Redeem Theatre Group: We are new!

Redeem Theatre: Our Story

In 2025, Paul and Wendi Schroeder attended a performance of The Pilgrim’s Progress at the Ark Encounter in Kentucky. Presented by LOGOS Theatre and the Academy of Arts, the production was professional, purposeful, and deeply impactful.

Inspired by what they saw, Paul arranged for a group of students to attend another performance of The Pilgrim’s Progress and, the following year, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Once again, the students were encouraged by the power of Christ-centered theatre.

After these experiences, several students expressed a desire to bring something similar to homeschool families in the Greater Lafayette, Indiana area. In response, multiple families joined together to begin organizing a Drama Seminar Week in partnership with the Academy of Arts.

Why “Redeem Theatre”?

We chose the name Redeem Theatre because we believe theatre shapes hearts and worldviews - and that Christians should not retreat from it, but redeem it for God’s glory.

We are inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:13–14, where He calls His followers the salt and light of the world. Salt preserves and seasons; light dispels darkness. Both must interact with their surroundings to fulfill their purpose. We want to engage culture with truth, beauty, and excellence.

Our desire is to offer Christ-centered theatre that honors God in both the process and the production. If this opportunity is well received, we hope to offer similar programs in the future.

Why Partner With the Academy of Arts?

The Academy of Arts uses theatre as a tool for God’s Kingdom and selects plays that point people to Him. Unlike many theatre programs, their goal is not only to develop students’ theatrical skills, but also to disciple young people.

Students are encouraged to be bold and uncompromising in their faith while using their God-given gifts to tell compelling, truth-filled stories with excellence.

To learn more about the Academy of Arts’ mission and beliefs, visit their vision page using the button at the top of this site titled “The Academy of Arts – What We Believe.”

Our Students Will Be the Actors and the Crew

A team of 12–14 Academy of Arts leaders will travel to our area with all the supplies needed to run a week-long intensive drama seminar. They will guide our local high school students in producing a full-length theatrical performance of The Pilgrim’s Progress.

If enough elementary students register, the Academy team will also train a younger cast in a separate production—a musical titled The Ant and the Grasshopper.

We need at least 30 elementary students to offer the musical.

Please fill out the interest form so we can gauge participation.

The Academy team brings professional training within a Christian worldview, and every registered student participates in the onstage performance. Costumes for main roles are provided, and the final performance is open to the public.

Throughout the week, students can expect:

• Thought-provoking chapels

• Small groups

• One-on-one discipleship

• Professional training in technical theatre, makeup, costuming, and directing

We are excited to host our first Drama Seminar Week on January 18–23, 2027, and look forward to seeing students grow in confidence, creativity, communication, and the use of their gifts.

Optional Extras

In addition to Seminar Week, our local team will coordinate optional promotional activities, read-throughs, and other opportunities to help students prepare and fully engage in the experience.

Our Local Group Mission

We exist to advance the arts, engage the community, and share the Good News of Jesus Christ through theatre productions. In partnership with the Academy of Arts, we provide homeschooled students with meaningful, high-quality theatrical experiences that are both Christ-centered and creatively excellent.