Theater Interview: First Light Players
"First Light Players" is a Community Theater located in Oak Park, CA. ChristianActors.org had the pleasure to ask some questions of their founder Cathy Holbrook.
Visit www.firstlightplayers.org
ChristianActors.org: First off, please tell us your name and position with your theater.
Cathy: My name is Cathy Holbrook and I am the Founder and Managing Director of "First Light Players".
ChristianActors.org: What is a brief history of your organization?
Cathy: First Light Players was born in July of 2003 by a group of devoted Christians who believe that the power of drama and theater is another tool for God to use to bring people closer to Him.
ChristianActors.org: Do you consider your theater a "Christian Theater" or a Theater run by Christians? Is there a difference?
Cathy: I don't really see the difference. If you are a Christian you want to do things that bring glory to the Lord, same as if it is a "Christian Theater". The purpose is the same.
ChristianActors.org: How does your faith influence what shows you choose to do?
Cathy: This group was formed to use as a ministry to reach the unbelievers. We will always select a show based on truth and that have a message brought from the Bible, whether it a story or a parable or the Gospel.
ChristianActors.org: How do you feel Christian actors should approach "questionable" roles?
Cathy: I think they should approach them with prayer, and listen to what God is telling them and listen to their heart. If it is something questionable or they don't feel comfortable doing it they should especially pay close attention to why they are feeling that way and ask for guidance. If it doesn't bring glory to the Lord then chances are it's all wrong for them to do.
ChristianActors.org: Has "Christian Theater" changed in the past couple decades?
Cathy: I think it has changed in the respect that there is more material available. The quality of scripts is somewhat better to choose from. and people are realizing that Christian Theater doesn't have to be a pageant show of the birth or crucifixion of Christ.
ChristianActors.org: What struggles has your theater encountered trying to merge the worlds of theater and Christianity?
Cathy: The biggest struggle is finding good quality scripts that have more than 2-3 cast members, and getting pastors & church leaders to see the value of this outreach.
ChristianActors.org: What are you most proud of that your theater has accomplished?
Cathy: I've always said that ours is a ministry within a ministry. The bond of friendship and fellowship that takes place during rehearsals and backstage at our shows is awesome. The fact that our group is open to all people no matter where they are in their lives. And the fact that everyone strives to produce good quality productions.
ChristianActors.org: Where do you see your theater in the next 5 to 10 years?
Cathy: In a building that is full of life with shows, classes and outreaches going on 24/7, all glorifying the Lord and reaching out to everyone.
ChristianActors.org: How does your audience and community accept your Theater?
Cathy: We have had great audiences. Right now, until we get more established in the community, our audiences are made up of family, & friends of our cast members. Each show there is a growth of others from the community coming in and seeing what we're doing. The hardest part is getting other churches and pastors to believe in what we are doing.
ChristianActors.org: What advice would you give fellow actors of faith?
Cathy: Always go in prayer!
ChristianActors.org: Lastly, what shows is your theater doing right now?
Cathy: Right now we are opening "Steel Magnolias" by Robert Harling. In December we are doing "O Little Town of Bagels, Teacakes and Hamburgers Buns" by Jeannette Clift George; a show we did last Christmas and is being brought back by demand.
ChristianActors.org: Thank you so much for your time!
