CenterStage for Christ

Perry Drama Ministry Produces 
Plays that Praise God

by Barbara Fatkin

For many years, Diane Kinsley had toyed with the idea of starting a drama ministry. A speech and drama major at Louisiana Tech University, Diane's passion was performing in Community Theater. As her children grew older, it began to be difficult to devote so much of her time to those endeavors. Along with her husband, Michael, himself a former community theater participant, the two set out to see how well they could do at producing Christian drama. CenterStage for Christ became a way the two of them could use their talents and serve their church at the same time. It was, and still is, of utmost importance to the couple to make sure the productions were relevant, clever and uplifting. The shows were to be the best that could be done--not just "good for a church play."

Success came quickly. The Kinsleys were able to find good amateur talent to fill the stage roles and, with diligence in publicity, to build a loyal audience. On September 15, 2009, CenterStage for Christ will debut its seventh open-to-the-public production, "Just a Bus Driver." The show, the fifth original script written by Michael Kinsley, is a comedy about a Houston Metro bus driver who has reached a point where he is wondering if life is passing him by. Surely, God must have something more for him than being just a bus driver. His thoughts begin to haunt him as he suffers a back injury and is forced to live in the care of his two older, very opinionated sisters.

Kinsley says the inspiration for his comedy comes from the lyrics of the hit Christian song, "Bus Driver" by Caedmon's Call. Kinsley has been in contact with some of the band's members since undertaking this project. Director, Diane Kinsley reports that she has a top-notch cast, many of whom have experience in theater in Perry, Warner Robins, and Macon.

When Kinsley set out to write "Just a Bus Driver," he had a very different plot in mind. But during CenterStage's last show, "Split Endz," several experienced comic actors volunteered their services and Kinsley wrote them in. "We are always thankful to have people come up and ask to be in a show," he said. "I'll do everything I can to write a part for someone."

With God's help, the ministry has grown. Over 700 people witnessed "Split Endz" and the audience base grows with each show. "Just a Bus Driver" will appear four times in Perry and then appear twice at the Austin Theater in Fort Valley.

Still it is difficult. Because all of the participants are volunteers, they have to work around work schedules. "We will rehearse close to 50 hours for this show," says director Diane Kinsley. "And that doesn't include time spent learning lines, doing publicity and building set."

The set building falls under CenterStage master, Dianne Scruggs. Scruggs could best be described as a genius at creating a fabulous looking stage on a shoestring budget. CenterStage depends on ticket revenues and donations for funds to buy building supplies and props. They also do a great deal of thrift store shopping.

It is the goal of CenterStage to produce two quality shows a year. Most of the shows are written by Michael Kinsley because Diane was not satisfied with the type of scripts otherwise available, "Largely skits and Christmas shows," she says. "We're lucky to have someone like Michael who has the ability to write material that is truly funny and has Christian relevance."

Interested in participating? Attend a CenterStage show and see what it is like. The Kinsleys are always interested in finding people who want to be a part of the troupe on stage or back stage. For ongoing information about CenterStage events, check out CenterStage for Christ at Facebook. com.

"Just a Bus Driver" will be performed at Perry United Methodist Church, 1001 Carroll Street on September 15, 17, 22, and 24. For reservations call 9871852.

Two performances will be held in Fort Valley at the Austin theater on September 29 and October 1.