Accepting, Loving and fun

"This is an accepting, loving, fun place to grow in God and my art. I learned that striving for excellence is so important, but that we can't forget about our true purpose: His glory."
-Elizabeth Lobach

From a student who has lived in Romania, Hungary and Transylvania

How wonderful are the ways of our Father. :) Dear Rich and Joyce your energy and enthusiasm in the Lord amazed me and makes me to want more and more of Him. :) Thank you for sharing your life and time with us. Your sister in Jesus Christ,
Krisztina

one month = two semesters

Because of his dedication, involvment, and enthusiasm for the spiritual, personal, and professional lives of each of his students, Rich (the director of the program) has managed to elevate the Theatre Program to the level where one month at MasterWorks is equivilent to at least two semesters in any college acting program.

--Brandon Langeland

Theatre Program student 2005-2008

A student from year one

The training at Masterworks is very good, but the mentoring from experienced Believer-artists is the most valuable part of the experience. When working artists are willing to share their lives and experiences with you for weeks at a time, there are few more significant ways you could spend your time.

If you’re reading this blog, you probably already believe that working in theatre is an incredibly high calling. Our culture is driven by stories, and we have the potential to transform hearts in a way no other profession can touch.

But theatre is also a spiritual  and emotional minefield. Yet another failed audition can send you into depression over never being “good enough,” or working on a show can take you far away from God because the whole cast is living a morally bankrupt life. Even working in the church can hurt you, because you want to say meaningful, challenging things to Christians in your work—and the Christians just want to be entertained. But if you have a strong relationship with God and wisdom from Godly people (like the Masterworks faculty), it’s possible to navigate your way through the minefields.

Masterworks also helped me understand my strengths. I did my undergrad at a Bible college, so I was sort of curious as to how I’d “measure up” with the REAL theatre majors. I discovered that my acting was not as strong as the “trained” students. But I also realized that when it came to writing and directing, I could probably hold my own.

I still use experiences and skills I picked up at Masterworks. I teach workshops on Comedy Improv, which I first learned from Sean Gaffney in the summer of 2001. I got to cut my directing teeth on some challenging scenes I worked on with other Masterworks students. And I’ve met great people like Rich Swingle, who I still keep in touch with, and who have helped me along the way with networking and encouragement.

Today, I’m a full-time freelance artist, writing and directing and teaching my way to meager paychecks. But by God’s grace, my wife and I haven’t missed the rent yet, and I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. Masterworks was a big part of helping me get started.

If you’re an aspiring theatre artist who loves Jesus, spending a few weeks at Masterworks this summer should definitely be a part of your plans. Your experience there will equip you professionally and spiritually for one of the greatest—and most difficult—careers you could choose.

George Halitzka

www.dramabygeorge.com

Visit George on the web

www.dramabygeorge.com and www.writingbygeorge.com

Ken Wales

Ken Wales (actor in 34 films opposite James Dean, John Forde and the like, and filmmaker on all the original Pink Panther films, The Tamarind Seed, Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Party, Christy and Amazing Grace) blessed our theatre department for four days. He critiqued a runthrough of The Crucible and met one-on-one with every student but one (he gave him his personal phone number because he ran out of time). He said to post how much he loves our students. 

Masterworks Theatre '05

My name is Tiffany and I attended Masterworks Festival Theatre for the first time last year.  I can't even begin to describe what a wonderful experience it was.  Even now, five months later,  I am still talking about the people I met, the spiritual growth, and the practical things I learned while I was there. 

The teachers at Masterworks were some of the best in the country.  It was wonderful to be able to be under the tutelage of such talented people who are using their gifts for Christ.

I am a senior Speech Communications major at Pensacola Christian College.  The skills I learned at Masterworks have enhanced everything I am learning at school. 

MasterWits

Hey everyone, I've been involved in the performing arts for years, but
it really wasn't until I went to the MasterWorks Festival that I knew
that my passions and talents were something that God could use for His
glory. MasterWorks really helped me tap into the depth of what it means
to be a Christian and a performer at the same time. I am a MasterWits
alumnus hailing back to the summers of 1999-2001. Every year I looked
forward to the camp with great anticipation. The training I received
there really helped me prepare for a career that still feels like it's
just getting started! I can't wait to see where else my training and
experiences at MWF will benefit me down the road.

Feel free to contact me any time!

-David

www.davidcosand.com
www.myspace.com/redesigned