"But he that is greatest among you, let him be your servant."
Matthew 23:11
Our constant desire for our staff is to emulate Christ by serving others, and then instill that mindset into all those with whom we come into contact. In the Lord's work, we only lead to the extent we serve!
Thank you for the hundreds of you who have faithfully served us by praying and supporting The Academy of Arts this past year. As you read this newsletter, I pray your heart will be warmed and stirred to keep standing in the gap with us as we seek to continue "making the Bible come alive in minds and hearts through the power of storytelling."
-Noah Stratton
Standing in THE GAP
STANDING
IN THE GAP - this phrase gives us some obvious mental pictures, but the phrase demands some questions. Why is there a gap that needs to be filled? How will the gap be filled? What or who is attacking which then requires the need for defense?
AS WE LOOK AT OUR CULTURE, WE SEE A MASSIVE ATTACK ON TRUTH in every aspect of life. Every definition is being questioned. What is marriage? What is a man or woman? Is there a God? If there is a God, does He care about how I live my life? What is objective truth? What is subjective truth?
Obviously, we could take pages and pages here to discuss the many challenges of our materialistic, selfcentered culture that is seeking its own aims and desires. But I would ask you to consider how our culture has come to a place of such humanistic questioning and reasoning.
Steve Jobs said, "The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller. The storyteller sets the vision, values,
If Christians who are supposed to be the salt and light of the earth believe that the medium that is "dictating the vision, values, and agenda of an entire generation" is "just entertainment," no wonder we need someone to stand in the gap!
Instead of cursing the darkness that seems to be multiplying daily, The Academy of Arts is seeking to be a light and to stand in the gap by "making the Bible come alive in minds and hearts through the power of storytelling." But why is storytelling so powerful?
FIRST OF ALL, we can look at Christ. He constantly told parables (stories) to
illustrate and teach truth. Many times He never explained His stories but left the public to think and ponder on what they had just heard without giving them a deep spiritual explanation. He even acts out truth at the Last Supper as He puts on the costume of a servant and acts out the part of a servant by washing His disciples' feet. When it's the last time to give truth to His disciples before He is taken away to be crucified, He uses the communication tool of visual demonstration and storytelling. If we step back and look at His entire life, all of it is a story of what purity, love, kindness, justice, etc. looks like lived out for us, and it is what gives us the way for eternal life!
THEN WE LOOK AT THE SCRIPTURES in general which are filled with stories from which we can learn what truth is and what error is. Character after
character, story after story tells us who God is, what God says He is pleased with and what He views as evil or wrong.
We are grateful for the wonderful responsibility and privilege to produce excellent stories for the stage and film through which we are discipling the next generation of servant leaders. People everywhere are searching for stability and truth, and we are grateful to be standing in the gap to say "no" to the error being pushed by the mainstream storytellers of our age and to be telling God's stories with excellence and integrity so that the lifechanging truths of the Bible will come alive in their minds and hearts to see them forever changed!
and agenda of an entire generation that is to come."
Isn't it amazing how a business man with no spiritual agenda clearly sees the ultimate power of storytelling? We completely agree with his assessment and we firmly believe that one of the main vehicles that is ushering in the widespread error in our culture is the storytellers. Hollywood, Broadway, and the music industry are the main storytellers of our day and they are very gifted at producing exciting and engaging communication that pulls people into their world, and then cleverly (or sometimes explicitly) puts their message into people's minds and hearts to undermine God's truth
WHAT ALSO MAKES THESE INDUSTRIES SO POWERFUL is that most Christians somehow believe the subject matter in these mediums does not matter because they call it "just entertainment." Truly astounding! Christians then allow themselves and their children to digest hours and hours of "just entertainment" through music and media which is indoctrinating them in error and worldly thinking.
When it's the last time to give truth to His disciples before He is taken away to be crucified, Christ uses the communication tool of visual demonstration and storytelling. " "
THIS YEAR IN REVIEW
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 hearts and lives!
SPOTLIGHT: LOGOS ON TOUR
This year, the Logos Theatre was given the unique opportunity to partner with Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.! It was not only a time to share powerful Biblical truths through the production of The Horse and His Boy but also to strategically partner with others who desire to reclaim the arts for Christ! We were thrilled at the work God has begun and look to the future with joy at how He will lead and guide through this arm of The Academy of Arts Ministries!
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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.
SPOTLIGHT:
ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE GOAL
A vision was brought to life this year as the proof of concept trailer for Brothers Twice, the true story of Bruce and Sammy Frye, was completed! Over $100,000 has already been raised towards the start of production for this feature film, and the proof of concept trailer will allow us to share the vision for the film as we continue to raise funds! You can scan the QR to see the trailer and visit VentureFilms. org to stay informed as we give updates on the project!
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2 GRADUATES
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!
SPOTLIGHT:
MORE THAN A DEGREE
When Kathryn Venegas took on the task of adapting Bunyan's classic work, The Pilgrim's Progress, she could not have predicted the eternal impact her Master's Degree would make! After a year of hard work adapting the script and producing the show, a filming of the production was sent with missionary Paul Bupe to Zambia where 40 people accepted Christ! Her degree is a shining example of the purpose of the Conservatory to help students realize their gifts and be trained as powerful communicators willing to take the Gospel to all the earth!
7 MONTHS TRAVELING 11 STATES VISTED
13,065 MILES TRAVELED
TOTAL MINISTRY IMPACT
106
STUDENTS ENROLLED (68 Families)
28 SCHOOL GROUPS VISITED STUDENTS ENGAGED
63+ DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
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 lessons.
SPOTLIGHT: A WORD OF TESTIMONY
“The team not only challenged the students to do all for Christ, they lived it and demonstrated it in all they did! Their patience with the kids was awesome! I overheard one devotional with the guys about how God made them men and it’s right and good to be a man of God, so timely. All the team members were so knowledgeable, prepared, and loved what they did. Our kids loved every minute!”-Sherri Ohman (Colonial Christian School, Indianapolis, IN)
What an honor to be reclaiming the arts for Christ across the country and to see over 63 young people make decisions for Christ!
CHURCHES VISITED DRAMA TEAM
16,000 PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE
10+ DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
Drama Ministry Program young people traveled the East Coast and into the Midwest performing an adaption of The Pilgrim's Progress! Audience members were stirred by the simple, yet powerful picture of the Christian life these dedicated young people gave their summers to present in ministry!
SPOTLIGHT: MINISTRY ON & OFF THE STAGE
One of the unique aspects of the Drama Ministry Program is that as teens and young adults minister across the country, they are discipled and given opportunities to minister off the stage. We are thankful for wonderful reports not only of decisions for Christ as a result of the performance but the growth in each team member as they spent the summer "Making the Bible come alive in minds and hearts!"
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DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
11 CLASSES OFFERED in Dance, Drama, Choir, and American Sign Language
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.
SPOTLIGHT: A GROWING GROUP!
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!
38,444 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! Please consider joining our Inner Circle and supporting our ministry with a monthly 501(c)(3) tax-deductible gift to enable each of these wonderful facets of ministry to continue.
SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT THE LINK BELOW AND BEGIN SUPPORTING TODAY IN THE WAY THAT IS BEST FOR YOU:
THEACADEMYOFARTS.ORG/GIVING/
STAFF UPDATE
PROMOTION
Zak & Amy Minor
Warehouse Manager and Seminar Coordinator
LOGOS LITTLES
Olivia Singleton ('23 Staff Grad) MA in Sacred Music
NEW STAFF
Rachel Sorgius ('23 Grad)
NEW BABY
Norah Minor
(Zak & Amy Minor) August 2022
May 2023 GRADUATE
Makeup Manager and Marketing Assistant
Scenic Design and Construction Manager
MARRIAGE
Jonathan & Gail Barrows
David Gould
(Jeremiah & Jennifer Gould) August 2023
NEW BABY
(Jesse & Gracie Gould) January 2023 PROMOTION Daniel Hainsworth Technical
NEW BABY
Enoch Parker
(Elijah & Lucy Parker)
COMING SOON
Joe & Taelyr Butler
Baby girl due February 2024
NEW BABY
WHAT'S NEW IN 2023-2024
RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT
SPEECH CURRICULUM & MODESTY EXPOSED
Nicole Stratton, the Artistic Director of The Academy of Arts Ministries, has made incredible progress on two new resource releases for the upcoming year: The Academy of Arts Speech/Drama Curriculum and Modesty Exposed, a book focused on an in-depth look at the Biblical philosophy of dress. Nicole and her dedicated team have spent much time and energy investing into these two new resources, not only to provide information for parents and teachers, but to support a Biblical worldview in the arts through these practical, tangible items. Be on the lookout for the release of these resources by subscribing to our mailing list at nickychaverspublications. com today!
DRAMA SEMINARS 2023 - 2024
LOCAL
EVENTS TOURING EVENTS
JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
We started a campaign for some desperately needed renovations on our building with a goal to raise $1 million for the first phase of our renovations. To date, we have raised over $620,000! We are so grateful for the many who have sacrificially given to get us to this point!
theacademyofarts.org/logos-theatre-on-tour/
QR CODE WASHINGTON, DC | MAR 1-APRIL 27
Know a group of young people who would be interested in a drama seminar? Contact our Seminar Coordinator today at 864-268-9342 ext. 014 to see when we'll be nearest your area!
SC OCTOBER 2-7 (Greenville, SC)
OCTOBER 9-14 (Greenville, SC)
JAN 8-13 (Greenville, SC)
MAY 6-11 (Rock Hill, SC)
OCT 30-NOV 4 (Lexington, NC)
NOV 6-11 (Fletcher, NC)*
JAN 22-27 (Greenville, NC)
JAN 29-FEB 3 (Greenville, NC)
AUG 21-26 (Norfolk, VA)*
SEP 25-30 (Fort Wayne, IN)
JAN 15-20 (Goshen, IN)
MAR 4-9 (Evansville, IN)
MAR 11-16 (Fort Wayne, IN)
MAR 18-23 (Kokomo, IN)
APRIL 29-MAY 4 (Southbend, IN)
TAYLORS, SC | SEP 22 -NOV 11 INTERESTED
2 BRANSON, MO | DEC 7-16
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With $380,000 left to raise, some may view that as a large task still remaining. But what's the old adage? "There is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time."
Would you prayerfully consider taking "a bite" out of our "elephant" to see this goal realized through one of the following ways:
BRONZE LEVEL - GIVE $250 UP TO $1,000
Benefits include:
• Exclusive monthly updates about the ministry
• Pre-sale tickets before they open to the public
• Discounts on tickets, classes, and merchandise
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GOLD LEVEL
Benefits include:
• Bronze & Silver Level Benefits
SILVER LEVEL - GIVE $1,000
Benefits include:
• Bronze Level Benefits
• Name on Donor Wall of Honor
• Naming rights for rooms and larger spaces are available for significant donations. Please call our Development Office to discuss further at 864-268-9342.
NOV 13-18 (Allenwood, NJ)
APRIL 1-6 (Hagerstown, MD)
SEP 18-23 (Knoxville, TN) APRIL 22-27 (Shelbyville, TN)
OCT 23-28 (Pottstown, PA)
FEB 5-10 (Tampa, FL)
IN IL
APRIL 8-13 (Lapeer, MI) MD PA NJ
DEC 11-16 (Bainbridge, GA)
FEB 19-24 (Bainbridge, GA)
NOV 27-DEC 2 (Lima, OH)
APRIL 15-20 (Mattoon, IL) MI FL GA TX TN OH
FEB 26-MAR 2 (Garland, TX)
*Indicates a NEW group | **Indicates a NEW state
A WORD FROM OUR GIVERS
"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
"I want to continue to support the life transforming work of the Gospel through The Academy of Arts. I've seen it change lives and influence lives for Christ--my family is the beneficiary."
-Lynn & Terry Snow
"As a Pastor who’s married to a former summer team member for The Academy of Arts, we’re both passionate to see the art of storytelling spread the message of hope and redemption in the middle of a crooked and broken world." -Trevin Ascher
END-OF-THEYEAR GIVING
Whether you give on a monthly basis as an Inner Circle Member, or whether you give to our Capital Campaign, please remember us in your end-of-the-year giving.
THE QR CODES TO GIVE TODAY!
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.
• COMPLETION OF LOBBY AND RENOVATIONS
• FINANCIAL NEEDS OF THE MINISTRY TO BE MET
• FOR LEADERSHIP, WISDOM, AND DISCERNMENT
• FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY GROWTH AND THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL
• DECISIONS TO BE MADE FOR CHRIST THROUGH EACH FACET OF MINISTRY
