"Johnson and Savidge have given Christians a unique gift with Performing the Sacred. Their clear love of theatre and deep faith in Jesus intersect to reveal the wonders hidden in a live performance. They remind us that when theology and theatre meet the result is insight into what it means to be human and a beautiful doxology to our God."--__David McFadzean__, Hollywood producer/writer; cocreator of the television series Home Improvement   
"Performance theory, history, criticism, theology, and worship are all brought together in a refreshing new look at the old art of live theatre in Performing the Sacred. It is not only an entertaining read by itself but also a unique and much-needed text for university theatre arts courses."--__Gillette Elvgren__, Regent University  
  
"We have been waiting years and years for theatre artists and Christian theologians to get back into serious dialogue, and there is hardly anyone better prepared to lead us than Todd Johnson and Dale Savidge. This book is a hugely significant conversation starter. Decades from now we will be saying that the conversation began with this book."--__Jeff Barker__, Northwestern College  
  
"The panoramic sweep of more than twenty centuries of theatre and theology is a tour de force. Christian playgoers, after reading this book, will come to understand and appreciate even more deeply the theological dynamics of incarnation, Trinity, and presence at the heart of theatre. Performing the Sacred deserves a standing ovation!"--__Peter Gilmour__, Institute of Pastoral Studies, Loyola University Chicago  
  
"A landmark book--the first full-length study that explores contemporary live theatre from the perspective and experience of both the theologian and the theatre artist. Performing the Sacred explores profound theological issues, but it never loses sight of the direct and immediate encounter between theatre artists and their audiences--and how lives change as a result of that real presence."--__Peter L. Senkbeil__, Concordia University, Irvine, California

__Todd E. Johnson__ (PhD, University of Notre Dame) is the William K. and Delores S. Brehm Associate Professor of Worship, Theology, and the Arts at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is an ordained minister in the Evangelical Covenant Church and the editor of The Conviction of Things Not Seen. __Dale Savidge__ (PhD, University of South Carolina) is the executive director and founding member of Christians in Theatre Arts (CITA). He is professor of theatre and chair of the theatre arts department at North Greenville University and has traveled the world as a theatre artist.

Christian theatre has rich roots, from ancient Hebrew dramas to medieval plays, but where does it fit in today's media-saturated society?  
  
Performing the Sacred is a fascinating dialogue between a theologian and theatre artist, offering the first full-scale exploration of theatre and theology. The authors illuminate the importance of live performance in a virtual world, of preserving the ancient art form of storytelling by becoming the story. Theologically, theatre reflects Christianity's central doctrines--incarnation, community, and presence--enhancing the human creative experience and simultaneously engaging viewers on multiple levels.  
  
This Engaging Culture series title will be a key volume for those interested in theatre as well as drama practitioners, worship leaders, and culture makers.

A theologian and a theatre artist examine both the nature of theatrical performance within contemporary culture and its relationship to Christian life, faith, and worship.

Johnson, Todd E. ;Savidge, Dale

Cover Page

Title Page

Copyright Page

Foreword 

Introduction: Todd and Dale Go to the Theatre 

1. A Survey of Christianity and Theatre in History 

2. The Theology of the Theatrical Process 

3. Live Theatre in a Virtual World 

4. The Christian at Work: Being an Artist in the Theatre 

5. The Christian at Play: Being an Audience in the Theatre 

Conclusion: Dale and Todd Return to the Theatre 

Notes 

Bibliography 

Christian theatre has rich roots, from ancient Hebrew dramas to medieval plays, but where does it fit in today's media-saturated society?  
  
Performing the Sacredis a fascinating dialogue between a theologian and theatre artist, offering the first full-scale exploration of theatre and theology. The authors illuminate the importance of live performance in a virtual world, of preserving the ancient art form of storytelling by becoming the story. Theologically, theatre reflects Christianity's central doctrines--incarnation, community, and presence--enhancing the human creative experience and simultaneously engaging viewers on multiple levels.  
  
This Engaging Culture series title will be a key volume for those interested in theatre as well as drama practitioners, worship leaders, and culture makers.

Christian theatre has rich roots, from ancient Hebrew dramas to medieval plays, but where does it fit in today's media-saturated society? This book presents a dialogue between a theologian and theatre artist, exploring theatre and theology.

Christian theatre has rich roots, from ancient Hebrew dramas to medieval plays, but where does it fit in today's media-saturated society? "Performing the Sacred" is a fascinating dialogue between a theologian and theatre artist, offering the first full-scale exploration of theatre and theology. The authors illuminate the importance of live performance in a virtual world, of preserving the ancient art form of storytelling by becoming the story. Theologically, theatre reflects Christianity's central doctrines - incarnation, community, and presence - enhancing the human creative experience and simultaneously engaging viewers on multiple levels. "This Engaging Culture" series title will be a key volume for those interested in theatre as well as drama practitioners, worship leaders, and culture makers.

Todd E. Johnson (PhD, University of Notre Dame) is the William K. and Delores S. Brehm Associate Professor of Worship, Theology, and the Arts at Fuller Theological Seminary. An ordained minister in the Evangelical Covenant Church, his background includes inner-city youth work and campus ministry. He has authored numerous articles and essays and lives in La Canada, California. Dale Savidge (PhD, University of South Carolina) is the executive director of Christians in Theatre Arts (CITA) and professor and chair of the theatre arts department at North Greenville University. He has traveled the world as a theatre artist and performed a variety of additional theatrical roles. He lives in Greenville, South Carolina.

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