Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/143254
110 Song-By-Song Staging Ideas If you are using the Accompaniment DVD, you will have a consistent visual illustration of the story and message of The Jesus Gift and you will not need to add any additional performance enhancements. You don't want your program to become a crowded montage of "mixed mediums." (Remember, the audience can only look at one thing at a time.) However, you can elect to carefully represent certain elements of the story when appropriate. And if you are not using the Accompaniment DVD, you're encouraged to offer a visual representation of the events in the musical with actors and other individuals. The following set of staging suggestions are meant to help you make these creative decisions. · The Jesus Gift (Opening) The creative opening number of The Jesus Gift moves from a more worshipful tone to one of robust celebration. If you choose to process your choir, they should be in place by measure 40 for their vocal entrance on "Child of Bethlehem." The audience may be invited to join in singing "Joy to the World" at measure 69. You might also use children or youth to finish decorating any trees you have used as scenery. · Narration The opening narration is a declarative exclamation of the joy of Christ's birth. If you choose, this narration can easily be adapted into a short responsive reading for the audience: Narrator: For unto us a Child is born! The People: Unto us a Son is given! Narrator: This miraculous gift from God the Father will be called – The People: Wonderful Counselor! Mighty God! Everlasting Father! Prince of Peace! · A Highland Carol This joyous song is a creative merging of the modified lyrics to "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and Michael W. Smith's new Celtic-inspired melody. The decorating of the trees can continue through this number. You could also use this song for a traditional hanging of the green. If you have a worship dance team, this would be an ideal number to feature their interpretive movement. Since the theme of the musical is gifts, individuals might give small gifts to the audience (candy canes, ornaments, etc.). These small gifts can be a special project for the Sunday School classes during the fall months. By the end of this song, the sanctuary should be fully decorated and lit. · Narration The musical now segues into the Biblical sequence. A shift of lighting and/or the illumination of the manger area will help accomplish this change of mood and focus. The narrator can also move in the direction of the manger. If you would like to represent the Biblical characters with actors, you have two choices. First, you can have the costumed characters appear when they are referred to in the