Life After 'The Music Man': My Theatre Experience the Past Few Months

I get asked a lot when my next performance is happening. Usually, I imagine something grand like a full-scale community theatre production, costumes, lights, the works. But truth be told, I’ve been performing since The Music Man in May, just not always in ways you might expect.

This past August, I wrote scripts for four short skits for Vacation Bible School at our church. Danika and I performed as puppets, while Emily and Everett played the “scientists” who interacted with us. It was a hit with both campers and leaders alike, with lots of laughter, energy, and, yes, a fair share of chaos. If anyone is looking for short, funny sketches to explain a concept or kick off a program, I’d be more than happy to discuss possibilities.

This Sunday, I get to step into a different kind of challenge. Emily and I will perform in a short play called Entries, written and directed by the talented Alissa Cooper. It’s a roughly 25-minute piece performed at Central Baptist Church during the 10:30 a.m. service.

Entries is introspective, exploring marriage, relationships, and self-doubt through the lens of faith. Don’t worry if religion isn’t your thing, because there’s plenty of universal meaning to find here. For me, this role has been a rewarding challenge. Most of my larger roles have leaned toward comedy or over-the-top theatricality, so discovering the balance between authentic, raw emotion and playing to an audience has been both exciting and educational.

And if the play itself isn’t enough to tempt you, there’s pizza for lunch afterward. Free performance, introspective storytelling, and pizza; what a deal!

Performing, in whatever form it takes, continues to be a space where I learn, experiment, and grow. Sometimes it’s puppets for kids, sometimes a short church play, but every performance reminds me why I keep stepping onto the stage.