Stellar Performances From Our Drama Ministers

Drama Drash doesn’t have “actors” because our walk of faith isn’t an act. We don’t have “players” either. Successful Christian drama is hard work that involves many hours of memorization and rehearsal. Drama Drash has “ministers” who take their “roles” very seriously. Of course, we don’t take ourselves all that seriously and humbly learn from mistakes.

Although our ministers represent ten different congregations, we agree that God is sovereign, Jesus is Lord, and that the Bible is true. As brothers and sisters in this truth, we enjoy warm fellowship together after almost every rehearsal, with laughs, jokes, and fun. We share meals together and often congregate between shows to pray and study the Word. However, we decided very early on that our involvement, in whatever capacity, on stage or behind the scenes, is a sacrifice of worship and we work very hard at presenting an excellent offering without blemish. That perfection comes from a pure and generous heart.

We give God our very best. 

	Shirley Harkins is the Artistic Director for Drama Drash, writing scripts, producing films, and directing productions. She appears on stage, too, when she is needed to fill out a cast. Along with majoring in theater at Michigan State University, Shirley has 15 years of theater experience; including community and interactive children’s theater and drama ministry. Shirley has also acted professionally, writing copy for and appearing in commercial ads in both Oklahoma and North Texas. Shirley holds a Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies and Theology. She completed the Christian Writer’s Guild Apprentice Course and is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers.
	Barbara is a 1 Peter 3:4 kind of woman, with an imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit. (We suspect that she may be an angel, so we’ll keep her entertained as long as we can!!) Barbara leads the opening praise and worship, does narrations, and teachings for Drama Drash performances, but she also appeared on stage. Her soft voice makes her a perfect prompter!
	Malayna is one of the younger Drama Drash veterans active both on stage and behind the scenes. She likes to drop in on rehearsals to encourage the actors or just to fellowship and we always enjoy her company. In fact, this director calls her “Jello” because there’s always room for Malayna! She’s also pretty handy when it comes to sculpting in salt and flour.
	Natalie is a precocious teen with a romantic heart. She has appeared in several Drama Drash performances, and her portrayal of Esther on stage when Drama Drash presented Lots of Trouble in the Citadel would have made Vivian Leigh green with envy! One day, Natalie would like to be an actress/author. But darling! You already are!
	Tina is a busy mom and yet finds time to support the Drama Drash vision anyway she can. She’s the eyes and ears of Drama Drash and a constant source of loving and encouraging support to the often frazzled artistic director. Tina has performed in a few Drama Drash presentations, and while she’ll take the stage when needed, she prefers to work behind the scenes, filling the less glamorous but much needed roles.
	The film version of A Marriage Made is Heaven in Al’s first acting role for Drama Drash, but he’s been involved behind the scenes working the lobby and watching the little ones when wife, Kim steps behind the video camera.
	Ashley has participated in many Drama Drash productions and appeared on stage at her church. She’s also a great cook and bakes delicious cookies for our after rehearsal fellowships and cast parties.
	Kim is a humble, behind the scenes minister, willing to pitch in and work hard, helping in any way that she can—only recently venturing out on stage—and she did a terrific job portraying Martha of Bethany. (Kim blushingly admits that all she had to do was act naturally!)
	Taylor appeared in A Marriage Made in Heaven on stage and screen. While he may not be in all the shows, he faithfully turns up at rehearsals with mom and dad—and he’s a huge help. Most recently, Taylor took a behind the scenes role, stepping in to man a spotlight—and he did a super job!
	The Boss.  Avigail Naomi was born in a trunk, as they say. She accompanies Mom and Dad to all their rehearsals and we never hear a peep—she takes it all in with wide eyes and smiles--watching her Bubbe do her thing! The Drama Drash family is watching her grow up. Just wait until she can talk in complete sentences. Grandma Director will put all that energy to work on stage!
	Danber—Counting all stage and screen performances of A Marriage Made in Heaven, Daniel and Amber have been married 5 times! Daniel has performed in several Drama Drash productions and also helps behind the scenes, taking over the sound board most recently. Aside from playing Daniel’s bride, Amber portrayed the Adulteress of John’s gospel in Ladies Man, and she pitches in as much as “The Boss” (See above) will allow!
	Formerly a reluctant participant, Danny faithfully appeared in many Drama Drash productions; but playing Mordecai in Lots of Trouble in the Citadel made him truly love acting. He says it’s fun! Danny took a leading role as Avi in the A Marriage Made in Heaven DVD. He is also a tireless servant; active in building scenery, pitching in wherever else he is needed, and offering ceaseless support when the artistic director’s faith wears thin.
	Emily has participated in Drama Drash on stage, on screen, and behind the scenes. She has been active in both church drama and Community Theater. She’s a willing gofer, running all sorts of errands on the administrative end, too. Watch out for her hugs, though! She’s a real rib bruiser!
	Justin literally walked off the street and into the role of Jesus Christ in The Mating Game and did a terrific job! Justin has aspirations of studying acting in college and he's made a great head start. Justin's mom and dad are particularly supportive of their very talented son!
	Wayne #2 is new to Drama Drash and to acting itself.  He and his wife Ceci have attended almost every Drama Drash production, but his first experience on the stage-side of the fourth wall was in Ladies Man. His performance was terrific, with added personal touches to his wardrobe and props. He was a shining star behind the scenes, as well. We pray we’ll see Wayne in many Drama Drash productions to come!
	Wayne, better known as Wayne #1 participated in interpretive vignettes in his home church, but the role of Ahasuerus in Lots of Trouble in the Citadel is Wayne’s first experience with spoken lines. His “Stee-rike three! Yer out, Haman!” was downright Oscar worthy. Wayne also made a convincing “World” in The Mating Game, and appears as Jacob in the A Marriage Made in Heaven DVD. He is a blessing in any role, willingly helping behind the scenes, too. Hey Wayne--The World called and he wants his love beads back!
	Alyssa took part in the A Marriage Made in Heaven film project and hopes to do more on-stage work in the future. In the meantime, she energetically throws herself into being a help behind the scenes as much as she can and is a real delight to have around.
	Santiago, better known as Pastor Ponce likes to call himself a problem solver, and God knows Drama Drash needs all the problem solvers we can find! The Marriage Made in Heaven film project is Ponce’s first acting experience. He was reluctant at first but once we got him to dance, he was hooked. “That was fun!!”
	When we needed more men for the A Marriage Made in Heaven film project, Ben’s wife Tania “volunteered” him to come out and help— he didn’t realize dancing was part of the commitment but he was a great sport and ended up being quite a help behind the scenes. Ben also appeared as “Slim Meringue” in The Mating Game.
	This little darling is Damara. Like mom and dad, Damara made her Drama Drash debut in the A Marriage Made in Heaven film project. MMIH was her first stint as an actress, and she’s hooked!
	Damara’s mom, Tania is a frustrated actress who finally found her niche in Drama Drash. She appeared as “The Mother of Yisraela” in the film version of A Marriage Made in Heaven and also on stage as the “Woman at the Well” in Ladies Man. Tania is praying for a role with a proper name in her next go around.
	Mike is to Drama Drash what Joshua was to Moses. Networking with a blue tooth in his ear, Mike can usually fill casting gaps with a matter of a few calls. Mike is also a techie, addressing sound issues for the performances and leaving the director free to stress about other important matters. He’s shines on stage as well, whether he’s a King or a Slave—and just about everything in between. Upstage hand, Mike!
	Richard is a living sound effects machine with material ranging from an ailing cat to just about anything other noise he can make with discarded celephane. Richard appeared in both stage and film versions of A Marriage Made in Heaven, The Case of the Missing Holiday, and Lots of Trouble in the Citadel.

Susan is a breath of fresh air--fun, always smiling, a blessing to have around! Susan jumped on stage for the A Marriage Made in Heaven film project and then did a wonderful job narrating Ladies Man in July. We hope to see in her many productions to come!