My View from The Stage

A Cast Member’s Experience

For the past few years, I have sat backstage with my grandchildren and friends listening to the soft banter of other cast members, doing our best to keep the children entertained yet quiet until we hear “crowds up”. That’s when we each prepare ourselves to make our way onto the stage.

I usually have at least one grandchild with me, standing nearby, holding my hand, or maybe in my arms. Occasionally I have to stop one from being too bouncy, but most of the time they know what to do. They know when the hungry crowd is to sit when to get excited as the blind man gets his sight back, and when to shake as the earth begins to quake during the crucifixion scene.

As I stand on stage viewing the actor portraying Jesus taking the basket of food from the young boy, I feel as if I am truly there amongst a hungry group of people. As I watch him lifting the basket and praying someone yells out “It’s a miracle” as she and others lift baskets filled with bread and fish. I sit there in awe because I know that this is real. As Jesus fed the multitudes years ago He provides for us now.

In each performance, there is a scene where Jesus walks among the crowd praying for people, each time the actor portraying Jesus chooses different people, including the children. An adult acting the part of being prayed for is easy, but it amazes me when the children accept this action of prayer.

After a brief wait backstage we once again go on stage. I watch as the blind man steps up to Jesus, and then does as Jesus instructs him. I see the joy on the actor’s face as he turns and announces that he can see. I look at my 10-year-old grandson and say “He can see.” My grandson begins to jump with joy. He knows that this comes from the word of God. He knows that Jesus heals people.

Just recently I was on stage for this scene with my 4-year-old granddaughter. I was amazed as we watched the scene unfold and my young granddaughter got excited as the blind man was healed. Her face lit up with the biggest smile as she took my hands and began jumping as others were. With each performance, she learns more about Christ.

Later as the crowd yells for Jesus to be crucified my grandson stands solemn and still. He won’t yell to crucify Him. I understand it is too real for him at that moment.

As I view the scene where Jesus ascends to Heaven I raise my hand in praise. I saw that my grandchildren did the same, and though they may think it only part of the play they are learning to praise the Lord. As for me, it becomes more than just a reenactment, I feel it. I take that moment to thank God for dying for me. That moment is surreal.

Many times as we have been on stage depicting the life of Christ my grandsons have each asked me questions about what they were seeing, wanting to understand. They are learning about Jesus. They are helping others to learn of Jesus.

My view from the stage is watching the children — they get restless, they get antsy — but they are sharing the good news. Jesus lives, and Jesus loves.

As I view the stage seeing Jesus rising above the crowd I pray. I pray for all who are there taking part in our drama, those sitting in the audience, and those who are lost that they will let Jesus be their guide. I pray for my grandchildren to know that this is what it is all about. Jesus died for us and rose again that we may live.

As I view the stage as part of the crowd I can honestly state that there is such a sweet spirit hovering around each of us. I have heard others speak of this sweet peaceful feeling. It is real. It draws us closer to the Lord. Join us as we share the life of Christ.

Written by Debbie Hurley, SFG Member
Hurley has been a member of the Life of Christ Drama since its inception.