Five Reasons Christian Plays Flop and are Forgotten

(Christian play writing for dummies - seriously though, this is a very good easy to understand treatise on the subject)

By: Christian Theatre Scripts | Posted: 16th October 2009

1) Poorly written scripts.

Just because Christians are commanded to be forgiving people, that doesn’t mean we should take advantage by presenting them with poorly-written material. The idea may be brilliant (yes, it really is!), but if we don’t take the time and work (ugh), our pieces will not be brilliant. Period.

The solution? Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. This is for the Lord, people! Let’s strive for excellence. (Side note: You will also get a much higher caliber of talent to participate if you give actors something great to sink their acting chops into.)

2) Preachy opposed to powerful.

We all know it’s true. In the midst of being entertained, no one likes to be preached at – Christian or not. Leave that to our pastors on Sunday mornings. Every powerful play, movie, book, etc. should have a message – otherwise, what’s the point? – but there is a difference between your character having a beautiful life-changing encounter and a character that brings the action to a crashing halt by getting up on a soap box and giving a sermonette. That makes my skin crawl, and I’m a Christian. Imagine how the unbelievers feel about it.

The solution? Don’t preach. Let the story evolve in a realistic way, and let the message speak for itself. (More on this in #5.)

3) Humorless story and characters.

Some of us think in order to be taken seriously, or to keep our piece “sacred,” we need to be somber. This is a sure-fire way to flop.

The solution? Humor is a part of life, so if you want your piece to be true to life, include it. When used effectively and with care, humor can lighten the mood and make your audience feel relaxed. It can even help them remember key points in your story. This doesn’t mean your character should suddenly become a standup comedian, especially at an inappropriate moment or just for the sake of “comic relief.” It must fit, must flow naturally from the preceding lines.

4) Unbelievable characters.

You know what I’m talking about. Wait for it, wait for it … Stereotypes. There, I said it. The character is either the evil, one-dimensional unbeliever, or the saintly, one-dimensional Christian. I saw a Christian film in which the wife was a “Stepford Christian.” She was so determined to stand by her man that she didn’t even flinch when he betrayed her. I’m not saying awesome Christian saints don’t exist – there are certainly those who forgive and love unconditionally – but everyone is human. I wanted to see that wife “lose it” – scream her head off – do something (anything). Her entire world was falling apart all around her, and she didn’t budge. It’s bad enough that Hollywood sees Christians as a “type,” but how is it that CHRISTIANS themselves are writing characters like these?

The solution: Have your Christian character – even if he/she is the “strong” character in your piece, break down at some point. He/she can grow through the experience, and repent. This is real life.

5) An unbelievable climax that leads to a disappointing conclusion.

The show is coming to an end. The unbelieving character falls to his knees and cries out to God, just as you expected and hoped for, and yet … instead of feeling moved, you feel manipulated, cheated, or let down.

The solution: The character’s conversion must evolve naturally and believably from the story. It must be 100% sincere. To build real suspense, you must show the unbeliever’s spiritual progress step by step, from the very beginning of the show. The process is what we want to see. The process is your story.
About the Author

Occupation: Playwright/Director

Sandy is a playwright, director, and the owner of Christian Theatre Scripts.

http://christiantheatrescripts.webs.com

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The Secrets Of Jonathan Sperry

In this newest film from Five & Two Pictures, the Christiano Film Group features Gavin Macleod and Robert Guillaume in a family film about forgiveness and redemption. The film centers around best buddies Dustin (Jansen Panettiere), Albert (Frankie Ryan Manriquez), and Mark (Allen Isaacson); three twelve year old boys looking forward to a summer of fun in 1970. When Dustin mows the lawn of seventy-five year old Jonathan Sperry (Gavin MacLeod), a man he has seen at church, a unique friendship developes. What happens the rest of this summer is something Dustin and his friends will never forget! Pat Boone, Actor/Singer says about this movie:"The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry is a heartwarming experience for the entire family."

Dramatic Christian Ministries is proud to be associated with this movie and film maker Rich Christiano. Rich and his brother Dave have been making quality Christian films for the last two decades and The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry is no exception. Rich's strategy is to make an end run around the traditional advertising and, like the 2008 hit Fireproof, local churches are being given the opportunity to sponsor the film as a boost to their congregations and as outreach into the communities they serve. The film is set to open on September 18th at theaters around the country and has been featured on ABC's June 5th edition of Nightline in their Faith Matters story on "Godlywood".

To learn more about the sponsorship opportunity, please call Dennis at 505-831-0311. You can visit the film's website at http://sperrymovie.com We encourage you to spread the word and get involved in the distribution of this film so that the Christian film industry can continue to produce blockbuster films and have a Christian impact in the world of media.

A recent letter we received from a couple in Massachusetts:

Dear Dennis,

It has been such a blessing to have your ministry at our church. Your ability to bring God's Word alive is such a strong and passionate way to touch lives. His Word draws men. Your dramatic presentation and style expressed your emotions and feelings, as well as the characters. Immediately, you were able to engage the audience. When I think of theatrical performances, I immediately think that your supposed to get your socks knocked off. You, no doubt, are a gentle and humble man. Because of this, your ministry is successful. People see the Character and not the man portraying the character. That in itself is more powerful than "getting your sox's knocked off" by all the fluff!

I felt like I was there in the crowd with His disciples, because the focus was on the Word! Thank you so much, and may the Lord continue to direct your ministry in every area. God bless you, your family and your ministry.

Henry & Kathy, Brewster, MA

New Year Prayer

Events are moving so fast that we can't keep up with them. Ministry is incredibly real and vital in our lives. We keep going from place to place as Jesus asked His disciples to do. We stay where we are welcome, eat what is put before us and bless our hosts who receive us into their homes and churches. What more is there to do? How can we really understand the blessing of sharing the Gospel? We are blessed beyond measure as we are "about our Father's business."

We don't seek to "grow" our ministry, we only hope to grow in grace and truth as we are priviledged to work in the harvest. This year we pray for many to come to know Jesus - the way, the truth and the life. We pray that people will see the need for Him and be blessed to lay down their burdens at His feet. We pray that all the nations will come to worship at His feet and seek Him while He may be found. We pray that His Word will go deep into the hearts of those whom He touches and that it will bear fruit - the fruit of healing, of understanding, of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We pray that His love in our lives and in the lives of all people will cover the multitude of our sins against Him and eachother.

He says "don't be weary in well doing for in due season, you will reap." We are reaping - the reward of seeing somebody come to know Him, of watching the veil of ignorance lift, of seeing the broken healed and the restoration of life and hope is incredibly rewarding. To see a life changed and lifted is priceless beyond measure.

What return can we make to the Lord for His goodness to us? We will drink from His saving cup, and call upon His name. May you be blessed in 2009, whether in the high places or the low valleys, remember He is there with you.

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