behind the scenes as we set the stage

Want a sneak peek at the Job set?

Job is an original production, from the adaptation of the scripture down to the last detail of set design.

Ian and Clayton discuss details. You might recognize that lattice from Risen. When your theater company is not-for-profit, set pieces are versatile and re-usable.

Everyone pitches in, because there are a lot of tasks that happen at work day. In addition to constructing the set, a working theatre requires maintenance, organization, and cleaning. Today, my job was organizing the tool cabinet.

Perhaps you’re inspired to join the fun. Work days happen most Saturdays, and any helping hand is welcome. Maybe you’re saying to yourself right now, “Oh, that would be fun if I lived closer or had some free time.” Never fear- there is a place for your support. Coffee-drinkers (or people who like to give coffee as gifts) can help us with this fundraiser. 

Work days are just one more way the people of Masquer come together to make impactful shows happen!

risk

The cast gathered around the tables, ready to read through the Job script. Usually there is an excited anticipation for what the new script holds. I imagine that’s how most of the cast felt, though this time I was already familiar with the story, as I placed the words on the page.

But even I was surprised by a few of the actions that happen “between the lines”, pieces of subtext Ian-the-director has planned. The dialogue is already pretty substantial, and the action will enrich the story. It’s almost like the piece has layers for the audience to unwrap. Early rehearsals are the part of the process where the show moves from our imaginations to physical real life on stage. It’s a little bit strange (in a good way), and I wonder if this is how it feels when someone writes a song from their heart, then witnesses it gain popularity and be sung by other people.

In addition to reading the script, we talked about the experience of working on Job and what that might mean  for our personal lives. Already, the production team met opposition as we wrote, composed, planned, and designed. While we can’t know the future, there is a strong possibility that this spiritual warfare will extend to the rest of the cast now that they are on board. Of course, there is nothing that God won’t cover with His mercy, but it is important that we stick close to our Redeemer- be it through prayer, worship, Bible study, and beyond. Having prayer support from people outside of the theater company is also necessary. Yet, as someone who has dealt with this project, I can attest that even with all these “safety nets”, God still allows us to walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

The dark times aren’t fun, but they are necessary. And at least we have the Light to guide us through the darkness. It would be pretty difficult for us to properly tell the story of Job the sufferer if we told it from a bubble of safe comfort. Pain and trials breed understanding, wisdom, and even compassion. But these “easy answers” don’t make it feel any better when we’re camping out in “the valley”.

When I looked around the table at the cast of Job, I saw amazing men and women willing to risk their comfort to be part of this show. They’ve heard about our journey, they know the material, and they are aware they are chancing some great difficulties. Yet they are still ready to jump in whole-heartedly. Each of these people believes the story is so important that they will risk their own “safety” to help tell it. They are ready to tackle a heavy script and a demanding rehearsal process to share the story of spiritual warfare and restoration. Whether motivated by a love for people or simple obedience to God, this cast and crew is ready to risk it all.

closure

“Risen” seems ages in the past, yet it closed only two months ago. Not long after my previous entry, personal life events took a different turn. I found myself at rock bottom, spending the evenings of the last few shows in the hospital, instead of on the stage. There was no “closing night” for me, no good-bye to the show, and no set strike to seal the deal. It broke my heart to miss “Risen”, and I had no closure since I couldn’t bid it a proper farewell.

Yes, God was there with me just as He was in the theatre. His love was hand-delivered by my friend-family every single day. And I still carry moments of “Risen” with me. Just today, I read a Bible study, and it talked about the women who discovered Jesus had vacated the tomb. The study called for the reader to imagine how they would feel if they were walking in those women’s sandals. And I knew, because I walked that- and felt that- on stage 2,000+ years after that first Easter Sunday morning.

I carry “Risen” with me whenever I hear the songs we sang each night. They are more than just words and melody, they are pieces of my soul that are forever ingrained on my heart. Love for my Jesus, awestruck wonder at His story, and even the preciousness of the cast and crew lie safely in between the music and lyrics.

And I carry “Risen” as we work on the next show. Without the hope of the Redeemer, this production of “Job” would be far too heavy, hopeless, and even senseless. We’ve been working on the script for this original production for over six months. Right now, the first official draft is complete. There will undoubtedly be rewrites between the first rehearsal and opening night, but we’ve reached a pretty big milestone.

Two weeks ago, we held auditions. For the first time, the characters jumped off the page and became real. God revealed our cast, and so the show begins to take form. We’ll have the table-read on Sunday- the first rehearsal where the entire cast reads through the entire script. Part of me is a little excited-yet-nervous, but these really aren’t my words. Yes, my fingers typed the script, but the story is God’s, the plot was His idea, and I really did more “adapting” then writing. And even that was guided by our director, Ian. Yet, I am honored to be a part of the process, and joyously anticipate seeing the show come to life.

“Job” is often the poster child for suffering. Christians often direct people to this part of the Bible when they have no answers for bad-things-happening-to-good-people. As the production team worked during the past six months, we have definitely hit opposition from an enemy that does not want the story to be told. I don’t know if that will continue or reach out to the rest of the cast and crew. Religious superstition isn’t my thing, but I have seen- and been affected by- how much of a punk Satan can be. We won’t give up, and God is a zillion times bigger than any old devil. However, the prayer support from you and others is so precious as we portray and experience spiritual warfare. Now that we are in production, please consider remembering us to our Heavenly Father and ultimate Director. Feel free to bookmark this blog or connect with Masquer on Facebook. Maybe share this with other prayer warriors you know. And if you think about it, please let us know that you’re praying? Such encouragement strengthens us through the obstacles and challenges. God’s hand is necessary for this show to even exist.

So we begin the story of “Job” as a company. If the past few months of pre-production are any indication, it’s going to be a wild ride. But this wild ride will definitely be used to reveal God’s glory.

where are your eyes?

We are smack-dab in the middle of the run of "Risen", and what a wild ride it has been! Last night's performance was a little crazy. There were little glitches and hiccups here and there.... which happens (welcome to live theatre). As trained actors, we know that we just keep moving through the performance and trust that God will fill in the gaps where we make mistakes. This doesn't always prevent frustration though, especially when you're a perfectionist.... but the show must continue.

Despite my best efforts, I could not focus on the show at all! I was present on stage, going through the motions, but I felt like I was elsewhere. It was easy to be distracted as my mind wandered far from the moment. In desperation, I prayed through each scene- both from the wings while waiting for cues as well as when actually under the lights and in character. At one point, I kept telling myself, "Focus. Come on. Look at Jesus. Keep your eyes on Jesus and don't see the distractions."

One of the challenges of "Risen" is that Jesus is not portrayed by an actor, but through a white cloth that is manipulated by a bunraku technician (or, as we lovingly call them, prop ninjas). This is so that a person in the audience won't be hindered by the choices of an actor, but instead can see Jesus however they personally know Him. By doing this, you can place yourself among the disciples and in the very real story.

However, as an actor, it's not always a simple task to react to a piece of fabric as if it were a living, breathing person/savior. Additionally, there's an angel walking around stage- an angel that is invisible to our characters. So the mental process can sound something like, "Remember where you stand a move, focus on portraying the appropriate emotion and communicating through the song, ignore the angel, focus on the Jesus cloth." Throw in the immense lack of focus and personal distractions of last night, and you see how those desperate prayers emerge.

I'm pretty sure you see where the real-life similarities exist. I don't have to tell you how easy it is to be distracted from worship, from service, from the purposes of God's kingdom. And you know the solution is keeping our eyes on Christ, maintaining focus on the way, truth, and life. And of course, though the concept is simple, it's no easier than performing with a piece of cloth and a non-invisible angel while your mind and heart are on things beyond the stage. But it's not impossible, and He hears our desperate prayers. As we saw last night, God makes beautiful things, even out of the distracted offerings we lay at His feet.

I urge you to come see "Risen" tonight or next weekend. If the past five shows are any indication, it's likely you will witness some kind of miracle.

alas and did

I sit in front of my laptop on the Monday after our first weekend of "Risen" performances. There is so much that could be said.... do I recap the past few weeks of blogging neglect? Brag about our God who works healing miracles on stage- and off? Share excitement of a great opening weekend and urge you to come see the show soon? I could do all these things, but I fear it would only drive you to hit that little exit button, muttering, "too long, did not read."

Instead, I shall share what is on my heart today. Part of my role in "Risen" involves singing a rather sad song after Jesus has died. In the despair of losing my friend, hero, and hope, I can only sit and ask why.

"Alas and did my Savior bleed, and did my Sovereign die
Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?"

In the midst of a busy schedule, enveloped in the organized chaos of work, school, and theater, I have stumbled into some personal challenges. As I face things within myself that are less than pretty, I found myself asking this exact question. Why, God, did you go through all that trouble for me? I am not worth that kind of sacrifice!

"Was it for sin that I have done He groaned upon the tree?

Amazing pity, grace unknown, and love beyond degree..."

Such a love is difficult for me to comprehend. Years of Sunday school and Bible study put the words on paper and the answers in my head. Yet, the reality is too far beyond understanding to truly grasp. Could it be that we treat pure love so lightly that we overlook how deeply, incredibly powerful it is?

"Now might the sun in darkness hide, and shut his glories in

When Christ the mighty maker died for man, the creature's, sin.

As might I hide my blushing face when His dear cross appears

dissolve my heart in thankfulness and melt my eyes to tears!"

We've learned and we know that, though we continue to sin, God continues to forgive- infinitely. What a fantastic display of that love in action! Yet, does it break anyone else's heart to keep messing up? To see and process the beautiful sadness of Jesus' brutal death on the cross, followed by the glorious hope of His resurrection, then remember our mistakes motivated the entire thing.... that's heavy. But to understand this and yet continue to sin.... that's a recipe for heartfelt sorrow.

I recognize that it is impossible for us to live sinless lives, and that God designed the entire system with this in mind. I also realize that our Heavenly Daddy is blessed by the motivations of our heart and earnest efforts inspired by love for Him. However, I can't publish an honest entry if I tie it all up in a nice, neat bow of perfect words. When I sit in the light of that stage with flowers in my hand, my song comes from my soul.

"My God, why would you shed Your blood, so pure and undefiled

To make a sinful one like me Your chosen, precious child?"

rock, paper, singers

Perhaps you remember the rocky tomb from "Risen".

This photo is a little dark, but you still see that it's a big 'ol rock. I bet you never imagined that it starts out a little something like this:

No, that is not The Blob taking over the stage. No, we did not borrow a set piece from a putt-putt golf course. That, my friends, is the mid-stages of construction of a realistic-looking rocky tomb. A mixture of glue, water, and paint (the cheapest we can find, regardless of color) combined with newspaper creates a durable papier mache. This covers a frame of chicken wire to create the rock shape. When it dries, it is painted with various shades of grey until one might assume we just brought in a cave straight from nature. Or at least, something very close to it. ;)

There's an extra special piece hidden, too. You see, we wrote the names of people for whom we are praying and added it to the frame. While we perform "Risen", we will remember them. They are part of the set.... just as they are part of hearts. Sometimes, it's easy to be lost in the mechanics of production and lose sight of what's truly important. This is one small way we maintain perspective.

As we near our final rehearsals, I am personally striving to keep the big picture in mind. In addition to the work for the show- from blocking and music to writing a short biography for the playbill and securing my costume, as well as continuing work on the next show, "Job"- there are increasing responsibilities outside of the theater. Part of my job at a church means that Easter is a particularly busy time, and the semester is in full swing at school. Sure, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength, but I have a tendency to push the limit of how many things that includes. At this time last year, I was in the middle of a job search and moving to a new home. This year, I am juggling jobs and house-breaking a puppy. Sometimes, I imagine a mythical time "when things are less busy", but when will I choose for that to happen?

For the moment, "busy" is just what it is. It's easy to be overwhelmed and let stress suck momentum from the campaign to accomplish everything. But as I sat atop the platform on stage, perched over chicken wire with pink, goop-covered hands, I took a breath. Maybe it was the feeling of the slimy papier mache mixture, or being surrounded by friends as we constructed the set. Perhaps it was taking time for a creative, artistic act while singing along to fun music. There is something magically soothing about singing (or maybe it's less magic and more about the mechanics of the controlled breathing that is required). Regardless, in the midst of my current chaotic life, I found oasis in the rock.

Then again, why am I surprised? I always find oasis in The Rock.

the rest

A tight-knit cast shares a lot of things. We share laughter, we share tears. We are together for meals, fun times, prayer, and crisis. Often, we see one another outside the walls of the theater, intertwining our lives. A tight-knit cast shares many things- including germs.

The show must go on, they say. In fact, it's a motto by which many of us live. It is rare for illness to keep us from the stage- many performances have been in spite of fever, exhaustion, or even a lack of voice (God has miraculously pulled us through many shows!). Unless it's absolutely necessary, most of us will still attend rehearsal with kleenex and cough drops in tow, lest we fall behind on our work. This dedication has its rewards, but the discipline comes with a cost.

i'm not sure how many- if any- of the current cast of Risen has escaped this blend of sick. I certainly haven't. These words are typed between (punctuated by?) sneezes and sniffles. This epidemic (combined with a few other circumstances) inspired Ian to cancel rehearsal this coming Sunday. He gave us strict orders to rest.

Rest?

It's a familiar suggestion (command?), as Kelly- my roommate, castmate, and fellow victim of The Illness- continues to tell me I won't heal unless I take time to rest. I argue that I have taken a reasonable term on the couch, then rush off to my next class/work shift/meeting/whatever. These things are important. They are responsibilities, not recreational outings. The world does not stop merely because my body is housing germs of the persistently evil kind.

There's a lesson here, isn't there? Some cliche reminder that even God rested on the seventh day? But hey, He's the Master of the Universe. He plays by His own rules. When I've accomplished the creation of even one planet, then I can apply this seventh-day nap clause. Of course, Jesus sets plenty of examples of a balanced life of work, play and rest. And we are definitely called to pattern our habits after His. This is going to be another instance where life offstage mirrors principals learned from the stage, isn't it?

If you need me, I'll be on the couch in pajamas, watching another episode of "Scrubs"..... kleenex in hand, of course.