Righteous Insanity

Heath

Like many of you, I was shocked and saddened by the news of Heath Ledger's death. The man was a very talented actor whose career was all too brief.

I know the circumstances surrounding his death are still unknown, but as a believer, I wonder if there was anyone around him to offer spiritual direction. Were there Christian people in his life? Did they share the gospel with him? Was there anyone out there in the church at large praying for him?

We hear a lot of call to pray for Hollywood, for the writers, producers, directors, and actors who are influencing our culture. My question today is HOW are we praying for them? Are we praying against them and their anti-God agendas? For their influence to weaken? For their kingdoms to crumble? Or are we praying for them as Jesus directed us - as people made by God that he yearns to know and call his own?

I don't know where Heath stood with Jesus. I never met him; I probably never would have. But I am sad that I never prayed for him to know Christ.

Update: My good friend and some-time collaborator Natalie Nicole Gilbert has some excellent thoughts to add. You can read her thoughts on her myspace blog: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=9023644&blogID=350221926

The Christ Allegory and Science Fiction

The Bible says God has revealed himself in all creation. We may deny it outwardly with our lives and our attitudes, but a deeper part of us knows we need a Savior to come into this world, die for us, and save us when we cannot save ourselves.

Joseph Campbell's "Hero With a Thousand Faces" (a must read for literary nuts and Star Wars fans; it was George Lucas' key inspiration for Star Wars) talks about the hero's journey, a story that, in one form or another, has appeared in every culture, language, and place in history. Campbell, an atheist, came oh so close to touching on the real truth of the matter: the need for a Savior lies within every man and woman, programmed into us so that when we see the truth, we might receive it. When the world was younger and full of mystery, the hero's tale was told in mythology and legend. Now that we have subdued the Earth, it emerges more often in a genre where mystery and myth are still par for the course: science fiction.

Everyone caught the Christ allegory in "The Matrix," but the Christ story has been told and retold ever since film makers began exploring the stars. In "The Day the Earth Stood Still" a man from another world took on the name Mr. Carpenter to walks among us, learn our ways, and ultimately offer us a chance at redemption. The cult classic "Flash Gordon" followed a similar story line: the hero comes from another place, dies, and is resurrected with the power to save the world. Even Queen acknowledged the symbolism on the "Flash Gordon" soundtrack: "Flash, ahhhh, Savior of the Universe!"

And then, there's "Mom and Dad Save the World."

"Mom and Dad" is not on anyone's greatest movies list, save for a few nut jobs (like myself and my Dad) who happen to like bad movies. The acting is way over the top, the script is bad, and yet... it's still funny. But this is not about the humor of the movie; it's the story. A man from another world comes to the planet Spengo, where the evil Emperor Tod (Jon Lovitz) steals his bride and tries to murder him. Like Joseph Campbell's archetype of a hero, he has a symbolic death, followed by a resurrection. The people of Spengo turn to follow him, and he returns to the palace to vanquish evil and rescue his bride.

Sure, the Christ allegory was done with more seriousness in "The Day the Earth Stood Still." It looked way cooler in "The Matrix." And "Flash Gordon" did it in a grander cult movie fashion. Still, it's worth noting that the Christ allegory, as it has in myths and legends throughout time, continues to surface, even in the most inane of sci-fi films.

It's noteworthy not only as evidence that we KNOW we need a Savior, but as a witnessing tool. Some of you have friends who are into sci-fi. Some of you probably have friends who are into bad movies. Ever thought a bad movie could be a launching pad for a discussion about salvation?

God is constantly reaching out to his children, in every way he can. Our job is to help them connect the dots and find the thing that's been missing all along.

Elevator Plays Cover Story

Specific Gravity's Elevator Plays made the cover of the Louisville Eccentric Observer (LEO) this week. I've mentioned the show a few times here, so it's worth passing along.

http://leoweekly.com/?q=node/6165

Two of the twenty-four plays are mine this year: one about a super hero with love life issues, and the other a spoof of our local Chicken Little meteorologists.

Touring 101

It began with a dreamer. It expanded to include several. You wrote, rehearsed, performed, and perfected. You have built a high energy, ground-breaking drama program, and you’re ready to take it on the road. So how do you get from dream to reality? After four years on the road I can tell you it’s not easy, but it is possible, and well worth the effort.

If touring is your passion, then grab a seat and get out your notebook. Touring 101 is about to begin.

Total Commitment

The road to getting on the road starts with the aforementioned dedicated drama team. If you have a group of people fully devoted to making this dream happen, frankly, I envy you. The Righteous Insanity touring company began with one dedicated leader and a menagerie of interested parties that dabbled with commitment. In our first year, two of us (myself and my friend Kelly) were totally committed. That means Kelly and I were the ones every Friday making phone calls, begging actor friends to take a road trip that weekend.

A year later, when Jamie Bratcher (who toured the remaining three years with me) and another actress committed 100%, we had the foundation that let us go full-time a year later. This has to be a calling, because you’re all going to sacrifice a great deal to make it happen. If that’s you, then read on!

Count the Cost

Before you can even begin pitching your ministry, you better figure out what it’s going to cost you to go on the road. To begin, do you have a good car? Or will you rent? How much room do you need for people, luggage, props, technical equipment, and merchandise? What will gas cost? (This may vary per trip, but have a figure to use in making your calculations.) Will you be covering your own lodging, or letting the churches provide that?

How much will it cost to insure team members who need it? In four years on the road we had some blackout/fainting spells, a broken foot, and a broken hand. You NEED insurance.

If this is a full-time endeavor, how much do you have to make on top of the expenses to cover rent and other back home expenses?

Another financial decision is whether you will ask for a set fee, or go out on a love offering basis. Even with love offerings, if you’re traveling for weeks at a time, it’s a good idea to let people know what you’re expecting. There’s no glory in running out of gas mid-way between gigs.

Once the numbers are in place, it’s time to start booking!

Getting Booked

When you start booking, the first thing you need to know is who your audience will be. Are you aiming at a general audience or just youth? What about children? Will you have multiple shows for different audiences? Knowing your audience will help you decide what minister at churches you need to talk to. Moreover, it will help you determine what special events, festivals, and conferences you might go after. Booking a music festival or a youth conference can give you a LOT of exposure to churches and ministries that might book you!

You’ll need to put some easily-accessible promotional materials together, and there’s no easier way to advertise than to build a website. You can register a domain name for $10 or less many places on the web, and web hosting runs as low as $2. Build your site, or have someone else build it for you. Post pictures, info about your group, and contact information. Go out to the Christian portal sites and directories and register your site so people looking for drama teams can find you.

When you make contact, it’s a good idea to have a promotional package to offer churches. The best advertising is a video of a past performance, showing your team in action. You can also allow ministers to preview the scripts you use. References are always a plus. In fact you’ll find your best advertising will be simple word of mouth.

In addition to the promotional materials, have all of your requirements written down on paper. Let them know what you expect in terms of sound, lights, technical assistance, large props, lodging, and meals.

As you start to fill dates on your catalog, be sure that you schedule things in a logical manner. In other words, don’t book a gig in Seattle, Washington on Tuesday when you’re already booked in West Palm Beach Monday night. Make sure you have enough time to travel from one site to the next, allowing time to set up and settle in at the new site once you get there. Yes, you can make a ten hour drive every day, but remember… you’re going to get tired. Make time to rest as well!

A final note: don’t restrict yourself to BIG churches. One of the smallest audiences we ever had was at a church of 20,000. The most responsive and generous audiences were in smaller churches. Go where God opens the doors, and never EVER consider any church or audience too small!

Know Your Role

Delegate as many jobs as possible amongst your team members. One person should act as your point person, interacting first with your hosts. Another person handles all the money, keeping a log book of income and expenses open to everyone. Another person is responsible for the merchandise table. Everyone should share shifts driving.

Merchandise

It’s not necessary, but it’s a good idea to have some T-shirts, stickers, or script books available for sale. It’s an easy way to pick up some extra gas and food money, as well as leaving something behind from your ministry that can be shared.

Checklists Galore!

You do NOT want to get to your first stop four hours down the road and discover you’re missing something crucial. Have checklists for everything:

Props and costumes – Make a total inventory of all props, and check it after every show. One of your team members should be responsible for props at every stop.

Technical equipment – If you’re bringing your own microphones, sound system, CD player, lights, etc., make sure there’s a list of everything you need. Again, one of your team members takes sole responsibility for the technical equipment.

Luggage – Sad but true: one weekend in Atlanta, I had to go to Target to buy a change of shirt and underwear. Don’t forget your luggage. And for the sake of your team members, bring deodorant and toothpaste.

Take Care of Your Car

Make sure the car is gassed up, and gets regular maintenance, including oil changes. Have an emergency roadside kit in the trunk, and know the 800 number for your car insurance’s roadside assistance or AAA.

Keep the car clean, too. You don’t want to be driving around with six month old moose sausage like a band we once knew. That’s just disgusting.

Tech Specs

If you’re using sound and light people from the host church, each technical person needs a typed script with notes CLEARLY written on the script. Make sure any CD’s or media are clearly labeled so that it’s a simple matter of reading along and following the steps you laid out in advance. Go over the information with the techies, and answer any questions. If the same questions keep coming up, change your directions so future techies will have an easier time.

During and After the Show

Show propriety in your backstage habits. Yes, in the secular world, guys and girls change in front of each other and think nothing of it. Churches think differently, and whether you agree with them or not, show propriety in separating males and females at all times.

Be available to everyone. You are the guest, but you’re not a rock star; you’re in a drama ministry. Answer questions, share stories. Pray with those who ask for prayer, and encourage those who share your passion and love for drama. I met my favorite writing partner Sara in Corning, New York one day when I sat with her and some of her friends rather than sticking with my team mates and our host. As much as we’ve written together since then, I definitely do NOT regret it!

Be good guests always. Be gracious, say thank you, eat what’s put in front of you and don’t ask for something different. (If you have special dietary needs or requests, put that in your information packet with your other requirements.)

Along those same lines, leave every space you inhabit cleaner than you found it. Make the bed in the guest room at your host home. Clean up your mess back stage. Throw away all your plates and empty Dr. Pepper cans.

And Last, Never Forget… Have a Good Time All The Time

Really, isn’t this what first drew all of us to acting in the first place? Enjoy performing, enjoy meeting new people, and have a great time!

This isn’t limited to the stage. If your hosts offer to take you sight-seeing, go! If you have time to kill, visit a museum or an historic site. Do you know who Ernie Pyle is? Jamie and I do! Have you peeked in the windows of Stu Hart’s Dungeon in Calgary? We have!

Expand your mind, educate yourself. If you take time for yourselves like this, you’ll grow as a person, AND gain new material to write! Look for God everywhere, and when your dream of touring comes true, don’t forget to have a great time!

New skit - Job Security

I grabbed lunch at a place I ate at frequently when I was working a previous day job. I don't know if the guy who waited in me was a Christian. What I do know is that he always had a smile, was always in a good mood, and a year later he's still happier in his same job than I am in a different one. Quite a lesson, considering I was over there applying for school to pursue another career myself. Here's a little skit about it. Hope it touches you as well.

Job Security

By John Cosper

CHARACTERS

George- A Burger King employee

Mr. Smith- An unhappy white collar worker

Judy- A customer (non-speaking)

A Burger King restaurant. George is at the counter, handing a bag of food to Judy. Smith enters.

GEORGE: Afternoon, ma'am. You have a lovely day.

SMITH: Afternoon, George.

GEORGE: Mr. Smith, this is a pleasure. I was hoping I might see you one last time.

SMITH: One last time?

GEORGE: It's my last day, sir. I'm finally retiring.

SMITH: No, really?

GEORGE: Yes, sir. Doctor says I shouldn't be on my feet so much. Don't know what else I'm gonna do.

SMITH: Take a well deserved break, I hope.

GEORGE: A fella gets restless after a while. But it will be nice to sleep in more often.

SMITH: Wow, retiring. It won't be the same without having you serve my lunch every Friday.

GEORGE: Yes, sir, I'm gonna miss you too.

SMITH: How long has it been we've been doing this?

GEORGE: I checked the other night. Twenty years.

SMITH: Twenty years? Wow. And it seems like only yesterday, we ran into one another for the first time.

Flashback/transition music. Lights fade down. Lights back up on George at the counter. Smith walks in.

GEORGE: Can I help you, sir?

SMITH: Yeah, get me a new job.

GEORGE: Well, sir, we are taking applications. But judging by your suit, fry chef is not on your menu.

SMITH: It's a nice thought, thanks. I'll take a number four.

GEORGE: Number four.

SMITH: I shouldn't complain. It's only a temporary thing. I'm working in a sales office, but I have a degree in computers. Soon as I have my portfolio, I'll be starting a whole new career.

GEORGE: Good for you. I always say, if you ain't happy, do something about it.

SMITH: You seem to be rather happy here.

GEORGE: It ain't computers, but I like it just fine.

SMITH: George, is it? I'm BIll Smith.

GEORGE: A pleasure, Mr. Smith. Your meal will be out shortly.

Transition music. Lights out. Lights back up on George and Smith.

GEORGE: Ah, those were the day, huh? You'd come in here every week.

SMITH: And you always asked about that portfolio.

GEORGE: You finally got it done, and you were off to your dream career.

Transition music. Lights out. Lights up.

GEORGE: Mr. Smith, good to see you, sir!

SMITH: Hi, George.

GEORGE: Mr. Smith, you seen a little down.

SMITH: Ah, it's this new job. I kinda hate it.

GEORGE: Naw, really?

SMITH: Yeah. It's boring, my boss is an idiot. I dunno, I kind of think maybe I was better off at the old one.

GEORGE: You were miserable there. Trust me, I remember.

SMITH: I suppose. It's only temporary. My uncle's looking to open a new business. He's got a ground floor opportunity for me. Just a few more months, and I'll be happy.

Transition music. Lights down, then back up.

SMITH: That was the worst job.

GEORGE: Oh no, sir. You had plenty worse come after that. Starting with your Uncle.

Transition music. Lights down, then back up.

SMITH: I hate it, George. My uncle's a slave driver. I'm working sixty hours a week, including Saturdays and Sundays.

GEORGE: Naw, really?

SMITH: He expects me to do everything because he's too cheap to hire anyone else to help. I'm exhausted.

GEORGE: You know, Mr. Smith, we're still hiring here. They make us go home at forty hours.

SMITH: No thanks, George. I've got a new opportunity brewing. I'll be back in sales in a few weeks, and this will be just a bad memory.

Transition music. Lights down, then back up.

GEORGE: Yes, sir. You've been in sales, purchasing, accounting, computers, telecom, warehousing, retail, trucking, investment banking, and hospitality.

SMITH: Don't forget that summer I worked for that puppet theater.

Transition music. Lights down, then up quickly.

SMITH: I hate puppets!

Transition music. Lights down, then up.

SMITH: Thirty companies, thirty jobs, twenty years. And all in the same outfits.

GEORGE: This is a company uniform. What's your excuse?

SMITH: I'm gonna miss you, George. Shame you won't be here in two weeks. I'm moving on to number thirty-one.

GEORGE: Really?

SMITH: Yeah, kind of sad, isn't it? I've been searching for happiness for twenty long years, while you stay here and... well, frankly, George, I've never known you to have a bad day.

GEORGE: Oh, I've had plenty. Including days you came in.

SMITH: It still seems like you've had a much happier career here than I have.

GEORGE: I noticed that, and if I may speak frankly, Mr. Smith...

SMITH: Speak away.

GEORGE: I coulda solved your problem twenty years ago. I'm almost ashamed I never brought it up before, but changing jobs ain't never been the answer for you.

SMITH: Why's that?

GEORGE: Mr. Smith, the difference between you and me ain't the job. It's my boss. I've worked for one boss all my life, even before this job, and that has made all the difference. You let him be your boss, and he'll make a difference for you.

SMITH: You talking about the King?

GEORGE: No, sir. I'm talking 'bout the King of Kings.

How to Survive A Left Behind Movie

For all you Left Behind lovers (and haters) out there...

John Cosper's novel LEFT OVERS is now on sale. Left Overs is a parody of Left Behind that follows the story of a group of folks left over from the rapture as they use the Left Behind books, not the Bible, as their new guide for life.

In the book the left overs come across a video tape left behind (pun intended) by a youth pastor, who happened to be a little obsessed with DC Talk. Pastor Kennedy's video, "Rules to Survive an Armageddon Movie" is now online. Watch the video here, then go to www.areyoualeftover.com to read the beginning and purchase your copy of the book!

Ekin Avenue - A Christian Soap Opera

Those who knew me when know I used to live on a magical street called... Ekin Avenue. Made a lot of memories in that house with friends and fellow actors, and one of the legacies of that time in my life is a soap opera that took its name from the street. I helped to directed the first Ekin Avenue short based on a script by Jack and Gretchen Hall from Sunday School Dropouts, www.sundayschooldropouts.com. This past week I shot a new episode. Both are now posted on Righteous Insanity's new movies page:

www.righteousinsanity.com/newmovies.html

Giving credit where credit is due: Ekin Avenue 1 stars former RI touring group members Randy D. Pease and Jamie Bratcher. Part 2 features popular RI film actor Denny Grinar and Erica Goldsmith, one of the stars of the indy zombie flick "Dead Moon Rising."

Adam's Letter Film in production!

For all you fans of Adam's Letter... a student production of the play as a film is now in development. A group of high school students informed me this week they are going to adapt the play for the small screen. More news as it develops.

Go to www.adamsletter.com if you want to know what the buzz is all about!

The Trouble with Cold Reads

I held auditions this week for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at a Christian high school. Some kids had come prepared with a monologue or a scene they had chosen to rehearse, but most did a cold read I had selected from the script. I have a good stable of veterans that I have directed in two previous shows. Casting them is easy; I've seen them in action, I know their work ethic, and I know what I can get from them. The new ones are harder to figure. It's my first time seeing them act. They're on stage with a script they just picked up. They're nervous, they're reserved - they're not able to show their full potential. I know this because at our first read through last night, a number of these newbies filled in reading for folks who couldn't make it - and they sounded wonderful.

When I first started at the school, I did two nights of acting workshops before holding auditions. It got the kids warmed up, but it also gave me to evaluate them in a less pressure situation. A bad read didn't necessarily doom a kid for that audition; I had seen their potential through improv. It better educated me, as the director, to cast the show. I had planned a similar arrangement before this play, but I got in a hurry and went with the cold reads instead.

I don't regret any of the casting choices I made; far from it. This school is bursting with talent. I do regret not giving the new kids more of a chance to breah through on their first try.

What are the lessons here?

1. If you're an actor, work on your cold reading skills. A director who knows you can forgive a bad audition, but directors who don't may never see the potential within.

2. If you're in a director, do not be in a hurry. Take time with your actors, especially ones you do not know. Play games, do improv. Take time to observe them. Make them comfortable. Help them relax, and give them the opportunity to succeed. More often than not, you will be pleasantly surprised.

The pleasant surprise for me this week? I have an incredible cast, top to bottom. I can't wait to see what they will do with this play.

New Skit - CP Facial Treatments

CP Facial Treatments

By John Cosper

CHARACTERS

Dallas - A stuck up girl

Jenny - A nice girl... kind of

Dallas enters. She carries shopping bags and a designer purse, and is dressed in ridiculous, over the top fashions. She is currently on her cell phone.

DALLAS: Hi, Babs? It's Dal. How are you? You will not believe what I found a mall. The Gap had such a sale. I mean it was totally off the hook! Everything in the store was buy one, get one half off, so of course I had to buy like half the store so I could get the other half half off. It was still outrageous, but that's why I have my Platinum card, because when I see something i want, I have to have it. Oh, and I found the cutest sweater! It was so cute I had to buy it in green, brown, blue, purple, pink, white, black, and yellow. But I don't have any yellow shoes, so I'm on my way to get some. See ya!

Jenny walks on. She carries a bakery box labeled "CP."

JENNY: My pal Dallas has everything. She has all the latest clothes, all the latest music, even the latest technology.

DALLAS: Jenny, you see my new phone?

JENNY: Yes.

DALLAS: It's a MyPhone. It's like an iPhone except so much way better 'cause it has all my favorite music and my favorite shows! Oh, look, Scrubs is on!

JENNY: It's pretty cool hanging out at Dallas's house. She has so many cool things there. Like I said, she has everything.

DALLAS: Everything.

JENNY: And everybody wants to hang out with Dallas.

DALLAS: That's because I have so many cool things which make me like so way better than everyone? You know?

JENNY: It got to the point where shopping for Dallas was, well, almost impossible. What do I get her? Clothes?

DALLAS: Got 'em.

JENNY: The new Kelly Clarkson CD?

DALLAS: Got it.

JENNY: The complete seasons of Punky Brewster.

DALLAS: Got em!

JENNY: You weren't even alive when Punky Brewster was on TV!

DALLAS: I know, but she's like, so way hot, I had to have 'em! Punky rules.

JENNY: Then I discovered the gift for the girl who has everything.

DALLAS: Too late, already got it.

JENNY: CP Facial Treatments.

DALLAS: The wha--???

JENNY: CP Facial Treatments is the ultimate gift for the girl or guy who has everything.

DALLAS: Really?

JENNY: That's right. CP Facial Treatments are a must have for any person who has too much stuff, or who puts too much stock in outward appearances.

DALLAS: That's like, totally me!

JENNY: CP Facial Treatments are simple, fast, easy to use. Just open the box, remove from box, and apply to face. Even an airhead like Dallas could do it.

DALLAS: Dude, I love Airheads. Can we get some?

JENNY: Sure, but first, don't you want to try a CP Facial Treatment?

DALLAS: Are you kidding? Of course I do.

JENNY: Are you sure?

DALLAS: Dude, it's the first thing you ever got me I didn't have ten of, now give it to me?

JENNY: Should I give it to her, folks?

Get the crowd to respond; have Dallas egg them on.

DALLAS: Come on, everyone loves me. They all wanna see me get one.

JENNY: Okay, then. Close your eyes.

Dallas closes her eyes. Jenny removes the CP Facial Treatment from the box - it's a CREAM PIE!!!

JENNY: Ready?

DALLAS: Give it to me!

Jenny nails Dallas in the face with the cream pie.

JENNY: CP Facial Treatments, made with real cream pies. The perfect gift for anyone who needs to be taken down a peg.

"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty." (1 Corinthians 1:27) I don't know about you, but for me, nothing confounds the wise like a pie in the face.