A Conversation with Ken and Joanna Mitchell on Drama Ministry
1.) How much experience have you had acting/directing?
In my (our) former church I (we were) involved in many plays both in acting and directing. When Cody came to our church he had a passion for film making. He directed and acted and I (Ken) acted in two feature length movies that have been sent to friends and families all over the world. Joanna had small parts in both as well. It helps to have a beautiful and talented daughter and an equally talented son in law who has a degree in Movie Production.
2.) What is your favorite part of working with a drama team?
When God takes our unrefined and sometimes crude efforts and through His Spirit moves us to perform “out of our league” to the point that someone is moved.
3.) What are some of your favorite plays/movies?
I don’t have one favorite, but some are: “It’s A Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart, (Joanna's favorite movie) “True Lies” with Arnold Schwartzneggar for pure entertainment, “Waterworld” with Kevin Costner for adventure, “Sheakespeare In Love” for pure romance and passion and especially “Contact” with Jodie Foster for some of the best acting of all time. There is a scene in that movie where her character is completely overwhelmed by the beauty of the universe and the expression of wonderment is breathtaking acting. It is one of the most moving images I have ever witnessed in film.
4.) Which actors/actresses/directors have inspired you? Julia Roberts, Clint Eastwood, Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins and Tommy Lee Jones to name a few. Joanna is impressed with Meryl Strep's talent and versatility - from Mama Mia to Julie & Julia.
5.) Describe a time you knew God had worked through a performance you were involved in or had attended.
There have been so many times. The morning before we performed “The Centerpiece” I (Ken) realized my character should stand, face the audience and extend his hand in the general direction of the cross and say “That’s it Jinny! I told you that thing is too big!” and then pick up the flower display on the table. Before that moment that scene was flat.
Definitely the "Everything" drama on Easter! My heart was leaping out of my chest.
Another time we did a prodigal son play that was so relevant to people that grown men who were overcome with emotion had to go into the restroom and weep out loud. (Joanna: Although I don't consider myself an actor or a playwright, I was inspired to pull this drama together. It doesn't necessarily come across on paper as very effective, but when music is added, the drama of the story of the God connecting back to his children - as the father in the story connected back to his son - is very powerful. The audience was greatly moved by this drama. It's a depiction of the Bibical story with a real-life scenerio. We hope to put this together for a fall "Dessert Theater" performance.
6.) How do you feel the drama ministry will benefit HCC?
It is (our) my prayer that we will all think more deeply about our faith, that it will feel more authentic and that people will draw closer to God and make real changes in their lives. We try to provide a visual and emotional element that bridges the gap between biblical concepts and life. We have so many struggles in common. Through drama we can share them.
7.) We really enjoyed the performances on Palm and Easter Sundays. Are there any plans for upcoming productions? Yes, God has kind of been flooding us with ideas, some original and some that we find through various sources. He must want this badly for this congregation because I (Ken) have been up since 3 am with an idea. We will see if it bears fruit.
We have several more short skit ideas we hope to implement in the next few months as well as the Dessert Theater performance. We will also be working towards a Christmas drama plan.
I am excited to say that we also have a concept approved for a feature length movie production if we can find the resources to produce it.
8.) How much acting experience is needed to join the Drama Team?
None, just a willingness to try.
9.) How does one get involved in the drama ministry? What if I'm not comfortable acting but I still want to help out, is there a place for me on the team?
We need people who can do props, wardrobe, Make up and hair, sound, lighting and tons of other things. We need understudies for every role if possible. Tyler’s role was a direct result of being an understudy and showing up for rehearsals and being willing to read lines that someone else was originally going to do. We need young people, old people, black, white and all kinds. If you’re willing to try God can use you. By the way, we have a lot of fun too! Joanna is more of the "organizational heart" of the drama team, keeping details in place and pulling many of the items together for the plays. She always needs extra hands to help.
10.) I imagine nerves play a role before any performance. What is one way you cope with
stage fright?
The best way is being well prepared through rehearsals. The most common fear of the stage is forgetting lines, but the more you become that character the more it will just flow out of you. I tell people to focus on inflection and why that character is saying that line.
Acting is a challenge, but anything worth doing well requires effort and the willingness to just give it a go.
