Posted on Jan. 13th, 2025

You will, repeatedly, ask yourself: "What do I need to play this part? Who is this girl, this woman?" Initially, you will not know, and if you do, you will know only in part, but you must come to know in full--as fully as you possibly can each time you grace the stage or screen in that role. The Lord will help you as He is Light! And in Him, there is no darkness at all; therefore, there is no lack of information at all in the breaking down of your script and in the development of your character. The Lord has never left me disappointed, grasping at straws in order to understand how to be present and truthful, living in the electricity of the moment. He has shown me how to grasp the heart of scenes and how to go underneath the text where the bedrock of creative genius awaits the hungriest of actors. The Lord is faithful to put the play, the script, the painting right in the palm of your hand. Allow Him to do so.

So, I echo the instruction: "Let there be light!"... Light being information...light being knowledge. Pure light is intimacy with the Truth which "sets free!" And as actors, we're always in search of this gold, aren't we? The truth that makes free...the truth that empowers you to bare your soul before an audience you don't even know. Therefore, I encourage you to not look for the easy way that requires little effort, but dig! Resist adding fiction to fiction, pulling from what you've already seen other revered actors do, but ask, seek, and knock, and The Door of revelation will open up to you. Furthermore, steer clear of clichés, but make a diligent search for truth, which is all around us everyday. Real life is our teacher. So watch, listen, observe people, places, and things as a norm and not an anomaly. As artists, this recipe is part of our daily bread.

Ultimately, we are on a hunt to bring creative, truth-filled expression to the heart of every piece, whether on stage, screen, or canvas. As artists, we are the Lord's vessels to absorb light and then commissioned to reflect that light to the audience, even when the light is darkness--when what we see is painful to report back to the public eye. As actors, we have the amazing opportunity to explore this conundrum of humanity as an art form--how we, being made in the very image and likeness of an indestructible, infallible God, come to do any number of destructive, flawed things. Nevertheless, in all these things, we hope, we pray that the audience is moved...moved to tears and laughter...moved beyond the point in which they first arrived to witness our work. Moreover, when it comes to making that divine connection with your audience, which we aim to do, chances are, if you are not moved within the private confines of your imagination, neither will an audience be affected publicly. 

Now, onto the script! When that perfect script comes into your hands, the one that inspires you to speak, to do, you will sense it deep within your gut as you read it. In the words of Peter Parker, your "spidey senses [will start] tingling." Those tingling sensations are like lights coming on within you, like fire flies bouncing off of each other giving you a litany of ideas of how scenes look, how characters sound, and even how you may come to play your part. But wait! Try to not make firm character decisions too prematurely. Instead, let your first read be an easy one. Meaning, just read the sides or script for pure pleasure. Resist the tendency to go into advanced detective mode; just ALLOW the lights to come on within you naturally. Enjoy the journey of hearing and seeing the world the author has blessed you to explore. Allow the process of discovery to happen organically, not forcing any firm character decisions or dissecting the text. Just see where the story transports you. Obviously, this particular counsel relates to having the luxury of time to have multiple reads. In a crunch for time, remember to trust your instinctive imagination. The light of your own, unique imagination is what will help set you apart from other actors competing for the same roles. Imagination and instincts go a long way, and they go hand in hand, so learn to trust them!

Another key part of an actor's process is more left brain territory, however we'll go there because it's important. This indispensable key involves asking the right questions. Gather as much information as you can about the role you may be playing. What's required? Who's involved? What is expected of you should you accept the role? Is there anything in the script that makes you feel uncomfortable? And if so, why? What's at stake? What's the pay? After having thoroughly read the entire script, create a list of questions and make sure you get answers prior to giving your commitment to the project. The hope and goal is to be able to give your "yea" or "nay" in shalom/peace.  

Finally, understand that business transactions that occur within the arts and entertainment arena should not be taken at face value. There is always a spiritual dynamic to the business of becoming or being an actor, an artist that transcends what is taught in traditional schools of the craft. Today's actors and artists must be equipped not only with craft "chops" but spiritual knowledge, authority and power, anchored to Holy Spirit's presence within. In this capacity, the artist becomes more circumspect and is both empowered and protected in the world of arts and entertainment. 

Our hope is that every actor who finds their way to us grows into an artist who can be proud of who they are, the excellent work they do, and how they wisely represent Kingdom of heaven artistry in the earth. Just as there is an audience witnessing our work below, there is an even greater one watching from above! No matter what, appreciate the process and enjoy the journey!

May God give you the grace to stand upon His shoulders and reach your destiny, not being added to a list of Hollywood's collateral damage. 

"Because the fountain of life is with you and it is in your light that we see light." Ps. 36:9