Bethel Theatre Encino

Photo includes from back to front -- Danielle Jackson, Susan C. Hunter, Todd Covert, Sharon Pierre-Louis, Lisa Soland and King Stuart, actors from "An Afternoon With Shirley" and "The Empty Chair."

Bethel has a fast growing drama team who are creating some fun and exciting community involvement-type activities in which you can participate. Their monthly playreading series was officially launched July 24 with two original dramas written by Bethel member and playwright Lisa Soland (Stilwell). For those of you who were unable to attend the inaugural readings, the evening was a big hit. Many were in attendance to hear two one-acts -- "An Afternoon With Shirley" and "The Empty Chair," both plays about hope. Pastor Willis Moerer was there to welcome the audience and bless the new troupe, and an engaging talk-back session followed, with Luise Strauss and Karyn Wong serving delicious homemade refreshments.

There is no doubt that new plays and their playwrights need public support so Bethel has jumped on board to reach out to the community by helping its local artists. For the month of August, Bethel Theatre Encino will be sponsoring a reading by the up-and-coming young playwright, Danielle Jackson. If you would like to be included on the playreading series invitation list, please contact Lisa Brown at 818-788-2653 and give her your email or snail mail address and we will make sure to invite you to this August's reading and those events that follow. All productions include free admission but we will graciously accept your donations for this creative community outreach program. All gifts are tax-deductible and checks should be made out to Bethel Lutheran Church, with "drama" written in your memo.

Stop by and see the changes that are taking place in the Social Hall through your financial support. Bethel Theatre Encino has also been the happy recipient of two grants -- a Mission and Ministry Endowment Fund grant from the Southwest California Synod and a Care Abounds in Communities grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. We sure appreciate the support!

Our drama team began with four and we are now eight strong. If you would like to be a part of our monthly meetings, please email LisaSoland@aol.com. It is our intention to live out our full potential as artists through the love and witness of Jesus Christ in the Encino community. Our committee mission statement is simple -- to share the love of Christ with the community through drama and music. Come join us and get involved in making our neighborhood a more creatively enriching place to live.

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