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The training at Masterworks is very good, but the mentoring from experienced Believer-artists is the most valuable part of the experience. When working artists are willing to share their lives and experiences with you for weeks at a time, there are few more significant ways you could spend your time.

 

If you’re reading this blog, you probably already believe that working in theatre is an incredibly high calling. Our culture is driven by stories, and we have the potential to transform hearts in a way no other profession can touch.

 

But theatre is also a spiritual  and emotional minefield. Yet another failed audition can send you into depression over never being “good enough,” or working on a show can take you far away from God because the whole cast is living a morally bankrupt life. Even working in the church can hurt you, because you want to say meaningful, challenging things to Christians in your work—and the Christians just want to be entertained. But if you have a strong relationship with God and wisdom from Godly people (like the Masterworks faculty), it’s possible to navigate your way through the minefields.

 

Masterworks also helped me understand my strengths. I did my undergrad at a Bible college, so I was sort of curious as to how I’d “measure up” with the REAL theatre majors. I discovered that my acting was not as strong as the “trained” students. But I also realized that when it came to writing and directing, I could probably hold my own.

 

I still use experiences and skills I picked up at Masterworks. I teach workshops on Comedy Improv, which I first learned from Sean Gaffney in the summer of 2001. I got to cut my directing teeth on some challenging scenes I worked on with other Masterworks students. And I’ve met great people like Rich Swingle, who I still keep in touch with, and who have helped me along the way with networking and encouragement.

 

Today, I’m a full-time freelance artist, writing and directing and teaching my way to meager paychecks. But by God’s grace, my wife and I haven’t missed the rent yet, and I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. Masterworks was a big part of helping me get started.

 

If you’re an aspiring theatre artist who loves Jesus, spending a few weeks at Masterworks this summer should definitely be a part of your plans. Your experience there will equip you professionally and spiritually for one of the greatest—and most difficult—careers you could choose.

 

George Halitzka

www.dramabygeorge.com

 

Visit George on the web

www.dramabygeorge.com and www.writingbygeorge.com