So…Where are you going?

It's a question I've been asked many times over the past few months. And I absolutely love answering it. Everyone loves to talk about their passions and their dreams. For me, this is nothing short of a dream come true. So what is it? This thing that has me all excited? If I have time and if someone wants to listen, the conversation usually goes a little something like this: 

So...where exactly are you going again?

I'm headed off to be a student at Sight & Sound Conservatory in Lancaster, Pennsylvania!

Huh. Okay, cool! Is that, like, a school or something?

Well, sort of. Have you ever heard of Sight & Sound Theatres? 

I think maybe...are they the group that does the Bible stories?

Yeah! Their goal is to bring the Bible to life on stage. And they know how to do it. The thing that really sets them apart is the scale of their productions. The stage is 180 degrees. Their sets are huge...two, three, even four stories tall. The costumes are breathtaking...and they even use live animals!

Wow. That sounds amazing! I think I remember hearing about that place. But I thought they were in Missouri...didn't you say you're going to Pennsylvania?

Yes, they have a location in Branson, Missouri. But their original location, the "headquarters" I guess you could call it, is in Lancaster.

Ah. That makes sense. You said its a conservatory?

Yes, a school for the arts.

So you'll be taking classes?

Yeah, all sorts of awesome theatre classes. Acting, voice, dance, stage makeup, character development, history of theatre, stage combat... *grins* I'm kinda stoked for that one. Even equestrian riding for the stage. I can't wait.

That sounds so cool. And will you get to be in their shows?

YES!!! *does a little happy dance* That's actually a huge part of the program and the training. I'll be learning so much good stuff in the classes and then I'll get to immediately apply what I learn. Something else that's really neat is that the teachers are performers in the shows. So we'll be in a class in the morning as teacher and student, and then that evening we'll be performing alongside each other on the stage. Isn't that fantastic?

Yeah, what a great way to learn! So do you know what show you'll doing?

Yes, they're doing Jonah next year. I'll have a role in the Ensemble. Jonah will run most of the year, and then they'll switch to The Miracle of Christmas around November. That's their show based on the Nativity story. Oh, I'm so excited to have the chance to perform on stage again!

Sight & Sound presents Jonah

Sight & Sound Theatres presents Jonah

I'll bet! When do you leave?

Beginning of January. Classes start on the 16th and the program runs through the end of the year. So I'll be finished at the end of December 2017.

So I think there are probably a lot of theatre schools...why not audition somewhere else? Why Sight & Sound?

I love theatre, but most of all I love telling stories that touch people and glorify God. Theatre is an excellent medium to do that. Unfortunately I've never really had the formal, technical training I wish I had. The problem is, it's really hard to find somewhere to learn. Theatre can be a dark place and I knew that I didn't want to compromise. But I heard about the Conservatory a few years ago and thought...that's the answer to my prayers. 

It's a place that is professional and successful. They know what they're doing and I'll learn so much from them. And the best part is that they truly love Jesus. I sensed that when I went to audition back in March. They were kind and you could tell that they really wanted the best for you, whether that was in their program or elsewhere. I know that the shows will be positive and uplifting.

So what do you think you'll do after the Conservatory?

*smiles* Well, time will tell. It's always been my dream to open a God-glorifying performing arts studio. For the past three years, STAGE has been the beginning of that. Someday I'd love to have a building, teach all sorts of classes, direct shows, and use theatre and other mediums to tell good stories. Stories that will touch actors and audiences alike. But where, when and how that comes to be...it's a question mark. So this year I'm going to focus on learning and growing as a performer and in my walk with Christ. I believe that He gave this dream to me and I cherish it. But what comes next? That's up to Him.  

How can I stay in touch with you while you're there?

Well, you can come see me and the show in Pennsylvania! And you can also follow this blog. I'll be posting updates and all about the things I'm learning. I'll link the posts to the STAGE Facebook page too. If you're interested in more about the Conservatory, be sure to check out their website! Thanks for listening. It's getting closer and I'm so excited to see what God has planned for the coming year. There are a lot of question marks, but there's two things I know for sure. 

IT'S GOING TO BE AN ADVENTURE. AND I CAN'T WAIT TO BEGIN.