Did you enjoy your little trip behind the scenes in the previous TechTip? Well, some of that applies to what I'd like to share with you here. We have Drama Teams beginning to develop in different areas of ministry. I think this is great! What I'd like to offer early on is some information as to what we can support with technical effectiveness in the Sanctuary during a regular weekend service. If the folks involved in writing and blocking know what can be done, then they can maximize the impact of their presentation. If you plan on recreating the chariot race from "Ben Hur", but all we can give you is one Radio Flyer Wagon and a stick horse, your grand opus might not have the exact effect that you envisioned.

The following is where we are as of today: We have plans (some on hold) to upgrade and expand our capabilities as they relate to drama, but I thought it best to let you know what we can do right now.

#1 - AUDIO - Unless you're developing a mime troupe (which I believe is illegal in the state of Florida) you're going to want your dialog clearly understood. To that end, we currently have 2 cordless systems available for drama. We actually have 6 systems, but one is in the shop, two are reserved for Richard (pastor) and Dan (worship pastor), and one is the hand held unit that is downstage for announcement use. Corded mics can be set up that will require people to speak from fixed positions, which will effect blocking. While I'm at it, actors need to be instructed to speak their lines as if they have no microphone. If you whisper into a mic, you only get a louder whisper - not the voice of James Earl Jones.

#2 - LIGHTING - Our lighting system is very basic. In effect, you either get light, or get no light (that means "On" or "Off"). We have no means of focusing light on specific areas without much pre-planning, scaffolding and sweat. We have a spotlight (actually it's more like a picture of a spotlight) but its effect is minimal. We have plans to upgrade but not for some time yet.

#3 - STAGING - Because we have a highly developed music ministry, the upstage (in front of the choir loft) area is reserved for musicians and instruments. The downstage area better serves the needs of being seen while acting anyway. The instrumental set-up is rather involved so much advanced planning by the Drama Team, with final clearance by Dan (Worship Pastor) is necessary in order to effect any movement of equipment.

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