Christian Drama/Sign Language/Comedy

Drama, The Visual Language Part 6

2010-08-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

Street Drama

My experience with street drama has been highly successful for many reasons. When performing street drama, pedestrians are not corralled by four walls and surrounded by people they don't know. In street drama everyone in the audience is a stranger to each other and everyone is on the same plateau. People stop because they want to and know that they can leave when they begin to feel uncomfortable, if they do at all. When you think about it, almost all of Jesus' ministry was done on the street or at least outside the temple. He spoke to the audience on the shore as he stood on the edge of a boat. Jesus wrote a message in the dirt in the middle of the street of Jerusalem. He spoke to a woman at a well outside of town. I believe that the ministry of the church is evolving into a more, "Jesus like", example. Taking the gospel message back to the streets is happening everywhere and drama is playing a great role. I encourage your drama team to develop

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material that is street ready and try it on a street corner or town square where there might be a good amount of pedestrian traffic. Lillenas Drama Publishing in Kansas City, Missouri has many books of short sketches that you can do on the street.

Here are some things to think about when planning a street drama ministry:

1. Prepare drama material that is short and moving.

A. Song interpretation / Dowel rods or sticks

B. Mime

C. Parable like stories

You do not need to prepare a huge number of sketches or pieces because your audience is usually always changing. Many times you can recycle the same songs.

2. Secure permits

A. Park or sidewalk permits

B. Private business owners permit (You might be set-up in front of a private business and will need permission)

C. Amplified sound permit

3. Power source

A. Provided by city receptacles (Not the case usually)

B. Battery powered CD players

C. Rent a gas powered mobile generator

4. Sound system

A. Rent a self contained board

B. Invest in a self contained board that folds up and can be carried easily

5. Flyers or handbills

A. Small business size handbills (Usually the best because people put them in their pocket, rather than on the ground)

B. Large 8 1/2 x 11 handbill (Great for posters of stuffing into local newspapers)

*The handbills or any advertisement should be an invitation to a crusade or special event.

6. Where?

A. Amphitheater

B. Street corner - choose big enough area so you won't block pedestrian traffic

C. Park

D. Community events

E. Local Christian concerts

F. Malls

7. Who?

A. Small cast for sidewalk events because you will not be able to take up too

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much room.

B. Larger cast for amphitheater or park

C. Youth usually have the energy, but by no means do you want to limit participation to an exclusive group. I don't usually go younger that 13 because of the attention span and the ability of younger kids to focus on an all day or multiple-day event. Street ministry can be very rewarding, but it is hard work. Street ministry is fun and can implement many people into the process. Not everyone involved with the street ministry will be in the drama. Some people prefer to hand out flyers. Others want to help in setting up the sound equipment. All of it is important. While ministering on the streets of San Francisco with our drama team, a few locals tried to get us frustrated by trying to steal the attention away from us. Without going into great detail, we were being made fun of. We just stayed focused and the intruder went on when they realized they weren't going to get upset. I share that story because even though street drama can very successful, it is vulnerable to whoever else is on the street, too. That's why it's always wise to have permits and fees paid so you can show you have the right to be where you are. My experience with doing drama in malls or even passing out flyers in malls has been…if you don't have permission, don't do it. There is nothing more embarrassing to you and your group than being asked to leave an area because you didn't get permission. That goes for every place you want to minister, not just malls. Malls can be a very good place for street drama, especially if you can reserve the food court area.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO IN STREET MINISTRY IS SMILE!

Drama, the Visual Language Part 5

2010-06-03T21:34:00.000-07:00

Drama, What Does It Mean?

It is speculated that drama can be traced back to the Egyptian hieroglyphics. Explorers found drawings or paintings illustrating situations and events being acted out on the walls of the pyramids. So, you see, situations being acted out aren't new, but maybe that's going back too far for us. Drama was used a lot by most civilizations for entertainment. During the rule of Rome, drama and theater was used and abused to a large extent. The church disowned such entertainment because of the subject matter. Later, however, the Roman church adapted the medium to be used again. Priests became the actors and the script was the Bible. Such biblical reenactments were known to last as long as many hours to literally many days. One reference accounted a church play to last forty days. We won't be doing that, so take a deep breath and be glad you don't live during the Roman era. Let's bring the drama history lesson a little closer to home.

What does drama mean? The word "drama" in the Greek (dromenon) means,"to do". Ancient authors gave scripts to actors, but only told the actor what to do, not what to say. There wasn't any dialogue to speak, so actors relied on their expression and actions to convey the message of the play. Actors developed a character so well that they could convey the whole message and not even speak one word. This book is an effort to encourage actors to learn what it really means to develop a believable character.

The mime technique was one of the first methods of communicating through drama. The, "doing", or the action was the language that early actors used to tell the story. The book of James in the Bible tells us to be doers of the word, not hearers only. Drama truly is the visual language. You've heard the saying, "actions speak louder than words", and it really is true. As an actor you must discover the true language of drama…and that is, "doing". Traditional thinking leads you to believe that drama is a lot of speaking and not much of anything else. I hope to show you that there is much more to the drama process and developing a believable character than learning lines and speaking them when it's your turn. Popular thought among the inexperienced is that simply learning the lines makes you an actor. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. You can't explore the character development process until you memorize the words. As a director I would commend you on your memorizing skills, but then thrust you into two weeks of blocking and note taking. I would give you assignments that would help you discover the character that I've asked you to make believable. Character development is hard work and takes more than just your ability to memorize. Memorizing is just the beginning of the character development process. Always keep in mind that drama is doing, action and movement. As we've learned more about the communication process through the years, we've added dialogue to help communicate the message in a more natural way. Adding the appropriate words to the appropriate actions makes for an enjoyable setting. One without the other is half finished. Many church plays I watch have a tendency to be half finished in their presentation. This is mainly due to the lack of experience in the acting (doing) element. Many church plays are under worked in the acting area and over the top on huge flats and props, and last way too long. I recently attended an Easter play that lasted over three hours. That's far too long for a single setting.

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Let's get back to our subject in this session. As you proceed through the character development process, always keep in mind that drama is doing…action…movement.

The Dramatic Approach

We all know how music can draw people into the process of worship. Music is usually less offensive than preaching. Drama does the same thing. However, drama invites people into the process in a different way. Drama in the church offers an entirely different atmosphere. People will come to the play when they won't come to hear you preach. In drama, the audience enters into the arena of worship when they themselves feel comfortable with it and they decide it’s time. They laugh because they decide it’s funny. They cry because they decide to do it. Drama is usually the least offensive communication and often convinces the listener to relax. The visitors in your audience are more apt to attend your drama rather than your traditional church service because they feel they won't be preached at. Easter and Christmas is generally when we have the most visitors because they expect to come and see a play or musical in an inoffensive atmosphere. Since that is true maybe we need to do drama more times throughout the year. I know a few churches actually minister with drama every Sunday morning. It didn't happen over night, but slowly evolved into what it has become today. People expect to see a short sketch that either introduces the theme of the pastor's message or a concept that the leadership is trying to communicate to the whole church body. With the right organization and discipline, an on going drama ministry can greatly enhance the evangelistic efforts as well as bring variety to the church services.

Now churches are seeing the drama concept being an effective tool to take the gospel message on the street or into the community. The last five years I have had the opportunity to minister on busy street corners and parks of major cities. I was amazed at the response. Again, because the atmosphere is totally in the control of the pedestrian, people are okay with stopping and watching. They can leave when they want or stay if they want.

CODE This year

2010-06-02T15:37:00.001-07:00

If you are wanting more instruction on drama ministry...please visit our site at www.dramacode.com for locations and dates.

Father's Day material

2010-06-02T15:32:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for Father's Day material...we have a really fun reader's theater called, "What a Man Really Wants...or whatever". The nice thing about reader's theater is you don't have memorize the piece. It is dramatically read in character with all the neat little nuances and expressions. So, the reader does need to be familiar with the story line, rise and fall of the expressions and ebb and flow of the story.
As a reader you have control of the unfolding of the story, but you don't move in the piece. Most of the time reader's sit on stools with their scripts on music stands or can be hand held depending on whether they are using lapel mics or not.
If you haven't performed a reader's theater piece, then try onew this year for Father's Day. You can download, "What a Man Really Wants...or whatever" at www.howitiller.com/MothersFathersDay.htm.

Drama, the Visual Language Part 4

2010-06-02T15:31:00.001-07:00

Slice of Life "Slice of Life", is a term that I use to describe a style of drama that addresses everyday life situations. When writing about life, I look for the universal humor, challenges and victories. Our days are full of interesting situations (slices) that make our day whole. From the moment you get up in the morning until the moment you lay down at night, there are little slices of life that make for great drama. Often times it's something humorous or laboring or rewarding. It's usually an event that every family or married couple has experienced. To be a successful actor, you must find that common denominator that makes your character a believable part of the whole.Here are some examples of what I'm talking about:Example #1A piece of mail came to our house. As I was thumbing through the stack, my wife asked if there was any mail for her. I said, "Yes. It was a dear occupant letter", and put it on the counter for her to read later. She said, "How do you know it's for me, then?" I innocently said, "because it had something to do with loosing weight and fat in-take." I'm still alive to tell you that we both saw the humor in it and it became a slice of life sketch that we use in almost every dinner drama we do. She later found another dear occupant letter. I asked who it was for and she said it was definitely for me. I asked how she could tell. She said, "Have you every heard of Rogaine, the product for balding men?" You see, both of the subjects touched life in a real way. We used it in a humorous way. Humor is a great way to touch on sensitive subjects, but don't use it to cut the other one down. Let the humor unfold in a natural way, but try not to let closure take place until the play or sketch can have a happy ending.Example #2I was standing in line at a photography store waiting for my slide film to be developed. As I was waiting, an elderly lady wanted to buy one roll of film. The man working at the counter wanted to sell her a multi-pack of film. She told the man she just wanted one roll for her granddaughter's wedding and that one roll would be enough. The man remarked that the multi-pack isn't that much more expensive and the film was good until 2004. The elderly woman looked at the man and said, "Son, I don't even know if I'm good for that long". I've used that situation in one of my old man routines because it sounds like something an elderly person would say. It was a real slice of life. As you go through your daily life listen to people and watch them. You will learn neat things about life that make great additions to your writing or acting skills.Example #3I included a line in a short sketch from something my youngest daughter said while we were eating at Wendy's. When she was 3 years old she said, "I like cheeseburgers with cheese on them". I thought that was cute and worked it into a scene of a short sketch I wrote for a four-year-old son and his father to do while they were eating at McDonald's.

6.Listen to people while you are waiting in line at the grocery store. Listen to conversations in the mall or airport. You'll hear everyday life happening all around you. Everyday life makes great material for the Slices of Life. Not only listen, watch their actions very closely. Watch how people walk. Do they swing one arm more than the other? Do they shift their weight when they walk? Does their head bounce when they walk? Watching and listening to people is how I may go about deciding what things I may include when I create a character that I've been cast for.Character Development Exercise:This is an exercise that I will introduce to a new cast. Have your cast form a circle. Starting with the person on your left, have them walk to the center of the circle and say their name and then return back to their place in line. As they walk to the center, say their name and return, make sure the others in the circle take mental note of how that person walks, how they swing their arms. Answer some questions like…did they look down, did they focus on one person, did one arm swing more then the other. Did they walk fast or slow and did they lead with their shoulders? Were they shy, were they bold, were they embarrassed and so on? Now, everyone take everything that you observed by watching that one person and walk to the center of the circle as if you were that person. They will watch all of you as you do them. Then the next person will walk to the center of the circle, say their name, return back to their place in line and you will all do them. Then, the next person and so on. You can learn many things from watching people. You might see something in the way a certain person walks or swings their arms that you want to add to your character. Watch people in the mall or airport or even people you see everyday. If you've been asked to play a 5-year-old, then you need to spend time with 5 year olds. Listen to the way they talk. Listen to the purity of their words. Slang and euphemisms haven't dirtied their language. In fact some of the best communicators are children about the age of 2-3. They convince us with actions, facial expressions and movement because they haven't developed their language yet. Remember drama is doing. If you've been asked to portray an elderly person, then visit with some at the local retirement home. Visit with your grandparents. Watch how they walk. Do they shuffle their feet? Do their hands tremor? Watch how many extra considerations they have to go through just sit down and the process it takes for them to get up from sitting. BRING A PENCIL TO REHEARSAL

Drama, The Visual Labuage Part 3

2010-04-30T14:18:00.000-07:00

The Message and The Messenger Part 3 By Howi Tiller

The world we live in is driven by unbridled floods of media that appeal directly to the senses of the flesh. The successful advertising agencies not only have a message, but they know that the right messenger is what sells the product of the message. That's why they have Tiger Woods as the spokesman for credit card advertising and Michael Jordan as the spokesman for athletic shoes. They are messengers. Secular media has a message that is designed to tickle one or more of our senses. The message is dramatized to appeal to fleshly appetites. It is constantly selling something to the human element…eyes, flesh or the pride of life. The worldly message appeals to the fleshly appetites and usually becomes a detriment to the human spirit or a waste of money. The message in Christian drama appeals to the human spirit and keeps the flesh honest about itself and in check. Since this is true, the church must acknowledge that we may have to adjust our approach to the evangelistic effort. We cannot and do not want to make changes to the message, but we can make adjustments to our methods that communicate that message. No question, the gospel message is our most important subject, but how we communicate that message can be equally as important…not more important, but at times our method can be just as significant. How will the audience hear unless we are wise in our communication of it? Information is communicated in an entirely different way than twenty years. People see the whole world in a flash via satellite. I believe the Lord wants us to search for new ways of communicating the gospel. I know that the preaching methods have changed down through the years. Today's method isn't anything
4.like the way Jesus ministered. So, let's be careful criticizing changes in preaching methods, remember ours isn't anything close to Jesus' method or template. Today's method will hopefully evolve again into what God wants to use. We need to be open to what God wants to develop into being a viable and intricate element of today's evangelism. This may be hard to believe, but I think that as you read this book, you will come to the same conclusion. He who wins souls is wise. God has given us an opportunity to win souls through drama. We need to use it wisely. When you think about the way Jesus communicated, it made sense. His message was relative and the application was modern. I think that you should do what God calls you to do. If He asks you to stand on a soapbox and preach loudly on the city-street corner, then that's what you need to do. The problem with that is that today's mind-set doesn't respond to that way of preaching very well. They did in the 1930's and 40's, but not today. Maybe there will come a time again that the world could be brought to their knees and cry for bibles and repent like they did in America a hundred years ago. Having said all that, I think we need to seriously look at the opportunities that drama might afford to us as an end-time tool. The words, drama or theater might have the conservative church reeling from bad past experiences. There are also main stream religions that have opened their doors to drama but may have also opened the door to more than a pure evangelistic drama ministry. I think many churches have accepted a mix of secular entertainment and a so-called drama ministry which usually ends up be nothing more than secular theater performed in the church or fellowship-hall. That's a far cry from what this book is talking about. I'm talking about drama that genuinely draws people to Christ and causes people to really think about their soul and where they are going to spend eternity. Does that mean every play is nothing but scripture? No. Plays can be about how to live life…raise teenagers in today's world…love, hate, life and death. When my wife and I minister through dinner drama, we perform pieces or sketches that I call, "Slices of Life". Each sketch has a relative message that transcends religious background and family upbringing. The sketches are about finances, raising kids, relationships and everyday life. It wouldn't matter if your audience were Baptist, Methodist or Pentecostal, most could relate to the "Slices of Life". That's what Jesus did. His message was no respecter of persons. His message was about life situations that His audience understood. There are times that you might want to do drama for just your church family and that's fine. It could be a time for doing short sketches that included inner circle jokes or roasts. That certainly has its place. However, never invite guests to your drama or dinner drama where any or all humor is what we call inner circle humor. In other words don't do comedy that only your church members would understand. It leaves the guest out of the circle and they feel uncomfortable. The guest will most likely not come back. So, choose material and humor that's relative and transcending.

www.howitiller.com/dramas.htm

Drama, The Visual Language Part 2

2010-04-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

Drama...To do it or not to do it...that is the question Part 2 By Howi Tiller

Nothing will ever replace Biblical preaching, praying and fasting in bringing revival to the church or new souls into the kingdom. This book wasn't written to encourage the church to substitute its evangelism with a drama or short sketch every Sunday morning. It was however, written to encourage the church to take a fresh look at drama as a viable contribution to the local church's outreach. Any ministry, whether it's the choir, Sunday School or a drama must stay under the umbrella of the leadership and authority of the church. So, before we go too far into this book, please let it be understood that it is not my desire to infer that drama is the answer to all the evangelistic questions. Again, however, drama is arguably a tool that the church can greatly use in the last days to preach the gospel. And if it's worth doing, it's worth doing right. The question that should be asked is, "why aren't we already doing it?" This book will help to answer that question. I've been involved with drama for over twenty-five years and have seen the incredible opportunities that God has afforded to us when we used it wisely. I think there is a tendency to think that drama in the church is only making room for Hollywood. That possibility does have some merit, but if the driving force behind the drama ministry is about equipping the church and evangelizing the world then I think we must prayerfully investigate the viable possibilities. Sometimes, individuals can lose sight of the ministries' mission and lean towards a hollywood-ish expectation and approach. It's true that drama can be taken advantage of in the wrong way and one person's talent takes over the ministry and ruins the effectiveness that the drama ministry could have had. I address that when I teach drama conferences and instruct students to keep their motives pure and their talent under the umbrella of authority. The, "look at me", syndrome can ruin it for everyone involved in the drama ministry. In traveling to many churches over the years, I sometimes come across someone who doesn't want to be in drama if they can't be the, "star", or have a major role. I let them know right away, (in love) that this is not about them and to keep their priorities right. It's hard for some people to stay humble when they are getting all the attention. Hopefully, the pastor and drama director will recognize when things are getting out of sorts and will re-emphasize the correct priorities. With all that said, it is still worth while to create a healthy drama ministry that can be a genuine arm of evangelism in the local church. It takes time and effort to generate a solid foundation from which to build a launching pad for this vital end-time ministry. Some churches are experimenting with short sketches and song interpretations as a part of the Sunday morning service. Many are having great success and using the drama ministry wisely. An organized effort will help keep the ministry fresh and keep people from going through burnout. Many churches perform the large Easter or Christmas musicals and then don't have the energy to do drama any other time of the year. This is usually due to inexperience and taking on more responsibilities than they are qualified to do. I tend to lean toward what I call, "Less Is More", in my approach to the drama ministry as a whole. If you will adopt this theme, you will save yourself many headaches and heartaches. Don't purposely cut corners because you are too lazy to do the job right, but have a very good idea where to say, "I must have that prop", or "that prop makes the set too busy and it doesn't add to the overall effect. Let's save the money and use it in advertising". The
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pastor will be happy if you come under budget, too. Money or the lack of it seems to be the main problem in initiating a drama ministry. You may have to convince the pastor that the drama ministry is not excess baggage that the church will have to carry. Be patient, walk softly and carry a big script. When it's your turn, set a precedent and make the church cheer for more (in a manner of speaking). Remind yourself and your drama team that you are messengers of truth and that the drama ministry belongs to the church for its benefits. You can preach through a drama or sketch. Some of your visitors won't come to the traditional church service, but they will come to a play. In reality an anointed drama ministry can have the five-fold ministry in operation. A drama can teach, preach, help pastor, evangelize and be used in prophetic ministry. The Bible is the message, but the five-fold ministry is the method that God uses to encourage and equip the church. I know that the five-fold ministry operating in the drama ministry is very much dependent on those involved and their sensitivity to the Lord. It is there to happen, but you must know that it's there before it can take place. If your play is Biblical and truthful shouldn't any thing be possible? Please don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying that the five fold ministry will be in operation during a dinner drama as you are performing a comedy sketch about marriage or finances, but more during an anointed monologue or song interpretation where the Holy Ghost is really working and moving. Again, it depends on the person involved and his or her calling. It's very important as to whom is involved in the drama ministry. The message is paramount, but so is the messenger at times.

To order anointed scripts go to www.howitiller.com

Drama, The Visual Language Part 1

2010-04-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

Drama, The Visual Language Part 1 By Howi Tiller

The last twenty years for the church have been years of great change. The message has not and cannot change. However, there seems to be an awakening and openness in respect to changes in the method by which we communicate the message. As an evangelist/dramatist who travels extensively across the United States, I am witnessing an evolution in evangelistic efforts and our approach to winning souls. The prevailing question is asked, "how do we win this generation"? Pastors and church leaders are concerned that the church of today isn't reaching today's mind-set. In our efforts to find the missing ingredient we most often miss the simple method that Jesus gave to us by example. Jesus taught by painting a story with words. Not just stories, but stories or parables that were relative to his generation and specifically to whom he was speaking to at that given moment. He didn't have a pulpit, a choir, or notes, (this is not to say that we shouldn't have them) and yet he delivered the essence of Heaven to everyday common folk on earth. Maybe we should look at how Jesus really ministered. He was being dramatic when he knelt in the sand and wrote a message in the sand with His finger. He was being dramatic when He told the story of the, "Rich man and Lazarus", and when he described the law of the sewer when He said, "A man went out to sew seed. Some fell on rocky soil and some on fertile soil"... and so on. His stories appealed to the emotion and yet His words were also able to touch the intellect of mankind. It didn't matter if he was talking about finances, agriculture, marriage, birth or death, Jesus' stories were relative and timely. Jesus told the story, "A man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and on his way he fell among thieves. He was beaten, robbed and left for dead". What is the significance of the story? The person He was telling the story to was a lawyer. Jesus knew the lawyer would understand the story of a crime. Jesus' communication was relative, timely and interesting. What He had to say was heavenly with human application. I think it would be wise if we took a closer look at the dramatic way in which Christ addressed life's issues through truth and principles. If we were to measure Christ's method of communicating with what we think today's standard is, Christ would be a failure. He didn't have a pulpit, a choir or a program. There isn't anything wrong with those items, but maybe we need to re-think the evangelism process. Christ spoke in parables, wrote in the sand, prayed in a garden, preached and then had a picnic out on the hillside. Dramatic, to say the least. Not that what He did was just drama, it wasn't…it was reality. My point is that we need to look closer at Christ's template and adjust accordingly.Drama truly is the visual language or method that can cause the audience to travel down the road of truth with you. We cannot match the passion that Christ exemplified on the cross. He is the only one that can do that. We can however, have great passion for souls and ministry. As you read this book, pray that the Lord will anoint you with a passion to reach souls, not just how to do drama better. A passion for souls will carry over into having a passion for drama as a ministry. Souls, truth and ministry are the driving forces behind every great end-time evangelistic effort.

BRING A PENCIL TO REHEARSAL www.howitiller.com

One More Round - Barlow Girl Song

2010-02-09T18:59:00.000-08:00

Here is a scene out of One More Round from the CODE West 2009 DVD.

Many of you are looking for neat youth songs to act out to...well we have a really awesome song interpretation to the song by Barlow Girl called, One More Round. We turned it into a fight scene with a referee who is on the take. To order the DVD go to www.howitiller.com/misc.htm and scroll down until you see the order button for CODE West 2009. It was a lot of fun and works well for youth...especially for teenage girl's event.

CODE WEST dates are June 24-26, 2010 in Hanford, CA. It will be our 10th Anniversary and planning on having an incredible time.

New Youtube video clips

2010-02-06T10:26:00.000-08:00

Hey,
We've added many new video clips of the song, Unto the Lamb which is a great Easter song or can be used anytime of the year. Also, Crosses and Crowns for Easter or for anytime of the year as well. If you are looking for an awesome high energy song then watch the clip of Stand Out by Tye Tribett. We even have some new balck light puppets for sale. Visit us on youtube by searching howitiller.com or our site at www.howitiller.com/instructional.htm and have fun perusing through our site.

Spring Tour in California

2010-01-22T15:59:00.000-08:00

Well, it's almost that time again, but we are planning our spring tour with the full length play called , "The Opening of the Hand" 4 actors play 16 characters as the script takes us from the sandy shore of the Sea of Galilee, to Calvary and the gate just outside the Temple in Jerusalem.

If you want a small cast script for your Easter season...visit us at www.howitiller.com/Easter.htm and scroll down until you see the full length scripts.

Dance of the Broken Bones
Mind and Heart
Spectacle
The Great White Pearl
The Opening of the Hand

There are many snall cast Easter sketches as well that you can download for this year.

Sunday School Conference in Ohio

2010-01-22T15:56:00.000-08:00

I'm not a children's evangelist, but I teach a lot of Sunday School Conferences to encourage SS teachers to come alive with their story telling, acting and illustrations.

We'll be in the Columbus area in March to teach. So, you may want to think about having us come you way...either to your local church or SS Conference. Reach us at howitiller@aol.com or at 918-760-3561.

Easter Play or Drama called The Encounter

2010-01-22T15:50:00.000-08:00

Looking for a moving yet, user friendly script with music and song interpretation?

Then The Encounter might just be what you are looking for. It is a compilation of professionally written sketches that uniquely weave a wonderful story with 3 chosen songs.

On My Cross By FFH
Crosses and Crowns By Natalie Grant
Unto the Lamb By the Hope Project

All these can be downloaded from i-tunes.

Visit our site at www.howitiller.com/Easter.htm for more information

You are not out of time yet, but Easter is a week earlier this year so don't wait too long.
Hey! You want us to help. I have a couple weeks that are still open if you want help and an incredible drama weekend. You can email us at howitiller@aol.com or call us at 918-760-3561.
We'll help to make Easter happen for you.

New Years Sketch

2009-12-27T21:16:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a good script for the new year service...then visit www.howitiller.com/sketches.htm and scroll down until you see the sketch called, "Listen."

New Day or Spiritual Growth

"Listen" Often times we think we are not making progress in our own life or ministry, when we really are. In “Listen”, two hikers stop to take a breather when one of them thinks they are going in circles. The older wiser hiker who has been on this path before knows they aren’t going in circles. When things start to look so familiar that you think your life has become one big circle, that’s when you need to stop and listen. The journey is more than just seeing the sights…it’s also hearing the sounds. “Listen” was written to be performed for an event that introduces something new like a New Years Eve service, new ministry or growing spiritually. It can also be a parent and son/daughter sketch or a sermon set-up as well.

Let us know if we can help with your drama ministry.

The Bethlehem of My Heart - Monologue

2009-12-08T18:47:00.000-08:00

The Bethlehem of My Heart
(Removing the Herods in Our Life)

© Copyright Howi Tiller 2009

This monologue is more than just the retelling of the traditional Christmas story. It goes further and invites the audience to listen, but to also sit up and re-listen. It makes the audience think. Yes, to appreciate the fact that God came, Emmanuel, God with us, is the essence of why we celebrate, but to also think about how he came despite what else was happening in the earth…despite who was sitting on any earthly throne. “The Bethlehem of My Heart”, opens the possibility for your audience to ask the question of themselves, “Who sits on the throne of my heart?” Everyone needs a Bethlehem of the heart.

This is a moving and thought provoking moment for your audience. It can be a stand alone moment or a contribution to the evening of celebrating the birth of our Saviour.

Cast: 1 M
Joseph

Props: You could use a manger and a doll for the baby or the props can be mimed.

Setting: Biblical, could be stable or even work shop of carpenter since we don’t know when Joseph is telling this story.

Running time: About 7 minutes

Feel free to add mood music to enhance the scene.

As the scene opens, Joseph is speaking to the audience as if he is in the middle of telling his story.

Joseph: From the beginning…from the first day that Mary came to me with her story about an angel named Gabriel, adversity began to surrounded the birth of this child. I remember when she stepped inside my shop that day. The look in her eyes told me something was…ah…that it was urgent and she had to talk to me. Her lips tried to smile, but her eyes told me something else. It was excitement and concern at the same time. I dropped what I was doing and without a word I followed her to the side room where I knew we could talk. Then for the next few days I was that adversity. She was so disappointed with me and it hurt me to know that I was hurting her. Her story was too hard for me to believe. However, what God was doing didn’t stop just because I didn’t understand it. His plan to be birthed as a human wasn’t deterred by my lack of faith to believe it.

I wanted to put Mary away privately and wait until this all passed. I could not allow her to bear the ridicule of the public. I still loved her with all my heart and was willing to wait. But asking someone to not be seen by loved ones and friends in such a small community was not going to be an easy task. People were going to ask where Mary is and so well…I just…I just didn’t know what to do.

That night I tried to rest my mind from all that had been unfolding in our lives. I was trying to create and answer…an answer that would be sufficient enough for people’s questions. Ironic isn’t it? As a carpenter I’m so used to making things fit…securing things in their proper place, but this…this was out of my hands…out of my control. And well, none of this seemed like the way anyone would do things. A stable…cattle… lowly shepherds…a manger for a king? In my little mind, nothing seemed to fit and yet when you see things as God sees them, it all fits perfectly. I see that now, but there was a time I thought I would go to my grave wondering how I fit in all this and now…it’s so clear.

I must have finally fallen off to sleep, when the angel of the Lord appeared to me in a dream and said, “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” This was done so that the ancient prophecy could be fulfilled, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Emmanuel. Isn’t it amazing that He came to save us even when we…even when I was his adversity? He came anyway. I guess that’s when I stopped being an adversity. Wouldn’t you? How much more do I need to hear? How much more does, “stubborn” need to see?

I know that Mary carried the babe for nine months, but something was also being birthed in me…my heart…my mind…my soul.

Before you think I am someone special…let me tell you otherwise. I can only attribute my involvement in Jesus’ birth to being that I was a descendent of King David. Can you believe that? (Almost not believing it himself.) I’m in the lineage of a king. For that I am grateful, but I am not a chosen vessel. Yet for Mary…it was different. She was chosen. She was highly favored.

The overshadowing! In my mind is overwhelming, yet undeniable.

“And of His kingdom there shall be no end”! Do you understand that? I can’t even begin to pretend that I understand any of that. I didn’t say that I don’t believe it. (Mimes that he is holding the baby Jesus in his arms.) It’s just hard to hold an inarticulate life in your hands and know that this is the one who spoke the world into existence…the stars into place. Just because the babe doesn’t have a language to express himself yet, doesn’t mean He doesn’t have something to say….the Word become flesh.

To me He was saying, “I’m coming no matter what else is happening and adversity is not going to stop me.

“The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:”

No wonder why Herod was troubled. People like Herod will always be at war with the birth of the child. Even while in it’s infancy, full grown selfishness schemes and plots to crush that birth of life and the life of the birth. The Christ child came while Herod was still King. Selfishness and jealousy will always be at odds with the birth of God in your life. Adversity sits in it’s own throne and threatens anyone or anything that dares to remove them from it.

When I think about Mary, I think she is one of those that are born with an unlimited amount of faith. Yes, that’s Mary. But others of us in a way…need to be…reborn. Rebirthed. Our minds can’t contain the thought of an angel named Gabriel announcing the virgin birth of the Messiah…Emmanuel…God is with us…well, at least not until we can hold it in our hands. (Mimes that he is laying the babe in the manger.)

“And of His kingdom there shall be no end.”

Kingdoms? Eternal…endless? And the prophet Micah said, “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

The infancy of eternity comes to replace the temporal king while he is still on the throne. The kings in this life (He refers to his heart.) are so stubborn and haughty.

(He kneels before the child.) I need the full grown Herods of my life to be removed by the birth of the Christ in the Bethlehem of my heart.

Lights fade

"Close Friends" 2010 tour

2009-12-07T15:05:00.000-08:00

"Close Friends" is our most popular full length performance. We've recently performed the comedy in Bloomington, IN, Raleigh, NC, Chicago, Houston, and twice in the Fresno (area)

Close Friends is one of those scripts that has become our signature because it can be performed throughout the whole year, not just for Christmas.

If you would like more informationa bout having us bring, Close Friends to your church, please visit our website at www.howitiller.com.

Christmas Comedy

2009-12-07T14:02:00.000-08:00

Well, the winner is a toss up between 2 of our Christmas comedies.

Numb and Numb-er was a huge success last year and was again this year. But the new comedy, The Hillside Incident was also very popular. We'd love to hear how your banquets and Christmas programs went.

Christmas Rehearsals and stuff

2009-12-07T13:51:00.000-08:00

I know that Christmas plays and banquets are often times stressful. I've been helping churches from Michigan to California to Texas to Nebraska get ready for Christmas. It's like this every Christmas and I love it. It's my favorite time of the year. Two of the weekends for next year are already scheduled.

I know that everyone is pretty much settled on what they want to do for Christmas in the midst of final rehearsals. Let me recommend a resource for the next time, whether it be Christmas, Easter or any dramatic event...it's called the Director's Notebook. You can receive it free from Terry Vik at www.Christiandramaresources.com. It's a down load that you will use for the rest of your drama ministry career. Terry offers it free so you can see how to build an effective drama ministry from foundation on up. You need to do yourself a favor and add it to your resource material.

This year the package Back to You was our biggest seller. The instructions of the play were video taped and we hoped that the instructions were clear enough that any church could utilize the program and make it work for them. For the most part it has been a great success. However, we are striving to make the next time better and better. Our goal is to help thousands of churches nationwide be prepared for their guests. We are now resourcing over 2500 churches each year and that number is growing.

Christmas play update

2009-11-12T14:31:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I've posted. It's been a crazy summer and fall. We've tried a new concept with the CODE events. Easter and Christmas CODEs are a fun option from the regular CODEs. These other CODEs are a two day event that teaches a whole program...usually including all the blocking of any sketches that belong to the Easter of Christmas CODE and 6 to 7 songs. The songs are a great mix of sign, dowel rods, song interpretation.

For Christmas we created a program called, Back to You. It's an hour in length. The story line is about a couple that is setting up the nativity scene and as the husband does, the characters come to life. Obviously, the situation rides a wave of comedy and drama that brings about the traditional story of Christmas ina new and creative way.

Check it out at www.howitiller.com/Christmas/htm

CODE Indiana

2009-07-21T19:01:00.000-07:00

CODE Indy went pretty well. The economy seems to have effected the attendence this year, but what hasn't been effected by it? But the groups that came, had a lot of fun. This year we changed it up a bit by creating more focused exercises to stretch the directors and actors. We assigned each group of actors with a director and a pre-arranged script for them to work from. We had some of the fundimental classes from the past for the first timers, but moved on to more challenging things for repeat registrants.

There will be a DVD ready for CODE Odessa as of today and CODE Indiana will be ready by Thursday. Check www.howitiller.com/misc.htm for ordering.

Next up....CODE East in Raleigh, NC. It's going to be a blast...it always is.

The CODE West 2009 DVD

2009-07-08T15:04:00.000-07:00

The CODE West 2009 DVD is now available for anyone wanting to add some neat pieces to their repertoire. Songs like, "Right Place, Right Time" and "Stand Out"...two very high energy songs to open services with or to be done at youth events. Also, "One More Round" by Barlow Girl is a neat song interpretation for youth (girls).

A very touching monologue called, "Just One Touch" is followed up by a worshipful sign song, "Something Happens". Visit our site at www.howitiller.com/misc.htm

CODE West

2009-06-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

CODE West went really well. Attendence was down this year, but drama teams from as far away as Las Vegas came and performed. The new DVD is available with 8 drama pieces. A good mix of sign, song interpretation and this year something...Clowning with Terry Vik. The team from Vegas did Tye Tribetts, "Stand Out" and the local team did "Right Place, Right Time", by Kurt Carr. I blocked out a song interpretation to the song, "One More Round", by Barlow Girl. I think your young ladies are going to love acting out this song. Its fun and has a message to it.

We originally were asked to help with the song for a young ladies conference called, Esther in Pensacola, Fl. Anyway, it evolved into what we did with it at CODE West.

Gaylen Cantrell performed the moving monologue called Just One Touch. This is a monologue about a leper who recounts what it was like to not be touched by his family and wife. WHat it was like to walk into a market place and yell out, "Unclean". The monologue segues into the healing section of the monologue and then the sign team called, Signs and Wonders stepped in behind the monologue with the song, "Something Happens". Wow, what a great sequence to bring people to an altar experience. Ypu're going to want to put these two pieces together.

If you're needing help to organize your drama ministry to the point where you can use it throughout the whole year...let us know. We can help to make that happen. Email me at howitiller@aol.com. We are helping churches all over the US and Canada every week to move into an anointed drama ministry.

If you are a director or youth leader lookinf for new and exciting drama ministry material, please visit us at www.howitiller.com/misc.htm.

2009-06-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

Well...it's been a while. But a lot has happened since we last talked. We recently taught a music/drama conference in Columbia, MS. I just finished a drama weekend in Sacramento, CA (Shingle Springs) and now preparing for CODE West here in the valley. Hanford, CA has played host to CODE West for 7 years in a row. It proves to be another wonderful CODE with drama teams coming in from as far away as Las Vegas. Thursday evening will feature a mix of monologues, interpretive sign and song interpretations. The CODE West 2009 DVD will be available just as soon as possible.

Next year will be our 10th anniversary here in CA and we will plan a very special week. Maybe even a master CODE...we'll see.

Pentecost Sunday is coming

2009-05-19T12:26:00.000-07:00

Many churches don't know what to do with this Sunday. Pentecost Sunday is a very hard event to make special for many of you. There is the full blown musical, The Fire Still Falls, which deals with the Azuza Street and the earth quakes at the turn of the century, but at this point this is not an option for you as it takes a month of rehearsal and live choir and actors...seeing it is already the middle of May. So what's the option? I would do a mix of interpretive sign, song interpretation and dowel rod songs that can help bring a very powerful atmosphere to you church. To see what I'm talking about visit our site at www.howitiller.com/misc.htm. We've been doing these kinds of things for 11 years and Pastors love the options.

Father's Day is coming

2009-05-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

Now that MOther's Day has come and gone.....by the way I hope your Mother's Day events went well for you. If we were any help, please let us know. We love to hear how our drama material is helping to make your job easier. Father's Day is coming up soon. Father's Day seems to be a little harder to make special...we have a few really good sketches that may help you acheive something special for your Father's Day this year. Please take time to visit our site at www.howitiller.com/sketches.htm for a list and brief description of the sketches that may work for you. It is our pleasure to help in any way we can.

CODE DVDs

2009-05-13T22:14:00.000-07:00

I know that hundreds of you are waiting for the new CODE DVDs. We will release them just as soon as we can get to the editors and send out the newsletter.

This year we are expecting to offer:
1. CODE West 2009
2. CODE Indiana 2009
3. CODE East 2009
4. Christmas CODE 2009

If you haven't had a chance to peruse any CODE DVDs...go to www.howitiller.com/misc.htm. Your youth are going to love this!!

Mother's Day

2009-05-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

I hope your Mother's Day went well. We did a song interpretation to "Handful of Weeds" as sung by Sherri Easter. Very country, but works well for Mother's Day and other woman's events.

If you are looking for sketches for Father's Day, please visit our site at www.howitiller.com/sketches.htm. We have many wonderful comedies as well as serious sketches that work for Father's Day and men's events.

Christmas CODEs

2009-05-13T22:04:00.000-07:00

I know it's only May, but are establishing a new cocept in CODE events. We tried this concept with Easter and it worked very well. Visit www.dramacode.com to read more about the concept. It's a two day conference where you (the director) and an assistant come to learn the entire Christmas program. You leave with your Christmas play including music, blocking, staging ideas, note book, script, DVDs and CDs all in one complete package. It worked so well with Easter that we are offering it again using Christmas. You can register on line. Please let me know if you have any questions. You can also reach us at howitiller@aol.com.

Close Friends

2009-04-22T18:14:00.000-07:00

Just finished Close Friends in Bloomington, IN for a dinner theater event. Over 200 hundred guests were hosted by Howi as he performed his signature script, Close Friends. This play has quietly become a classic play for dinner drama or Friend Day. I've probably performed the piece about 50 times through the last 5 years across the U.S. If you want an impacting weekend with powerful drama, please give us a call to schedule a drama weekend at your church or organization. This script truly is a fun play to watch...you'll laugh one minute and cry the next. To schedule us to come email us at www.howitiller@aol.com.

IBC Music fest 2009

2009-04-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

Flew in from Indy last night. I taught at an annual music festival in Indy...6 classes in three days and performed in the night concerts. Wednesday night I perfomed, "Someday Came Today". If you haven't performed this piece yet...you really are missing out on a great script for sermon set-up. You can read more about te script at www.howitiller.com/sketches.htm. Friday night we did a sign interpretive movement song called, Let the Veil Down. You can order the DVD with that song on it at www.howitiller.com/misc.htm.

California Spring tour - I Stand Alone

2009-04-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

Just finished a two tour in the state of CA. Traveled with a play called, "I Stand Alone". I played Saul...you know before he became Paul. We had great response and altar calls. AN atheist came to the play in Exeter. She was a guest of one of the saints there and the atheist was so moved by the play that she was born again that night. If you are interested in the script...it was written by Terry Vik and you can visit his site at www.christiandramaresources.com.

Christmas plays and banquet material

2008-10-27T13:36:00.000-07:00

Wow...so much is going on in our lives that the Holidays are racing upon us. Christmas and Thanksgiving is already here for those who are trying to plan for dramas, plays and banquet events. I encourage you take a breath of fresh air and visit our site at www.howitiller.com/christmas.htm. Everything from a medium length play to short sketches that are relative to your modern day audience...yet without compromising the intergrity of the scripture.

Banquet Material: Numb and Numb-er, Closet Candles, Today is Jesus' Birfday, Exceeding Great Joy and more.

Medium length plays: Christmas Eve at Mountain Creek Train Station

If you have any qestions at all about what to do for Christmas...don't hesitate to email us at howitiller@aol.com.

Don't Wait Too Long

2008-10-05T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hey don't wait too long to prepare for Christmas. If you want something fun, user friendly and still keeps the Christmas Story intact? Then you've got to do Christmas Eve at Mountain Creek Train Station. It involves children, teens and a few adults, but rehearsals can be done the last week before performance...accept for the speaking parts, the whole rehearsal schedule can be accomplished in the last week. Farm out the roles now and have them memorize their parts in a couple weeks time. Then add you technical rehearsals. Finally, have everyone come together Monday through Friday of the performance week. There's no need to break your back over rehearsing when it can be done smarter not harder.

Visit www.howitiller.com/Christmas.htm for more info.

CODE goes to new level

2008-09-22T10:13:00.000-07:00

2009 will introduce new ideas with CODE. We will still continue with the regular CODEs, but 2009 we have established a new concept with CODE called Easter CODE. It is a two day conference event that is Easter focused. Registrants will actually learn the pieces in class. A great mix of ten pieces that are designed to help you present an anointed Easter program that is seamless from beginning to end. Registrants leave the conference with their Easter program completely done. It's a win-win situation. Here is some more onformation:

It seems that the Easter and Christmas seasons have traditionally been accepted as two times of the year that people come to church expecting a play or musical. Turning the church platform into Jerusalem every year sometimes becomes a task that can become overwhelming and expensive. Is there an alternative? Is there an easier, yet effective way to still draw many guests to our churches every year without stressing your own saints to the point that the Easter season is no longer enjoyable? We think there is.

Terry Vik and I have developed an annual conference event called CODE, (Conference of Drama Evangelism). CODE is a three day comprehensive and systematic approach to the drama ministry. 2008 was our eighth year of conducting regional CODEs where hundreds of registrants from across the U.S. have come to learn what it means to effectively minister through drama. Terry and I both have vast experience in teaching Acting, Directing, Play Writing, Mime, Dinner Drama, Song Interpretation and much more. In fact we can offer over sixty years of experience collectively.

We are redirecting our calling to now include what we call “Easter CODE”. In 2009 we are proposing to create regional CODEs with only Easter in mind. Easter will be the main focus and every class is designed to teach the registrant a Sign Language song, Song Interpretation, Dowel Rod and Monologue or Dialogued dramatic piece. Ten Easter pieces are hand picked by us and taught in class in a, “Hands-on” approach. When the students leave the conference they already know their entire Easter presentation.

The cost of the registration covers two days of learning from anointed clinicians whose calling is Christian Drama, an exhaustive notebook, DVDs, CDs and every note that they will need to make the presentation work at home for the local church.

This event has many built in positives that will keep blessing the church even after Easter is over. Even though what your leaders will be learning is to prepare them for the Easter season, it will be things that they can use all through the year as a help to the evangelistic outreach.

Go to www.dramacode.com for more information

Changing Home Base from Omaha to Pensacola

2008-09-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

Well, we've made many changes in the last few months. Our home base is now Pensacola, Florida. I will really miss Omaha...especially the people that we've loved for so long. Obviously they are still our friends and will ever be. As far as travel is concerned...I'm still traveling full time and being able to fly out of Omaha will be missed. Pensacola's airport is not most economical to fly out of.
I guess the trade off will be when it comes to the months of December and January. I'm sure I'll appreciate being here instead of there for those cold Nebraska winters. Whatever. You go where God leads you. That's all that counts.

CODE East

2008-08-06T21:13:00.000-07:00

CODE East in Spring Lake, NC is now behind us. It was a first for CODE East to be in Spring Lake, but everything went smoothly. Students from North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia met for the 7th annual CODE East. Randu Mocaby was a new voice last year, but this being his home church, we got to see more of him and his daughter Taylor perform together on the high energy song, Take the Shackles Off My Feet. Randy and Terry Vik teamed up on a really cool rendition of mime and sound effects...similar to what you might see on "Whose Line Is It Anyway?". There was some video footage shot, but not sure enough for a single DVD. We may combine CODE East pieces with CODE Louisiana 2008.

Up next...CODE Louisiana

CODE Indiana 2008 DVD

2008-07-25T20:49:00.000-07:00

It's already finished and on it's way to the duplicators. Copies will be available by Tuesday.

You should be expecting another CODE after next week as well as CODE East will be video taped on Thursday and Friday evening. Watch for that DVD to be available on the web site soon.

WHen the CODE conference is over there should be 4 new CODE DVDs.

CODE West and East are already on the web site.

To read more about the CODEs go to www.howitiller.com/misc.htm

CODE Indiana 2008

2008-07-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

Just finished another CODE in Indiana. We are compiling about 12 pieces for the DVD that should be available soon. Some neat things on this one...especially the students pieces on Saturday morning. Lisa Davis has a couple new songs on this one that might not be on another DVD. I do an okay job on Someday Came Today...not my best rendition of the monologue, but you'll get the idea.

Up next...CODE East in Springlake, NC

CODE Odessa, TX

2008-07-16T17:01:00.000-07:00

Just finished CODE Odessa and even though it is a smaller conference the students were really hungry to learn and put into action what they learned. Thursday night was a good mix of sign, drama, comedy and monologue. The night opened with Shake the Foundation and I ended the evening with Letting Go. Had a great altar call time and worship. Friday night started off with Hallelu Anyhow. The local church performed Terry Vik's piece, "My Son and My God". He performed, "The Centurion and I followed with, "Someday Came Today" and local drama team ended the evening with "Let the Vail Down". If you have not learned this piece yet, you really need to teach your team this song. It is one of the most worshipful songs ever. You can order it at www.howitiller.com/misc.htm on the CODE West DVD. The DVD has 10 other sign songs on it that you'll want to do.

Next up: CODE Indiana. We are planning to video tape this conference. Check our site in a week for an update. If you are not our mail out list yet...send us an email at howitiller@aol.com saying you want to be added to our update list.

We Speak to Nations

2008-07-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

Wow what a great week in Alexandria, LA. I taught a group of young people to do the song by Judy Jacobs, "We Speak to Nations" to sign and media and flags. This is a high impact song that speaks boldly to evangelize the nations of the earth. I foam sculpted five continents out of 4 foot by 8 foot x 2 inch styrofoam, wrapped the continents in chain (It was actually plastic chain spray painted metalic so it would look real) at which in a certain point in the song the chains fall off.

Anyway...we may be doing the song for CODE Louisiana later in August...if so it will be on a DVD...will let you all know as soon as it's ready.

BTW...CODE West will be available soon. Our editor is working on it and it will have 11 new sign songs on it that your youth will want to do.

Watch for it on the website in a couple of weeks at www.howitiller.com.

Up next CODE Odessa, TX

Stockton, CA

2008-06-30T21:47:00.000-07:00

After Lake Tahoe I traveled back to Stockton and had a rehearsal with the youth from Life Church and Centro Vida. Sunday morning was two services...one service was in English and the other was in Spanish. It so amazing to see God moving in every language and nationalities.

The youth drama opened with Shake the Foundation With Praise and ended with Let the Veil Down. A visiting pastor from Houston, Joe Rios ministered to the youth so powerfully.

Next up - Louisiana Camp

Lake Tahoe

2008-06-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

We'll I've been ministering with drama under the pines of Lake Tahoe. What a beautiful setting for a drama/camp event. All the kids are from the Stockton, CA area and mostly espanic, but english speaking.

I'm teaching their drama team all the new sign language and dowel rod songs that we've been using the last months.

We were rehearsing out side in a parking lot when a family stopped and watched us for about 20 minutes. They are coming to our service tonight. We'll see what happens.

I know it's Lake Tahoe....but hey, somebodies got to do it.

The Opening of the Hand

2008-06-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

I left Hanford,CA Monday morning and took Amtrak to Stockton, CA, rented a van and drove to Lake Tahoe to meet 70 teens for youth camp.

While on the train I began writing a new play called, "The Opening of the Hand". It's a concept and thought that's been on my mind for a month or so. I had been writing a few thoughts as they came to me, but something clicked while on that 2 hour train ride. The writing moved forward very quickly and the first scene is rough drafted and I'm screaming toward scene two. We'll keep you abreast of the script and when it will be available.

The concept is centered around how that we close our hand when we don't want to reach out or we don't want others reaching out to us. I'm taking poetic license in writing some Biblical characters into the play...mixing in real characters from the Bible...so we'll see what happens.

CODE West

2008-06-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

I finished CODE West last Saturday. It was the most spiritual CODE we've had so far. The drama was wonderful and drama teams did an awesome job, but God visited us in a very strong way. This year we invited Lisa Davis to teach her sign language classes and perform each night..she did a great job as always. The Signs and Wonders drama team really out did themselves this year.

Friday night we performed Time...when the ticking is done. It was best yet. The audience responded as well as anyone could have hoped for, but God again blessed us beyond measure. You should have been there. If you can attend a CODE sometime, you'll wish you would had come to an earlier one.

A video will be coming out of the CODE West 2008 soon. Watch the website at www.howitiller.com.

Columbia, MS

2008-06-15T21:44:00.000-07:00

Just finished a music conference at Woodlawn Church in Columbia, Mississippi with a variety of artists...one imparticular...Mark Condon who has written many songs that churches all over the world are singing, including the Tabernacle Choir, and more.

I taught drama classes Friday and Saturday...did "Someday, Came Today" and segued into the song interpretation called, "What Sin."

More and more churches are venturing into the drama ministry. Pastors everywhere are looking at the opportunity of incorporating anointed drama into the church service. Divine drama can bring a powerful move of the Lord into the atmosphere. I'm not talking about entertainment...it does need to be attention getting, but anointed is the goal. It's not our ability that God blesses but our worship. When your drama teams do a human video or song interpretation, strive to make it worshipful...not just movement.

I've been vacationing in Destin, Fl with my wife, Terri and youngest daughter, Hayli. Terri's dad lives here. So, we've been trying to rest a little. With the website...there really isn't any down time and that's okay.

Next up CODE West in Hanford, CA.

Responses about Time...when the ticking is done

2008-05-11T23:04:00.000-07:00

A pastor of the Sacramento church where we performed Time...when the ticking is done called Gaylen Cantrell and said the youth were so touched by the play that it would have such a lasting effect on their lives that it would last a long time. The pastor wasn't able to be at the play because of previous engagement, but has heard nothing but great reports and they are still coming in.

I'm just thankful that God blessed the play and that it could be such a wonderful tool to see many churches touched.

At one church in Ontario, CA., one of the ladies had been praying for her husband for 25 years. He gave his life to the Lord that night. It was life changing for me to see the husband and wife crying on each others shoulders.

The next night a pastor's son (A prodigal from God and wife) came to the play and repented. The next day he called his wife whom he had not talked to for 6 months and asked to restore their relationship.

I could tell you more, but you're getting the idea. If you want to do a play that's fun but moving, please let me know. A DVD of the play will be available on our website soon at http://www.howitiller.com/.

West Coast Student Convention

2008-05-10T18:21:00.000-07:00

May 1 - 3 I had the opportunity to be a speaker and judge at the West Coast Student Convention in Portland, Oregon. What a great event for teens that attend Christian and Home Schools. They competed in voice, instrumental, drama, sewing, photography, writing, speech, cake decorating, floral arrangement, wood working, oil painting, drawing, web design and more. Without an event like this they would never have the opportunity to shine.

This event builds confidence, self esteem and public speaking. I understand there other student convention like this around the U.S. If you know of another event like this, please let me know.

Time...when the ticking

2008-05-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

What a blast. This script is absolutley the funnest to do. A DVD of our Sacramento performance is now available and should be up on the website soon. A package for Time...when the ticking is done, will include the script, CD and DVD.

You'll need the DVD to see how the whole thing came together. Watch the website for updates.

Today, I'm teaching at the West Coast Student convention in Portland, OR. This afternoon, I'll be judging the photography and drama competition.

I'll let you know how it goes later.

Time...when the ticking is done - tour California

2008-04-22T15:57:00.000-07:00

Having the time of our lives with, "Time...when the ticking is done", tour in California. Tonight is our fourth performance. God is awesomely reaching the audience with this play. With the subject of the rapture and time ending, it's seems like it would be an over the top script...very heavy play, but it's not...yet we've had a fantastic altar response by every age. "Time...when the ticking is done", is the funnest play we've done on this annual tour. What a great mix of comedy, mime, poetry, reader's theater, black light effects and scripture. It only has a cast of four, (MorF). I hope to have some pics of the set and maybe a few shots of one of the performances up on the blog and our website soon.

The cast of 4 is Howi Tiller, Terry Vik, Gaylen Cantrell and Kelly Ventura
We've been
Merced
Ontario
Rialto
Arroyo Grande

Up next is
Visialia
Kerman
Turlock
Sacramento
Hanford

Talk to you later or after the ticking is done.

Easter weekend

2008-03-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

What a great week. Taught some wonderful teens Now Behold the Lamb, Let the Veil Down, Who Am I (black light version), Shake the Foundation With Praise. Had a friend learn the reader's theater, The Thorns Have a Rose and I did Someday, Came Today. What's nice is all of these pieces can be done anytime.

We'd love to hear how some of your Easter weekends went for you. Please email us anytime at howitiller@aol.com to communicate comments or if you have any questions.

Next up St. Louis national music conference.

Getting ready for Easter in Lafayette, Louisiana

2008-03-18T22:27:00.000-07:00

Well, still dealing with vertigo, but 85% back to normal.

Anyway, I just spent 5 days in Lafayette, LA with about 20 youth...getting them ready for their Easter Sunday morning. Taught them Now Behold the Lamb, Let the Veil Down, Shake the Foundation, Light Your World, For Every Mountain. Also, coached two actors for the monologues, "Six", and "Someday, Came Today". Rehearsals went really well and they are going to have an exciting Sunday morning without turning their church platform into Jerusalem and losing the usage of the platform for two months. There isn't anything wrong with the full length plays for Easter, but sometimes it's nice to have a break and yet still have a very rewarding drama presentation that the audience is going to love.

Now, I'm back home in Omaha and getting our drama team ready for Easter.

If you still need a monologue for Easter...visit our site at howitiller.com

Ukrainian Video

2008-03-04T22:45:00.000-08:00

Had the opportunity to help on a video documenting an effort to help kids on the streets of the cities in Ukrain. It's was so sad to see the faces of children abandoned by parents. Some of the kids were as young as four years old on up.
There is a group out of Canada that is making strides to house and feed kids that are ready to come off of the streets and turn their lives around. They have a house for girls and a family type orphange for both girls and boys. I'd love to go and do some street drama in Kiev and other cities there.
My involvement in this video was one of creative input, like using the right music and when to use music and when not to...sound levels,etc. It's a video that will be used to raise money for the further ministry to this nation.

Couldn't tell up from down

2008-02-21T17:24:00.000-08:00

Man...did I ever have the most debilitating experience in my life. We're adding on an addition to our home and I was standing on the roof with my son and son in law went I was hit by a mac truck called vertigo. I'd heard of vertigo, but never in my wildest dreams was I prepared for this. I couldn't move my head of the roof. When it hit me, I immediately laid out out the roof and told my son SPencer the something was wrong. I didn't know it was vertigo. I was spelling my name and counting backwards...thinking I just had stroke or something. I could think just fine, but any time I tried to life my head off the roof...well...I don't need to tell to...I think you know. It took a half hour just to get me to the ground. My wife didn't know what to do...so my living room is filled parmedics and EMTs working on me and well...that was one week ago and after 3 days of being in the hospital, I still can't walk straight. It's getting better and the doctor said it would take about 3 weeks for me to back to normal. I missed one of my assignments last weekend, but they have rescheduled and I wasn't suppose to fly out yesterday for St. Louis, but hey...someone has to pay the bills and so I just asked the Lord to help and He did. Last night my friend (Terry Vik) and I did our drama tag team ministry in a church in St. Louis. I did most of my mine sitting down. This morning we teamed up again to do the full length play, The Prisoner of God at a seminary graduate school. My imbalance actually played nicely into my aging characterization of the Apostle Paul...so, you see it all works out for the good to them love the Lord. I hope no one ever has to deal with vertigo...it's almost as bad as passing a kidney stone....but that's another story for another time.

Next up: Belleville, Ill

Time...when the ticking is done

2008-02-01T21:48:00.000-08:00

Time...when the ticking is done
A full length play is finally done. It will be our tour script for California this year.

Time!...

when the ticking is done

A Theatrical Blast
An inspirational look at the rapture through a wonderful mix of mime, percussion (but you don't have to be a drummer), dowel rod, poetry, reader's theater, comedy, and black light. Your actors are going to love the action in this play. It is a theatrical blast of tics and tocs that keeps the audience on the edge of their seat. Great for any atmosphere...Sunday night or dinner drama and every venue in between.
Cast of 4 male of female

Running time: about 70 minutes

If you are looking for something to do that is just a huge blast, but has an incredible message, then Time!, is it. It's fun to do and easy to memorize because so much of the script is non verbal, dowel rod, mime and reader's theater.

You've got to do this play this summer for a dinner drama. You can order at our website. We'll post pictures of our tour later in April.

Next up: Cameron, MO. Terri and I are doing a marriage seminar, couples banquet and I will be doing Close Friends in 2 days. The on to St.Louis.

Easter play Mind and Heart

2008-01-21T13:22:00.000-08:00

You want a totally different kind of Easter play? Mind and Heart may be what you're looking for.
Mind and Heart
The story of the two men who were crucified with Jesus. As twin brothers, they grew up in Bethlehem and were both there the night that Jesus was born. Heart is changed from that moment on, but Mind seemed indifferent. This Biblical themed play tells the story of the human battle between your mind and heart. Both characters end up suspended between heaven and earth where they both must make their final decision. Cast: 50 or more, mainly male speaking parts.Running time: 1 hour 20 minutes.
Go to www.howitiller.com to order.

Drama Conferences

2008-01-19T12:20:00.000-08:00

Not sure where to get drama training? Well, we are conducting drama training (C.O.D.E. Conference of Drama Evangelism) in regions across the U.S. The classes tayght vary by which clinicians are available, but all offer 3 levels of acting classes, monologue, 3 Directing levels, 2 levels of writing, dinner drama, street drama, dowel rod, sign language, a few tech classes lighting, sound, stage design, and more. To get more information, please visit www.dramacode.com. You will rub shoulders with other drama ministries and teams. See live performances in the evening events. What better wat than to walk away with 15 new ideas for your team to plug in for the rest of the year. If you're a director, you owe it to yourseld to equip yourself with rehearsal ideas and tips to make your job a lot easier. Rehearsal management is a must and if you don't know it...you're frustrating yourself and your cast and crew. Get informed, get educated...get to CODE.

Dowel rods???What are they?

2008-01-18T17:45:00.000-08:00

I take it for granted that everyone knows what dowel rods are. Let me back up....they are wooden sticks 3 feet long and 1/2 inch in diameter. Usually painted flat white. They will not glow in the dark, so you need to sew a sleeve or slip for it if you want to do a song in blacklight...which by the way we make and offer on our website. It's amazing how many images that you can do with the dowel rods. We have many songs with dowel rods on our site. Just ask...we'll help you.

Easter Tips

2008-01-18T17:26:00.000-08:00

Okay...not everyone is thrilled that Easter is coming so this year. I just seems like you just got done with Christmas dramas and bam!...Easter is already here. Well, relax...I've done all the work for you. You don' have to turn the church into Jerusalem again. This time you can choose something a lot simpler. A good mix of interpretive sign, dowel rod, song interpretation, monologue will do just as good. Believe me your Pastor will be elated that his platform isn't torn up for two months. To get an idea of what I'm talking about...just visit our site at howitiller.com/easter.htm. If you have any questions you can email me at howitiller@aol.com or even call me at 918-760-3561. If you haven't tried any of the above, you have a great experience to look forward to. If you missed out on Easter this year. These resources are available all year round and work any time...not seasonal at all. Drama works any time and more and more churches are finding that out.
Not sure which direction to go...I still have two weekends open to come and help. It's all I do...a different city almost every weekend.

Morgan's Wedding Was Awesome

2008-01-09T19:45:00.000-08:00

Well, after an incredibly busy December...I arrived home Christmas Eve and jumped right into the final plans for my daughter's wedding. Morgan's wedding was a winter wonder land. Artificial snow lined the aisle and covered the platform. Over sized snow flakes and white sheer fabric hovered above the bridal party as the couple exchanged vows, rings and rings. Morgan majoring in Tech Music in college chose music themes out of Gladiator. There wasn't a traditional song anywhere to be heard. She was very, very beautiful if I say so myself. If you'd like a very different wedding...Morgan is the one to hire to organize your wedding. It was a wedding to remember.

Easter Drama Package

2008-01-03T09:46:00.000-08:00

Easter comes early this year so don't wait too late to start. Maybe your Pastor doesn't want to turn the platform into Jerusalem this year...that's okay, we can help you design an anointed powerful Easter Sunday through a compilation of dowel rods, sign langauge and monologues. If you visit our site at www.howitiller.com/Easter.htm, you'll see a variety of resources that can make that job easier. I'm also available for a couple weekends in February and one in March if you'd like for me to come and help. Just let me know. You can reach me at howitiller@aol.com or by calling 918-760-3561.

Here are a list monologues that work well for Easter:

The Monologues are:
1. The Act - The woman caught in the act of adultery reflects back to the day when she first met the Lord Jesus. The day she thought would be her last, became her greatest. 8 minutes. There is a custom sound track just for this monologue.
2. The Betrayal - Caiaphas reflects back to the moment when he was visited by Judas and set up the moment when Judas betrayed the Lord Jesus. Great for Easter or anytime. 9 minute
3. Obvious - There are many monologues about Calvary, but most are from Mary's or Caiaphas' point of view. This one is from the perspective of the man who begged for the body of the Lord, Joseph of Arimethea. This isn't revealed to your audience until the last line. Powerful stand alone monologue or to compliment a larger production. 5-6 minutes
4. Someday Came Today - This monologue is about the thief at the cross who reached out to Jesus. We can hypothesize about his past, but what a miraculous day for someone who didn’t deserve it. Christ’s love is wonderfully shown in this event at Calvary. Even though the event is historical, Howi brings a modern application through the breaking down of just the one line that Jesus said to the thief. “Today, you will be with me in Paradise.” Never will those words have a fuller and more relative meaning then when they come alive through this monologue.
5. The Thorns Have a Rose - Reader's theater in rhyme. A wonderful way to add something moving and emotional to your Easter program. It is divided in to two sections. The first section depicts the death of Judas and the second section depicts the death of Christ. With the right readers, this script can bring the audience to the very foot of the cross. 2 Readers 6-7 minutes

Here are some DVD ideas:

The DVDs are: • DVD Volume 1 Has "Still Her Little Child" by Ray Boltz• DVD Volume 2 Has "Redeemer" by Nicole C. Mullins and the popular, "End of the Beginning" by David Phelps• CODE Indiana 07 Has "Let the Veil Down" by Judy Jacobs and "How Great Thou Art" by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. This song performed with interpretive sign and movement is the most worshipful song we've ever done. It's a great finale piece.

Two weeks to remember

2007-12-24T20:32:00.000-08:00

The pace was almost too much, but we made it. It started November 29th when I flew to Chicago to spend 4 days (Thursday through Sunday) with a youth group in the Chicago area. Monday, I flew to St. Louis and started rehearsals with The Sanctuary (A church in the St. Louis area) for Christmas Eve at Mountain Creek Train Station. Did Christmas Eve at Mountain Creek Train Station three nights in a row (Thursday through Saturday) with a dinner and banquet. Then I did Close Friends on Sunday afternoon, then flew home lat Sunday night. SPent two days at home. Flew out at 6:00AM on Wednesday to Virginia to perform two back to back banquets in Norfolk and New Port News for Wednesday evening and Thursday evening. Friday morning I flew back to the St. Louis area and rehearsed some dowel rod songs with a church in the Belleville area on Friday and Saturday....then did Close Friends again on Sunday morning and ministered with drama ministry in the evening service. On Monday morning I rented a car and drove to Poplar Bluff for rehearsals to do Christmas Eve at Mountain Creek Train Station with the Cornerstone Church. On Wednesday night I drove to Doniphan, MO and performed John In Exile...(An hour and 20 minute monologue about John on the Island of Patmos). Returned back to Poplar Bluff for more rehearsals of Christmas Eve at Mountain Creek Train Station. Did Christmas Eve at Mountain Creek Train Station on Sunday morning and did Close Friends on Sunday evening with a banquet. Monday (Christmas Eve) , I finally flew home to be with family. I was never more ready to get home. Now I can relax...because the only thing I have to prepare for is my daughter's wedding which happens next year...JANUARY 5th....so much for relaxing. Please...when does it stop?

Belleville, Ill "Close Friends"

2007-12-16T10:52:00.000-08:00

This had to be one of the best audiences ever for Close Friends. What a great response. The audience was vibrant and it added such a wonderful element to an already exciting and fun play. If you want something that has an incredible ability to reach everyone in the audience, then "Close Friends" is the script that does it every time. You may have someone in your church that can do it or we'd love to come and perform it for your church or organization. I have a new video coming out of Close Friends that was performed at The Sanctuary in St. Louis. It will be available soon. Watch for it on our website at howitiller.com/dramas.htm

Blessings this Holiday time!

Norfolk and New Port News, Virginia Banquets

2007-12-15T08:32:00.000-08:00

Had a fun two days in Norfolk and New Port News, Virginia. Did two Christmas Banquets back to back in these twin cities. Just did a mix of some new stand up material with, Just Wing It and Are You My Son Father?. I have to tell you...the song Strange Way to Save the World is so perfect that you'd think they were written to go together. If you're still needing something quick for Christmas...this is the perfect light hearted, yet stirring monologue. It ends with a very warm and uplifting feeling. Visit our site at www.howitiller.com/monologues.htm.

Christmas Eve at Mountain Creek Train Station

2007-12-15T08:19:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve at Mountain Creek Train Station in St. Louis went well. I wish I had had a chance to come in little earlier for more blocking rehearsals, but over all it went well. The church used the play in coordination with a Dinner Drama. They entertained 300 people in three nights. The food was fantastic, the hospitality was great. I can only see this event growing each year. The church wants to create an annual dinner drama for the community.
They served the meal in a multipurpose room and then the people retired to the sanctuary for Christmas Eve at Mountain Creek Train Station. I have to say the set was one of the best I've been able to work with. The technicians were really on top of it.
I introduced the tech crew to a microphone that I use when I'm on tour. It's called a boundary mic. A boundary mic is a phantom powered condensor mic. It's flat and sits on the floor. I wouldn't trade it for anything. You should try one the next time you're doing a play. Call me if you have any questions about that.
Anyway, they did professionally video tape their performance with $33,000.00 cameras. Very high quality videoing. I'm making the video available soon on our website at www.howitiller.com.
Sunday afternoon I stayed around and did "Close Friends". It was a great audience. They laughed and cried at everything. That was a special day for everyone.
I hope you all are enjoying your Holidays with family.

Christmas Eve at Mountain Creek Train Station

2007-12-07T23:41:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve at Mountain Creek Train Station

2 nights down and one to go. Here are a few shots of the set for CEaMCTS in St. Louis.

Three nights of dinner and a comedy. You can order the video soon at howitiller.com/christmas.htm

This 35-40 minute play is fun and easy to do. Your sets can be as elaborate as you want. You can see here that The Sanctuary in St. Louis went all out.

Many churches performed the script across the US this year. I'm anxious to hear how it went for them. If your church did the play, I'd love to hear from you. Send pictures if you have some.

I'll also be helping with the play in Poplarbluff, MO the weekend before Christmas.

Next up...home for two days

Christmas Eve at Mountain Creek Train Station

2007-12-04T09:20:00.000-08:00

Well, tonight I start the rehearsals with a church here in St. Louis, MO. They've been reheasing already...I just come to put all the last minute touches to it. Friday and Saturday night are Dinner Drama nights. We're using the play, Christmas Eve at Mountain Creek Train Station as the entertainment. It will be a fully plated sit down event and retreat to the sanctuary. If you haven't read about, Christmas Eve at Mountain Creek Train Station, it's a very user friendly script that can involve many children without stressing over the details and yet has a wonderful story line along with comedy, scripture and even a dowel rod song performed with ski-poles. Visit our site at howitiller.com to learn more.

I'll let you know how it goes. In the mean time enjoy your family as much as you can during this busy, busy Holiday.

Chicago Metro

2007-12-04T09:08:00.000-08:00

Well, I had quite a weekend with a wonderful group young people in the Chicago area. The group is a more advanced sign and interpretive movement team. They minister in service almost everyweek. I first became aware of the group called H.A.V.O.C. (Highly Anointed Voices of Christ)??? at one of our CODEs in Indiana. They do I Want It All Back and Let the Veil Down like nobody's business. Their enthusiasm is off the charts and would be considered by most churches as on the edge....But they do it with the ability to not look like they want people to look at them...but Christ. Anyway, I came in and taught some dowel rod songs that they could add to their repertoire. I ministered on SUnday morning and evening and mixed in what they already knew. WHat a great weekend. It was inspiring to see dedicated teens spend all Sunday afternoon creating something for a youth event coming up. I wish every church had teens with such dedication to the ministry of drama.
Their director now wants to sponsor a CODE for the Chicago metro. So watch for a possible CODE Chicago for the summer of 2008.

Southern Illinois

2007-11-23T21:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

I just finished a fun weekend in DeSoto, Ill with a small group of young people.
We did a first with the song by Selah called, "Press On". I created a song interpretation using the first verse. I took the story of the lady with the issue of blood and blocked it into the first verse. The bible says that the woman pressed her way into the crowd and finally tuched the hem of Jesus' garment. It worked very well and look forward to do doing it again next week in Chicago.
Sunday night I also did part of a monologue called John In Exile. The character brings the audience right to Calvary. I used the character to set up the drama team to do, "Let the Veil Down". It ministered extremely well. If you haven't done this song yet....you are missing it. You can down load it from itune. It's sung by Judy Jacobs.

Well, like I said I go to the Chicago area next to start the mad month of December. I will only be home in Omaha 2 days during the month of December...actually I will fly home the 23...just in time to be with my wonderful family.

Many of you are doing our Christmas Eve at Mountain Creek Train Station script....if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me at howitiller@aol.com.

"Close Friends" - goes to high school

2007-11-12T14:29:00.000-08:00

Had a great time last Friday night performing, "Close Friends" in North Platte, Nebraska at the North Platte high school. It was a mixed crowd of old and young and from many different churches. "Close Friends", is monologue that touches just about every age. In this eight scene script, the character starts out at 4 yrs old and ends up at 84. It has something for everyone. They laughed and cried. It's the perfect script for any time of the year, but can lend itself to a Christmas theme.

You can read more about the script at www.howitiller.com/dramas.com.

Saturday I taught a leadership seminar.
Sunday concluded with me doing a Bible character (Story teller) who ended the morning message with Uriah, better known as, "When the Hardest Thing to do is the Right Thing to Do."

Next up: Carbondale, Ill

Street Drama and Pastor Appreciation in Farmington, NM

2007-10-10T22:04:00.000-07:00

Had a great weekend in Farmington, NM. We rehearsed Thursday and Friday evening with about 10 teens and hit the streets on Saturday morning. It started at a downtown gazebo around 10:30 and then moved to the main entrance of their new Walmart. Many people stopped to watch us perform the whole cycle of songs...Arise My Love, Presence of the Lord is Here, I've Got My Praise On, and Psalm 23 in sign language.

Saturday night was an appreciation dinner for the pastor where I did stand-up comedy for about 45 minutes.

Sunday was completely filled with Sunday morning ministry, rehearsal for "Let the Veil Down". You have to learn this song it is very powerful. The kids did fantastic with it. The presence of the Lord swept into the sanctuary and the whole church was greatly blessed. We also did, "Lose My Soul" and "Light Your World".
If you haven't seen much of what we do...please visit our website at howitiller.com

They've already scheduled me back for Christmas 2008.

Street Drama in Tampa

2007-09-29T12:27:00.000-07:00

What a great week. It started Monday night where 25 young people met to learn a few song interpretations that we would use on the streets of Tampa Bay. Kids from New Port Richey, Tallahasse, Tampa and even Winter Port, Maine. They all focused to learn, Arise My Love, Crucified With Christ, Presence of the Lord is Here and Victory.

Wednesday started at noon where the team ministered in a downtown park called Lyke's Park.
Thursday we moved to Channelside where they performed on a stage in this pedestrian mall from 11:00 AM to 1:30PM and then returned at 5:00 and stayed until dark (about 8:00PM).
Friday we moved to the campus of University of South Florida (Which played West Virginia that night and won) from about 10:30AM until 1:30PM.

Sunday night the team will perform at a crusade in the Ice Palace (Arena)in front of about 10,000 people.

They're all so excited...this is a once in a life time event for most of these kids.

Next up - Farmington, New Mexico.

Arcadia, Florida

2007-09-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

Having fun here in Arcadia, Florida. I will have a two hour rehearsal with youth today in preparing for tomorrow's services. We'll be doing the good old standby, "Arise My Love", but some newer ones too, like Presence of the Lord is Here and others. I will mix in what they learn tonight and tomorrow and include it in the services. If you're interested in having us come, please visit out website to read about drama weekends at howitiller.com.

You may remember it was Arcadia that was hit very hard by hurricane Charles. Three years ago. It's affects are still felt. Some homes and buildings are still empty. It's amazing how devastating natural disasters have on property.

Next, Tampa street ministry.

Friend Day and Drama weekend in Oakdale Louisiana

2007-09-12T00:17:00.000-07:00

What a busy weekend. It started early Thursday morning...flying out of Omaha to Chicago then to on to New Orleans and then renting a car to drive to a little town called Oakdale, Louisiana. Oakdale is a quiet village 3 hours east of New Orleans and just south of Alexandria. I arrived late but in time to meet the youth and have fun playing a few theater games and getting to know them a little.
Friday I meet with their drama director talking about plays and scripts...especially Christmas plays. I think they might be doing our own Christmas Eve at Mountain Creek Train Station. Friday evening I rehearsed with the youth and taught them Presence of the Lord is Here with dowel rods and half of Jeff Smith's Arise My Love.
Saturday was an all day drama clinic and Saturday afternoon was another rehearsal with the youth where I taught them a song interpretation to, "Lose My Soul" by Toby Mac. They performed it for their first "SNL".
Sunday morning was Friend Day and I performed, "Close Friends". The pastor had invited many dignitaries and they showed up in full color. People running for office filled at least three pews. Next month the state has elections for senate, state representative and more. Anyway, I had a blast and the Lord bless the audience with the drama.
Sunday night was conducted by the youth and we started the night off with Presence of the Lord is Here and then I did about 45 minutes of drama ministry and finalized the evening with Arise My Love. To say the least the four days were none stop.
Had some catfish and a local diner...got have some fine southern cookin while yer there ya know.
Flew back home Monday afternoon and was greeted with brisk fall day. Ah, yes football is in the air..Nebraska plays USC this Saturday. As you may know College football in Nebraska is almost a god.
Next up...Tampa Bay, Florida for street drama.

Christmas Play help

2007-09-01T14:28:00.000-07:00

Let me know if you need some help with Christmas. Especially, if you're doing Christmas Eve at Mountain Creek Train Station. There are still some weekends open in November for me to help you...if you need it. I don't have any weekends open in December, but can come and help you during the week day. But don't wait too long.

Also, Terry Vik has some really good Christmas Plays at terryvik.com.

911 Song One Nation Under God

2007-08-31T09:18:00.000-07:00

A song that works well for a memorial for 911 is One Nation Under God by Al Denson. We have created a dowel rod interpretation for it and Nathan Roberts has created a wonderful media presentation that works as a companion for it as well. You can reach him at nathanjroberts@msn.com. Nathan mixed video, slides and the voice oves of that tragic day.

You can still order the song on one of our DVDs...CODE Louisiana 05.

Have a safe labor day

Fun tip for October

2007-08-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

Trunk r' Treat
Since many of us have concerns about the October 31st celebration that we don't agree with...we've turned it into an outreach event. We don't dress up in dracula, Frankenstein costumes, etc., so we encourage people to dress up in the Biblical attire. The we ask for church members to volunteer to park their cars on the outer perimeter of the church parking lot and line their trunks with a nice decorative clothe, etc...filled with candy. Children go from car to car to get candy. Parents especially appreciate the safe and controlled atmosphere. The Sunday school department is responsible for conducting games in the middle of the parking lot. Face painting, balloon tying is also a fun activity. You invite the whole neighborhood to participate...send out flyers or advertise how you want to. Families in the neighborhood will have the chance to meet you and you them. Who knows, you just might win a family to the Lord.
This year we are doing the trunk r treat event but with a concert in the first hour and the trunk r treat in the second. You can do give-a-ways...or games.
This year the 31st is on a Wednesday when many of you are having church anyway.

CODE Houston

2007-08-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

Another CODE is behind us. CODE Houston is now in the books. Drama teams from all over the huge state of Texas came this year. This was the second annual and proved to be very exciting and anointed. Kelly Ventura from California joined us as an adjunct clinician...as well as Lisa Davis from the Houston area. More and more young people are jumping on board with the drama ministry. It's a wonderful thing to see the youth coming alive through mime, song interpretation, dowel rods and sign language. God truly is the epitome of creativity and we are just now rediscovering how to use that creative gifting in giving honor to the Lord.

If you have a youth group or drama team that you'd like to see come alive with freshness and spontaniety, schedule Howi in for next year. The year fills up fast so don't wait.

Next and last CODE of the year...CODE Louisiana.

CODE Houston

2007-08-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

Well it's Wednesday night and we're just about to embark on our next CODE here in Houston, TX...actually in a suberb of Houston called Webster...it all runs together. We're not too far from the Space Center. "Houston we have a problem"...remember that audio sound bit that kept all of America on pins and needles?

Apollo 13 moon flight used (almost) this phrase to report a major technical problem back to their Houston base.

Boy talk about drama:

Swigert: 'Okay, Houston, we've had a problem here.'
Duke: 'This is Houston. Say again please.'
Lovell: 'Houston, we've had a problem. We've had a main B bus undervolt.'

If you recall we lost contact with them as they circled the dark side of the moon. We didn't know if they would make it back to Earth. Well, we know that end of that story. Hopefully our second to last CODE for the year will be a lot smoother than Apollo 13s journey.

I'll update you on the event as it unfolds.

Outdoor drama ministry

2007-08-19T22:32:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful weekend teaching a group of young and not so young people at Turning Point Church, the songs Arise My Love and The Presence of the Lord is Here in Cameron, MO.

Saturday evening had a two hour rehearsal that started it all.

Sunday morning I ministered through the monologue, "When the Hardest Thing To Do is the Right Thing to Do." It's the story of Uriah. If you're looking for a script that encourages doing the right thing, then this one fits the bill.

Sunday night we all gathered with the local church for street ministry at the town square. McCorkle Park has a band shell with a stage where we ministered with The Presence of the Lord is Here and Arise My Love...then I did I Want to Go, This Blood by myself. Their sign language team finished the evening with "Holy Thou Art God."

We've been invited to come back for the Valentine/Marriage Encounter in February.

Drama tip "The Message and The Messenger"

2007-08-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

The Message and The MessengerThe world we live in is driven by unbridled floods of media that appeal directly to the senses of the flesh. The successful advertising agencies not only have a message, but they know that the right messenger is what sells the product of the message. That's why they have Tiger Woods as the spokesman for credit card advertising and Michael Jordan as the spokesman for athletic shoes. They are messengers. Secular media has a message that is designed to tickle one or more of our senses. The message is dramatized to appeal to fleshly appetites. It is constantly selling something to the human element…eyes, flesh or the pride of life. The worldly message appeals to the fleshly appetites and usually becomes a detriment to the human spirit or a waste of money. The message in Christian drama appeals to the human spirit and keeps the flesh honest about itself and in check. Since this is true, the church must acknowledge that we may have to adjust our approach to the evangelistic effort. We cannot and do not want to make changes to the message, but we can make adjustments to our methods that communicate that message. No question, the gospel message is our most important subject, but how we communicate that message can be equally as important…not more important, but at times our method can be just as significant. How will the audience hear unless we are wise in our communication of it? Information is communicated in an entirely different way than twenty years. People see the whole world in a flash via satellite. I believe the Lord wants us to search for new ways of communicating the gospel. I know that the preaching methods have changed down through the years. Today's method isn't anything
like the way Jesus ministered. So, let's be careful criticizing changes in preaching methods, remember ours isn't anything close to Jesus' method or template. Today's method will hopefully evolve again into what God wants to use. We need to be open to what God wants to develop into being a viable and intricate element of today's evangelism. This may be hard to believe, but I think that as you read this book, you will come to the same conclusion. He who wins souls is wise. God has given us an opportunity to win souls through drama. We need to use it wisely. When you think about the way Jesus communicated, it made sense. His message was relative and the application was modern. I think that you should do what God calls you to do. If He asks you to stand on a soapbox and preach loudly on the city-street corner, then that's what you need to do. The problem with that is that today's mind-set doesn't respond to that way of preaching very well. They did in the 1930's and 40's, but not today. Maybe there will come a time again that the world could be brought to their knees and cry for bibles and repent like they did in America a hundred years ago. Having said all that, I think we need to seriously look at the opportunities that drama might afford to us as an end-time tool. The words, drama or theater might have the conservative church reeling from bad past experiences. There are also main stream religions that have opened their doors to drama but may have also opened the door to more than a pure evangelistic drama ministry. I think many churches have accepted a mix of secular entertainment and a so-called drama ministry which usually ends up be nothing more than secular theater performed in the church or fellowship-hall. That's a far cry from what this book is talking about. I'm talking about drama that genuinely draws people to Christ and causes people to really think about their soul and where they are going to spend eternity. Does that mean every play is nothing but scripture? No. Plays can be about how to live life…raise teenagers in today's world…love, hate, life and death. When my wife and I minister through dinner drama, we perform pieces or sketches that I call, "Slices of Life". Each sketch has a relative message that transcends religious background and family upbringing. The sketches are about finances, raising kids, relationships and everyday life. It wouldn't matter if your audience were Baptist, Methodist or Pentecostal, most could relate to the "Slices of Life". That's what Jesus did. His message was no respecter of persons. His message was about life situations that His audience understood. There are times that you might want to do drama for just your church family and that's fine. It could be a time for doing short sketches that included inner circle jokes or roasts. That certainly has its place. However, never invite guests to your drama or dinner drama where any or all humor is what we call inner circle humor. In other words don't do comedy that only your church members would understand. It leaves the guest out of the circle and they feel uncomfortable. The guest will most likely not come back. So, choose material and humor that's relative and transcending.
This is an excerpt from the book, "Drama, the Visual Language" by Howi Tiller
For more information visit our site at howitiller.com

Youtube video...wow

2007-08-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

Man, I should have put videos on the website a long time ago. They've been a big hit. We're trying to get the word out to everyone. It's amazing how fast the word gets out through the internet.

Thank you for visiting the site and the blog

Lord bless, Howi Tiller

Youtube video samples

2007-08-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

Now we are adding many video samples so you can see what we are doing world wide. Just go to howitiller.com and visit the DVDs, dowel rod or Christmas pages...scroll down and enjoy.

Are goal is to show just what you can do to spread the gospel, involve youth and get your church alive with evangelism. If you don't have a drama team already in place, then you need to schedule one of our drama evangelist/dramatists as soon as possible. We are traveling nationwide every weekend some where...you might as well get on board.

If you haven't visited our site yet...please receive our invitation to come on over. Be ready to spend some time because we have so much drama material, you won't be able to see it all in just a minute or two.

Thank you for stopping by.

St. Louis Sunday School Conference

2007-08-06T20:33:00.000-07:00

What a great three days! Hundreds of teachers from all over the US came to St. Louis for three days to hear from experts in their fields...puppets, story telling, decorating, child psych, black light drum core and of course I taught teachers how to be more creative, expressive and dramatic in the class room. Wednesday night I performed, "Are You My Son, Father?"

I was amazed at how many teachers came up to my table and said they appreciated what our drama ministry has changed their youth and how they've used many of our drama products in their church. What a wonderful feeling to know that what you're doing is touching people world wide.

This is the day that we need to rise up and magnify God in creativity. He is the epitomy of creativity and we need to use what HE has given to us to ministry with.

CODE Odessa

2007-07-31T21:00:00.000-07:00

The 2 Annual CODE Odessa was held over the weekend. Odessa, as you may know is in west Texas...Texas is a huge state but drama teams came from as far away as Texas/Louisiana border. Ten hour drive...just so you know.

Registration at 11:00AM and classes began promptly at 1:35. For more information about CODE...visit codedrama.com.

Thursday evening started with the hosting drama team performing a medium length play called, "The Foolish Wiseman"...a comedy about (Ogion) a friend of the Magi, who came looking for the baby Jesus...but he was quite a bit later the his friends. Kelly Ventura, from Visilia California kept the audience in stitches with his stand-up comedy. As the evening turned the corner, drama teams from the region ministered with great anointing. Terry Vik ministered with one of his signature pieces, "I Want to Go." Terry travels full time as a evangelist/dramatist.

Friday featured classes all day.

Friday evening started with a mix of sign language pieces and dowel rod songs. I performed, "Close Friends." It was a great audience. If you haven't seen, "Close Friends"...you're in for a fun evening. You can schedule "Close Friends" throughout the year and especially during the Christmas season.

Saturday morning continued with more classes and Kelly Ventura performing the book
II Timothy as the apostle Paul. Performing the Bible really makes the Word come alive.

Next up Sunday School Conference in St. Louis, MO. I'll be teaching teachers how to bring the lesson of Life to life...

Drama tip

2007-07-18T21:03:00.000-07:00

Inexperienced actors have a tendency to go out of character when they don't have a line to say for a while and then slowly make their way back to being in character just in time. A good practice would be to be in character 7 steps before you enter the stage and 7 steps after you exit the stage. Remember that even though you don't have any lines, you have a past, a present and a future. If the script doesn't give you very information of who you are playing, then you have some luxury of creating a past that may or may have not happened. This would be a great exercise for people who are playing extras in a market scene and have adlib lines. The director may even have each actor write a paragraph of who they are and present it to all other actors in a rehearsal. I have authored a book called, "Drama, the Visual Language." You can peruse more drama manuals at howitiller.com

CODE Indiana

2007-07-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

CODE Indiana was a huge success as drama clinicians and students came from Michigan, Illinois, Mississippi, Indiana, Tennessee, Iowa, Nebraska and Texas. Regional drama teams performed Thursday and Friday night. Both night ended with a wonderful visitation fo the Lord. Friday was extra special as the Holy Spirit hovered over the audience. Each drama piece seemed to just invite the audience further into worship as teams ministered through sign language, song interpretation, monologue and dowel rods. By the time one of the teams ministered in a song called, "Let the Veil Down", by Judy Jacobs and another followed with Holy, Holy, Holy the audience rose to their feet and we never looked back. The rest of the evening went on hold as the young people just flooded the altars in praise and worship. What a beautiful sight. The teams that didn't get to ministry on Friday evening performed Saturday morning as the grand finale.
Watch for a DVD to available soon. You'll be able to buy at howitiller.com in a few days. One of the songs that is very popular, "I Want It All Back was performed on Saturday morning...AWESOME...you will not want to miss it. Extra special!!!

Next up CODE Odessa, TX.

CODE Indiana

2007-07-12T21:46:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of CODE Indiana in a little town called Owensville. Students from Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee came together the 4th annual CODE Indiana. Students learned a mix of sign language, dowel rod and song interpretation and performed some of the pieces tonight. My good friend Terry Vik did the book of James as an adjunct professor. He quoted the entire book in 33 mintes, but as a modern day professor. James came alive in a brand new way. You couldn't tell he was quoting, but unfolded the script in a way that it sounded more like a lesson. He actually has the production on DVD and is available on his website at terryvik.com.

I actually did a standup comedy bit...which really isn't my forte, but hey...you gotta keep stretching yourself.

By the way, if your church would like to sponsor a full blown CODE, please let me know. howitiller@aol.com.

4th of July

2007-07-05T11:26:00.001-07:00

Had a wonderful time with family and friends in west Omaha. Played Pass the Pigs (A roll the "dice-like pigs" game.), and the great standby Croquet. Learned a game called Botchy Ball. Mostly just enjoyed being with people that you love. Omaha was completely lite up across the skies with thousands of back yard firework shows. From the intersection of I680 and Maple you could see hundreds of explosions competing for attention.

I got say that I'm not a hotdog kind of person, but Hebrew National dogs are the exception. If you're going to eat a dog, make it a Hebrew National. A great dog. That was for earlier in the day. Later we sliced a slow cooked brisket and bathed it in Famous Dave's bar-b-q sauce. To die for. You can't get any better than that

Hope you all had a great 4th. Now I've got to get back to travel. Next up...CODE Indiana.

Vacation with Spencer

2007-07-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

Finally....a time of relaxing or ah...so I thought. Took my son and three friends to Perry State Park in Kansas for a few days of fun and relaxation. Turned out to be more work than I thought. It started with a mountain bike trail called the Wild West. Well, I'm so out of shape that it turned out to be mimpy west for me. I bowed out after the first mile as the young guns took on another 2 miles of trails. One mile was all I was good for... as my legs turned into rubber. So I kicked back with a caffeine free Dr. Pepper (Which by the way tastes the same as regular DP.) Spencer and the young guns came through the other side of the Wild West exhausted, but ready for more. We had already checked onto our cabin, which was the cabin of choice for me...all the modern conveniences... on the lake...yet with aircon, showers, kitchen and bedrooms. That's about as rough'in it as I get. I was doing good without having my computer. I felt like something was missing all weekend long. I did it...cold turkey, but I did it. No computer.
Well, the next day we waited for the rain to stop and then fished the spillway. Caught enough White Bass and Blue Gill that we all had a great fish fry that night. Taught the boys how to filet the fish...none of them had ever (Except Spencer) fileted a fish before.
Sunday morning we rented a ten passenger pontoon boat and fished all day. It was a perfect 80 degrees. We caught a few more fish...I guess not quite enough...as the guys wanted to try the spillway one more time.
Got home about 11:00 pm and slept until 10:00am. I had to come home so I could get some rest. Vacation is hard work.

CODE West

2007-06-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

CODE WEST in Hanford, CA, went extremely well. The Hanford High School Theater was once again the location for CODE West. Clinicians taught Acting 101 - 201, Directing 101 - Advanced Directing classes like Splash (This is a new class session that's loud, active and explosive.), Stage Design, Monologue, Playwriting, Improvisation, Dinner Drama, Street Theater, Musical Underscore, Flats, Props, Marketing Your Event and more.

The evening drama revues featured drama teams from all over the state of California, Neveda, Texas and Arizona. God blessed each day with his presense and everyone was inspired and anointed before they left to take what they learned back home.

We performed Dance of the Broken Bones on Friday evening. What a night of anointed drama. The script will be available on the website at howitiller.com in a few days.

I performed Wild Oats and Checkers as the finale on Saturday morning. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. This script is already available.

Up next: Vacation with my son and friends....fishing, boating and jet ski.

CODE West

2007-06-21T23:32:00.000-07:00

Well, the first day of CODE West went awesome. A great mix of sign language, stand up comedy, monologue and drama. People from Nevada, Texas, Arizona and of course California came together for the seventh annual CODE West.

The trip here wasn't the best. It started when flying out of Omaha an hour late. Arrived in Phoenix just in time to walk off one plane and step right on another to LAX. I asked about the luggage, but was assured that the luggage would also make it. Well, upon arriving in LAX, the luggage didn't make the trip. Did the typical counter report and was assured that the luggage would be at my hotel in Hanford CA the next morning....not on your life. I still don't have it and won't have it until tomorrow around ten o'clock. That's not all...I arrived at my hotel at 2:30AM only to find out that my room had been canceled. Finally found another hotel...got in bed about 4:00am...got up early to teach a youth group the song by Kirk Franklin and Toby Mac called Lose My Soul...we act it out. Anyway, all is well now...well except I don't have my luggage yet, but hopefully that will be remedied by 10.

English and Spanish Father's Day

2007-06-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

Well, the weekend in Stockton, CA turned out to be quite an experience...especially for me. I'm always encouraging students to be stretched...well, I was stretched a bit by doing two services on Father's Day...not the two services, but one of them being in Spanish. Imagine doing a monologue with an interpreter. I did a monologue called "The Bible" with an interpreter. It took a little longer, but was still performed in a good amount of time. For me the highlight was performing "Watch the Lamb" and "Crucified With Christ" to spanish vocalists. The words are a little different, but it worked well. I had to sing the words in mind, so I wouldn't get ahead or behind. Overall, I'm glad I took on the challenge and now can do those two songs in Spanish. We are trying to add more sketches in spanish on our website at howitiller.com. Right now we have one Christmas play in spanish and one Easter monologue (Obvious) in Spanish.

What An Incredible Day

2007-06-17T00:09:00.000-07:00

Had an 8 hour session today in Stockton, CA. I taught a group 30 people how to do Crucified With Christ and Still Her Little Child with dowel rods. Then I experienced a first...I learned to do Crucified With Christ in spanish. Then practiced Watch The Lamb (By Ray Boltz) in spanish. Wathc the Lamb is a song I do a interpretation to...it's part acting, mime and intrepretive movement.

Well, tomorrow will be a long day. The english speaking service starts at 9:30am...then the spanish speaking service starts at 11:15am. Should get out service about 1:00, go eat, drive an hour to Sacrmento, catch a flight to Phoenix, connect to Omaha and arrive at 12:30am on Monday morning. Stay home for 2 days and return to Hanford, CA for CODE West. It never stops.

Drama tip

2007-06-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

Directors, you need to be the expert on the script. You should have read the script 5-8 times before you invite others to do your first read through. The more answers you have secured concerning the stage design, blocking, prop demand and any technical issues the easier your rehearsal management will be. The more answers you have determined, the more control you will have in rehearsals. Techs want to know if you've thought the process through. WIll you have all the answers?...No...but the more you have, the better respect you will receive in rehearsal sessions. Be in control of the rehearsal without being controlling. In church drama, actors are volunteers and they won't appreciate you being bossy, but they want to see you masterfully conduct each and every rehearsal with authority concerning the script, but not their life.

Deal with late arrivals with professionalism. Don't publicly embarrass your actors or techs. Wait till a later time to deal with why someone is late. They may have a very good reason. Treat everyone with respect and they will respect you too.

Stockton

2007-06-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

Wow! What an awesome night we had in Stockton with about 100 youth. I've been here in Stockton working with a group of 20 teens...taught them dowel rod songs Arise My Love, Presence of the Lord is Here, and 2 song interpretations, If We Are the Body (Casting Crowns), and Lose My Soul (Kirk Franklin and Toby Mac). I mixed what I do as a dramatist and the just learned pieces at last night's youth service. The youth leader said kids that have never come to the altar, came last night and God visited us with a special touch. Kids who have been abused, neglected...from split up homes, runaways all came to start a relationship with Christ. It was incredible. Tonight starts the process of teaching the leaders how to establish an on-going drama ministry, directing, acting, street drama, dinner theater, rehearsal management and more. Friday and Saturday will continue the workshop. Father's Day should prove to be a day the youth will never forget.

Stockton, California

2007-06-13T12:16:00.001-07:00

Wow! What a week. I flew home from Anderson, SC. on American airlines at 6:00am Monday. Arrived in Omaha at 9:00am and spent the day with my family...looked at houses as we are in the market. Repacked Monday night and flew to Sacramento, CA...drove an hour to where I am until Sunday night, when I fly back to OMaha. I'm working with youth all this week and doing drama services in English and Spanish. Father's Day should prove to be an exciting day for me doing English and Spanish. I'll let you know how is goes.

CODE East

2007-06-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

CODE East was a great success. It was the first CODE hosted in Anderson, South Carolina. 70 registered from Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and even Louisiana. Drama teams from these regions performed Thursday and Friday night. Some performed sign language songs, some dowel rod, illusion, monologue, and comedy. I ended the Thursday evening night with my signature piece called, "Letting Go". It's a compilation of my mother's struggle with Alzheimers and life's main events where we learn to let go. Friday night was high lighted by the gospel stomp and segue into The Presence of the Lord is Here. If you haven't performed that song yet...your drama team is missing out. Visit our site at howitiller.com. You can read more about CODE at dramacode.com.

CODE East

2007-06-05T21:29:00.001-07:00

We're here in Anderson, SC preparing for the first CODE of the year. 90 to 100 hundred are registering for a three day all out drama camp/conference. Registrants from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and as far away as Virginia are coming to learn the process of drama evangelism...not just the technical and theatrical elements of drama. Drama teams will perform dowel rod songs, sign language interpretation and interpretive movement as well as traditional dialogued sketches. Watch for pictures on this conference on the our website after this week end. We are planning a DVD or 2 to be available soon. If you have any questions about CODE please visit the CODE site at dramacode.com.

Global impact

2007-06-01T09:07:00.003-07:00

We've been in the drama ministry for many years and there's no telling what chain reactions have been set in force. I was perusing youtube yesterday and typed in christian drama...many of the video presentations of dowel rods were actually ours. Drama teams who have bought DVDs from our site are getting out on the street and using it outside the four walls of the church. Street drama is catching on everywhere. If you want to get started in your own drama ministry...visit our site at howitiller.com. It's just waiting to happen.

First CODE of the year

2007-05-31T18:04:00.000-07:00

Anderson, South Carolina gets the first CODE of the year. Conference Of Drama Evangelism is in it's seventh year. The first one started in San Diego, California and has now expanded to as many as nine conferences. This year we will be coordinating CODEs from the east coast to the west. Some of our clinicians are Johnny Aoki from Los Angeles, Eric Roemheld from LA (A scene set designer and builder)who works for Warner Bros. and Universal Studios. He has worked on such movies like Delgado, Spiderman, Mr. and Mrs. Smith and many more. Terry Vik who has a formal education in theater...he is also a mime and full time dramatist...teaches directing and advanced acting.

These events are cutting-edge and one of a kind. Regional drama teams register from all over the region and perform at night. Classes and workshops are conducted during the day.