FAITH CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

DRAMA AND SPEECH DEPARTMENT 

FCA Drama Department Performs THE KING & I

The King and I, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein's 1951 Broadway musical hit, was based on Margaret Landon's book Anna and the King of Siam.

Sixty years later, Faith Christian High School Musical Theater brings the classic to the stage on March 17, 18, and 19, 2011.

Seventy students, ages 4 years old to 19 years old, filled the cast with beautiful voices, and professional acting.  A sixteen member orchestra and 25 students in the production crew, plus numerous parents and teachers brought the total number working on the production to 137.

William Welsh, musical director, and Jeanie Gordon, director, with choreographer, Amie Bergondo, brought their seventh musical to the FCA stage.

“God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords” (1Timothy 6:15), was the verse chosen for this year’s production.  “It is important,” saysJeanie Gordon, “that everyone know that we believe and know that there is only one King, and that is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Anna, the lead in the play knew this and brought this to Siam through her strength and love for Biblical virtues.  She was a part of what shaped the destiny of a nation.”

The musical featured classic songs “Whistle a Happy Tune”, “Shall We Dance”, and “Something Wonderful.” The older crowds enjoyed reminiscing through these classic songs brought to the stage by the beautiful voices of Anna (Candace Rasmusson), The King (Nathan Skelton), Lady Thiang (Jessica Lewis), Tuptim (Stephanie Graham) and Lun Tha (Roderick O’dorisio). The younger crowd was introduced to the classic music brought by all the stars and the 18 children.

Bill Welsh and Jeanie Gordon feel the musical had the music, wonderful love story, humor and sentiment that make a musical a success.

Add the lights, costumes (designed by Elizabeth Corrette, and Sharon Robins),the sets, and elegant backdrops to the amazing talent of the orchestra, dancers,cast and crew and you have a successful show. 

“This drama experience is a memory that the students, Bill Welsh and I will never forget” says Jeanie Gordon. 

Faith Christian High School has a Drama and Speech department that is among the best in the state.  The productions that the Drama team performs are of the highest quality with incredible set design, awesome costuming, great directing, amazing music, and phenomenal student actors and actresses.  The musicalsperformed at Faith Christian typically take a full year to plan,  The director, Jeanie Gordon, brings with her much experience, which is evident in the success of the performances.  Similarly, the Speech classes and team are ranked very highly in the state with several students qualifying and placing in the State Speech Meet.  Both of these divisions of Faith Christian’s Fine Arts department encourage their participants to do what they do, first and foremost, to bring the utmost glory to God in their performances, while also encouraging an individuality that they can be proud of.

The vision of the Fine Arts of Speech and Drama are to demonstrate the heart and character of God in:

•  Being champions for Christ through actions and servant leadership

•  A relentless pursuit of excellence through spiritual gifts and artistic talents

•  Using God-given talents to bring unity to the team and Faith Christian as 
   whole

•  Empowering these gifts through practice and personal goal-setting

The goals that the students share while participating
in Speech and Drama are:

•  To develop spiritually through getting into God’s Word, sharing with the 
   other students in chapel, being genuine, grateful, and humble, and joining
   in team fellowship.

•  To develop good spiritual growth foundations such as personal prayer,
   praying for fellow students, sharing Scriptures with one another, and
   learning the power of group prayer.

•  To be accountable, to take charge and be comfortable with quiet
    leadership, be willing to worship daily in thoughts, words and actions, and
    to always be motivated by personal growth goals.

The following course descriptions give additional information on these Fine Arts:

Drama I is a basic introduction to all aspects of the theater including performance and production.  Students are given an introduction to the creative process of acting, set design, makeup, costumes, etc.  They are also invited to participate in acting events at Speech Meets.  All of these concepts are applied to their own spiritual walk with Christ.

Advanced Drama intensifies the study of theater concentration on the production of the Spring Musical.  Students are challenged to participate in various skills in the production including set, lights, sound, publicity, costumes, and makeup.  All students will participate in the behind-the-scenes production of the musical.  Students that make the cast will also participate in the behind-the-scenes work as well as character development in class.

Speech focuses on the premise that verbal communication skills are critical in every area of life.  It is a required course for all sophomores, and the students will learn a variety of communication skills including public, informal, and interpretive speaking. 

Competitive Speech is designed to prepare the student for the competitive speech meets during the fall semester.  Students in all grades can participate and there are numerous speech meets that the students will attend.  This class builds communication and presentation skills as the students learn how to effectively prepare for such performances. 

Please visit the “About the Directors,” “Participants,” “Oklahoma!” and “Highlights” pages to learn more about FCA’s Drama and Speech departments.

FCHS Drama and Speech Mission Statement

Faith Christian's Drama and Speech activities want to provide Faith Christian High School with leaders that are inspired by God, filled by the Spirit, and show servitude with Godly character.  The vision of the department is that its participants demonstrate the heart and character of God in being champions for Christ through actions and leadership, that they demonstrate a relentless pursuit of excellence through their spiritual gifts and artistic talents, and that they demonstrate the willingness to empower their gifts through practice and hard work.

The goals laid out for each participant is that they develop their own spiritual goals of getting into the Word, sharing their gifts at chapel, being genuine, grateful and humble, and that they join together as a team in fellowship and activities.  They are committed to meet those goals by sharing prayer requests, praying together, sharing Scripture together, and giving each other opportunities for personal growth.  Finally, they are committed to keeping each other accountable through leadership, daily worship, and a constant drive for their best.

The message of Christianity is one of charity, faith, hope, selflessness, humility, service, love, compassion, and many other precious traits.  “You are the Light of the World.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”  Matthew 5:14