The term “gospel play” is often used as a derogatory term – said to imply lack of experience, professionalism and quality.
True, most organizations that produce spiritual drama are without formal theatrical training. Many of the actors, directors, writers and production staff lack professional training.
But the dedication and commitment of groups like Gifted Productions, SRD Wright Ministries and Watch God’s Work Productions are as inspiring as the plays that they produce.
Their determination alone makes them worthy of a second look with respect to mentorship and honing opportunities among established theatre organizations – and support from the audiences they seek to serve.
They aim to produce work that reflects experiences in their faith, using theatre as a tool to inspire and uplift. And they also minister to themselves while pressing forward with their dreams of success.
Gifted Productions, Inc.
“Rarely do we get the kind of attendance that we want,” said Marcia Williams, founder and artistic director for Gifted Productions, Inc.
“The world doesn’t care about what we’re doing, so we need the church community to come out. The churches say that they will support us, but when it comes time for the show the truth is seen through the house and the seats.”
In operation since 2001, Williams is fortunate to have a resident home in the Ivory Theatre. She also presents secular shows in an effort to cross over. Her presentation of “Decades of Divas,” which highlights the musical accomplishments of women in music, is back by popular demand on June 27.
SRD Wright Ministries
While Gifted Productions attempts to engage secular and spiritual audiences, SRD considers itself a ministry.
“There are some challenges with us just being an anti-Christian society,” founder Sherry Wright-Gully said. “But I feel like we are doing a good job at knocking those walls down.”
Her latest play Circle of Influence was presented Saturday (June 6) at the Missouri History Museum. The size of the audience was respectable, but not standing-room-only.
The play involved an extremely dysfunctional family situation and its impact on a young, innocent daughter who is forced to accept the repercussions of the actions of others. The production could have used professional polishing, but potential was constantly shining through.
“I’m not trying to force religion on them,” Wright-Gully said of her fifth theatrical offering since her 2003 debut. “But offer something inspirational that will give them hope.”
Watch God’s Work
Watch God’s Work Productions, which present its debut production next Saturday (June 20), first sought the professional opinions and feedback of area theatre organizations, but were met with harsh criticism.
“The first rejection letters were difficult, but we helped each other get past that,” said co-director/co-writer Carliss Cole. “We used that as a stepping stone to improve.”
They went back to the writing board, picking apart the harsh critiques for something constructive. The result was For the Love of God, an adaptation of the book of Hosea.
“The relationship between Hosea and Gomer represents the relationship between Christ and the church,” Cole said. “Eventually we come to ourselves and recognize that God loves us and has been there all of the time.”
They worked and prayed to secure a venue and cast, using faith to compensate for inexperience.
“He sent exactly those people,” said Nikki Lloyd, the other half of Watching God’s Work, giving God the credit.
“We would start off [rehearsals] with prayer and would have a mini-lessons in theatre – being comfortable on stage and projecting their voices and memorizing their lines.”
This lack of formal theatre knowledge may hinder faith-based theatre from being taken seriously or getting necessary financial support. But those who scoffed at rap music decades ago have watched hip-hop evolve, absorb pop culture and receive recognition as art.
Even with the blockbuster success of mediocre Tyler Perry productions – which started out as faith-based stage plays and have grown to a full-fledged secular entertainment empire – the “takeover” of faith-based theatre may be unlikely. But with proper execution, there is an opportunity to resonate among viewers and find a niche.
“They will see themselves in at least one of the characters and they will find that God loves us all,” Nikki Lloyd said.
“They need to come out and see for themselves and give us a chance – just give us a chance.”
Watch God’s Work Productions will debut of For the Love of God, written and directed by Nikki Lloyd and Carliss Cole, at 6 p.m. Sat., Jun. 20 at Rock of Ages Baptist Church, 2426 North Union. Call (314) 324-0061 or (314) 381-3074. A portion of the proceeds from the play will benefit the Nadia Whitmore Family Scholarship at Harris-Stowe State University.
Gifted Productions presents Decades of Divas Saturday June 27 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sun., Jun.28 at 3 p.m. at the Ivory Theatre, 7622 Michigan Ave. Call (314) 352-4857 or visit www.giftedproductionsmo.org.
