The San Quentin Garden Chapel’s drama team continues to perform impactful Biblical messages through modern day theatrical productions. However, unlike San Quentin’s Shakespeare group that is sponsored by a Marin theatrical company, the Garden Chapel drama team has no outside volunteers, Members express their desires to form relationships with local churches.
Theatrical skits are not commonly done in church on Sundays, although they are an effective way to share the Christian faith on a practical level. How do you think the community views fine arts in a church setting?
James “JC” Cavitt, a San Quentin inmate and member of the drama team, stated: “I believe that many religious communities may have an appreciation for the fine arts but many would be a bit uneasy about viewing a theatrical skit during the church service. We have many traditionalists in the church who are used doing things a certain way.”
What attracted you to the garden chapel drama team?
Michael Tyler is a San Quentin inmate and member of the dram team. He stated: “I wanted to use my personality to give back or help in the ministry. It also allows me to express myself and help people find themselves.”
What changes have you seen in the drama team?
David Cowan is a member of the drama team. He stated: “Changes are changes. Whether they are for the better or for the worse is up to the individual. I try to stay flexible by remembering that this is God’s ministry; it could be better with better equipment and if we could all master having a servant’s attitude.”
Do you think that people are more open to the message of Christ through drama as opposed to a message being preached?
Jonathan “JW” Wilson is a member of the drama team. He stated: “I believe that ministry or preaching is good but sometimes we can’t always identify with a scripture text or see the practical of it until we’ve actually been involved in the lesson itself. So for me, being able to recreate a spiritual principle from the Bible, I believe it’s more effective than preaching because you have a visual demonstration”