|
|
Stable Theatre
 |
 |
|
|
Purpose
|
| "Jesus spoke to the crowd with parables; without a parable He did not speak to them." (Matthew 13:34). This is the biblical mandate for The Stable Theatre, a dramatic arts ministry in Richmond, VA. What began as a desire to use drama as a teaching tool in a Jr/Sr High Sunday school class, has developed into a vision to be a professional resident theater producing plays with a Judeo-Christian worldview. That is not to say that every play produced would have a clear gospel presentation and an altar call; Jesus spoke in parables that were often unclear even to his disciples, until He privately explained everything. (Mark 4:34). The company seeks to provide Christians with an alternative offering of good quality theater; something that the entire family could see. With a variety of plays having been, and to be produced, The Stable Theatre is also an entry point into the church. People can feel confident that they can bring their unchurched friends and acquaintances to see a production that will provoke thought and provide opportunities for discussion of spiritual issues in a non-threatening atmosphere. |
|
Background
|
|
The seeds for The Stable Theatre were sown in the late 1980's, and in 1992, the first full-length production for public performance opened. Christ Presbyterian Church, on Dickens Road in Richmond, has been home for The Stable Theatre since it began. The church sanctuary was renovated to provide a full stage area, and over the years, other technical additions have been made to enhance the quality of each production. The church leadership and members are very supportive, and are active in much of the work of The Stable Theatre. At present, The Stable Theatre season consists of a play produced in the Spring, and one in the Fall. Plans are being made to enlarge the season to include children's plays, training workshops, and guest performers during the summer months, and seasonal offerings at Easter and Christmas. Past seasons have included works by Paul McCusker, an author with Focus on the Family, and plays about Peter Marshall, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Luke the physician. Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice was offered a couple years ago and a kid's production of Kids Praise 4 was put on. Recently, The Trip to Bountiful, Little Women, and No Green Bananas were performed, and for quite a few years running, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens has been enacted during the Christmas season. Actors and crew for the plays are drawn from Christ Presbyterian Church, as well as other local churches.
|
|
Vision
|
| The Stable Theatre believes that part of its mission is to provide a place for people to discover, explore, and use their gifts. Many people have expressed a desire to become involved after seeing a production. An immediate and pressing need is for a technical director, and a business manager. Currently, all staff, cast and crew are volunteer, but the long-range plans are for this to be a viable, full-time theater company for all involved. The operating budget is made up almost entirely from box-office revenue, with a small subsidy from the church. The non-profit status of The Stable Theatre makes it possible for businesses and individuals to support the work financially, and as the audience base increases, subscriptions for each season may be offered. |
|
A Sample Of Our Productions
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Theater Links of Interest
|
|
|
|
|
