Where Do I Draw the “Line” as a Christian Actor?
"As an actor who is a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, I have certain “lines” that God has helped me draw – things that I feel uncomfortable doing or wearing on stage or screen. But my “line” may be different than your “line.” Let me explain.
Because of my “type” (Midwest Soccer Mom), I don’t usually get the opportunity to read for the “serial killer” or the “evil sorceress,” but I would play the part in a New York minute if it was part of a story line that brought glory to God the Father and pointed people to Jesus. I believe that God is calling believing actors of ALL types to play characters of ALL types to bring glory to HIM. If you are the ‘beady-eyed bad guy’ type and God has called you to be an actor, He will enable you to play those parts you are given with complete truthfulness.
Now, don’t panic…Hear me out…You are a believer FIRST, and an actor second (or third or fourth). The Lord won’t call you to play a part and then abandon you as you walk in obedience to Him. BUT…As a professional actor, you have a responsibility to the director and the project to be the most convincing bad guy in the world for them if you agree to play that part. If it will make you uncomfortable to have to explain to your dear old Auntie Mabel that you are really not a convicted felon (you just play one on TV), then maybe you should ask your agent not to submit you for any roles like that. Unfortunately, if that is your “type,” you will probably work a lot less. Reality stinks.
We all know that drama is conflict, and without it…yawn! There usually is a bad guy or antagonist of some kind. What a great testimony to be able to convincingly play such a part on screen, but display all the fruits of the spirit simultaneously to the real world off the set.
To summarize, let me encourage you to seek the Lord individually this week. Ask the Lord where He wants to draw YOUR line and how He wants you to market YOUR type. Then pray about every opportunity in light of what the Lord is telling YOU to do.
There will always be critics and well-meaning skeptics. Just remember, Jesus had them, too. I’m sure he was criticized for inviting himself to Zaccheus’ house one day. Jesus saw how much that little man wanted to see him and knew that the Father set up that appointment so that he and his entire family could be saved! There may be a Director or a fellow actor or an agent this week who is curious about your faith. Don’t miss a “Zaccheus” because you are afraid to get your reputation or your “Christian image” tarnished. Pray hard, put on the belt of truth and play the part!!
I’d love to hear about the Zaccheus you meet this week!! I am praying for you!"
In His Strength,
Anne
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Source Article on HOSFU
2 Comments
Reader Comments (2)
This is something I think about often. I only dreamed of an acting career, but I am pursuing one in writing. Books for now. But I'd love to write for film and I wonder about asking actors to play parts or participate in scenes that I wouldn't be willing to do if it were me. I especially think about this with relationship issues. I want and expect at least a kiss in the romantic-comedy type. But what if my actors are married to others? How do you feel about that?
I agree that it takes a lot of prayer and wisdom when writing those kind of scenes. For 'Fireproof' they flew in Kirk's wife for spoiler the kiss toward the end of the movie. So there are ways to be creative when shooting a scene. It is encouraging to hear that writers do think about these things! Keep up the good work!