MasterWits in World

World Magazine just came out with an article on the MasterWorks Festival, "Performers with a Purpose". 

It features an interview with theatre faculty Patricia Mauceri. The featured photo in the article features actors from our theatre program: Seth G. Antes, Esh Ryans, Cody Arn, Tiffany Rott, Craig Fairbanks and Robyn E. Haley.

There is a radio program in which you can hear an interview with Patricia Mauceri: Culture Friday and MasterWorks’ cultural training | July 12, 2013. The segment on MasterWorks begins about half way through the program.

Confessions of a Prodigal Son

Confessions of a Prodigal Son, in which I play a homeless man in LA, was written and produced by Nathan Clarkson, one of my former students. He also plays the lead role! 

Kevin Sorbo (Hurcules, God's Not Dead) plays a pastor, and another former student, Nathan's brother Joel Clarkson, is the composer. Go Clarksons! Also, Nathan wrote a song for the closing credits.

With Nathan Clarkson and Azel James,
who plays the friend of Nathan's
character.

I fed the homeless once a week for about four years, so I have some personal stories that helped my prep. One guy owned a trucking business, but he got hooked on crack and lost the business, his family and his home. Another was drunk every time I saw him. I think that was his normal. I also did my masters thesis at a drug and alcohol recovery center. They were all sober, but they had lots of stories. They all touched me deeply, so I hope my portrayal is respectful.

It is available on DVD and on Amazon Prime.





Christians may want to know:
*College students drinking and doing drugs
*Mention of yoga
*Vandalism
*Mention of hooking up and implication of pre-marital sex
*Some uses of "gosh" could be mistaken for taking the Lord's name in vain

These elements are a a part of telling how the prodigal son "...squandered his property in reckless living."

Check out my other films at .

The Price of Life

I'll be performing my one-man play A Clear Leading as a part of The New York City PRICE OF LIFE INVITATIONAL, a city-wide, campus-based, faith-inspired campaign addressing human trafficking in all its forms, spearheaded by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in partnership with 75+ diverse organizations. My performance will take play October 8, 7pm, at City College.

Another Great Conservatory

My great team at TAM.

I got to teach, direct and perform at the Salvation Army's TAM Conservatory for what I believe to be my ninth year. It's been going 13 years, and the only times I've missed it was to perform in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in '07, during the Olympics in '08 and '12. It was, as it is every year, a phenomenal experience! 

A highlight for me was when some of us went into the city early to look for some shoes for our sketch. The rest of the group was held up in traffic, so we were able to put together a short program for the rehab center, where we'd planned to perform. The main group did arrive, about half way through the program we'd put together, and it was just a fantastic experience of life in the Spirit! 

We took our theme from Brennan Manning's book Posers, Fakers & Wannabes. It was based on a chapter in Manning's book Abba's Child, which I read when I was in my 20's. It radically transformed how I lived. I no longer saw my work and art as something that might earn more love and respect from the Lord and those around me. Instead I accepted that I'm completely and unconditionally loved by the Creator of the universe, which frees me to live out his callings on my life with joy unhindered. 

If an atheist was hanging out for our closing ceremonies the presence of God flowing through the love that was in that room would have melted skepticism like wax. 

Here's my report from this morning at our church, Westchester Chapel:



Already looking forward to next year!

Watch Joyce and I play the parents of nine...

Seeking or Missing Out

Pastor Joyce Swingle preached on Matthew 7:7-11.

Her husband, Rich, gave a report on how the Lord moved at the Salvation Army performing arts conservatory, where he taught, directed and performed last week.

Pastor Joyce shares about how their 10-year prayer was answered for a space at housing subsidized for performing artists. You can see a photo of their miraculous view at www.RichDrama.com/MP.

For more information on "The Great Soviet Awakening" click the image of the book cover. For information on our trip to Russia for the Winter Olympics visit www.RichDrama.com/Sochi.

Click on the links for more information about Grace Unplugged and Operation Christmas Child.





This service is available for download free on iTunes, where you can also subscribe to our podcast. Search for "Westchester Chapel" on the iTunes Store.


After this morning's lineup is a song Rich learned at the Salvation Army Conservatory, "Forever Reign". Grooveshark is a third party source. If you listen on their website you will encounter advertisements, none of which are vetted or endorsed by Westchester Chapel. If there are ads that you find offensive we encourage you to click the "Report Ad" link below the ad.

Photo courtesy of NicolettiPhoto.com.

Watch Joyce and I play the parents of nine...