SO SEND I YOU
FROM OLD TO NEW
TA WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT
"Why are you doing so much?! You must be SO tired!" These are questions and statements we receive periodically from people when they realize the multiple facets of ministry the Academy has (see pages 4-7). If we were doing these things for personal gratification or praise of man, obviously we would be worn out quickly. However, when the Lord has specifically called you to something and then sent you forth into the battle with that mission, the Lord gives "wings as eagles" so that we can "run and not grow weary and walk and not faint" in His strength!
Praise God for an unbelievable team of staff around my wife and me who keep the focus on God's calling on their lives, and not on their needs and wants! They make all these ministry outreaches possible, and I know the Lord Who sends them out to serve will continue to equip them for the calling!
-Noah Stratton
he disciples were gathered together “for fear of the Jews,” cowering in confusion and anxiety over the reports that Christ had indeed risen from the dead. How could this be? They had heard that Jesus was nailed to the cross, and most assuredly John had told the others how he had seen Christ give up the ghost on Golgotha. They had even helped with burying the body of their beloved Rabboni. Christ, their leader and Messiah, was dead. This was a certainty that could not be denied.
But now, Mary Magdalene and other women were declaring that Christ had broken every bond of human belief and was risen from the dead! John and Peter had run to the tomb and seen the empty graveclothes. And yet, here at the moment that should have been the ultimate time of rejoicing, the disciples’ fear of men saw them huddled together in trepidation and uncertainty.
In the midst of this locked, fearriddled room, Christ Himself appeared to the disciples and made this remarkable statement, “Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he
breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” This amazing reassurance and infection of inspiration was the source of power that would radically transform these apprehensive men into warriors for truth who would proclaim the message of the Gospel that would “turn the world upside down.”
Looking back over this past year, I marvel at what the Lord has done in growing our ministry. There have been amazing victories and new doors of ministry opened, while there have also been extreme tests and trials. Through the times that felt overwhelming where fear could have crippled us into inaction, Christ was there to guide and infuse us with His strength and Spirit.
The knowledge that we serve a risen Savior who has broken the power of sin and death invigorates us to keep living with the wonderful assurance of “So Send I You.” The same commissioning power given to Christ by the Father is now given to us by Christ! Praise God! May we leave fear and inaction behind and press on into the future in the strength of our Lord and Savior!
RENOVATIONS - a word that can strike fear into the most stalwart of men! Permits, plumbers, demolition, construction, electricians and builders - it all can be a bit overwhelming. However, this is the price of growth and we accept it with gratefulness. We are so grateful to those who have given to see these wonderful improvements made around our building, which will give our patrons and incoming college students a better experience!
Many have asked about the progress on our plans to build a new lobby. Those plans are currently in the hands of the EMP Engineers (electrical, mechanical, plumbing) and they are working diligently on their part. When they conclude, we will still need to get our permits and code approvals, receive bids from contractors, and then look to break ground. We are looking for 190 people to commit to giving $550 a month for just one year to meet our fundraising goal - please continue to pray along with us for the remaining funds to come in for this project!
NEW SEASON
THIS YEAR IN REVIEW
TOTAL MINISTRY IMPACT
38,444 INDIVIDUALS REACHED THIS YEAR ALONE
345 TOTAL SUPPORTERS OF THE MINISTRY
Each of these opportunities took time, preparation, resources, and prayer. Monthly and yearly support provided our staff the resources to continue impacting the next generation for Christ, and allowed us to complete vital renovations to our headquarters! We would be honored if YOU would consider joining the "Inner Circle" of givers as we move into the next year of ministry! Your contribution is a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible gift that acts as an eternal investment for years to come!
112 TOTAL PERFORMANCES RENOVATIONS Logos auditorium, Ladies' and Men's Guest Restrooms, Dormitories, Common Space for students, Dining space, Recording Studio and Studio Offices, Media Room, Offices
SEE PG. 11 FOR DIFFERENT WAYS YOU CAN BE A PART OF SUPPORTING THE MINISTRY OR SCAN THE QR CODE
289 CAST MEMBERS 35,411 AUDIENCE MEMBERS
25 FINANCIAL PARTNERS OF THE LOGOS THEATRE
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 a show at The Logos Theatre or the Logos on Tour with confidence that they will experience 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 paused while undergoing much needed facility renovations. While paused, the Logos on Tour productions continued in familiar places (Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC) and several new venues (Freedom Encounter in Branson, MO and The Ark Encounter in Williamstown, KY!) God has continued to grow this touring branch of the Logos Theatre, and we were thrilled to see God's hand at work in the hearts and minds of the tens of thousands we encountered. We look forward to opening the Logos doors again September 2024 and continuing to tour in the year ahead.
PHASE
OF PHASE 1
$10,000 IN NEW EQUIPMENT DONATED/ACQUIRED
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
This year, Brothers Twice became even more of a reality as Venture Films moved into Phase 1 of filming for Brother's Twice. After last year's proof of concept trailer was released, donations towards this feature film grew from $50,000 to $350,000, allowing the team to film 40% of the project from June 18-July 11. The Lord also introduced us to the actor for Bruce Frye in a miraculous way, and is already using his portrayal to touch hearts and minds! Read more about this story and movie updates at BrothersTwiceMovie.com.
2
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: A YEAR ON PAUSE
While on pause for renovations, this year was one of incredible growth for our students and the program. This time of pause allowed leadership to reevaluate the program to make it even more effective in producing communicators for Christ, and gave students the opportunity to put their previous training into action as they traveled with The Logos on Tour. As we open again in August 2024, we are excited to welcome both returning and new students, as well as introduce a new track of learning - Trade School. We will be sharing more in the year to come, so be sure to follow our social media and email channels for updates!
8 MONTHS TRAVELING 13 STATES VISITED
25,760 MILES TRAVELED
112+
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.
SPOTLIGHT: DOUBLING OUR IMPACT
The Seminar team worked diligently with both elementary and high school students this year, focusing on themes of eternity and salvation. We were thrilled to see how God used them so specifically in each group they visited. As we embark on another year of seminars, we are excited to announce the addition of a second touring team! Both teams will travel with Kingdom's Dawn and The Tiny Train that Tried! We pray God will use them mightily as they reach more young people across the country for Christ!
It has been our mission for the past 53 years to help young people hide God's Word in their hearts and experience its power first-hand as they not only hear God's message of truth, but also become it through the powerful tool of portrayal. Twenty-eight young people experienced this unique opportunity by traveling on our two ministry teams this summer, performing an adaptation of The Story of Ruth
SPOTLIGHT: MAKING THE BIBLE COME ALIVE
Our hearts were blessed to hear many testimonies from the audiences about how the production impacted their lives. One woman shared how she had been struggling with bitterness after the loss of her husband, but after seeing the testimony of Naomi, the Lord moved in her heart to release that burden and begin to heal. Testimonies like these energize us to continue ministering through this powerful aspect of outreach.
92 STUDENTS ENROLLED (60 Families)
2 DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
12 CLASSES OFFERED in Dance, Drama, Choir, Film, 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!
27 SUBSCRIBERS TO LOGOS GUILD
68% INCREASE IN REVENUE SINCE 2023
PARTNERED WITH 197 SCHOOLS, THEATERS, CHURCHES, AND
404% INCREASE IN CUSTOMERS SINCE 2023
Nicky Chavers Publications was founded by playwright, preacher, and composer, Dr. Nicky Chavers. As the leaders in Christian theatre resources since 1971, Nicky Chavers Publications exists to provide excellent, uncompromising resources to schools, theatres, and churches who wish to join us in "Making the Bible Come Alive in hearts and minds through the power of storytelling."
SPOTLIGHT: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE COMMUNITY
After years of touring, it became clear how difficult it was for teachers, directors, and church leaders to find quality music and scripts that were also uncompromising in their messages. Nicky Chavers Publications has flourished this year as it released over 50 years of resources across the country that not only rival Broadway and Hollywood in excellence, but contain powerful messages and themes from God's Word!
WHAT'S NEW
CURRICULUMS & BUNDLES
This year's team of writers and editors have been busy behind the scenes during our touring season to release two new curriculum resources and three new resource bundles for the upcoming school year.
You can now invest in teaching the arts with a Biblical worldview to your students, children, or congregation with these five incredible new resources for elementary and high school students.
SCAN THE QR CODES OR VISIT nickychaverspublications.com today to learn more! Click BUNDLES to see these exciting new resources!
STAFF UPDATES
Patrick Nolan Preston
(Marshall & Liz Preston) June 2024
Selah Butler
(Joe & Taelyr Butler) January 2024
Shelby Swain
(Justin & Jenn Swain) June 2024
Levi Maciejack
(Ben & Rachel Maciejack) April 2024
Paisley Gould
(Jesse & Gracie Gould) August 2024
Arthur Minor
(Zak & Amy Minor) Due November 2024 Ian & Sarah Christensen -Lighting Technician -Conservatory Assistant
Caitlin Wright Drama Seminar Coordinator
Ashley Hallam
Conservatory Asst./ Microphone Manager
Jesse Gould Technical Director
Jenna Washer Receptionist
Caleb Mann Production Technician
ON TOUR 2024-2025
SCAN THE QR for the most updated itinerary and locations!
TOURING LOCATIONS AND TICKETS
DRAMA SEMINARS
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 7-12, 2024 (Greenville, SC)
January 6-11, 2025 (Rock Hill, SC)
January 13-18, 2025 (Greenville, SC)
October 28-Nov. 2, 2024 (Lexington, NC)
November 4-9, 2024 (Fuquay-Varina, NC)
January 27-February 1, 2025 (Greenville, NC)
March 31-April 5, 2025 (Norfolk, VA)
*September 16-21, 2024 (Martinsville, IN)
September 23-28, 2024 (Fort Wayne, IN)
January 6-11, 2025 (Indianapolis, IN)
January 13-18, 2025 (Goshen, IN)
March 3-8, 2025 (Evansville, IN)
*March 10-15, 2025 (Bluffton, IN)
March 10-15, 2025 (Fort Wayne, IN)
March 17-22, 2025 (Kokomo, IN)
April 21-26, 2025 (South Bend, IN)
April 7-12, 2025 (Lapeer, MI)
February 24-March 1, 2025 (Allenwood, NJ)
*October 14-19, 2024 (Lusby, MD)
November 4-9, 2024 (Cresaptown, MD)
*February 17-22, 2025 (Gaithersburg, MD)
March 17-22, 2025 (Hagerstown, MD)
September 16-21, 2024 (Knoxville, TN)
April 14-19, 2025 (Shelbyville, TN)
October 21-26, 2024 (Pottstown, PA)
January 20-25, 2025 (York, PA)
*March 3-8, 2025 (Perkasie, PA)
*Sep 3-Oct 5, 2024 (Port St. Lucie, FL)
February 3-8, 2025 (Inverness, FL)
February 10-15, 2025 (Tampa, FL)
December 9-14, 2024 (Bainbridge, GA)
March 31-April 5, 2025 (Lima, OH)
February 24-March 1, 2025 (Garland, TX)
March 24-29, 2025 (Mattoon, IL)
*December 9-14, 2024 (Lexington, KY)
*October 7-12, 2024 (Branson, MO)
*October 14-19, 2024 (Branson, MO)
*February 3-8, 2025 (Hutchinson, KS)
HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
What a year it has been! We praise God for His work this year and specifically for all those prompted to give of their time and financial resources to help us continue! Here are a few ways YOU can join in the fight with us as we embark on another year of ministry!
INNER CIRCLE: MONTHLY GIVERS!
Monthly gifts keep our staff and daily operations alive. Scan the QR code to see levels of giving today.
Benefits include:
• exclusive monthly updates about the ministry
• pre-sale tickets before they open to the public
• discounts on tickets, classes, and merchandise
ONE-TIME GIFTS
Giving a one-time gift helps forward our many productions and resources. Scan the QR to give today
Benefits include:
• exclusive monthly updates about the ministry
• pre-sale tickets before they open to the public
• discounts on tickets, classes, and merchandise
• special gift + ticket packages determined by the gift amount
GIVING CAMPAIGNS
Scan the QR for updates on the capital campaigns currently in process for the ministry and choose one or multiple to support today.
Benefits include:
• exclusive monthly updates about the ministry
• pre-sale tickets before they open to the public
• discounts on tickets, classes, and merchandise
• special gift determined by the campaign
A WORD FROM OUR GIVERS
"The staff was willing to sit and stop what they were doing to talk with my children and get to know them individually. This made a positive impact on me to give." -Tara
"The Academy of Arts performance we saw this year was very moving. Thank you to all who gave of themselves to present it!" -Steve
"It’s hard to describe the joy of watching C.S. Lewis’ God-exalting book being acted out in front of our eyes, spurring us on to become heroes in whatever way God wants for us… so I’ll just say what my 5-year-old son said afterward: 'That was the best thing I’ve ever seen in my life!' May God bless y’all in your work!" -Paige
"I want to thank Logos Theatre and all who are working so hard to reclaim theatre for the glory of God. I am working hard at our school to build our program for this same purpose and I can't tell you how much it means to have The Academy of the Arts as a resource. It is beautiful that this ministry is not just to perform but to also equip others to perform. I love the commitment to excellence and good story telling. It is inspiring and deeply encouraging." -Ruth
The Logos Theatre is thrilled to continue touring to both familiar and new venues across the country this season!
864.268.9342
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
Would you consider joining our Inner Circle: a group of individuals, families and businesses that support our ministry on a monthly and annual basis?