Today I’m thankful for Homeschool Performing Arts (HPA),
the drama group that has become a family affair. Rebecca was in their
production of 101 Dalmatians, Amy’s
in Anne of Green Gables, and all five
of us are in The Wizard of Oz. The
kids will be on stage (Michael is Uncle Henry, Amy’s a jitterbug/poppy and
Rebecca’s in the Lullaby League), Sean will conduct the orchestra and I’ll help
behind the scenes.
I’m not much of an actor and I’m even less of a singer,
but thankfully I don’t have to be either to participate in HPA. They need people who
can send emails and coordinate schedules, so I do get to play a role. (Haha,
see what I did there - play a role? I am cracking myself up.) I love being at
rehearsals, getting to know the kids and parents, helping in the ways I can to
get the show on the stage. And the people I get to work with - simply amazing!
I was talking with a friend recently about the arts and
culture, and we were bemoaning the fact that so much of what passes for art
these days is drivel at best and obscene at worst. And we have no one to blame
but ourselves, because Christians abandoned the arts years ago. While we’ve had
our heads in the sand, others have come along and defined the culture. Now that
we’re shaking the dirt from our ears it almost feels like it’s too late for us
to make a difference.
But HPA gives kids the chance to participate in the arts
without having to sacrifice their convictions. And they’re learning valuable
skills they’ll be able to use the rest of their lives, even if they don’t go
into the arts. But for those who are interested in pursuing a career in
theater, HPA gives kids the chance to really be a part of the show – from acting
to playing in the pit, working on the stage crew, running sound and lights and
doing hair and makeup.
I’m so thankful I drug my kids to that first audition
four years ago. I though it would be good for the kids; I had no idea it would be a blessing for our whole family.
Tickets to Anne of Green Gables (January 5, 6, 7) are on
sale now! Go to www.hpami.org to get yours! I hear the young lady playing Diana Barry is pretty darn cute...
Wow. You just summed up my thought exactly-- that we, as Christians, abandoned the arts...
ReplyDeleteAnd now what a struggle it is to make a dent in what the culture as become.
You'd love Dr. Patton here at the college-- he believes passionately in turning out students who will be active in the arts.
Meanwhile-- I'm glad that you are all involved together-- what a great thing to share as a family! Break some Duffy legs!