Casting the Bible: A Lesson in Bringing Characters to Life
As a theater educator, I’ve always been fascinated by the art of breathing life into characters. Recently, I stumbled upon an inspiring story that showcased this concept in a unique and engaging way. It came from a leadership retreat for high school students, where the presenter, Mellissa Gepford, decided to take a creative approach to exploring the Bible.
Inspired by the entertaining “Bible Binge” podcast, Gepford ditched the traditional lecturing format and instead invited the students to engage in a little game of “casting the Bible.” The premise was simple – instead of just reading the familiar stories, the students would reimagine the characters with modern, unconventional casting choices.
The students began by exploring common character archetypes found in media, from the heroic T’Challa in “Black Panther” to the sage-like Yoda in “Star Wars.” Armed with this background knowledge, they dove into the story of Zacchaeus from the book of Luke. The results were nothing short of magical.
The crowd of onlookers was hilariously cast as the entire NBA and WNBA, while the enigmatic Jesus was portrayed by the imaginative choice of Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino. And the diminutive tax collector Zacchaeus? Well, he was assigned to none other than the iconic Danny DeVito.
As the students brought these unconventional characters to life, something remarkable happened. The familiar narrative took on a fresh, engaging perspective, with the students exploring the motivations and actions of each player. Zacchaeus, once perceived as a mere trickster, emerged as a complex character undergoing a profound transformation through his encounter with Jesus.
Gepford’s experience demonstrated the power of creative casting in bringing stories to life. By approaching the Bible through a modern, relatable lens, the students were able to forge a deeper connection with the underlying messages and themes. It’s a technique that can be applied to virtually any story, from classic literature to contemporary theater.
Auditioning for Character: The Disney Cruise Line Experience
As someone who has had the privilege of bringing characters to life on stage, I can attest to the transformative power of inhabiting a role. And for a few magical years, I had the opportunity to do just that – as a Disney princess on the high seas.
It all started when I decided to set my sights on a goal I had been nurturing since childhood: working for Disney. Two months before graduating from my musical theater program, I heard that Disney Cruise Line was holding auditions in my hometown of Toronto. This was my chance to turn that lifelong dream into reality.
The audition process itself was straightforward, but no less thrilling. I sang my 16-bar “Breathe” from “In the Heights,” showcasing my ability to tell a story through song. The casting director then asked me to perform a second piece, and I chose the powerful “River Deep, Mountain High.” It was all about demonstrating my versatility, personality, and capacity to fully inhabit a character.
Much to my delight, I was invited back the next day to tackle specific material – two scenes and two songs for the role of Jasmine from “Aladdin.” I didn’t need to memorize anything, as the casting director wanted to observe my ability to interpret the character and take direction on the spot. After a quick and easy dance call, I went home, eagerly awaiting the results.
Three weeks later, the email came – I had booked the job! The whirlwind that followed included a two-month rehearsal process in Toronto, where the cast learned the repertoire of shows, from the main productions to the smaller entertainment offerings. It was pure magic, with the Disney creative team guiding us every step of the way.
Finally, the day came to see our floating home for the first time. As part of the “Fantasy” cast, we were flown to Orlando and then embarked on the ship, marveling at its stunning beauty. The next few months were a blur of incredible travel experiences, unforgettable performances, and forging unbreakable bonds with my castmates.
The 60/60 Rule: Mastering the Art of Audition Preparation
Of course, the journey to landing a role, whether on a cruise ship or the stage, is rarely a straightforward one. As an acting coach, I’ve seen my fair share of actors struggling to navigate the fast-paced, high-pressure world of auditioning.
That’s why I’m a firm believer in the “60/60 rule” – a system that allows actors to prepare for an audition efficiently and effectively, without getting bogged down in the details.
The premise is simple: Spend no more than 60 minutes preparing for the audition, and then take 60 seconds in the waiting room to recharge and refocus. Sounds crazy, right? But hear me out.
As Matt, an experienced acting coach, explains, the key is to have a foolproof system for taking a script and making it come alive in a concentrated hour. This includes memorizing the lines, working on character beats, and running the lines until they’re second nature.
The beauty of this approach is that it strikes the perfect balance between not winging it and not overthinking it. It’s enough time to inhabit the world of the character, speak their language, and imagine yourself in their shoes, without getting lost in the weeds.
During that 60-second recharge in the waiting room, the goal is to conjure up the work you’ve already done and get focused. Visualize the scene from start to finish, see the movie in your mind, and let your imagination run wild. By the time you walk into the audition room, you’ll be grounded in the character’s thoughts, feelings, and needs, ready to deliver a performance that is honest, focused, and true to the moment.
Bringing Characters to Life: Lessons from the Stage
As performers, we have the incredible privilege of bringing characters to life, whether on the stage, the screen, or even in the context of a Bible study. It’s a responsibility that requires a deep understanding of the human experience, a willingness to embrace the unexpected, and the courage to take creative risks.
In my journey as a musical theater artist, I’ve learned that the most compelling characters are the ones that surprise us, that challenge our assumptions, and that ultimately speak to the universal human experience. It’s about finding the complexity and nuance within each role, and then infusing it with our own unique perspectives and life experiences.
Take, for example, the case of Zacchaeus, the much-maligned tax collector from the book of Luke. In the traditional telling, he’s often portrayed as a villain or a swindler. But as the students in Gepford’s Bible study proved, with a little imagination and a willingness to think outside the box, Zacchaeus can emerge as a far more complex and relatable character – one whose transformation speaks to the transformative power of empathy and unconditional love.
It’s a lesson that applies equally to the stage and screen. Whether you’re auditioning for a Disney princess or a gritty antihero, the key is to approach the role with an open mind, a deep well of empathy, and a commitment to bringing something fresh and unexpected to the table.
So as you embark on your own journey of bringing characters to life, whether on the stage or in the audition room, remember to embrace the unexpected, to trust your instincts, and to always, always keep the humanity of the character at the forefront of your work. The rewards, as I can attest, are truly magical.
Conclusion: Unlocking the Power of Character-Driven Performance
At the Musical Theater Center, we believe that the art of character-driven performance is the key to creating truly memorable and impactful theater. It’s about more than just hitting the right notes or nailing the perfect dance break – it’s about inhabiting a role with authenticity, vulnerability, and a deep understanding of the human experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a newcomer to the stage, the lessons we’ve explored in this article can serve as a roadmap for unlocking your full potential as a storyteller. From the creative casting techniques of “casting the Bible” to the disciplined approach of the “60/60 rule,” the common thread is a commitment to understanding character, embracing the unexpected, and bringing a fresh perspective to even the most familiar of stories.
So as you prepare for your next audition or take the stage in a new production, remember to stay curious, stay open, and always strive to bring a little bit of magic to the characters you bring to life. Because in the end, that’s what theater is all about – the power of human connection, the thrill of the unexpected, and the transformative power of great storytelling.
