others disciples told me they had seen Him in the lau ding, bo see…. Wah… lagi sial! And they were going to meet him there the next night.

I didn’t want to be bluff and disappointed again. That’s why I said I needed proof, zhen gi ! The idea of a resurrection…. xi bo kor neng a!!!
But I wanted to believe. I wanted a reason to follow wa a Taukeh. Trust me; my doubt was just a reluctance to believe the impossible.

Lu nang ma xi xiang kuan. Don’t you find it hard to believe the impossible? You walked carefully through your life and leave tam bok room for miracles. Don’t bluff. It’s true. Jay xie kai miracles xi bo sim mi kor neng a! I bet ar, that you let your dreams die because of doubt.
Just like me, you forgot “impossible; BO KOR NENG” is one of God’s favorite words.

All I asked for was a little bit proof, not too much, right? Jesus hor wa exactly what I asked for. And do you know the rest of the story…? Once I had the proof hor, they had to kill me to get wa a chui stop talking about wa a peng yu who’d come back from the dead.

If they honestly and earnestly seek it, He tak teo hor lu proof a. And their response will be just like mine hor. Fall flat on their face when they realize the truth and cry out “my Lord and my God”!

And life will not ever be the same again.

Edited by Barry Chee
TCA College, Singapore 2008
For Performing Arts Final
Kimberly Creasman, lecturer

Growing SE Asia Samples on YouTube

2009-05-18T22:15:00.001-07:00

Just made a playlist of videos of drama ministry I've worked on, or student work in Singapore the last few years.

Playwriting Week 4 & 5 Assignments/Asessments

2009-05-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

It's like finals week in TH ARTS! You get to get the hard work part out of the way early in the semester!!!

(week 4) What we'll cover from chapter "Writing a Winning Sketch"
Dialogue, Show Don’t Tell, Suspense, Surprise, Reversals

5 sketch evaluations due
2 x play idea worksheets
2 character analysis

Students will read one of their play ideas.
Can they say what their play is about in 3-4 sentences which includes these elements:
Inciting action
Rising action
Climax
Falling off action.
And THEME?

Exercise: Hot seating a few of their characters to ask them questions about the story.

Assessment on the Draft of short play/sketch (10%)
Due: week 5
1. Premise is clear
2. Is there evident structure? (exposition, inciting action, rising action, climax, denouement).
3. Is there a clear protagonist with a strong evident conflict?
4. Has the student created believability/suspension of disbelief?

Assessment on the Final draft of short play/sketch (15%)
Due: week 10
1. Is there evidence of rewriting between drafts?
2. Will there be strong audience Identification?
3. Is the piece humorous or moving?
4. Does it move forward with action with a variety of Pace? (Showing more than telling)?
5. Are there examples suspense & surprise?
6. Is there an economy of words?
7. Is there suspense & surprise?
8. Are the characters believable/realistic characters with realistic dialogue (utilizing unfinished/partial sentences, short lines, talking over one another, subject changes, characters having to repeat themselves or clarify, etc).

NOTE: The original short plays will be assessed based on subjects found in DRAMA MINISTRY, Steve Pederson (chapter 6), this is also the foundational information needed for your final exam.

Instant Character Analysis

2009-05-18T21:47:00.000-07:00

(ast least 2 required. One must be for a protagonist in one of your play idea worksheets)

In 2004 I attended a playwrighting master class. This was a great exercise for creating a play idea and character on-the-spot. The teacher, British playwright, Kaite O'Reilly ran through the list of questions at a fairly fast pace. We were all writing furiously and felt like we were really beginning to pull a real person out of thin air when finished. This is not as in depth a character analysis as you can do, I'm assigning this as a short version.

Here's the list of questions (red coloured ones are most crucial):

Your gender? Age?
Do you swear?
With whom do you live?
What’s your favourite drink?
When you were small, what was your nickname?
Favourite colour?
In material terms, do others consider you successful?
When you were 5 years old, what did you want to be?
Have you ever been in love?
What’s your marital status?
What is your ambition?
Your favourite music? Song?
Educational level?
Ethnicity
What makes you laugh?
Are your parents living? Do they live nearby?
What is your favourite holiday? Why?
Where do you live?
What would your mother say is your biggest weakness?
What would she say is your greatest strength?
Do you have any dependants?
What is your relationship with them like?
Who do you despise most in the world? Why?
What are you really good at?
Do you run your own life, or do you do what others tell you to do?
Are you concerned with pleasing anyone? Who?
What is your greatest fear?
If your enemy were to use 3 words to describe you, what would they say?
Why do you have an enemy?
What do others think about you?
What is your favourite holiday destination?
What is your private joy?
Are you religious? Are you moral?
Who do you resemble most in the world?
What is a secret you don’t feel you can tell anyone?
Do you have any rituals? Describe.
Sports?
How do you feel about your body?
How do you feel about those 5 year old dreams of yours now?
Do you have a hobby?
How would you describe your emotional life?
What do you want from life?
What is stopping you?
What are you going to do about it?

Play Idea Worksheets

2009-05-18T21:42:00.000-07:00

(at least 2 required, more encouraged!) (5%)

1. Does the form show that the student understands the purpose of the exercise?
2. Are the questions thoroughly answered with thoughtfulness and creativity?

Date:
Working Title:
Central Character:
Central Character’s dominant need:

Other major character(s):

Setting:

Occasion:

Major conflict/dilemma as it manifests itself in action:

Resolution:

How the central character changes by the end:

Dramatic premise:

NOTE: The original short plays will be assessed based on subjects found in DRAMA MINISTRY, Steve Pederson (chapter 6): Will there be strong audience Identification? Is the piece humorous or moving? Is there evident structure? Does it move forward with action? (Showing more than telling)? Is there an economy of words? Is there suspense & surprise? Is there evidence of rewriting between drafts?

Sketch Evaluations 2009

2009-05-18T21:39:00.000-07:00

Sketch evaluations (15% of grade) (5 required)
you can copy and paste what's below to use in a word document, or you can paste your answers as a comment below....

Name of Sketch:
Name of Sketch Collection/Book:
Publisher:
Copywrite date:
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate this script?
Do you feel that it would work in your setting without modifications?
Do you feel it would work with minor modifications?
STYLE:
(Realistic Drama or Comedy, Farce, Reader’s Theatre, Radio Drama, Mime, Puppet Show, Clown, Stylized, Musical, Opera, etc.)
TARGET AUDIENCE:
(Christians, Unchurched, Children, Youth, Adults, a specific ethnic group, etc. )
PERFORMERS NEED TO BE:
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced
STRUCTURE:
Does it grab your interest and make you want to see what happens? How?
Does it develop logically, so that the action can be followed? (Inciting action, rising action, climax, denouement)
Does it reach a satisfying conclusion? How?
What is the playwright’s theme? (Issue)
Is the premise believable? (What happens?)
Does it have clear and adequate conflict? What is the conflict?
Does it appeal to the imagination?
If a comedy sketch, is it funny?
If a drama sketch, is it actually dramatic?
If a mime, are the stage directions clear?
If a reader's theatre, is it voiced well?
Is it developed in a fresh creative way or is it too predictable?
MESSAGE:
What is it about? What Christian truth does it reflect or set up teaching about?
Does it deal with one issue, or avoid trying to say too much for it's length?
Does it avoid answering its central question with platitudes and clichés?
Does it refrain from being too preachy?
Is it relevant?
PRODUCTION:
Are the playwright’s production notes adequate?
Is it possible to produce?

PRIMING THE PUMP

2009-05-18T21:15:00.001-07:00

Before you start Brainstorming Play Ideas....

Brainstorm 10-20 of your most influential life experiences.

(also can 10 values you hold important, 10 of your favourite stories or movies)

Now add to your list: one experience you’ve never had but always dreamed of doing, or can imagine yourself doing.

IMPORTANT: Give examples of at least 3 interesting and multilayered characters (in movies or plays) and describe how these strong underlying aspects about them made them more interesting.

The Practitioners & Tour of UCC at NUS

2009-05-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks Daniel Loh for the amazing tour of NUS' super facility! We were wowed!

Besides Actor, Director and Playwright, who are the other players in the world of theatre?

Producer
The person ultimately in charge of a production. THE BOSS. Often the person who raises/provides the money, and wields day-to-day financial control.

Stage manager/Production Stage Manager
The person, subordinate only to the DIRECTOR, in charge of everything that occurs on the stage. During rehearsals the stage manager is chief of all the crews who work on a production, and assistant to the director in matters affecting entrances, exits and cues. During the run of the show, after the DIRECTOR’S job has been completed, the stage manager is in charge of every performance in every detail, from the way actors handle cues, to the timing of curtain openings and closings as well as curtain calls. “Calls the show”

Set/Scenic Designer
structural design of set + those who will execute the design and turn it into something real!

Set/Scene Dresser
Selects furniture and trim props for each scene of the play and designates their placement in the set.

PROPERTIES MASTER
The person or team responsible for providing and managing all the props throughout a production. Works from a prop list.

COSTUME DESIGNER,
Designs clothes and accessories to be worn by actors in a production.

COSTUME MASTER & CREW
Sees to the assembly or rental of costumes and accessories, helps with fittings, keeps care of, & helps in costume changes.

Make-up Artist & Crew
Designs and creates an appropriate face for and actors by applying make-up.

Stage Hands
Any person who works with scenery and furniture on the stage, setting up each scene, shifting from one scene to the next, etc.

House Manager
The person who manages all functions of the theatre building except those specifically concerned with the production itself.
Ushers, Ticket booth/sales, lighting in the hall, handling emergencies in the audience…
Publicity works with producer graphic artists & printers in the design, printing & distribution of publicity, tickets, and programs for the show.

Technical Director (Production Manager)
Oversees the behind the scenes technical preparation of the show. Often oversees the following technicians and directors.

Lighting Engineer
determines how each scene will be illuminated and specifies the type, power, color, and aiming of all the lighting instruments need to do the job. Writes out a lighting plot. Oversees the execution of hanging the lights and focusing the lights. Makes a light cue sheet/script, directs the operation of lighting changes for a show, (in motion pictures, this is call a Director of Photography)

Sound Engineers/Operators
Determine how actors will be heard, & oversees the production of sound FX and any other sound used in, before and after the show. Oversees the execution of designing and setting up the sound equipment and balancing the sound in the house from the control booth console. Makes a sound cue sheet/script.

Reaction paper (5%)

2009-05-03T20:54:00.000-07:00

“When the Curtain Opens: A Christian Response to Theatre”
Dale Savidge, in Sights & Sounds
Write out your answers to FIVE QUESTIONS (minimum).
We will be discussing this article during class time on May 4, 2009 (the first week of class) Answering these questions will help you prepare for the discussion. You can post your answers on the blog, or submit your written answers in class.

1. Informed by your reading of this chapter, explain why theatre is a powerful communication tool.
2. How is a play not like a sermon?
3. Francis Schaffer’s understanding of a Christian worldview explains that there is a minor theme of the Bible (man is a sinner and we live in a fallen world) and the major theme of the Bible (Christ’s death provides redemption from our sin). What is your opinion on what Dr. Savidge believes that plays that present only the minor theme of the Bible can be powerful?
4. What is your opinion of the plays you have seen presenting the major theme of the Bible (redemption of sin through Christ)?
5. Why theatre “is the most directly human of all the arts”?
6. Why is it important to “engage culture”?
7. After reading Dr. Savidge’s suggestion for how Christians should respond to the offensive nature of many theatre productions or the lifestyle of theatre practitioners, what is your stand on this?
8. How can Christians discern to what extent they should experience theatre (as audiences and as artists)?
9. What did you learn about the difference between entertainment and amusement? Does that have any effect on how you see the use of “entertainment” in a worship setting?
10. Dr. Savidge wrote about playwright playing to our sympathies. Do you think this affects us? If so, how?
11. What are your thoughts after reading about the objectionable elements you might find in theatre?
12. Why is working in theatre a frustrating occupation? Why would it be dangerous for a Christian?
13. Have you ever had an opportunity to “come alongside” a theatre practitioner? How did you respond to them and they to you?

Biblical Storytelling & Reader's Theatre: Acts 3

2008-11-16T23:43:00.000-08:00

Character Analysis Sample:

2008-10-28T00:57:00.000-07:00

from SPREAD YOUR GARMENT OVER ME, Gillette Elvgren

RIZPAH, (see comment 1)
WITCH OF ENDOR, (see comment 2)

Describing the Setting. A Sample

2008-10-28T00:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks Jaqueline for this description for RAHAB in SPREAD YOUR GARMENT OVER ME, Gillette Elvgren (see comment)

Character Journal Sample:

2008-10-28T00:49:00.000-07:00

SPREAD YOUR GARMENT OVER ME, Gillette Elvgren.
RIZPAH, from Jocelyn (comment 1)
PETER'S WIFE, from Ella (comment 2)
WITCH OF ENDOR, from Daniel (comment 3)

Reader's Theatre Experiment, Acts 3

2008-10-20T23:27:00.000-07:00

HIGHLIGHTS from Acting Class

2008-10-14T00:55:00.000-07:00

Bee Luen
learning to make strong choices. I have a better idea now of the kind of decisons I should make for the characters when I'm doing a character analysis. Just need to keep remembering: strong choices....

Jocelyn
-Making STRONG choices (they make the difference between good and excellent acting)
and
-Decide who you're speaking to (in a monologue).

Cheryl
Subtext & layers help to bring out the rightful emotions/behaviour of the character one is playing. :)

YouTube Playlist of Samples

2008-09-08T22:31:00.000-07:00

I've not been able to find really outstanding videos on YouTube, but here's a list of what I've found of items or styles which would work in a cross cultural setting.

Affordable Singing Lessons and Singing Voice Training. Fun Singing Lessons & Singing Warm-up for All!

2008-09-08T20:40:00.000-07:00

DOWNLOADABLE Fast & Funky Vocal Warm Ups

Homework for week 4: let's get reading!

2008-09-08T20:04:00.000-07:00

Familiarize yourself with glossary terms (PICTIONARY!).
Read forward & chapter 1 AND 2 of the text (after looking again at the book, you should be able to read through the two by next week). Bee Luen will lead a short discussion.
I have a little game I like to play to make everyone offer some feedback, so READ the chapters and have some kind of "ah ha!" that you've learned and will share with the group.

2008-09-08T19:41:00.000-07:00

2008-08-31T21:21:00.000-07:00

All ready for another New Term. Back after my year long sabbatical studying theatre in USA. We began August 25th with a new batch of students. It's going to be fun!

2008-01-01T18:32:00.000-08:00

Highlights of the THEATRE ARTS course 2007:

making a realistic breast-plate & sword with cardboard and masking tape.
what it takes to create a character in writing!
being able to think up my own story for a sketch
the imagination involved in creating a set
director's job is to let actors trust him/her that you will not let them make a fool of themselves,
director's attitude & confidence influences the cast & crew! don't let on if your scared!
seeing plays while taking the class opened my eyes to what is going on behind the scenes to make a good play too.
reading other sketches gave more ideas and examples
good to learn a whole lot more vocabulary terms!
Directors need to respect the playwrights. and help actors get over their intimidation.
the fun way we learned the vocabulary (pictionary)

I learned so much new but valuable insights into the workings of theatre. My appreciation and hats off to these folks. Thank you for wisdom and joy and passion for the arts and Jesus. Who you are as a person is a great influence. God Bless you and your family!

2007-04-10T06:47:00.000-07:00

Esplanade Screening Room 7PM sharp! Bring enough copies of your script for us to be able to share and read aloud. We'll move over to the cafe at 9 for cake!

BTW: I FINALLY submitted the grades from last term TODAY.

Since I've made it SOOO easy on you, I've decided to make the Evaluation of the class be part of your FINAL :-) (10%)

On Monday I handed it out to those who were in class, but for those who weren't there for the bleary eyed review of this past term's class sessions, here's the text from the evaluation. (your script will be 20% of the grade)

The HIGHLIGHTS of the last 14 weeks…

To help solidify learning, try to remember at least one highlight you’d like to remember from each class session/learning exercise:

Technical theater Vocabulary (pictionary & “quiz”)

Discussion on “A Christian Response to Theatre” article

Video samples (Rainbow Fish, Missing Bodies, Okalahoma)

Costumes

Set Design

Properties

Directing

Tour of NUS Cultural Centre

Tour of Costume shops & stage management

Script writing

Make-up

Attending plays

Reading Sketches

Writing a sketch

I can’t believe I did this

This class inpired me to work more on

I wish we’d had more time for

I hope I never have to ________________________________________ again!

I sensed God’s presence when
I also have this to say

How can we pray for you? (and we will pray!)

May the God of peace, who…brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus…equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:20,21

2007-04-07T09:08:00.001-07:00

Tour of the University Cultural Centre
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

A few weeks back Daniel took a great deal of time and care to show off the venues at the University Cultural Centre. As is our custom in this class we took some time to pray for him. Good memories with a new friend and our great bunch of budding theatre artists!

Thanks Daniel for a super tour! A real treat for all of us. Bless you in your work at National University's University Cultural Centre! Perhaps someday in the future we'll have a chance to work together!

2007-04-04T04:28:00.000-07:00

Finally getting around to typing up the class evaluation from LAST term. That along with giving Paul David your grades! No evaluations from Gilbert, Kace, Jacqueline, Vasa & Piteulia :-(

PERFORMING ARTS, AD100
And now for your feedback…
(Please fill in the blanks, circle, or draw cartoons as appropriate)

Customer Survey Reports: This Customer’s Satisfaction is 98%! (class average)

During this last term…
I can’t believe you got me to try improvisation, readers’ theatre, mime, reciting Acts to Deniece in my fastest pace ever!! Playback Theatre.

I will never forget the lesson about storytelling (3), diamond ensemble, playback theatre , everything! I will keep all close to my heart.

I really want to work more on mime, my diction & pronunciation, dance! My voice projection, working with the stage, playback

I wish we’d had more time for going more in depth & more performances. Sketches, enacted prayer, more and more and more classes, Readers’ Theatre

I hope I never have to ________________________________________ again! (nothing, I loved everything) It’s amazing, just trying things can open your eyes! (actually nothing! I enjoyed every moment!) (nothing!)

I was moved by “The Prodigal Son in the Key of F” & Daniel Ch. 2 recitation, playback theatre, the creativity & unity of the class. Playback theatre and everyone’s passion & what they have to offer to God. Diamond Ensemble.

I sensed God’s presence when we prayed for one another and the guests, diamond ensemble, we saw fluid sculpture, we did playback theatre and diamond ensemble – felt a sense of worship, when we toally present ourselves to God.

Next time you teach, Make sure to include (don’t drop it from the list!): playback theatre and readers’ theatre, acting & character analysis

I also have this to say….
Thanks for being a model of a Christian artist – the class could sense your openess to us and your love for God and the arts!
I will take the next course and share whatever I learn with my friends and church.
The course is very enriching and widened up my perspective of creative arts.
I really enjoyed the clas, expecially all the exercises.
Thanks a lot! You are an inspiration! As much as I may not talk to you much, you have my heartfelft thanks and gratitude! And you have done and awesome job! Can’t wait for the next class.

May the God of peace, who…brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus…
equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:20,21

2007-03-20T17:56:00.000-07:00

Class on Stage Make Up

Cosmoprof: contact lily at tel 90120547
(she’s the instructress for makeup section in this company) Just let her know is for church project you’ll be able to get a 50% for most of the products.

The rest of the non-specialty items:
In Singapore you can go to Concourse or Tan quee lan road can get it a better price. I can also give you some contact for cotton wools, tissues and hair products, can call Paragon Traders, William. Can page for him 92048211 (pager).

Costume Tour: Amy

2007-03-19T19:24:00.001-07:00

Costume Tour: Amy
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

Costume Tour Kace & William Clowning around

2007-03-19T19:23:00.001-07:00

Costume Tour Kace & William Clowning around
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

2007-03-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

video convertions

advice from Michael Cheng (thanks!)

You can get the conversions done at AVD, a shop that specializes in all kinds of conversions. I've been using them for a number of years now.

They are on the second floor of Sim Lim Square. I can't recall the unit number but their number is 63375205 (i think it's 02-05). You can call and check. They are open from 11pm to 6pm on weekdays, Sundays are not open. I can't recall offhand their opening hours on SAturday but they do close early i think.

2007-03-14T22:16:00.000-07:00

Leezibet our stage manager and tour guide extraordinaie passed this info on:

you can get all kinds of Tapes from Teck Seng in Ubi Techpark!

address below:
14 Kaki Bukit Place
Spore 416192
tel - 6742 3035
www.teckseng.com.sg

2007-03-05T21:57:00.000-08:00

The Costume Shops on the Leezibet Tour!

No. One Costume Costume
Aliwal x Jln Sultan
63339440
no1sales@singnet.com.sg
10:30AM to 8PM

Stage Image (dance costumes)
772 North Bridge Rd.
62992077
M-Sat 10-6

Mascots & Puppets Specialists
746 North Bridge Rd.
Singapore 198714

House of Japan (cheapest used clothes)
55 Haji Lane
63966657 or 63966659

Jap Vintage
also on Jaji Lane (cheap dresses)

The Costume Shop
Level 2 of Landmark Hotel Shopping Arcade

Masquerade Costume and Mascots (looked like nicer quality)
26A Bali Lane
62924889
masquerade@singnet.com.sg

OUTSIDE ARAB STREET AREA: Check listings for Salvation Army Thrift Stores.

2007-01-28T19:12:00.000-08:00

Here are the names of Theatrical Equipment &
Supplies from the current Yellow Pages. Anyone have comments or recommendations?

Eng Kong Engrg Works
38Toh Guan Rd East#01-53.............6515 1221

Fanta Vision Production
5 Dunlop St.......................................6392 0456

INSYNC MUSIC PRODUCTIONS
80C Lor J Telok Kurau...................... 6440 5726
Website; www.insync.com.sg

Special Cosmetic Effects Pte Ltd
150 Orchard Rd #03-67/68/69........... 6738 6209
Do.......................... 68366468

Theatrical & Stage
Lighting Equipment

AUDIO LIGHT ASIA PTE LTD
101 Boon Keng Rd #05-11 ................6742 6387

HuaThye Chan Productions
35 Tannery Rd #08-09.......................6747 0229
Fax,...................................................67473162

Stagewerkz
627AAIjunied Rd #06-09...................6883 1077

Tep Production
5 JIn Kilang Barat#07-02...................6272 1760

The Production People
2 Kirn Chuan Dr #04-07.....................6858 0060
Fax....................................................68580070

2007-01-26T18:38:00.000-08:00

Library Hours at TCA College:

2007-01-22T19:40:00.000-08:00

2nd Reader's Theatre Performance at Charis Christian Church, November 2006

2007-01-08T18:41:00.000-08:00

Reaction Paper:
“A Christian Response to Theatre”

Article by Dale Savidge, written for the book SIGHTS & SOUNDS, 2006

Write out your answers to FIVE QUESTIONS (minimum).
We will be discussing this article during class time on January 22. Answering these questions will help you prepare for the discussion. You can post your answers on the blog, or submit your written answers in class.

1. Informed by your reading of this chapter, explain why theatre is a powerful communication tool.

2. How is a play not like a sermon?

3. Francis Schaffer’s understanding of a Christian worldview explains that there is a minor theme of the Bible (man is a sinner and we live in a fallen world) and the major theme of the Bible (Christ’s death provides redemption from our sin). Why does Dr. Savidge believe that plays present only the minor theme of the Bible can be powerful?

4. What is your opinion of the plays you have seen presenting the major theme of the Bible (redemption of sin through Christ)?

5. Why is theatre “is the most directly human of all the arts”?

6. Why is it important to “engage culture”?

7. What is Dr. Savidge’s suggestion for how Christians should respond to the offensive nature of many theatre productions or the lifestyle of theatre practitioners?

8. How can Christians discern to what extent they should experience theatre (as audiences and as artists)?

9. What did you learn about the difference between entertainment and amusement? Does that have any effect on how you see the use of “entertainment” in a worship setting?

10. What did Dr. Savidge have to say about playwrites playing to our sympathies?

11. What are your thoughts after reading about the objectionable elements you might find in theatre?

12. Why is working in theatre a frustrating occupation? Why would it be dangerous for a Christian?

13. Have you ever had an opportunity to “come alongside” a theatre practitioner? How did you respond to them and they to you?

Buy the book online.
A Review of the book from Createlevoyage's Dawn Fung

2007-01-08T18:28:00.000-08:00

Sketch Evaluation
Just click here to go to our former post where this is located. The library is open on Mondays until 7PM, so you can get in there before class sometime to read those 5 sketches. Don't know the other times they're open yet, but will post the hours when I find out.

2007-01-08T18:26:00.000-08:00

Play Evaluation Outline

Your Name:
Production:
Theatre:
Date of Performance:
Style of Play:

Author & Structure
• To whom does the play most appeal to?
• What do you think the author was trying to say? (theme)
• What did you find unique about the play?
• What would you say is the climax…or was there a climax? Why did this seem to be the climax to you?
• What did you think about the characters and their dialogue (in the writing, not the acting)?
• What question(s) would you like to ask this playwright?

Actors
• What were the names of the main characters (or descriptions)?
• Remark on these actors believability (or unbelievablity)
• Did you get the illusion that the action was spontaneous (as if it were happening for the first time?)
• Comment on their voice (quality, projection, suitability, interpretation)
• Comment on their body (gestures, movement, business)
• Comment on their emotions
• Comment on the relationships between the characters/actors (Realistic? Did they work together as an Ensemble/team?)

Technical Aspects
• What was your impression of the set? (Did it establish the proper mood for the play? Was it practical? Cleverly designed? Functional? What will you remember about this set?)
• Comment on what you noticed about
o Lighting
o Costumes
o Make-up
o Sound
o Stage Management
o House Management

Comment on the Audience’s
• attentiveness
• responses (laughter, surprise, tears)
• signs of appreciation (was the applause spontaneous or polite?)
• conversation at intermission and after the show.

2007-01-08T18:03:00.000-08:00

Plays to see during this course:

My Fair Lady, january 13, 2:30PM, $38-$148

Everything but the Brain, January 23, 8PM, $35 Esplanade Studio Theatre, open seating, so just buy your own ticket.

Titodau, Wed. March 7, Drama Centre. If we go as a group, we can have coffee (or tea) after and discuss the show. $42-$52, 20% discount for DBS & POSB Credit/Debit Cards
[Discount applicable from 1 Jan 07 to 18 Mar 07.]
15% discount for PAssion Card
[Discount applicable from 1 Jan 07 to 18 Mar 07.]

15% discount for NTUC Gold Link Card / SAFRA Card
15% discount for PacNET PriviCard / Coffee Bean Card
15% discount for TCC Connoisseur Card
[Discount applicable from 1 Jan - 28 Feb 07.]

Imaginarius, March 10 11AM, $19

Under the Dragon Moon, March 10, 3PM Alliance Francaise. We'll go over to Newton Hawker Centre to discuss the shows afterward.

Early Bird Discounts from 3 Jan to 5 Feb 07
S$16 for Early Bird (Adult/Child)
S$60 for Early Bird Family Package (4 persons)
S$72 for Early Bird Big Family Package (5 persons)

S$62 for Family Package (4 persons)
S$75 for Big Family Package (5 persons)
[Discount applicable from 6 Feb 07 onwards]

S$14 for HSBC Cardholders

Phantom of the Opera

2007-01-08T17:36:00.000-08:00

COURSE TITLE : Theatre Arts & Ministry Applications ADR101
INSTRUCTOR : Kimberly Creasman
DURATION : 8 January to 16 April 2007
BLOG ADDRESS : http://CreativeArtsTCA.blogspot.com

Description

This course provides students with a basic understanding in the fundamentals of ministry in Theatre Arts. Issues pertaining to the philosophy of theatre in ministry and the different facets of theatre ministry such as styles, stagecraft, personnel and performance platforms will be explored through lectures, discussions, video presentations, field trips & hands on experimentation.

Objectives
This course is to provide:

1. A framework of knowledge and appreciation for various crafts that comprise the “behind the scenes” of theatre arts.
2. A foundation in a philosophy of why theatre is an acceptable art form for followers of Jesus Christ, and it’s potential to be used to bring glory to our Creator God.

Requirements
1. Assignments:
• Reaction paper to Sights & Sounds ch3 “When the Curtain Opens, A Christian Response to Theatre” Due 22 January
• Evaluation of 5 published scripts on Christian themes (evaluation form attached, Sketch Collections on reserve in the library)
Due 26 February (the class after CNY break)
• Play Evaluations of two live performances (of the selected plays during the term) Due the week following the performance seen.
• 2 complete Play Idea Worksheets. Due: March 19
• 1 complete draft of a sketch between 5-10 minutes in length. Due March 26 (via email or blog)

2. Three Quizzes will be given on content of textbook and material covered in class Dates: January 29,
3. Regular and faithful attendance is required at all sessions.
4. Complete all reading assignments and homework.
5. Active participation in class activities and discussions.
6. Course “Exam”: Every student choose one of the following:

• an in class reading of an original piece that can somehow be used in ministry (up to 8 minutes). You may solicit help from your classmates, but each individual must create their own piece. Printed script due: 2 April. Performance on 9 or 16 April.
• an oral and creative presentation of the content of one of the chapters from the selected reading list (minimum 5 minutes) Due: same as above.

Grading

1. Exam 30%
2. Assignments 50%
3. Class participation10%
4. Class Attendance 10%

Course Materials

Pederson, Steve, Drama Ministry: Practical Help for Making Drama a Vital Part of Your Church, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1999.

Campbell, Drew,Technical Theatre for Nontechnical People, Allworth Press, 2004.

Collected sample scripts, articles and vocabulary lists from the instructor.

2006-12-06T08:23:00.000-08:00

Tapestry Fluid Sculpture demonstration:

2006-12-05T08:02:00.000-08:00

Tapestry Playback demonstrates Fluid Scuplture and short forms

2006-12-03T18:07:00.000-08:00

Psalm 104. For our final class the students put together a piece on their own, using one of the styles they had learned in class. The women are using a combination of Reader's Theatre and dance in this piece. Very slow downloading. don't know why...but you may just have to wait awhile for it.

2006-12-03T17:59:00.000-08:00

Four Better or Four Worse" sketch written and performed 21 November 2006

"Four Better or Four Worse"

2006-11-22T13:51:00.000-08:00

Men's Comedy Sketch
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

lesson learned: practice with the props! Great job guys! What team work.

Praise the Lord! This is our last class!

2006-11-21T09:06:00.000-08:00

Women's Reader's Theatre Psalm 104
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

2006-11-21T08:29:00.000-08:00

COURSE EVALUATION - STRETCH YOUR MEMORY

Customer Survey Reports: This Customer’s Satisfaction is _____%!

These last 14 weeks…
I can’t believe you got me to try

I will never forget the lesson about

If you get to teach this course again don't forget to include ____________ (ie. information, helpful tips, style, advice, attitude)

I really want to work more on

I wish we’d had more time for

I hope I never have to _________________ again!

I was moved by

I sensed God’s presence when

I also have this to say

How can I pray for you?

May the God of peace, who…brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus…
equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:20,21

It's been my priviledge to be your teacher. See you soon!

2006-11-07T18:04:00.000-08:00

Here's a link to a dance we didn't watch last night in class. The rehearsal to a dance by Singaporean believers. The song is ARMS OF AN ANGEL. I think you'll really like it.

I was sooo stressed out planning for this class. It didn't seem like anything was coming together. You have seen my demonstrations of my dance ability last night (the BUNNY HOP!) So, I'm sure you know why giving you and evening of dance overview caused fear and trepidation! I wasn't finding much of worth on YouTube, people I'd asked for help weren't available, didn't get back to me or gave me video tapes (my vcr is broken) or vcd's that wouldn't play. After surfing and reading and calling and reasearching and making copies of wikipedia info, and running around town, an hour before class I was wondering what was going to happen... But then, it all worked out!

Jaqueline showed up with a dvd and pitched in with input and demonstrations.
We watched her video from 2004 Dance Collective (a variety of styles and ability), and saw some of the highlights I'd found on YouTube (my favourite was Mustard Seeds 10th Anniversary). Come next week to meet Elaine Chan (you saw her dance in that improv dance from Dance Collective) and hear from her about her philosophy of dance as ministry.

2006-11-07T17:46:00.000-08:00

Next week:
Preparing for our final night
Here are your options from the syllabus:

1. An in class performance of an original piece that can somehow be used in ministry (up to 8 minutes, and may be done in a group of up to 3 people). Part of your presentation is to explain how you would use it and why you chose it!
Printed draft of your script due: 14 November.
Work in progress performance on 21 November

2. An oral and creative presentation of the content of one of the chapters from the selected reading list (minimum 5 minutes) Draft of script due: 14 November

3. A written reaction paper to an entire book from the selected reading list.
Due: 21 November

Say, class...why don't you post a comment below to let us know what is brewing for you?

2006-11-07T17:14:00.000-08:00

Quiz 3: Playback Theatre & Reader’s Theatre

NOTE: There are no “correct answers” for these exercises. It’s just an opportunity for you to show that you’ve learned about using these 2 forms, and give you a chance to be creative. AND share your inspiration in a way we can share with others. Post your answers as comments to the following entries. I suggest you first type it out as a document on your own computer and save it before pasting it as a comment in the class blog.

PART I: Playback Theatre

1. You are the “conductor” for an evening of playback theatre and the topic is:
“The Body: Celebrating what Fellowship Among Followers of Jesus Can Be.”

What might you do to help warm up the group (audience and players) to this theme and get them more ready to start sharing their stories?

2006-11-07T17:13:00.000-08:00

2. After some kind of warm up, you want to start with some “short forms.” You tell the group one of your own favourite stories of how someone built you up or ministered to you. Then you ask them to remember a time when another Christian was truly the hands or feet of Christ to them. One person, Joseph, volunteers this information: “When I was out of a job, someone in my cell group helped me get a new position.” You probe and Joseph isn’t willing to share much else except that this person was generous with time and expertise. Gave Joseph a boost of confidence. You ask a few more questions to probe “Do you want to share the name of this person?” “Is there anything else about their helping you that you want to share?” “How did their help make you feel?” He gives you short answers, and there isn’t much of a story in what he shares.

What short form would you suggest the actors use?

Describe how you imagine it played out.

2006-11-07T17:11:00.000-08:00

3. The next person who shares is Lucy. It’s easy to get her to talk. With very few questions, she tells about a time when she was housebound on evenings & weekends caring for an elderly parent who was ill. You find out that she is a single mother and eventually, when the mum was invalid, she had to take leave because there was no maid to help the family. On the 3rd week of not being able to attend cell group or church, the cg came to her house bringing groceries. She was embarassed that her place was such a mess and that some of them had to sit on the floor. But they didn’t seem to mind. One of the guys fixed her home computer/internet connection and showed her how to shop online for groceries. The 4th week someone came early to help clean the apartment and mop the floor. Another guy in the group bought a CD of songs he thought would encourage her during the week. The group met at her house for 4 months until the mother passed on, and then they helped with planning the funeral/etc.

Which “long form” would you use. Describe a way it could be played out by 4 actors.

2006-11-07T17:08:00.000-08:00

QUIZ 3 PART II: Reader’s Theatre

Break down ONE of the following text as a reader’s theatre script. You can write in your own text as an intro, or closing how you see fit. Be creative!

Reader’s Theatre Option #1:
Prayer of Detachment
St. John of the Cross (1542-1591)

Deliver me, O Jesus...
...from the desire of being loved
...from the desire of being extolled
...from the desire of being praised
...from the desire of being preferred
...from the desire of being consulted
...from the desire of being approved
...from the desire of being popular

Deliver me, O Jesus...
...from the fear of being humiliated
...from the fear of being despised
...from the fear of suffering rebuke
...from the fear of being forgotten
...from the fear of being wronged
...from the fear of being ridiculed
...from the fear that others may be loved more than I

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire...

...that others may be esteemed more than I
...that in the opinion of the world others may increase and I may decrease
...that others may be chosen and I set aside
...that others may be praised and I unnoticed
...that others may become holier than I provided that I may become as holy as I should.

NOTE: If you choose to work on this one, copy the text above and break it down as a Readers' Theatre. You can do this first in word processing document on your computer (to save it this way) and then paste it in as a comment here once you've finished.

2006-11-07T17:03:00.000-08:00

Reader’s Theatre Option #2
In Praise of Dancing
St. Augustine

I praise the dance, for it frees people
from the heaviness of matter and binds
the isolated to community.
I praise the dance, which demands everything:
health and a clear spirit and a buoyant soul.
Dance is a transformation of space, of time, of people,
who are in constant danger of becoming all brain,
will, or feeling.
Dancing demands a whole person, one who is
firmly anchored in the center of his life, who is
not obsessed by lust for people and things
and the demon of isolation in his own ego.
Dancing demands a freed person, one who vibrates
with the equipoise of all his powers.
I praise the dance.
O man, learn to dance, or else the angels in heaven
will not know what to do with you.

NOTE: If you choose to work on this one, copy the text above and break it down as a Readers' Theatre. You can do this first in word processing document on your computer (to save it this way) and then paste it in as a comment here once you've finished.

2006-11-07T16:51:00.000-08:00

Dance as Ministry
Links from a dance ministry leader in USA - Evelyn Okamoto

Celebration of Dance
This link is to a ministry that has videos and shows clips on their website.

Using American Sign Language
This link isn't a dance link, but is a useful resource for movement ideas. Limited, but great since it shows a video clip as well as the verbal description.

This one has loads of training & networking resources for Christian dance.

Wonderful quotes Evelyn has collected and passed on to us:

“A dance is a very profound means to integrate the internal world with the external world.” Bill T. Jones, dancer/choreographer

“…the poetry of dance is the expression of unseen spiritual grace.”
Stewart Headler (19th century)

“The art of dancing…perhaps more than all other arts, is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.”
Ruth St. Denis, pioneer of modern dance, founder Sacred Dance Guild

“No, art is not catharsis. Just the opposite: Art is rehearsal. Watching or listening to other people do something is a way of mentally rehearsing it—which makes it easier for us to do the same thing. After all, that’s why businesses spend untold millions of dollars on advertising every year.” Chuck Colson, founder, Prison Fellowship

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”
Thomas Merton, Trappist monk, writer

“Art takes the ordinary and alters it in ways which make us see a deeper reality, one of things not merely seen but both implied and inferred. It alters relationships and makes us move off our comfortable center, to see, hear and think anew. Art can, in the hands of great talent, make beauty which reverberates through our lives and carries us into rarified strata. It can shatter our perceptions. It can clarify our anger. It can help us to understand our sorrow…Art provides the channel for those qualities which endure beyond the turmoil of a chaotic and threatened world…In dance, one returns to long forgotten basics: the revelations of non-verbal symbology – the physical knowledge of emotion. The body has been learning since before birth.”
Bella Lewitzky, dancer/choreographer

“I scrub my hands with the purest soap, then join hands with the others in the great circle dancing around your altar, God, Singing God-songs at the top of my lungs, telling God-stories.” David, song writer, king (Psalm 26)

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—which is your spiritual worship.”
Romans 12:1 (NIV)

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life – and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.”
Romans 12:1 (The Message)

“The very moment you separate body and spirit, you end up with a corpse. Separate faith and works and you get the same thing: a corpse.”
James 2:26 (The Message)

“Beauty is not only a terrible thing, it is also a mysterious thing. There God and the Devil strive for mastery, and the battleground is the heart of men.”

Fyodor Dostoyevsky, novelist (The Brothers Karamazov)

2006-11-03T02:19:00.000-08:00

Last week we gave Reader's Theatre a try.
Bet you never knew READING a script could get so creative...and complicated!
KEY POINT: Direct for picky details, like opening and closing your scripts together, actors starting their lines with their noses out of their notebooks, being CLEAR about where actors look when using offstage focus (if it's fuzzy to them, it will never work to create the illusion for your audience.

2006-10-27T07:39:00.000-07:00

Hi all, more International Nite photos @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/64451178@N00/

2006-10-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

Title : Art and the Bible(L'Abri Pamphlet)Author : Francis A. Schaeffer
Publisher: L'Abri FellowshipCopyright date: 1973

REVIEW
Introduction : This pamphlet is less than a 100 pages (63 to be exact) but packed into these 63 pages is an easy to read 2 part essay on Arts the the Bible. The first portion discusses the place of art in Christian life while the second part suggest ways on how Christians should evaluate art.

Art in the Bible : The author begins by saying that Christians should embrace the arts because the God made Man whole and that includes his intellect, creativity, body and soul. By acknowledging the Lordship of Christ, Man is redeemed whole and therefore the realm of arts which is a result of creativity comes under His Lordship as well. Therefore, Man should not be limited in the use of the arts to glorify God.

The author first debunks the myth that God's commandment (Exodus 20:45) that Christians must not worship other idols before Him should be taken to mean that there is no room for art. His argument is that God is against the worship of idols (Leviticus 26:1) and as long as we do not worship the form that we create, it is not wrong to make art. He then proceeds to sieve out the various art forms that have been recorded in the Bible e.g. the exquisite design of the tabernacle in Exodus 25, the mention of Blue pomegranate in Exodus 28:33 while it is usually found in Purple or Scarlet in its natural form, representational and decorative art forms in the temple as mentioned in 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles and 1 Kings, even Moses uses the image of a snake to heal (Numbers 21:8). Sadly, people began to worship it and Hezekiah had to eventually smash it in 2 Kings 18:4. In addition, music, drama and dance were also used. Not surprisingly, art was also found in heaven as mentioned in Revelations 15:2-3. With this argument that art has always been an integral part of the Bible, he then moves on to address the issues of how should Christians view art.

How should Christians evaluate Art In this second part, the author provided a basic analysis framework on how to evaluate art. He argues that although art could be – just art; for arts sake; it could also embody a message and it runs the danger of being reduced to intellectual statements with the original message being lost in the process. Last but not least, it could be used to accentuate an artist's world view. However, he acknowledges that not all art forms are sacred as man is fallen and suggests that art could be judge based on technical excellence, validity, intellectual content and integration of content and vehicle.

Framework to Evaluate Art Technical excellence is easy to grasp as it deals with what we are familiar with in that we are amazed at how the particular piece of art could be created. Validity is about the whether the artist has been honest to himself and his world view. The author acknowledges that intellectual content is closely linked to the artist's world view and the artist could be a born-again Christian, born-again but not total Christian, non Christian and also non Christian using a Christian framework. Thus, there is a possibility that the message could be one that is destructive in nature. The effects could be devastating because the superb grasp of technicality allows the artist to deliver the message with such finesse that the effects are subtle. This leads to author to state that the greater the art, the more we should examine its world view and compare it to the word of God. Integration of content and vehicle is about the suitability of the transmission vehicle to deliver the message or world view.

Schaeffer recognises that art can be used for any message and acknowledges the wide range of styles for Christian art in how it changes with the time and place. Although this means that the same message can be presented in many different art forms. The Christian world view must be the anchor and not be distorted by the transmission vehicle in the process. This is possible as some of the transmission vehicles are designed with a totally different world view and therefore, might not be suitable to the Christian message.

What is the Christian world view that we should defend ?
The author suggests that there is a major and minor theme in the Christian world view. The minor view hold that “men who have revolted from God and not come back to Christ are eternally lost”(pp 56). In addition, “there is a defeated and sinful side to the Christian's life”(pp 56). The major theme on the other hand concerns the meaningfulness and purposefulness of life. This basis for this is that God exists and therefore all thing should eventually make sense. Because God exists, his character is reflected in the moral law and therefore, true morals and not conditioning exist. And because God exists, creativity exist as opposed to mechanical construction.
Schaeffer advocates leans more towards the major theme as he reckons that there is already enough destructive power. However, he warns that leaning too much towards this theme would result in romantic art as the downside of life is not portrayed while going the other extreme towards the minor theme would be un-biblical because the message of hope would be lost. He suggests that since Man has value because we are created in the image of God, the Christian artist should portray man as individual man with emotions, feelings, body and life. In addition, the Christian artist need not scope his work to religious art.

Last but not least, no artist can present the various aspects of his talent at once. Schaeffer advise the Christian artists to make use of his life time to produce a wide and deep body of work. For the wider audience, Schaeffer suggest to see how the perspectives presented could be used in an individual's life and let the Christian life be a work of art.

REACTION :
Balanced View I like the book because although it is 63 pages long, it is able to provide a balanced view on why and how Christians could view. I like the first part when Schaeffer pointed out that blue pomegranates are not the natural form of this flower and it aptly points out that God is giving us a glimpse of the gift of creativity that He has given to Mankind through His words.

Practical Evaluation Framework As for the second part, I particularly like the practical approach for evaluating art forms. In my opinion, the framework is fair as it provides a potential basis to help me tease out what exactly I am uncomfortable about a piece of art. I guess it also brings out the philosophy of searching for good things amongst the bad or what appears to be bad and what is interesting is that if I were to look deeper and identify what is bad, the bad could turn to be not so bad after all. Before reading the book, I would have not have taken a look at a piece of art work if I perceive that the world view is different. Relying solely on world view, I would have missed the other three aspects of technical excellence, validity and integration of content and vehicle. Once the intellectual content is removed from the analysis, I can appreciate the skill that the artist's has attained to project such technical excellence. In addition it also allows for me to check for congruency between the artist's world view and his artwork which allows me to better understand the artist. Last but not least, I can delve deeper into the integration between the content and vehicle. This is important because although I could disagree with the world view, there is a possibility that I could use the same vehicle but replace the contents with a Christian world view. Although this pamphlet is written around the early 70s, it is interesting to note that the principles are still applicable in our modern world.

Posted Warning Signs Schaeffer's discussion on evaluating the intellectual content is especially insightful. From my point of view, he should be commended for this extra effort because he had just pointed out earlier that not all work of art is sacred. But one could be so mesmerized by the potent combination of technical excellence and seamless integration of content and vehicle that the particular art work is spared the evaluation process. Schaeffer's reminder that the greater the art, the more important we should evaluate it and be critical of its world view comes as an apt reminder and hopefully triggers the alarm when I next admire a great piece of work.

Preservation of Christian world view I am also impressed by the author's strong sense of ethics in pointing out the possible pitfalls which I trace back to the evaluation method which he has proposed. By proposing an objective evaluation model, it widens the scope of art forms that I could evaluate. Along the way, if my foundations in Christianity are not strong, it is very likely that I would end up disillusioned or being converted to the world view of the art form that I have open myself up to evaluate. Thus, his discussion of what the Christian world view could be and to put them under the judgement of Christ and the Bible helps to put the evaluation framework on a more even keel. In addition, the expanded discussion about integration of content and vehicle ensures that besides not getting swayed while evaluating an art form, I also do not chip away the Christian world view with my own works. While exploring and wallowing in the gift of creativity, I could unknowingly use a vehicle that is inappropriate due to the fact that it is highly customised for other world views.

Message of hope – Things take time I also like the parting advice for artists that one should strike a balance between the message of hope and one of despair, leaning more towards the major theme by bringing out the value in man as an individual, in his emotions, feelings, body and life. In addition, the advice that art work takes time and one should take one step back and see the entirety of his collection of finished/work in progress/yet to be started works rather than trying to squeeze everything into one masterpiece. I find this good advice as from time to time, we could be so frustrated with our circumstances that we should take a step back and look at the tapestry of finished works that we have already completed. Each piece of work is akin to an art piece as it is a result of hard work and creativity. During our low periods, we should perhaps examine ourselves as an individual, in our emotions, feelings, body and life and make an assessment about where are we in the envisaged lifetime of work before we plunge into the fray again for the body of work is expected to be wide and deep. Yes, I am already heeding the author's parting advice to see the Christian life as a work of Art.

CONCLUSION :
In conclusion, the book is well structured, easy to read with cogent arguments and practical tips. In spite of its datedness and thinness, it is definitely worth a read.

2006-10-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

2006-10-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

Photos from International Night. You all did a wonderful job, It was worshipful and inspiring to see you do the Diamond Ensemble to YOU ARE MY STRONGHOLD by Watermark, and then Recite Acts 1,2. Wonderful!!!

2006-10-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

Looosly translated into Singlish from TRAVELING LIGHT by Lawrence Enscoe.

2006-10-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

I've placed the Glossary at the bottom of this blog. I've placed it as an earlier entry so it won't take up so much space here. Well done on the quiz everyone!

2006-10-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

Our final weeks
THE PLANS

WEEK 7 (10/10):
Glossary Quiz & discussion of terms
Review memorized section of Acts
Traveling Light: Pig Farmer monologue by Christine Yong

Acting: Improvisation handout p22
Game: Freeze (warmed up by thinking up
Conflict situations)

Homework: Memorize your section of Acts 1 & 2
Better get started reading at least 100pgs of a theatre book from the list.
You can prepare for improvs next week by reading text pages 61-83

WEEK 8 (17/10):
More Improvs
Acting Class: exercises on creating a character p23
Character Analysis (short & long) p24-29
Rehearse Acts for International Night
Diamond Ensemble for International Night

Homework for next week: Playback Theatre reading

23 October, International Night. Details

WEEK 9 (24/10):
300 word reaction paper due
Playback Theatre demonstration
Trying out Enacted Prayer – with Tapestry Playback
Homework for next week draft ideas for your student presentation

WEEK 10 (31/10):
Reader’s Theatre
“The Case of the Unemployed Sunday School Leader”
More on Creating Characters (if it doesn’t get done 17/10)
Discuss options for projects (discuss your homework)

Homework for next week: read dance notes

WEEK 11 (7/11):
More improvisation
Dance Overview with Jaqueline & Elaine! Loads of video and demos.
Quiz 3: Playback, Reader’s Theatre, Acting (whew!)

Homework: Prepare presentations!

WEEKS 12 & 13 (14 & 21/11)
Quiz 4: Dance, Staging & Directing
Depending on what students pick, part of week 12 can be time for rehearsal.
Student Presentations/Performances

2006-10-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

This Creative Arts Course has widened my perspective and given me a better understanding of the whole ministry. -- William Tan, Salvation Army

This is a fantastic overview of the creative arts ministry, challenging me to grow in my gifts and in my personal growth as well. --Kace Chang

2006-10-04T08:44:00.000-07:00

Gilbert top ranked sketch was a "9"
(find more reviews under the comments of the very first post in this blog SKETCH EVALUATIONS)

Name of Sketch: To Have and to Hold ?
Name of Sketch Collection/Book: The Comfort Zone : 11 Sketches to Challenge and Encourage Christian Faith
Publisher: Lillenas Publishing Company
Copywrite date: 2000

MESSAGE: The significance of the marriage vow. It is about accountability between husband and wife, commitment to family as well as the need for open communications. It is relevant as in this era of high divorce rate, the Church should do all it can to preserve marriages. Nothing was mentioned about God throughout the sketch.
THEME : The theme is about a husband and wife who's live priorities have departed and the lost of faith in each other ultimately resulted in the D word being mentioned.

STRUCTURE:
The inciting action occurs when Larry and Ellen argues about Ellen having bought new clothings for their child as Larry would like to get a new set of tyres for his car instead. It leads on to the rising action where Ellen probes and found out that her husband has been working with Sheila Bergman without accounting to her. The context was that they had fought over her before. The climax came when Larry broke the news that he wanted a divorce as he felt that things are just not working out between Ellen and him. This was followed by the denoument where Ellen tries to take in the news and concludes with Larry walking out of the house. It is quite predictable as how could Larry and Ellen be husband and wife when their priorities are so far apart. Through the sketch, it was slowly revealed that they could have grown apart over the years due to lack of communication and erosion of faith in each other with the appearance of Sheila Bergman. This sow the seed for reflection.
STYLE: The style used is a sketch.

TARGET AUDIENCE: The target audience include adults and youth; both Christians as well as the Unchurched, single or married.

PERFORMERS NEED TO BE: The dialogue is simple and the performers could be Beginners or Intermediate.

PRODUCTION: The notes are adequate and it is easy to produce. No elaborate props are required.
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate this script?
9
Do you feel that it would work in your setting without modifications?
Yes as it is highly identifiable and generates quite a lot of reflection.

2006-10-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

Rachel Eric found a 10!

Name of Sketch: The Dream by Lisa Harper
Name of Sketch Collection/Book: Drama Team Handbook by Alison Siewert & Others
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
Copywrite Date: 2003

Style: Reader’s Theatre? (This I have to check out)

Target Audience: African American Youth/Young Adults, Christians or Non-Christians

Performers need to be: Intermediate – Advanced

On a scale of 1-10, I would honestly give this sketch a 10! Well, my rating may not be completely objective. Being completely green in this craft, perhaps certain things that make a script a good or bad one may escape me. But as I evaluate it with what we’ve learnt and from a standpoint of an audience, it’s totally got me hooked and made quite an impression in me.

Structure:
The sketch is about a couple, Jerry and Tina talking about their last date to a movie titled ‘Real Women Have Curves’ (exposition) where the Jerry falls asleep because the lead actress “…ain’t curvy. She’s fat!” (inciting incident). This leads to each character airing out (quite unconsciously) their internal struggles. For Jerry, it’s a struggle with lust and for Tina it’s trying to conform to a stereotypical image in order to be loved (rising action). The climax comes about quite suprisingly when Jerry, as he’s speaking, realizes he may very well be turning into a “playa” just like his father was and turns to say “God, help.” And Tina realizing she is worth more than looking perfection just to be loved and (reveals) she has let it go by shaving her head bald (!!!). The couple interact with each other on stage for the first time with Jerry seeing Tina head shaved and all, and saying with conviction “I love you”(denouement).

Yes, I was completely hooked from the very beginning; mainly due to these elements:
1) The outline of the sketch can be easily identified. The exposition, inciting incident, rising action, climax and denouement are clear-cut. This makes it so simple to follow the plot. Especially when it is staged so uniquely, with two characters speaking separate yet interwoven lines, showing separate perspectives on the very same situation/issue.
2) The dialogue though a recollection of the events/ narration of thoughts and feelings, were written with lines that are sharp to the point. The flavor of the African American culture is evident in these lines too, making it all so authentic. I especially loved how the interwoven lines beautifully (and at places humorously) compliment each other, making the entire sketch flow clearly in one direction.
3) Real. The entire sketch is very real. The characters are written so real. Real as African Americans. Real as human beings. As I was reading the sketch, I was so caught up in it because it was so believable. The young generation of African Americans and other ethnic groups, I believe, would really be able to identify with the premise, conflict and characters.
-The premise: The sketch is about a couple each ‘telling it as it is’ from their own points of view. They are doing so casually facing the audience. It seems like the audience is a friend to the couple, hearing each “side of the story”. A familiar scene? I believe most people has been in such a situation, hearing at least one person talk about their side of the story and what they think of their spouse/boyfriend’s actions etc.
-Conflict: While at the beginning the conflict seems to center on Tina’s dislike of Jerry’s habit of looking at other girls, later it sinks deeper into their internal struggles. Jerry’s inner conflict centers around becoming a beautiful person on the inside as he discovers that what he likes in a girl may very well be lust, and how this could very well be turning him into a “playa”. Tina is conflicted with the issue of conformity. Conformity to a certain image or look in order to feel beautiful and be loved. Once again a very real conflict in the day and age we live in where the images portrayed by media seems to indoctrinate a certain perfect yet near impossible stereotype or standard to reach in order to be loved, successful or happy.
-Characters: I finished reading the sketch feeling that these two characters could be my friends. Their strengths, weaknesses, struggles, quirks were so well voiced, you can’t help but feel drawn to them.
4) Surprise: The sketch really caught me with my mouth gaping open in the end. Never would I have imagined the character of Tina making a stand by having her head shaved. But then again, this made the conclusion all the more satisfactory. For me, this action conveys what words never will be able too…freedom from conformity, shedding of insecurity, truly knowing that beauty is within, loving and accepting oneself, purification and other expressions I am unable to describe.

Message:
The theme of this sketch, as I see it, revolves around the question “What is beauty…without substance?” It deals with these interconnected issues of conformity to what’s been stereotyped in society and accepting/loving oneself. Very relevant issues in this age of society.

It provides a Biblical perspective on these issues in a contemporary way. As I was reading the sketch, I could pick up principals on inner beauty as highlighted in:
-Proverbs 31 which explores a woman of noble character who “is worth more than precious rubies”
-1 Peter 3:1-8 nicely sums up for a woman that she “… should be known for the beauty that comes from within…” and for a man that he should “…give honor…”
-1 Corinthians 10:13 beautifully encourages that temptations can be overcome
because of God’s grace.
-Genesis 1:27 that assures us that there is only one perfect image and we are made “in His own image”. What’s so great about this sketch is that for it’s length it truly does “Show, Don’t tell” the above scriptural principals without being preachy or overbearing any elements. Perhaps a new or non-Christian may be unable to detect the Scriptural basis that forms the sketch. I guess this is where a pastor could do a good job of addressing the issues of the sketch through a message on the above or other scriptures.

Whether the end of the sketch (denouement) was cliched, I’m sure can be debatable. One part of me argues it’s shows too simple a solution to a real challenging issue: calling on God and shaving your head bald. The other part of me argues however, that these actions are exactly what they are. Actions- for the audience to realize that a solution is available. But they must act on the problem. And to a Christian, a first course of action is prayer of confession and help.

Production:
The production notes are limited to gestures/actions, lights out and how lines are spoken (interwoven). Perhaps because this sketch was written like a reader’s theatre-simple and direct. Thus the director and actors, especially the inexperienced, will have to consider other unspoken production details such as how the words should be spoken, do the characters move about, and if they do in which stage directions etc. This sketch is so simply written it’s definitely possible to produce. Perhaps with a bit of modifications though, to fit in with the culture here. From observation, I feel these issues relate well to the Malay and Indian communities in Singapore. With the dialogue interchanged with the flavors of their unique expressions and certain things mentioned such as hairstyles and name of the make-up cream, names of models or rap stars changed to suit the local context, it would definitely make an impact.

Quote is a section heading from Pederson, Steve, Drama Ministry: Practical Help for Making Drama a Vital Part of Your Church, Chapter 6, Pg119, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1999.
* All Scriptures references taken from the New Living Translation, Metal Edition

2006-10-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

This is a great course. I get to know more about myself, widen my scope, have a better understanding of the artiste's mentality and become more in awe at God's gift of creativity in the human kind. Come and discover another way to worship God.

2006-10-02T02:23:00.000-07:00

From Puay Hong
Sketches from the Book
Sunday Morning Live Vol 1

Name of Sketch: Tired When Needed
Name of Sketch Collection/Book:
Publisher: Zondervan Publishing House
Copywrite date: 1992
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate this script? 9
Do you feel that it would work in your setting without modifications?
Not entirely because the actor loves hunting as a hobby and there is no such hunting hobby in Singapore. Maybe can replace the hunting with golf or something else.

Do you feel it would work with minor modifications
(To honor copyright, it is best to check through the publisher about modifications)? Yes.
STYLE: Comedy
TARGET AUDIENCE: Christians
PERFORMERS NEED TO BE: Intermediate
STRUCTURE:
Yes, it grabs my interest and makes me want to see what happens because I am wondering how the main character is going to say “No” to this overbearing lady. Yes, it develops logically with inciting action, rising action and climax. In fact, it even has some humour within the dialogue.

What is the playwright’s theme? (issue) The theme is about christians who are over stretched in their involvement in too many activities. It is also the expectation of the others that

Is the premise believable? (what happens) Yes.
Does it have clear and adequate conflict? What is the conflict? Yes, the conflict is that one expects the main character to help out because he has always been helpful but he is too tired and burnt out to be involved anymore.
Does it appeal to the imagination? Yes.
If a comedy sketch, is it funny? Yes, it is funny.
MESSAGE:
The message is that one should learn to say “No” before one gets burnt out. Also we should not expect people who have been helpful to keep on helping and doing. We should get others to help out instead of the same people. Yes, the message is very relevant and it only deals with one issue.
PRODUCTION:
Yes, it is possible to produce it.

Name of Sketch: Prayer Group Therapy
Name of Sketch Collection/Book: Sunday Morning Live Vol 5
Publisher: Zondervan Publishing House
Copywrite date: 1993
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate this script? 9
Do you feel that it would work in your setting without modifications? Yes.

STYLE: Comedy
TARGET AUDIENCE:Christians
PERFORMERS NEED TO BE: Intermediate
STRUCTURE:
Yes, it grabs my interest to know how the “prayer” will end. The story develops logically even though I feel that some of the character might not have enough to develop. The conclusion is quite satisfying as I think that it is not easy to end the “prayer”. Of course, I would have preferred it not to end this way ( but I do not know how it should end otherwise too).

What is the playwright’s theme? (issue) About how different people view prayers.
Is the premise believable? (what happens) Yes.
Does it have clear and adequate conflict? What is the conflict?
Yes, it has clear conflict between the different “pray-ers”.

Does it appeal to the imagination? Yes.
If a comedy sketch, is it funny? Yes.

MESSAGE:
I think it is very relevant as there are many different types of people – some who use prayer as gossip, some who use “big words” etc. It makes people think of the way they pray and their motives for praying.

PRODUCTION:
Yes, it is possible to produce.

2006-10-02T02:04:00.000-07:00

Name of sketch: First Bank of Do Unto Others
Name of sketch collection/book: The Comfort Zone: 11 Sketches
Publisher: Lillenas, Nazarene Publishing House
Author: Chuck Neighbors

On a scale of 1-10, I rate this sketch 8

No modification is needed. Easy to understand everywhere and any where.

STYLE: Comedy

TARGET AUDIENCE: Churched, Adult, Youth

STRUCTURE: EXPOSITION, looks like a normal bank teller and customer, however, only when Mitch wanted to withdraw “smiles” and “encouragements” that we know that, it’s a not so unrealistic sketch. First conflict was introduced when Mitch had overdrawn his account and he didn’t believe it (INCITING ACTION). However, only a couple of conflicts were used in this sketch (RISING ACTION), thus, rising action isn’t that significant. CLIMAX reached when Mitch wanted to withdraw from his wife’s account but realized that the accounts aren’t transferable. DENOUMENT, Mitch realized the whole policy of the bank and how it works.

Emphasized on Christian value of “Do unto others what you will have them do unto you.” , however, not preachy at all. Concept is easy to understand.

Conflicts are not strong however.

Easy to produce =)

2006-10-02T02:02:00.001-07:00

from Amy Lin
Name of sketch: Gossip, They Wrote
(same scketch collection as below)

On a scale of 1-10, I rate this sketch 7

This sketch does not need much modification, however, this sketch is little bit cartoonish, with the characters and setting. I do not think that a church would have a gossip magazine like the one mentioned in the script.

STYLE: Comedy

TARGET AUDIENCE: Churched, Adult, Youth

STRUCTURE: We only knew that this newspaper office is for the church magazine when the Choir Director was mentioned (EXPOSITION). First conflict was introduced when Ken mentioned about breaking the Ten Commandments (INCITING ACTION). RISING ACTION continues till Ken has something “gossipy” about Jackie. Ken turned the table back to Jackie. Jackie was not too happy about it and disagree with the idea of writing those topic (CLIMAX). Ken made Jackie realized that gossip isn’t that fun when you are the subject (DENOUMENT).

The theme of this sketch is talking about how gossips are not good for the spirit, especially if you are the subject of the topic. Gossips are things that will mislead others.

Conflicts are clear and sufficient.

It does emphasize on the Christian values of how Christians should not gossip. But this sketch is also applicable to unchurched audience (though not for salvation), but for

Easy to produce =)

2006-10-02T02:02:00.000-07:00

from Amy Lin
Name of sketch: Why wait?
Name of sketch collection/book: The Comfort Zone: 11 sketches to challenge
Publisher: Chuck Neighbors
Copywrite Date:

On the scale of 1-10, I rate this sketch 9

No modification is needed in this sketch, can be used anywhere and any place.

STYLE: Realistic Drama, Comedy

TARGET AUDIENCE: Youth, Parents, Church, Unchurch

STRUCTURE: It grabs my interest as this topic is seldom touched in church (my church at least). We know from the beginning of the sketch that Jason is talking to his dad about him and his girlfriend, although this EXPOSITION is pretty straight forward. The first conflict was introduced when Jason told his dad that he is serious in his relationship with Amy, however, his dad thinks that they are still young and are still in high school (INCITING ACTION). Further conflicts were introduced in the sketch as Jason tried to ask whether his dad and mom “waited” till marriage. On the other hand, hid dad was not keen on answering that question (he’s GUILTY!!). This dragged on for a little while, like a tug of war (RISING ACTION). CLIMAX was reached when his dad finally answered Jason’s question, which they did not waited till marriage. However, his dad explained to Jason why it is good for him to wait, he sounded regretful. His dad also made Jason promise that he would wait (DENOUMENT).

The theme of this sketch is sexual responsibility/morality, parenting, dating

I like this sketch as it is very true to what’s happening in young people today and it is also very true to parents. They don’t feel comfortable when talking to their kids about sexual issues, especially when they themselves did not “wait till marriage” (no example set). This sketch is definitely believable, it gives me a feeling that “that’s so true”.

Conflicts are clear and there are adequate conflicts throughout the whole sketch, again, very true!!

A lot of Christian value in this sketch but no God was mentioned. Neither the bible was mentioned. Definitely not preachy!

Definitely easy to produce as well

I like this sketch! =P

2006-10-02T02:01:00.000-07:00

from Amy Lin
Name of sketch: The Comfort Zone
Name of sketch collection/book: The Comfort Zone: 11 sketches to challenge
Publisher: Chuck Neighbors
Copywrite Date:

On a scale of 1-10, I rate this script 7

The sketch may need alittle modification depending of where it will be performed. Some churches might not be able to take the dialogues of this sketch.

STYLE: Comedy

TARGET AUDIENCE: Churched, Youth

STRUCTURE: It grabs my interest and makes me want to know what happens next. Right from the beginning the script told me that this setting developed in a family (EXPOSITION). The first conflict was introduced when the mum could not agree with what her daughter was wearing for church (INCITING ACTION). Other conflicts were introduced when mom and dad were discussing about the way another church was functioning (RISING ACTION), however, I do not think that there is a very clear rising action here. Due to the lack of rising action, I could not really identify the climax of the sketch. However, if I were to identify the climax, it would be when the mom said that it was inappropriate that there is drama in the church. The rest of the script brings about the DENOUMENT and ended off when the family sets of to church. However, I like the ending of sketch when the mom was humming the same tune as her daughter (some contemporary music) and then change to “Amazing grace”. It made the whole sketch so funny as the mom was complaining about what should not be done in church, but she is doing it outside church.

The theme of this sketch is about people’s perception of church in transition or contemporary church

It is not predictable as I kept on reading, wanting to know what happens next. The dialogues of the sketch are very realistic and as I read on, I agree together with the writer that this may be the things that some people may say.

The sketch is not preachy as it did not bring up any Christian values but just what some Christians perception about other churches

It is an easy sketch to produce; however, it might not apply to every church. The church has to be open minded to accept such a sketch.

2006-10-02T01:59:00.000-07:00

From Amy Lin
Sketch evaluation
To have and to hold

Name of sketch collection/Book: Power plays Vol. 4
Publisher: Baker Book House
Copywrite Date:

On a scale of 1-10, I rate this script 7

Other than the place (Seattle) needs to be place to suit which ever place that this sketch is going to take place, the setting will work in any place without modifications. This script is very down-to-earth, in everyday life of a couple. Every married couple would have experienced this somehow down their marriage road.

STYLE: Realistic Drama

TARGET AUDIENCE: Married couples, church/unchurch

STRUCTURE: It definitely grabs my interest without me predicting what’s coming on next (maybe because I’m not married, HA!). It makes me want to read on further to find out what the wife was going to say to the husband. The start of the script told me that the man and woman are married with kids, when the topic of the kids came out in the script (EXPOSITION). It went on with the husband and wife in the kitchen talking about everyday issue (finance). The first conflict was introduced (INCITING ACTION) when the husband wanted to use the $150 to buy tires while the wife spent it on the kids. The husband could not understand why the kids need to buy new clothes anyway. The script developed with other conflicts introduced (RISING ACTION). The husband couldn’t care less about any other things, other than himself. It continued to rise to the topic of the husband’s business partner was brought up, and his previous affair. This CLIMAX reached when the husband brought up the issue of a divorce. The husband then told the wife as-a-matter-of-factly that he doesn’t love her anymore (DENOUMENT).

The theme of this script is everyday conflict between married couples.

The premise is very believable as more often than not, married couples experience this kind of issue in their marriage life.

Conflicts in this script were clearly introduced and there were sufficient conflicts in the 5 minutes sketch.

I guess, this sketch is so real to everyday life of a couple that, although to the script writer, it might be predictable, this sketch may still be able to grab the interest of the audience due to the realistic of it.

It is not preachy at all due to the setting of the sketch and definitely relevant.

It is definitely an easy sketch to produce.

2006-09-25T21:41:00.000-07:00

the mrbrown show Okay. If you haven't heard of Mr. Brown, and you live in Singapore. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? Ha. Here's the website with links to the podcasts.

Art4Jesus Yahoo Group & Bruce Kuhn's performances

2006-09-17T22:09:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of things that came up in our discussions I wanted to pass on details to you:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/arts4jesus/

Why don't you log on and join the group?

This group was started by Sean Tobin, Mary Loh and Lucilla Teoh nearly 7 years ago. It's a forum for sharing ideas, events and resources among believers who are in the arts here in Singapore. It's been a great networking forum.

Earlier I sent you info on the one man show 23rd September (it's a pm show - a misprint on the Catholic website). I will be in Indonesia that weekend, but I really recommend you going to see him while he's here. I've contacted his manager in New York, and it looks like he may have another performance on Monday night (then I can see it too!) I'll let you know if I get more news.

The Gospel according to St. Luke by Bruce Khun

2006-09-13T01:39:00.000-07:00

Here's Bruce Kuhn's website: http://www.brucekuhn.com/

I was planning to show part of his promotional dvd in class, and then just happened to see that this New York actor is coming to town! Now that's a small world!

2006-09-07T14:00:00.001-07:00

More Mime DemosCarlos Alvarez: Mime-Clown - Google Video

2006-09-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

Mime Amazed, another video link

2006-09-07T13:15:00.001-07:00

Did some surfing to find videos of Mime. Here's a decent link to watch: Mime the Gap, Mime Trade Shows Video

2006-09-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's taken from my phone, and it is the first time you're trying it. But at least you can have a taste of how simple and beautiful this exercise can be in just about any setting, with any age group.

2006-09-07T05:35:00.000-07:00

Our First Guest Artiste: Dawn Fung. She performed her new piece: "The Story of Lorong Asu." Then we got to know her and a bit about her art form CORPOREAL MIME, then we prayed for her.

Trying out Diamond Ensemble as Worship.

NOTE: no photos of glissandos or singing MAY THE MIND OF CHRIST (for obvious reasons)

2006-08-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

WEEK 1: INTRODUCTIONS

2006-08-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the blog for the first round of AD100 PERFORMING ARTS! I hope you're here because you've decided to take this course and I look forward to getting to know you and teaching you in the coming weeks.

Here is a copy of the COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE TITLE : AD100 PERFORMING ARTS
INSTRUCTOR : Kimberly Creasman
DURATION : 28 August to 24 November 2006

(all course assignments, worksheets and homework will be posted on this site).

Description

An introductory course designed to acquaint the student with various performing arts used in Christian Ministry. A combination of lecture, video and live examples, class participation, performances, readings, and various excercises will be done in class. Wear comfortable clothing in which you can move easily.

Objectives

This course is to provide:

1. A framework of knowledge and appreciation for performing arts used in ministry (various styles of theatre, and dance).
2. Opportunity to experience a variety of styles as a performer, and/or for use as a director in developing and leading performers.

Requirements

1.Assignments:

•Reaction paper to chapter 1 & 2 of the textbook Drama Ministry, Steve Pederson (below). Due 5 September
•Evaluation of 5 published scripts on Christian themes (evaluation form attached, Sketch Collections on reserve in the library) Due 26 September
•100 pages of reading from the selected reading list. Review and Rection of a minimum: 300 words. Due 24 October

2. Three Quizzes will be given on content of textbook and material covered in class (mostly covering terminology) Dates: 19 September, 3 October, 24 October, 14 November
3. Regular and faithful attendance is required at all sessions.
4. Complete all reading assignments and homework.
5. Active participation in class activities and discussions.
6. Course “Exam” (student’s choose one of the following):

an in class performance of an original piece that can somehow be used in ministry (up to 8 minutes, and may be done in a group of up to 3 people) Printed script due: 14 November, Performance on either 14 or 21 November
an oral and creative presentation of the content of one of the chapters from the selected reading list (minimum 5 minutes) Due: TBA
a written reaction paper to an entire book from the selected reading list. Due: TBA

Grading

1. Exam 40%
2. Assignments 40%
3. Class participation 10%
4. Class Attendance 10%
4. Extra Credit +5%
(for posting assignments to the blog by the due date. +5% for each assignment )

Course Materials

Pederson, Steve, Drama Ministry: Practical Help for Making Drama a Vital Part of Your Church, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1999.

Collected sample scripts, articles and vocabulary lists from the instructor.

2006-08-17T00:39:00.000-07:00

First Assignment: Due September 5
(second night of class we'll be discussing it)

After reading the Forward and Chapter 1 & 2 of DRAMA MINISTRY, by Steve Pederson, comment by quoting a passage that made you say, "YES! I AGREE!" or "OH, I never thought of it like that." (at least 1 sentence)

Then, respond to at least 4 of the following questions:
You can copy and paste this section below into your "comment" and edit from there, or first copy and paste into a word processing document on your computer to be placed as a comment when you've finished and saved your work on your computer.

CHAPTER 1

1. What did you learn about the history of theatre & the church. Would you like to know more about it?

2. After reading this chapeter, what are your thoughts about "entertainment" in the church?

3. Do you have a personal example of the power of drama to break down personal defenses? Tell us about it.

4. Do you feel that most believers are vulnerable and seeking to understand God and themselves when worshipping at church? What can be done to break down our defenses and get our whole selves more fully involved in worship?

5. Why does Willow Creek Community Church use contemporary sketches rather than Biblical sketches? Have you ever seen a sketch in worship that didn't "share the gospel?" What are your opinions about the Willow Creek philosophy?

CHAPTER 2

6. Do you agree that drama seems the "easiest" of the arts. Why?

7. What happens to the audience when watching a well done drama. Why?

8. Have you ever sought feedback or critique of your dramatic work. Did it help you? How? Why do people resist or not seek feedback? Complete this sentence: "A critique session is helpful only when you come away with some understanding of ________ ________ ___ ___________ ."

9. What does Steve Pederson mean by "Abusing the Art Form"?

10. How does the author describe Melodrama?

11. Do you agree that churches "hide" from the downside of life? Would you say that most churches are "addicted to playing it safe." What has been your personal experience with this?

12. What is your opinion of the "Less is More" concept?

Sketch Evaluation

2006-08-14T02:33:00.000-07:00

In class you will be reading or seeing a number of examples of well written pieces. As part of your homework, you are asked to read and evaluate at least 5 additional sketches here on the blog. Sketch Collections are on reserve in the TCA library. You may submit your evaluations here on the blog (preferred), or you may submit them in class by the due date (see Syllabus below).

How to submit here on line: Copy and paste the text below into a new document on your computer (so that your work doesn't get lost if you have trouble posting, and so that you have a copy of it in your computer). When you have finished responding to the questions below, come back to the blog and post it as a group member (if you've joined) or as a comment (if you have not joined).

Name of Sketch:
Name of Sketch Collection/Book:
Publisher:
Copywrite date:

On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate this script?
Do you feel that it would work in your setting without modifications?
Do you feel it would work with minor modifications
(To honor copyright, it is best to check through the publisher about modifications)?

STYLE:
(Realistic Drama or Comedy, Farce, Reader’s Theatre, Radio Drama, Mime, Puppet Show, Clown, Stylized, Musical, Opera)

TARGET AUDIENCE:
(Christians, Unchurched, Children, Youth, Adults, a specific ethnic group)

PERFORMERS NEED TO BE:
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced

STRUCTURE:
Does it grab your interest and make you want to see what happens? How?
Does it develop logically, so that the action can be followed? (inciting action, rising action, climax, denoument)
Does it reach a satisfying conclusion? How?

What is the playwright’s theme? (issue)
Is the premise believable? (what happens)
Does it have clear and adequat conflict? What is the conflict?

Does it appeal to the imagination?
If a comedy sketch, is it funny?
If a drama sketch, is it actually dramatic?
If a mime, are the stage directions clear?
If a reader's theatre, is it voiced well?
Is it developed in a fresh creative way or is it too predictable?

MESSAGE:
What is it about? What Christian truth does it reflect or set up teaching about?
Does it deal with one issue, or avoid trying to say too much for it's length?
Does it avoid answering its central question with platitudes and cliches?
Does it refrain from being too preachy?
Is it relevant?

PRODUCTION:
Are the playwright’s production notes adequate?
Is it possible to produce?