I Must Be "God's Favorite" Actor....

I have been a part of the Christian church for nearly my entire life. Over the years, I have served the LORD in various capacities, as a Sunday School teacher, bible study leader, church nursery worker, missions committee chairperson, official board member, singer for the Praise and Worship team, etc.

One thing I haven't done is what many churches call "drama ministry." It seems logical to some that an actor who is also a Christian would (naturally) want to use her acting skills in the context of the church. In fact, many would say that a Christian actor should only do "Christian theater" (whatever that is...) or do her acting in church.

I guess I'd have to disagree with that assumption. I have always been interested in one thing: theater. Not "Christian" theater or "educational" theater or any other label you could come up with. All I have ever wanted to do was just plain theater.

That doesn't mean, however, that I have no interest in serving God through theater. I firmly believe that a Christ-follower can glorify God through whatever talent or interest she possesses. After all, who gives us these talents and passions, but God Himself?

With this thought in mind, I carefully look around at the audition announcements out there. Once, way back in 2004, a particular announcement caught my eye. The Renton Civic Theatre was putting on a show by Neil Simon, one of my favorite playwrights. There was an interesting role in "God's Favorite," one calling for an African-American maid. The script called for African-Americans to play both the maid and the butler. Hmmmmm...

Now, we actors of color have played more than our share of household servants on stage. And I also know that when a local theater is in need of good African-American actors, they are hard to find. Not because they don't exist. They are in great demand. So, I figured, maybe the director might cast this part with an Asian maid instead.

So, I showed up to the audition, prepared not to try to portray a black woman, but an Asian one. Whew...what a stretch that would be....

I put on my best Asian immigrant accent, sharpened my rapier wit and hoped for the best. I guess it worked, thanks to an ever-open minded director, the wonderful Lee Paasch. I got cast as the (not-African-American-but-Asian-immigrant) maid and had the time of my life.

They say drama is easy, comedy is hard. Well...maybe no one has actually said that, but it is definitely what I would say. Comedy is what makes me come alive on stage. It commands all my skill as an actor (what little there is) to allow me to hit the mark. It does me good. It challenges all my senses. I love to make the audience laugh.

God opened the door for me to be a part of that show. Actually, He opens all doors that allows me to be on stage, but I could definitely see His hand in this incredible opportunity. "God's Favorite" is a story about a man who is convinced that he is chosen by God to show the world (or at least New York City) God's love and power. I may not be God's Chosen One, but I am convinced that I got on stage this time for a reason.

God is love. God is salvation. God is great. And sometimes, God is humor. Humor, you say? Well, that's a concept not everyone gets. But Neil Simon gets it, and so do I. Some of God's servants can move you and inspire you. I like to think I am one of His servants who can entertain you and make you laugh.

Yes, I can also teach His word through bible study. I also would like to think that I could deliver one heck of a sermon, if ever given the chance. But, when I am given the privilege of being on stage (especially in a comedy), I truly believe I fulfill who God made me to be. He gave me my sense of humor, my interest in theater, my comic timing and my love of comedy. What better way to glorify Him than to use the best parts of me?

Some folks are moved by deep, serious drama. Not me. Give me a good comedy any day. After all, there will be much rejoicing and laughter in heaven one day. Might as well get started now....