Tamika Hall

In recent years, there has been an increase of theatre being used in the Christian arena to bring the bible and biblical principles to life on stage. Vanessa Richardson, author of two books, and the Playwright of “Love Found Me,” which featured acting sensation, Tony Grant of Tyler Perry's "The Marriage Counselor," offered some insight into the power of Gospel Theatre and the lessons she has learned along the way to overcome adversity in order to further her dream of writing and acting for the stage.

Richardson credits the beauty of Gospel Theatre as being "a lifeline for those with low-self esteem." Citing acting as an art of becoming another person as a way to expand ones personality and seeing life through another's eyes. Having witnessed growth both as a student and as an acting teacher Richardson says, "I like to take an actor and write pieces for them that are outside of their comfort zone, for example taking a person with an introverted personality and giving them an outgoing piece."

In addition to using real life pieces to experience personal growth, Richardson has been able to flourish and thrive from an unlikely fuel...adversity. While many tend to crumble under scrutiny and naysayers, Richardson cited three important lessons she has learned:

1. Mistakes can Empower You into Greatness: Mistakes are made to teach us lessons. Richardson encourages playwrights and actors to learn see the lesson in each mistake they make.
2. Learn to take Criticism: Gospel Theatre is a ministry in one respect but it is also a business, and criticism is part of the business, "if you can't take criticism whether harsh or not, you are in the wrong business."
3. Be Open to Change: is a lesson that Richardson sums up with three words, "no one is perfect." Being able to push past being perfect, one is able to allow trusted people to see their work and help them go to higher levels.

With a radio broadcast, books, and successul stage productions, Vanessa Richadson is not showing any signs of slowing down. Click here to Listen to Vanessa Richardson on the Radio Broadcast Gospel Theatre Talk and hear her lessons from your computer, iPad, or smartphone. To learn more about her log onto http://thecertainones.blogspot.com.

Read this article on the Examiner: http://www.examiner.com/article/overcoming-adversity-as-a-christian-playwright

• Monologuesare performed by one person and are used to give a voice to the different people in the bible.  Monologues vary in length and time, there may be only one person that performs or a series of people.  Monologues can be used to compliment a sermon.  

 

• Skitsare short sketches that depict a story in the bible or a present day situation that shows characters who have a problem that is solved by the power of God.  Skits can range from five – thirty minutes in length. Skits may involve one or more person, may be performed on stage or in another area of the church, and usually little to no set. Skits are more relaxed than full out play productions and are often used to compliment a sermon or ministry event such as a women’s conference.

• In a church setting, a play can run an hour or more.  Often times, plays have a set and are broken down into scenes.  Like the skits, they are used to either expand on the actual word or to take a present day situation and show the power of God.  Plays are more involved than skits in the fact that they are often have a cast, costumes, a stage, set, lighting, music, etc.   Plays are stand alone projects, and may be used in place of a sermon, or as a full production.  Today some churches have now developed their drama ministry to the level that they are putting out full productions and utilizing plays as a way to not only bring souls to Christ, but to generate revenue for the church.

• Professional Theatre happens when a ministry or person decides to take the classic play to the next level. These productions are generally 90 minutes-3 hours, and have a professional cast, crew, staging, etc.  Ministry should still be at the forefront, but there is a business side to professional theatre.