Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/143254
109 choices since a media-filled screen naturally becomes the visual center of the performance space. If possible, place your choir beneath or next to the screen so that the audience's visual focus isn't split. You will also want to control the sanctuary lighting so that the screen can be easily read from every seat in the auditorium, including any balconies. Other Physical Production Considerations Because the choir (and possibly the media screen) are the visual center of The Jesus Gift, the musical does not call for any other specific set or scenic elements. However, you will want to create a warm, seasonal "frame" for your production. This can be achieved with fir trees (artificial or real); they can be lit with small, white lights and/or decorated. If you elect to enact the Biblical events recounted in the musical, you will want to designate one area of your platform for the manger/ stable. This scene can be as simple as a wood manger and a stool, or as developed as a fully-framed structure. To balance the stage picture, you might place a tall stool for your narrator on the opposite side of the stage from the manger area. Your lighting should be bright and warm. The nativity area should have its own focused lighting and the use of follow spots for the narrator will allow her to move freely about the sanctuary and even enter into the Biblical scenes. Dress Your choir can wear formal concert dress, choir robes, or festive holiday attire. If you choose the latter, a good principle to follow is the restricted use of primary reds and greens. Ask your choir to create a base costume of black and white. This can include dress slacks, skirts, blouses, sweaters, etc. Primary red and green accessories (vests, scarves, mufflers, etc.) are then added to this base costume. You will be amazed how "bright" and clearly defined your choir suddenly becomes! As a rule, soloists often elect to dress slightly more formal than the choir, and a narrator may dress slightly less formal. (If your narrator will be sitting on a tall stool, be sure she is dressed appropriately.) If you will be costuming Biblical figures, they should be dressed in first century Judean attire. Choose robes of deeper natural tones. Remember that the best Biblical costume fabrics are usually large weave, knobby-napped, textured material for the Holy family and the shepherds, and heavy brocades and velour for the Magi. The drapery and bedspread sections of thrift stores often yield terrific amounts of material at extremely low prices. Create layers for your characters' costumes by fashioning coats with open sleeves and wide, multi-layered sashes and belts. The Narrator The narrator in The Jesus Gift may be performed by either gender; you can also split the narration and use two narrators. Your narrator should possess a warm, conversational speaking style. Although it is not necessary to memorize the script, your narrator should be familiar enough with it so that he/she can make direct eye contact with the audience. Your narrator should wear a lavalier microphone so that he/she has complete mobility.