| Hi! Here are some details about myself: |
| My name is: |
Character4Christ |
| I have a home page at: |
|
| My occupation (when I'm not doing puppets!) is: |
Manage an automobile finance company |
| My approximate age is: |
35 - 45 |
| I live in the state of: |
North Carolina |
| ... in the country of: |
USA |
 |
| Here's some information about my church or puppetry organisation: |
| My organisation's name is: |
Characters For Christ, Middleburg Baptist Church |
| My organisation's website is at: |
|
|
| Some of My Puppetry Background |
| Q: Why do you write puppet scripts? What motivates you? |
| We have an active puppet ministry at our church and we try to produce new shows every year so by neccesity we are constantly trying to find new ways to present the gospel. My desire to witness to children and adults alike motivates me. To think that something as simple as a childrens story can bring people to Christ just demonstrates his power to save people. |
| Q: Tell us about your church or puppet organisation. |
Middleburg Baptist Church is located in Middleburg North Carolina. We opened our doors in the late 1800's. Current membership is 132 and we average 60 to 70 a Sunday. The church spiritually supports the puppet ministry by praying for us specifically. And last year they entered a line for us in the budget every year for financial support. It makes a big difference when we go out knowing that they are behind us.
|
| Q: How did you get started in puppets and what attracted you to this area? |
| Characters for Christ began during the cleaning up of a Vacation Bible School season. The pastor had used a borrowed puppet to facilitate the mission story at the beginning of each days event. From there we had members join the crew. This is our 4th full season and we also do a Christmas show every year, 3 so far. God has blessed us with many chances to perform, as well as a very supportive church. Im excited to see what he has planned for us still. I love children as do all the members of the team. This an the desire to teach seem to be the attraction to all who perform. Its acting out Gods great commission in an entertaining way. |
| Q: Where does your inspiration come from to write puppet scripts? |
| Many sources...often songs we hear, one season we wrote an entire show based on current and past TV shows that were inspired from a CD of christian parodies of TV theme songs. Sometimes Sunday School lessons, other times walking around book stores can open up ideas. We just to keep our eye peeled for inspiration from anywhere. |
| Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in puppetry? |
| Realize going in that this can be a long term commitment. Try to be as creative as you can be. And be sure to keep it fun. Practice practice practice is a must. Use lots of music, children have a tendency to get distracted and bored easily. Keep the scripts short, no more than 3 minutes, 2 minutes is best. Fast paced and funny. We also try to work in sing alongs to keep the kids engaged. I also recommend you record your scripts...youll need the consistency of the recording and youll have enough to work on keeping your puppet straight his mouthing correct and his/her hand actions believable. Most importantly...follow God's direction in your scripts and he will bless your efforts. |
| Q: Who are your favourite puppet characters and what do you like about them? |
| Im drawn to the unique puppets, animals, birds fish. And maybe a character that does something funny or unique on stage. |
| Q: What are the most important qualities in great puppet scripts? |
| Keep them simple and bible centered. |
| Q: What would you do if you were a puppet? |
| Id grow some legs...Im certain its no fun having someones hand shoved in your head.... : ) |
