For such a time as this
When the staff of The Academy of Arts Ministries met together to discuss the theme for the year, the question was asked, "What theme would best represent every fight, every victory, and every goal we have had this year looking into the next?" The famous phrase from the book of Esther resounded in the room - "For such a time as this."
The story of Esther is familiar to most, but to those who may be unfamiliar, it is among one of the most intricate workings of God in the Bible! God used the most unforeseen circumstances to accomplish His purpose, turn evil to good, and draw near to His people in what seemed the darkest of hours.
As we see a similar sinister darkness all around us, we realize fully that there is a cultural and spiritual war raging for the minds and hearts of our young people! The devil and this world are screaming for precious young people to live for self and throw away any absolute truth. "Follow your heart", "Woke-ness", "Political correctness," and many more destructive agendas are being verbosely propogated everywhere we look. As our culture and media rage against Christ, we are continually affirmed by the Lord that He has called and uniquely equipped us to serve in His Kingdom "for such a time as this!"
THE STAGE IS SET
Biblical drama and music have been transformational tools in the lives of young people since The Academy of Arts Ministries began; but, in 2014, the ministry reached a new level of recognition with its acclaimed adaptions of The Chronicles of Narnia series on The Logos Theatre stage. The series sparked international curiosity as the first life-size puppets were introduced to the public. To date, after premiering 3 of the 7 stories on stage, they have become a spectacle that draws crowds to hear the life-
changing truths represented in each production.
So, we found ourselves asking "Why?" Why has God established this ministry as a beacon of light in the performing arts world while opening our eyes so fervently to the darkness around us? Our answer, much like the book of Esther, came in an unimaginable way.
A PROPHETIC PARTNERSHIP
Before his passing, Dr. Nicky Chavers, our beloved Founder, expressed the urgency for The Academy of Arts Ministries to connect to The Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. Nicole, his daughter and the Artistic Director of the ministry, said she was initially puzzled at the idea. Although it was needful, there had been no previous connection to the Museum's leadership, and with the size of the organization, it seemed an impossible task. Shortly after Dr. Chavers' passing, however, the impossible came to pass!
Through a series of miraculous circumstances, the founders of The Museum of the Bible, along with multiple levels of leadership, attended The Scarlet Pimpernel and The Horse and His Boy in person at The Logos Theatre! This led to a partnership that will begin in January 2023 premiering The Horse and His Boy at the World Stage Theatre in The Museum of the Bible! In the heart of the capitol during one of the darkest periods in our nation's history, the truth of the Gospel will ring out! Isn't God amazing?
THE “NEXT RIGHT THING”
This year, we have seen God's hand moving The Academy of Arts Ministries like never before! Petitions made for the Lord's leading over the course of many years are now becoming a reality, and we rejoice in the truth that "He makes all things beautiful in His time!"
While we are excited about the opportunity to partner with The Museum of the Bible, our largest task has been the logistics of the remaining Academy of Arts Ministries' facets. Each facet is experiencing tremendous growth and we wish to steward that in the best way possible. Elisabeth Elliot, missionary to the Auca Indians in Ecuador, when asked how she faced the decisions on the field after the passing of her husband, famously quoted, "Do it immediately, do it with prayer, do it reliantly, casting all care. Do it with reverence, tracing His hand Who placed it before thee with earnest command. Stayed on omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing, leave all resultings, do the next thing." That is a wonderfully saving truth. Just "do the next thing."
We believe "doing the next thing" in our journey is to begin the expansion of our ministry headquarters. In November 2021, we began the expansion campaign of 1,000 giving $1,000, in which we petitioned to raise the first $1,000,000
needed to begin construction on our current facility.
THE PATH AHEAD
To date, we have reached almost 50% ($412,000) of that goal through the generous giving of people across the country! It is our hope to see the completion of our expansion as soon as possible, as it is crucial to support the continued growth of our ministry (cafeteria, dormitories, restrooms, office space, rehearsal space, expanded Logos Theatre seating and so much more!).
If you have felt led to give and pray this year, our hearts are truly grateful. We cannot fully see the path or timeline that lies ahead of us, but we are trusting the One leading. And as Aslan says to Lucy in Prince Caspian, "You must all get up at once and follow me – what will happen? There is only one way of finding out.”
SCAN HERE
to follow the journey of our EXPANSION CAMPAIGN or go to https://theacademyofarts.org/giving/
With a passion for producing communicators grounded in Biblical philosophy, The Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory holds fast to its mission of training in the communicative arts of drama, music, and film with excellence to reclaim the arts for Christ!
39 CONSERVATORY STUDENTS (29 IN 2021) 5 FILM AND MEDIA
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.
50-60 FILM CAMPERS SUMMER 2022 (22 IN 2021)
5 STUDENT SHORTS FILMED
2 TESTIMONIAL VIDEOS FILMED
$3,000 - $5,000 IN EQUIPMENT DONATED/ ACQUIRED
5
SPOTLIGHT: UNITED TO SERVE
Lucy Murrell and Elijah Parker entered The Academy of Arts Dramatic Production Bachelors Degree program in 2019. Lucy’s focus was specifically on costumes and costume management, while Elijah pursued as much training as he could in the technical department. Lucy and Elijah spent their final year of study traveling on the Drama Seminar Team serving as the Costume and Set Managers. Upon returning this summer, Elijah and Lucy got engaged and plan to marry this fall and continue on in ministry together with the unique gifts God has placed in them! We are thankful God brought such a dynamic couple to join our team of servant-hearted staff!
SPOTLIGHT: FILMS
IN DEVELOPMENT
Venture Films has come to life in a new way during 2022. Now, more than ever, a medium that has the potential to reach millions with a life-changing message is vital. There are 5 key projects in development: Brothers Twice, the true story of Sammy and Bruce Frye; The Traitor, a powerful historical feature film; Three Questions, a series based on the short film by Zac Johnson; Nicole’s Attic: Season 2, a delightful and engaging learning series for children, and a series following the miraculous works of God in the lives of present day men and women. Each of these key projects reaches into a different people group, and it is our hope to see God use this medium powerfully as He guides! Visit VentureFilms.org to stay informed as we release new projects!
Raising 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 is why The Academy of Arts Co-op was created! It is our mission to teach the whole person by keeping Christ at the center of all subjects and studies and, as a result, helping them understand the very nature of God. Participants in this year’s Co-op have not only grown in their excellence as communicators, but as followers of Jesus Christ! It is our prayer that each student will not fall in love with their gift, but rather with the Giver of their gift and that they will grow in their skill and discernment on how to use those gifts for Christ!
106 STUDENTS ENROLLED (75 FAMILIES)
9 CLASSES OFFERED IN DANCE, DRAMA, CHOIR, & AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE!
SPOTLIGHT: THE HEART OF THE TEACHER MAKES THE DIFFERENCE!
This year brought many young people who have expressed a real desire to learn the deeper truths of the subjects we've begun to offer in the Co-op program. After a small conversation about music with them, our resident composer, Olivia Singleton, began to be burdened about the opportunity to teach those who displayed a desire to learn more about music. Thus, "The Magic of Music with Ms. Olivia" was born! This fun 1-hour class (planned for 2022-2023) will be a way to inspire young people to create, express, and understand the greatest Musician of all! We are so thankful for the teachers' hearts displayed by all the Co-op staff, and we hope to continue offering opportunities for young people to be "infected with inspiration" this coming year!
Christian Conservatory
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, 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 hearts and lives!
89 TOTAL PRODUCTION PERFORMANCES
552 CAST MEMBERS
16,925 AUDIENCE MEMBERS (10,000 IN 2021)
79 FINANCIAL PARTNERS (38 IN 2021)
335 IMPACT TESTIMONIES RECEIVED
SPOTLIGHT: POSITIVE TESTIMONIES OF IMPACT
“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 (5 stars)
“Amazing! A Spirit-filled Arts Theatre. Well Done.” -Dena (5 stars)
“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 (5 stars)
“The production was very well done with a strong evangelistic message both in music and drama. Highly recommend!!!” -Doug (5 stars)
Drama Seminars have given Christian schools and home school groups a way to provide students with professional training in the arts, interactive mentorship opportunities, and unforgettable character value lessons.
8 MONTHS TRAVELING
11 STATES VISITED
23 SCHOOL GROUPS VISITED
13,000 STUDENTS ENGAGED
5 DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
10,350 MILES TRAVELED
SPOTLIGHT: THE THEME OF FULL SURRENDER
As the team toured the country with 2 productions, (The Bird and the Bug for elementary students and The Child-Stealer for high school students) the overarching theme each week was “full surrender”. Students in the high school production specifically focused on the life of Amy Carmichael 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!
13,377 INDIVIDUALS REACHED THIS YEAR ALONE | 345 TOTAL SUPPORTERS OF THE MINISTRY
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 contribution is a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible gift that acts as an eternal investment for years to come!
Scan the QR code or visit HTTPS://THEACADEMYOFARTS.ORG/GIVE/
LOCAL EVENTS 2022-2023 SEASON
NATIONAL EVENTS
DRAMA SEMINARS 2022 - 2023
NEW 2022 RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT
Know a group of young people who would be interested in a drama seminar? Contact our Seminar Coordinator today at 864-268-9342 to see when we'll be nearest your area!
SC OCT. 10-15 (Greenville, SC)
NOV. 14-19 (Greenville, SC)
DEC. 5-10 Greenville, SC)
FEB. 20-25 (Greenville, SC)
MAY. 8-13 (Rock Hill, SC)
NC IN
OCT. 31 - NOV. 4 (Lexington, NC)
NOV. 28 - DEC. 3 (Fuquay-Varina, NC)
JAN. 23-28 (Greenville, NC)
JAN. 30 - Feb. 4 (Greenville, NC)
SEP. 26 - OCT. 1 (Fort Wayne, IN)
JAN. 16-21 (Goshen, IN)
MARCH 6-11 (Fort Wayne, IN)
MARCH 13-18 (Evansville, IN)
MARCH 20-25 (Kokomo, IN)
APRIL 24-29 (Southbend, IN)
MI
APRIL 10-15 (Lapeer, MI)
NJ
MD
FEB. 27 - MARCH 4 (Allenwood, NJ)
MARCH 27 - APRIL 1 (Hagerstown, MD)
THE LEADER IN CHRISTIAN THEATRE RESOURCES SINCE 1971, Nicky Chavers Publications OFFICIALLY launched this year to share invaluable resources with teachers and directors all over the world! We are thrilled to be providing quality pieces in the areas of sheet music, scripts, dramatic cuttings, abridged plays, and more! Whether it's bringing a production to life from the ground up, or just needing materials to bolster your program, Nicky Chavers Publications provides top-notch pieces with the Biblical foundation proven from over 50 years of ministry. See the resources for yourself today at NickyChaversPublications.com.
STAFF HIGHLIGHTS
STAFF GRADUATES
Jennifer Swain MA in Sacred Dramatic Production PROMOTIONS
Allison James Donor Relations Manager
Marshall Preston Seminar Scheduling Coordinator
Zak Minor Seminar Coordinator & Puppetry Assistant
Amy MinorSeminar Coordinator
Jesse Gould Puppetry Assistant
NEW LOGOS LITTLES
Melina Danielle Gould (Jesse & Gracie) August 2021
PA
FL GA TX
TN OH
OCT. 3-8 (Knoxville, TN)
MAY 1-6 (Shelbyville, TN)
OCT. 24-28 (Pottstown, PA)
FEB. 6-11 (Tampa, FL)
FEB. 13-18 (Inverness, FL)
DEC. 12-17 (Bainbridge, GA)
JAN. 9-14 (Garland, TX)
APRIL 3-8 (Lima, OH)
Lily Anne Gould (Jerry & Jen) January 2022
Ja'azaniah Nicky Swain (Justin & Jenn) January 2022
Atlas Kade Butler (Joe & Taelyr) April 2022
Eloise Anne & Clara Jewel Hainsworth (Matt & Hannah) July 2022
Zak & Amy Minor Baby Due August 2022
Jesse & Gracie Gould Baby Due January 2023
The Calvary Quartet
Manif HIS WORK
Job 36:24
What a year it has been! We praise God for His work in keeping our ministry open, safe from sickness, and thriving as we embark on another 50 years of ministry! We wanted to take a portion of this update to highlight specific testimonies in praise of ALL the wonderful works God has done this year, and we hope you will take a moment to praise and thank the Lord with us!
AN INCREDIBLE PRODUCTION SEASON
"The play was just AMAZING! We laughed, we cried, we were scared... we forgot where we were, we thought we were in Narnia! But what was most amazing, was to see someone pray before the play even began. What an encouragement, to see such a great production done by faithful servants of Our Lord. We saw BEAUTY in all of it! We will be praying for you! That you may continue to grow, not just to show how professional you can be, but to spread the Gospel everywhere you go! “Onward and Upward! To Narnia and the North!" - The Brotto family
AN IMPACTFUL SEMINAR TOUR
"As a young girl growing up in Pennsylvania, I had the opportunity to participate in two week-long drama camps with the Academy of Arts, each one ending in a staged musical production. This ministry is a beautiful infusion of both professional excellence and a heartbeat for the edification of Jesus Christ. I was very young at the time but so enthralled with every element of my experience. I remember to this day that the directors both years poured tirelessly into teaching us essential skills, music, and staging with so much patience and professionalism. I have nothing but wonderful memories of my experience with the Academy of Arts, and they continue to set the bar high for Christ-centered theatre, film, and education. You can expect only the most brilliant caliber of entertainment from anything bearing their name!" - Hannah Grace Betts
AN INVESTMENT IN CAMPERS
"My daughter attended Film Camp, Jr. this summer. She tends to be quite reserved around everyone outside our family, and experiences in social settings often make her physically sick. This is where the staff comes in. She has loved watching them throughout the season, specifically the media team, so she asked one staff member how she could get involved. Thinking she would be allowed to observe, she was surprised when she was offered the chance to help on a few projects as a part of the team! The whole team has been wonderful. They made her feel welcomed and capable (both incredibly important for a young lady who has experienced attacks on her heart from the enemy from a very young age). I know for a fact that the effort the media team made is having an eternal impact on her! With tears in my eyes, I couldn't begin to express my gratitude to the Lord for His graciousness in leading our family to your ministry." -Adria Fogarty
AN INCREASE IN GENEROUS GIVING
"When I was praying so desperately for the Lord to turn the hearts of our children to Him, He brought the Academy of Arts into our lives and used them to answer my prayers in a powerful way! When I saw the 1,000 giving $1,000 campaign, the Lord impressed on me to express my gratitude for how He used the Academy by helping them to 'do it for someone else!' " - Karen Swain
AN IMPRESSION ON THE WHOLE FAMILY
"I attended The Little Red Hen with my wife and sons last night to see my daughter in the production. This was my first experience with the Academy. I wanted to write, which I rarely do, because I was so moved by the performance. I was blown away by the professionalism and quality of the play, but more than that, I was incredibly moved by the narrative and messaging. As a father who seeks God and desires to raise my children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, I am on constant guard to protect my kids from a society that seems to celebrate everything contrary to the Lord's ways and to the Bible. I was not expecting such a strong biblical foundation in the play. And that brought such joy to me while I watched. The messaging was so biblically sound and there were so many lines, teachings and messages I just loved in the play. I want to commend you for the work you are doing. It is eternally significant, and it's a worthy cause. Your ministry is a true jewel." - Ryan Discher
864.268.9342 | 80 SCHOOL STREET, TAYLORS, SC 29687 THELOGOSTHEATRE.COM | THEACADEMYOFARTS ORG
Preston Family
1907 OLD MOUNTAIN CREEK RD
SC 29609
365Days ofPrayer
Will you commit these items to prayer for The Academy of Arts Ministries every day for the coming year? We know a foundation of prayer is the key to God's hand moving in our midst, and we would be honored if you would bring us before the Lord in prayer this year.
• STAFF TO HAVE A SPIRIT OF HUMILITY AND UNITY
• FINANCIAL NEEDS OF THE MINISTRY TO BE MET
• WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT FOR THE LEADERSHIP
• DECISIONS TO BE MADE FOR CHRIST THROUGH EACH FACET OF MINISTRY
Would you consider joining our Inner Circle: a group of individuals, families and businesses that support our ministry on a monthly and annual basis? Scan the QR code to learn more!
