Acting for the glory of God
Treasure Hardwick, Staff Writer
Act II is a drama program at North Greenville University that has been around for more than ten years and continues to change people’s lives.
The theatre ministry team travels to churches and perform shows. Their dramas focus on Bible stories. Act II aims to bring the gospel to life and creatively display it in a way people have never seen before. The shows consist of sobering stories that allow the audience to examine their lives — as well as humorous, lighthearted scenes.
This year the team consists of nine incredibly gifted cast members. When applying for Act II, potential cast members must audition and perform two monologues. Amy Dunlap, director of Act II, said that when she chooses a team, she prays for each applicant individually.
“The application pool varies each year, and it can be hard to choose a team when every applicant is so talented,” she said.
But with discernment, she chooses around ten members and sends them their scripts. The team begins rehearsing the week before classes.
Dunlap said that the mission of Act II is to use the arts to glorify the Lord.
“I passionately believe that God created the arts to be used for His glory. God is an artist and a creator, and He designed His people to use their gifts to reflect Him,” she said.
She explained that oftentimes theatre is neglected, but that it can be a wonderful means of reaching people.
Dunlap writes the drama each year. She prays that God will give her direction about the show’s focus. She said that she uses the lessons she has learned in her own life and brings them to life through Act II.
This year the show is based on the theme of hearing God’s voice. Dunlap said that her heart behind the theme is to encourage people to listen to the Lord and to grow in understanding of His will for their lives. The drama consists of parables from the book of Matthew, a scene based on Jonah and the story of Samuel. Her hope for each of these stories is to urge people to seek God.
Every Friday the team meets for a Bible study. Caleb Wright, a sophomore Christian Studies major, is the team leader. He oversees the team and encourages unity among the members.
“Our team is very active in prayer. We all love the message we are sharing with others, and we are a family,” he said.
Wright encourages every person interested in Act II to apply and pray about the team. He said that even though it is a huge commitment, it is worth every second because you can potentially lead people to Christ.
Grace Turner, a freshman English education major, said that Act II has changed her life and taught her many lessons.
“I think that people are scared of the time commitment of Act II, but it has been the most valuable time spent so far in my college experience,” Turner said. “Everyone is very welcoming and it’s a community.”
It can be intimidating to be one of the youngest people on the team and a new member, but Turner said no matter your age or theatre experience, the people in Act II will become your best friends.
