The Word in the Wings
The Word in the Wings gives a behind-the-scenes look at how GPA artists are engaging with Scripture, from study to studio to presenting a Spirit-filled message on stage.
When you read “The Word in the Wings,” you’re invited to learn about the deep, biblical roots of our performance and about how GPA artists make connections between the biblical texts we study and the art you’ll see on stage.
Throughout the year, Jessica Noonan, GPA’s Ministry & Worship Leader, along with guest artists, will share articles connected to GPA productions. We hope this opens the door for even deeper dialogue between you and God as the story of Scripture presents itself in new, perhaps unexpected ways through the medium of movement.
Without further ado...
New Wine and New Shoes
New Wine and New Shoes
By: Audrey Hammitt
We tend to get excited for certain new items in life, such as a new car, new pair of shoes, new phone, or new haircut. In most cases, we choose these changes of newness, particularly if it means we will be more comfortable, efficient, and/or stylish. However, there are also possessions, relationships, and practices in our lives we cherish as they have been, and which we would rather not replace with something new.
An Update from the Artistic Director
An Update from the Artistic Director
By: Melody Mendoza
When Kaya and I met up in August of 2021 to talk about her position as our Biblical Research & Ministry Specialist, I could see she had so much to share with our community. We talked and as I listened to her, it was clear God had gifted her with a heart for learning and knowledge and sharing that learning and knowledge with those around her.
From the studio: great are God’s deeds
The Word in the Wing
By: Kaya Weaver & Company Artists
The mission of Glorify Performing Arts is to present compelling, professional productions to encourage and empower Christians in their walk of faith, inspiring them to step forward boldly to impact the world. Throughout the 2023-24 season, the company artists have witnessed God acting through their work to move people’s hearts and spur them toward their own actions of reflecting, creating and peacemaking for God’s glory. Here are a few of their stories.
What a friend we have in Jesus
The Word in the Wings
By: Audrey Hammitt
Late in summer 2023, I am invited to dance at my parents’ church. I choreograph a solo, and their sermon series is about prayer. As I think about and search for what song to use, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” stands out with its line, “Take it to the Lord in prayer.” It is a sweet process of playing with movements, shapes, and images to communicate not only the freedom and safety we experience as we bring our prayers to God, but also Jesus’ presence with us.
From the studio: a time for everything
The Word in the Wings
By: Jessica Noonan
As an exercise for internalizing Scripture, the dancers set movement to Ecclesiastes 3:1-15. We wish we were all safe from tragedy and pain, but that is not reality in our fallen world. Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 explains this idea of seasons in our own lives. Read about our process for learning through discussion together, and see what the dancers have created.
Regina’s Journey: seek wisdom
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
Regina’s Journey is a fairy-tale ballet with vivid imagery that embodies the abstract theme of seeking wisdom. The ballet’s theme and its use of concrete imagery to represent abstract ideas might bring to mind the biblical book of Proverbs, where the objective of obtaining wisdom is described using the metaphor of seeking something of great value.
Regina’s Journey: beauty along the way
The Word in the Wings
By: Audrey Hammitt
If you’ve ever been in a forest or on a wooded trail, I’m sure you can understand how easy it is to become disoriented if you lose sight of the path. On the other hand, if you are intently keeping your eyes down on the path in front of you, you don’t see the beautiful textures, colors, and light trickling through the branches above and around you. So, to have a safe yet enjoyable experience in the woods, we must find a balance between working hard to stay on the path and using our senses to take in the sights, sounds, and scents around us.
Regina’s Journey: accept grace
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
In Glorify Dance Theatre’s upcoming ballet, Regina’s Journey, the protagonist Regina learns that trust is a key element of wisdom. Proverbs 3 illustrates several dimensions of what it means to trust in God.
Regina’s Journey: always be humble
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
Glorify Dance Theatre’s upcoming ballet Regina’s Journey follows the young Regina as she sets out on a quest to gain wisdom for leading her village, following her mother’s instruction to keep to the path and not stray. The second lesson Regina will learn along the way is, “God can use creatures as small as frogs to help guide you, so always be humble.”
Proverbs 30:24-28 contains poetic lines that consider the wisdom of other small creatures. What can creatures even smaller than frogs teach the people of God about wise ways to live?
We encourage you to dig into the Word in the Wings archives to learn about the theology in previous GPA productions. From 2021-2024, Kaya Weaver worked as the Biblical Research and Ministry specialist at Glorify Performing Arts, and her articles provide amazing theological connections to our productions. Check out posts from Kaya as well as other guest artists, and enjoy time growing deeper in your faith.
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