Newsletter 2021 by theacademyofarts

THE ACADEMY OF ARTS NEWSLETTER

A Memorial to our Founder

At 8:50PM on June 1, 2021, one day after celebrating his 52nd Anniversary with his beloved wife, Sheri, Nicky Alwyn Chavers slipped peacefully into the arms of Jesus with his family gathered around him. For the last 5 years, he had been engaged in a long and physically devastating fight against cirrhosis (though he never had one drop of alcohol), and this debilitating disease eventually was the painful, yet heavenly transportation to usher him into his eternal rest.

Nicky was born on January 27, 1943, in Pensacola, Florida to Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Chavers. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Bible, Music, and Drama, and a Master’s Degree in Music and Drama from Bob Jones University. He then was rewarded with an honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from Pensacola Christian College. He and his wife founded The Academy of Arts in 1971 and its ministry, which continues to this day, has impacted untold thousands across the country and the world.

He was an accomplished singer and musician and wrote nearly 300 pieces of original music. He served as the pastor at Colonial Hills Baptist Church and ministered there for 13 years. He loved telling God’s stories and wrote nearly 30 fulllength professional stage productions, as well as several musicals.

His burning desire was to see the Bible come alive in people’s minds and hearts so that lasting change would occur in their lives. His understanding, deep knowledge, and study of the Scriptures led him to use preaching, singing, acting, directing, Gospel magic, and writing to spread the life-changing inspiration of God’s truth.

We miss you horribly, Doc, but we will follow and serve the Lord as you so faithfully showed us, until our own time comes to join you at the feet of Jesus.

Dr. Chavers memorial service was held at the Logos Theatre on June 5th. A video of his memorial service can be viewed online at https://theacademyofarts.org/memoriam-dr-nicky-chavers/. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Academy of Arts Ministries 501(c)(3) for The Chavers Alumni Memorial Lobby - a dream of Dr. Chavers since purchasing The Academy of Arts Headquarters Building. (See page 2 for more details about this project)

1 st FLOOR PLANS

2 nd FLOOR PLANS

AnEternalLegacy the Founder’s Memorial

A GREAT VISION

To say Dr. Chavers was a visionary would be a monumental understatement to anyone that knew him. When many said his purchase of the old Taylors Elementary School building in 1989 was a mistake, he moved forward with God’s leading as he saw what the building could be. Now, that old school building is our home base for our 5-faceted ministry that impacts thousands of lives every year.

However, Dr. Chavers’ visionary thinking did not stop with the renovation of the current space. He saw the need for a lobby to be built that would provide a gathering place to accommodate better fellowship and comfort for guests, as well as more bathroom space which was desperately needed. He wanted everyone who walked through the doors to experience an inviting and beautiful space that would prepare them for a wonderful production to minister to their hearts.

BRINGING THE VISION TO LIFE

We are prayerfully moving forward with building the Chavers Memorial Lobby, as the Lord provides the funds. We are praying and working to see Dr. Chavers’ vision fulfilled, while also seeking to more adequately meet the current needs of each of our guests. This new

lobby would provide a beautiful gathering and fellowship space that would include a modern mezzanine, additional men’s and women’s bathrooms (Hooray!), a new area for our concessions and gift shop, and an outside covered drop-off area.

In addition to the Lobby, we have also made plans for a 2-story extension in the back of our current building which would include a state-of-the-art kitchen and dining area, separate spacious living quarters for our college men and ladies, expanded bathrooms, and new dressing rooms and makeup stations. The living space for our current Conservatory students is completely full, so this new building would allow us to triple our attendance in the Conservatory!

After consulting with our architect and contractor, the estimated price of the lobby and the extension will be $3,700,000. We are excited to announce that we already have received over half that amount in financing, pledges, and gifts! Would you prayerfully consider how you could honor the legacy of Dr. Chavers’ life, help us expand our outreach, and enable thousands of guests to enjoy a beautiful and memorable experience at the Logos Theatre for years to come?

Robert C. Cashion, Architect, Inc., 2933 Geer Hwy, Marietta, SC 29661

With a passion for building up communicators grounded in Biblical philosophy, The Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory holds fast to its mission of training young people in the powerful mediums of drama, music, and film with the goal of reclaiming the arts for Christ!

25 CONSERVATORY STUDENTS

5 FILM AND MEDIA

20 DRAMATIC PRODUCTION

7 GAP STUDENTS

5 2021 GRADUATE S

2 STUDENTS HIRED UPON GRADUATION

SPOTLIGHT

We are delighted when our graduates are able to step out into the world to help better other ministries and continue carrying on the biblical philosophy in the arts to those around them. Tyler Kemper (‘18 Grad) and his wife Elaine (‘19 Grad) met and married during their time serving in the Academy of Arts Ministries following graduation. The two led the 2019-2020 Seminar team and were excited in the Spring ‘21 to receive an offer to join the staff of Inverness Christian Academy in Inverness, Florida. They will begin their teaching duties in the fall as Tyler leads the Drama Department and Elaine steps into the position of teacher for 2nd Grade. Both are excited about the opportunity to use their education and training to impact the next generation!

THE LOGOS THEATRE

All around us we see a world gripped by the power of media. The thoughts, ideas, and ideologies of our day have led us to seek a new vision – a new venture that will reclaim the medium of visual storytelling for the cause of Christ.

22 FILM CAMPERS SUMMER 2021

7 FILMS PRODUCED (OR IN ASSOCIATION WITH)

$8,000 IN NEW EQUIPMENT DONATED/ACQUIRED

SPOTLIGHT

When God introduced Sammy and Bruce Frye to the Academy of Arts Ministries, we knew God had given us the content for our first featurelength film. After seven long years of performing on the Nashville stage, Bruce found himself suffering from heavy addiction, without a penny to his name, and without the coveted record-deal he so desperately needed. He had come to the end of the line. Little did he know that miles away in an old country barn, his older brother Sammy was doing battle for his soul in prayer! Twenty-one years Sammy prayed for Bruce to turn to Jesus and the true story of how Bruce went from broken to believing is something you will never forget! Sammy and Bruce Frye were brothers by blood, but after the incredible journey of faith that God brought them through, they realized they were both brothers in Jesus now as well. They were Brothers Twice. For more information about Brothers Twice and how you can be a part, visit brotherstwicemovie.com

The Logos Theatre functions year-round performing state-of-the-art productions in Upstate South Carolina with a 300 seat auditorium, 20-foot diameter turntable, makeup and costume rooms, trap doors, and fly space, all created and modified in-house! Audiences can attend the Logos Theatre with confidence that they will see a professional production with a biblical message that will inspire and invoke change in their hearts and lives!

12 PRODUCTIONS

243

10,000+

“Better performances than Broadway and all of them are Christian performances. The most wonderful thing about it, is that the children get to see the direct impact they have on others and that’s why they continue serving our Lord and Savior throughout their lives, their hearts full of Jesus’s love to share with everyone they meet!” -Celeste

“Amazing! A Spirit-filled Arts Theatre. Well Done.” -Dena

“Our family was touched and inspired by this superb play. Everything and everyone projects high quality on and off the stage. Thank you so much, Logos Theatre.” -Eric

“The production was very well done with a strong evangelistic message both in music and drama. Highly recommend!!!” -Doug

Drama Seminars have given Christian schools and home school groups an affordable way to provide students with professional training in the arts, interactive mentorship opportunities, and unforgettable character value lessons.

7 MONTHS TRAVELING

8 STATES VISITED

16 SCHOOL GROUPS VISITED

1,200+ YOUTH ENGAGED

50+ DECISIONS FOR CHRIST

8,511 MILES TRAVELED

SPOTLIGHT

As the team toured the country with 2 productions, (“The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse” for elementary students and “Marked for Greatness” for high school students) the overarching theme each week was “full surrender.“ Students in the high school production specifically focused on the life of Adoniram Judson and were challenged each week with what it would take for them to fully surrender to Christ. In both age levels, the team saw countless decisions of repentance, commitment to service, and the joy of young people truly surrendered to Christ. We praise the Lord for His work through this facet of ministry!

Since 1971, the Academy of Arts has been “Making the Bible Come to Life” by training and equipping young people in the arts to minister during the summer to churches across the United States, and to take those lessons learned back to their homes, schools, and communities as servantleaders.

14+ DECISIONS FOR CHRIST

14 STATES VISITED

58 CHURCHES VISITED

1,880+ PEOPLE IMPACTED WITHIN 8-WEEK TOUR

SPOTLIGHT - “BEHOLD HE COMETH”

Who then is a faithful and wise servant? No one knows the day or hour of the Lord’s return, but Christ has called us to be watchful and ready. This dramatic presentation of God’s Word was an encouraging reminder of what the Lord expects of His church as we await His return. Each drama team performed this powerful production and ministered to churches across the country this summer. Not only did they spread the Gospel of Christ, but each team member grew closer to Him during their tour. Mariah Reeves, leader of the Southern Drama Team, shared, “The Lord has been working in all our lives as we continue to seek opportunities to serve others every moment and as we grow closer to the Lord through personal and team devotions. We have a few younger team members and it is wonderful to see their faces light up at seeing the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness.” Praise God for his work in and through our drama teams this year!

TOTAL MINISTRY IMPACT 13,377

Individuals reached this year alone!

Each of these opportunities took time, preparation, resources, and prayer. Monthly support from churches and individuals provided our staff the resources to continue impacting the next generation for Christ! Would you consider supporting a facet of ministry or a staff member today? Your monthly contribution is a 501(c)(3) taxdeductible gift that acts as an eternal investment for years to come!

BEGIN YOUR MONTHLY SUPPORT TODAY!

See page 6 for different ways you can be a part of supporting the ministry or visit THEACADEMYOFARTS.ORG/MEMORIAM-DR-NICKY-CHAVERS/

WHAT’S NEW IN 2020-2021

THE ACADEMY OF ARTS CO-OP

With the mission to raise up the next generation of Christian communicators to effectively give out the good news of the gospel through singing, acting, dance, art, and all forms of artistic communication, we asked ourselves what would be the best way to reach the young people with these skills within our local community. The answer: The Academy of Arts Co-op was formed!

We are thankful for the success of the first year with over 100 children ages 6-11 participating in the co-op, and we are excited for the opportunity to continue for a second year, with added instructors and courses in Acting and Sign Language! For more information, visit our website at https://theacademyofarts.org/co-op/.

AUDIO DRAMA RELEASE

After the release of the first Academy of Arts audio drama in 2020, we are thrilled to announce a sequel to the adventures of Professor Phineas T. Boggs and His Incredible GOBAC Time Machine ! This adventure will provide listeners with powerful truths about the biblical meaning of friendship while providing a few laughs and run-ins with memorable characters along the way. Don’t wait to pre-order your copy at the Academy of Arts .org before the release this October!

PRODUCTION KITS & CURRICULUM PLANS

Nicky Chavers Publications is thrilled to announce that it will be releasing its first Communications Curriculum! Still in the early stages of planning, this curriculum and connected Production Kits are set to provide educators with the right tools to teach communication skills to every grade level! More details will be released soon, so be sure to check in at our website at theAcademyofArts.org under Education.

NATIONAL EVENTS DRAMA SEMINARS

SC SEP 6-11 (Greenville, SC)

SEP 20-25 (Taylors, SC)

NOV 15-20 (Greenville, SC)

JAN 10-15 (Greenville, SC)

MAY 9-14 (Rock Hill, SC)

NC IN

NOV 29-DEC 4 (Fuquay Varina, NC)

JAN 24-29 (Greenville, NC)

JAN 31-FEB 5 (Greenville, NC)

APRIL 4-9 (Lexington, NC)

SEP 27-Oct 2 (Fort Wayne, IN)

MARCH 7-12 (Fort Wayne, IN)

MARCH 14-19 (Evansville, IN)

MARCH 21-26 (Kokomo, IN)

APRIL 18-23 (Elkhart, IN)

APRIL 25-30 (Southbend, IN)

NEW STAFF

Joe & Taelyr Butler (‘19 Grads) Media & Nursery

Naomi Swain (‘20 Grad) Media

Gail Gorden (‘21 Grad) Receptionist

Jonathan Barrows (‘21 Grad) Sets

PROMOTIONS

Zac Johnson Director of Development

Jennifer James Media Manager

NEW BABIES

Kathleen Anna Singleton December 2020

Declan Alden Preston June 2021

Jesse & Gracie Gould Baby due August 2021

Justin & Jenn Swain Baby due January 2022

MI

MD TN NJ

NY

PA FL

OCT 4-9 (Attica, MI)

NOV 1-6 (Allenwood, NJ)

FEB 28-MARCH 5 (Allenwood, NJ)

MARCH 28-April 2 (Hagerstown, MD)

MAY 2-7 (Shelbyville, TN)

MAY 16-21 (Centerreach, NY)

OCT 25-20 (Pottstown, PA)

FEB 7-12 (Tampa, FL)

FEB 14-19 (Inverness, FL)

1. STAFF TO HAVE A SPIRIT OF HUMILITY AND UNITY

2. FINANCIAL NEEDS OF THE MINISTRY TO BE MET

3. WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT FOR LEADERSHIP

4. DECISIONS TO BE MADE FOR CHRIST THROUGH EACH FACET OF MINISTRY

In Memory

Many of you have been in prayer for Mrs. Lydia Hines, a long-time staff member of the Academy of Arts for many years. She went to meet her Savior on Monday, August 2nd after nearly 15 years of battling cancer and several brain aneurysms. Though she experienced tremendous pain and discomfort for years, she never complained and was sweet, kind, and consistently asked others about their needs and challenges. What a testimony she left behind of how to deal graciously with persistent pain.

This summer marks 50 years of ministry for the Academy of Arts and Dr. Chavers went to be with Jesus at the beginning of our summer ministries, and now Mrs. Hines has joined him in Heaven, on the last day of the drama ministry program. This has been a challenging and grief-filled summer, yet also a summer filled with wonderful and beautiful accomplishments for the cause of Christ.

Your support makes an impact!

THE INNER CIRCLE OF GIDEON’S 300!

Founder and Visionary Dr. Nicky Chavers frequently referenced the story of Gideon’s 300 when speaking about the supporters of the Academy of Arts Ministries. Gideon in the Bible was tasked with defeating a mighty power, the Midianites, in battle, with only 300 men. He had to show tremendous faith that God could bring the victory with only a few faithful followers.

Dr. Chavers’ vision was very similar as he wanted to see God’s ministry supported by a faithful remnant of God’s people.

As we embark into the future, it is our desire to carry on this vision of Dr. Chavers. We are asking God to send us a faithful “Inner Circle” of those who have seen with their own eyes the eternal impact the Academy of Arts Ministries has had on tens of thousands of lives in the last 50 years, and who are willing to pledge consistent monthly/yearly support to see the work continue.

WOULD YOU BE ONE OF THE 300 MEMBERS OF THE INNER CIRCLE OF GIDEON’S 300 and say with us as God did to Gideon, “by the three hundred men will I save you, and deliver the battle into thine hand.”

Note from our staff

Your support means more than you might think! Many of us have committed our lives and our families to the service of Christ in this ministry. When we hear that there are those willing to stand behind us and not only support the work we are doing, but support our families to continue doing it, we are beyond grateful. Your sacrificial giving is an eternal offering that we look forward to sharing in one day together in Glory! Thank you from the depths of our souls for your shared vision and support. It gives us the strength, courage, and resources to press on!

GIVING FORM I FAITHFULLY

MY SUPPORT to become one of the Inner Circle of Gideon’s 300 through the gift below: