Drama
"Life's like a play; it's not the length but the excellence of the acting that matters." This quotation by the first century Roman philosopher Seneca reveals not only the philosophy of the drama program at Emmanuel Baptist Christian Academy but also the goal of each Christian's life-to live excellently for our Lord Jesus Christ.
The drama program at Emmanuel exists for one purpose only - to bring glory to our Lord. The plays, speeches, and classes that are taught seek to instill in the students a desire to magnify God through the performances they give. Whether this performance would evangelize the lost, edify the brethren, or exhort the sinner, the goal of the performance is to please the Lord in every way.
Our drama program has many facets. One aspect consists of two classes that are offered: a public speaking course and an acting course. In these classes, the students learn the basics of both types of speaking and are given much experience in performance. A second facet is the yearly forensic competition the students compete in through KCEA (Keystone Christian Education Association). Students have opportunities to participate in poetry reading, dramatic interpretation, Bible reading, group acting, and many other categories. This state-wide competition encourages personal growth and dependence on the Lord for strength and courage. A third aspect of our drama program is the annual spring play. Consisting largely of our senior high, the play allows students to work together as a group and to enjoy the opportunity of ministering to a large group of people. Our spring plays consist of various genres including mystery, comedy, sacred, and dramatic.
Shakespeare said, "All the world's a stage . . . And one man in his time plays many parts." One of our desires at Emmanuel is not to teach young people to play the "part" of God's child but to be a "genuine" son or daughter of the Holy God.