Local News Report

On Tuesday, a reporter for a local paper came to a rehearsal for "Found at the Well." He was fun to talk to, and share what God is doing through The King's Courts. Today, the article came out. I haven't seen the print version yet (will pick one up on my way to the 2nd play presentation!) but you can view the online version here.

To God be the glory! And what was encouraging, is that they kept God in the story - He is evident throughout, showing that it is NOT me or my efforts, but God alone that brings these productions together.

Picture credit: Mel Hall

Telling Stories

"When I sees a wolf, slinking along the far side of the field!"

Rachel's stories get her in trouble with her sister Leah, but the shepherds love to hear them!

Picture credit: Robyn Clement

Swooning

Atarah is a character that may get on your nerves a bit, with all her dramatic expression! But, she's a good contrast for the sensible and kind Rebekah!

Picture credit: Robyn Clement

Gemma and the Bad Guys

The interactions of Gemma (feisty youngest sister of Zipporah) and the "bad guys" are fun! No, they don't actually throw her in the well (the above photo was staged) but they are pretty funny!

Come to "Found at the Well" this weekend, and you'll be able to see what happens! :)

Picture credit: Robyn Clement

Cast of "Found at the Well"

God has brought a great cast together for Found at the Well! Looking forward to presentations this weekend!

Picture credit: Robyn Clement

Come to "Found at the Well"

This has been a whirlwind summer, with 2 different productions with presentations only 3 weeks apart! This weekend marks the "end" though, at least for the summer. I've had fun, but I am looking forward to a break. :)

If you're in the area, you won't want to miss this original play, presenting the Biblical stories of Rebekah, Rachel, Zipporah, and the John 4 Samaritan woman. It's been fun to see characters come to life, and the cast has worked hard on it. If you're not in the area, I still ask for your prayers, that God will be glorified and lives touched as a result.

This flier has original artwork too, which is pretty neat. Katherine, a talented 12-year-old young lady drew it on the computer, with her dad helping and editing as needed. It was neat to see how it turned out!

"Found at the Well" promo

Natalie made a great promo clip for "Found at the Well!" It's fun to see things coming together!

Only one week to go!

"Esther-Ordinary Faith" picture album

The cast did a great job presenting "Esther-Ordinary Faith." It seemed to get better each night, and the sanctuary got more full each night, with it being almost completely full for the Sunday presentation. God was so good to bring everything together!

Last week was busy preparing for the cast party, which was Saturday. By God's grace, the DVD was done in time to watch, and we had fun having a sing-and-dance-along to all of the songs from the musical!

An album of pictures with captions telling the story can be seen by clicking the link below. I had great photographers that captured wonderful memories!

Esther-Ordinary Faith

Zerox the scribe

Going into auditions, the character I knew we'd have a hard time casting was the part of Zerox the scribe. He's in almost every scene, doubling as a fun narrator, and so has the most lines as well as two solos. Most boys aren't confident in singing, so I knew that would probably lessen the number that would try out.

Daniel found out he'd be able to audition for "Esther-Ordinary Faith" last minute, but I'm so glad he did! When he read the part for us, we realized he'd be a natural. Plus, he could sing well!

He's done so well, taking on the challenge of the role, acting like he's recording all the action while remembering all the lines he had to memorize.

The parts where he reacts to what Haman is doing are some of my favorites.

His expressions are great!

His relationship with Mordecai is fun to watch, as the older mentors and teaches the younger.

And in the end, Zerox learns to have faith like Esther.

Great job, Daniel! It's been such fun having you in this production!

Picture credit: Robyn Clement and JP Lofgren

Casts Old and New

This isn't the first time I've directed "Esther-Ordinary Faith." In fact, it was the first musical I directed, 6 years ago when I was 15 years old. Little did I know what that first production would start...

The first time, I played the part of Esther. We also have a few people in this production that were also in the first one. So, we thought it would be fun to get a picture with the old and new casts together.

Those with old and new cast pictured:

Esther: Anna/Sadie
Zerox: Caleb/Daniel (Caleb plays Xerxes in this one!)
Mordecai: JP/Phil
Guard: Jubilee/Noah and Graeson
Suzie: Esther/Josie
Sue: Natalie/Allison

It's been fun to re-do my directing of "Esther" - keeping some things the same, and changing others. It definitely grew... My first cast only had 15 people total. This time around, we have a cast of 55.

Praise God for memories both old and new!

"What will you do..."

"...with the present?"

See what Esther did, tonight, tomorrow, or Sunday evening!

Picture credit: Robyn Clement

Rob's director shirt

Rob's infamous director shirt made an appearance last night. His wife made it for him last year, and it embodies well what we constantly remind the cast...

So, cast, remember tonight:

We want to hear you!

Give us those nice expressions! :)

Picture credit: Robyn Clement

2nd Dress rehearsal

The second and final dress rehearsal went well! Still had details to smooth out, but I'm trusting God will bring everything together for the presentations!

It's been fun, but tiring. :)

Picture credit: JP Lofgren

"Surely you wouldn't...."

"Surely you wouldn't harm me!"

Really?

Picture credit: Robyn Clement

Queen Esther

Sadie has done such a beautiful job portraying Queen Esther. When she sings and dances to "For Such a Time as This" you get the chills. She's risen to the challenge of the role!

Picture credit: Robyn Clement

Cast pictures

This afternoon I'm editing cast pictures for the slideshow that will play at the beginning of the presentations. God brought a great cast together for "Esther-Ordinary Faith": 55 people from 25 families, representing 12 area churches. From age 5 to adult, they've worked together well!

I have been very blessed to work with them, for just over a month now!

Picture credit: Robyn Clement

Radio interview

Want to know more about The King's Courts and the upcoming summer productions? This morning I had an interview with a local radio station, which was recorded and will play tomorrow (Thursday) at 7:05 AM (CST). Tune into Faith Radio, 89.1 FM locally, or online at FaithRadio.org!

Radio interviews don't fit comfortably with my natural, introverted personality. However, by God's grace I am learning to step outside of my comfort-zone. He gave me the words to say. May this interview to bring Him glory while spreading the word about what God is doing!

Picture credit: Robyn Clement

Promo video for "Esther-Ordinary Faith"

Natalie, a cast member, costume mistress, dance leader, and younger girl helper, is also talented in the realm of videography. She made sure the first dress rehearsal last Thursday was recorded, and then made the above promo clip, in time to show at church on Sunday morning. I am blessed to be able to work with many talented young people!