Drama as youth ministry
A class presentation by Ken Langer.
(Introduction)I have been involved in theater throughout my life as an actor, director, improv performer, workshop leader, and playwright. Most of my work has been done with adults and emerging adults so I wanted to explore how theater could be done through a church youth program.
(History) Modern theater developed through the inclusion of drama in early church services. In the medieval period, a practice called liturgical drama developed. These were dramatizations of Bible stories. At first they were staged readings but became more complex over time especially during the Christmas and Easter seasons.
It’s time to bring theater back into the church.
(Reasons for youth theater) There are several reasons why drama in church is beneficial to youth.
(Reasons)
Reason 1: because drama brings to life important stories and lessons. It helps to introduce and embody important ideas.
Reason 2: because drama is a powerful way to create and model a cooperative community. Many people of all ages can be involved and it can promote important interpersonal skills like teamwork and mutual support.
Reason 3: It is a way to involve and incorporate youth into services and community life.
Reason 4: It is a lot of fun.
(how to do it) This section will introduce the steps needed to put on a basic production.
(Steps)
Step 1: Choose a good script. A well written and accessible script is very important to the success of the mission and goals of church theater. There are many scripts and sketches available online that are low-cost or free or the director or the drama group itself can write a script.
Step 2: Develop a rehearsal schedule. A good rehearsal schedule should be clearly planned in advance in such a way that not everyone needs to always be present. Schedules must be flexible and accessible and actors need to commit to those schedules.
Step 3: Prepare all the parts. The more amateur a play production, the more planning is needed by the director. Room for quick substitutions are often necessary. The time a director puts into doing as much preparatory work for the actors as possible will better assure the likelihood of success.
Step 4: Rehearse the parts. During rehearsals, directors need to continue in their efforts to be flexible and improvise when the inevitable disaster takes place. Try not to sweat the small stuff. Remember the point of it all is to make a story come alive and have fun.
Step 5: Production. Keep the story moving and let everyone have fun.
Step 6: Post-production. No matter what happens, review the positive experiences of the production and be sure to thank everyone involved.
(programs) There are several UU churches who have active theater programs, many of whom incorporate youth into the program. They include:
(programs)
The Chalice Theater of Arlington, Virginia
The Looking Glass Theater of San Diego
the Theater Adventure Program of Brattleboro, Vermont;
and the theater program of Auburn, Alabama, just to name a few.
(Resources) The following are some resources to explore youth theater in church.
Books about producing plays:
The Ultimate Youth Drama Book by Paul McCusker
I recommend this book, if you can find it, because it is full of helpful information for church theater directors.
Devising Critically Engaged Theatre with Youth by Megan Alrutz
Books with scripts: (some may need to be adapted)
Scenes for Teens: 50 Original Comedy and Drama Scenes for Teenage Actors (The Young Actor Series) by Mike Kimmel and Kevin Sorbo
Theatre for Youth II: More Plays with Mature Themes (Louann Atkins Temple Women & Culture Series) by Coleman A. Jennings and Gretta Berghammer
Drama, Skits, & Sketches – February 1, 1999 (3 volumes) by Youth Specialties
Online Scripts
Pioneer Drama (social justice scripts)
The Drama Teacher (free scripts)
(Closing)