Theatre as Part of the Worship Service

When people think of theatre, they often think of fully staged full-length drama. Theatre in a smaller form, however, can supplement the worship service in valuable ways. One way that these presentations can significantly contribute to the worship service is to help closely tie the message with people's lives. Something spoken in dialogue style is more closely kin to the way we usually speak and think than something written in an essay style and read. Consequently, spoken dialogue has the potential to directly touch a person in profound ways. Also, the presentation of the dialogue is perceived as a kind of testimony. If performance dissolves into being, then the person speaking is actually believing and communicating himself or herself to the congregation. Another way concerns expression. Smaller forms of theatre have the potential to be highly emotionally and spiritually expressive and profoundly touch people's inner selves. Length of time is not necessarily a factor in successfully creating experience. And finally, using a smaller form of theatre to supplement the worship service gives a unique angle to the message -- it illustrates the message. Illustration is achieved through many different methods such as vocal expression, physical movement with dialogue, mime, or dance. Presenting a message different ways helps communicate to people. All of these factors help enrich the worship experience.

The key to approaching any smaller theatrical form lies in using the same general techniques used to approach a full-length drama, for the elements of drama should be similar. The person presenting the piece must study and analyze the script, however long or short, to gain an understanding of the character. The theme must be clear to the actor as well as the structure of the piece. If dialogue or a monologue is to be presented, then the actor or actors must take the time to memorize and rehearse the piece. Principles of directing also apply, no matter how short the presentation. Technical aspects such as costumes, lighting, and sets perhaps may not be used. But if they are, they must be well thought-out and executed. The goal is to present something meaningfully and believably, not something "dramatic."

The possibilities of using theatre to supplement the worship service are endless. The potential of a five-minute presentation within a worship service to touch people's lives is awe-inspiring.

But quality is always a factor. In order to create an experience for others, we must connect people to meaning, emotion, and spirit, for poor quality inhibits experience. That takes discipline and time. We learn how to do theatre by doing it, and to do it, we must understand as much about how and why the art form connects to our deep inner being. Three key factors are involved in striving for quality: (1) understand the goal and focus outward; (2) take the time to rehearse and to explore different ways to express during the rehearsal process; and (3) rely on concentration and commitment. Take the risk with different types of theatre as a supplement to the worship service and discover what touches people in the congregation. Grow first with vocal expression, and then with physical expression. Quality builds with time. Most of all, take the risk to reach out in ways that you will find challenging and others will find inspiring.

Quality theatre as worship does not necessarily mean that the presentation expresses sentiment or poetic justice. Neither does it mean that characters sit down and talk about Christ. Rather, elements of the gospel are unseen forces permeating the piece, no matter how long or short. Striving to speak to the people of today has great value, but too often we choose pieces which fail to do so. A quality dramatic presentation is one which focuses on compassion and understanding within the difficult situation of daily life and living.

Propriety is important when using supplementary theatre as part of the worship service. Practitioners must always be sensitive to the worship setting. For instance, using theatre during a service whose focus is on a sacrament may not be appropriate. Why? Because the nature of theatre must coincide with the goal of a worship service and vice versa. Theatre is primarily a witnessing tool which emphasizes our relationship with our world. A communion service emphasizes our personal, spiritual commitment with Jesus Christ. The focus must be maintained not only on that commitment, but on the sacrament itself.

The major medium of expression in supplementary theatre pieces as well as theatre itself is the person. The person is the main instrument of expression. Because of this focus, the expression cannot help but tie to personhood. Because of its own nature, the expression connects person to person. Both performer and congregation participate in the experience with the singular goal to worship God. With all these factors in mind, you can begin to write a short dramatic presentation to suppliment a worship service.

Copyright 1990 Debra Bruch

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