RABBIT TRAILS: DISPATCHES FROM THE SHED
Updates, news and blog stories from around the Ted and Company universe.
By Ted Swartz April 7, 2015 Green rooms in churches offer a wide variety of comfort and proximity to the stage: Sometimes there are plenty of comfy couches, quiet with tasteful décor—other times you just know you’re in a church. Occasionally these co-opted spaces provide inspiration and significant philosophical thought. Warming up for a Listening for Grace show at Steinman’s Mennonite in Baden Ontario, I was struck by this Sunday School poster…I was in the middle of running lines, specifically the preacher relating the passage in Genesis where he notes: “In the beginning of this book the creator saw…that it was good” And God saw that it was good. God created us. God created you. And God saw That is was goo— Amen. Yes! Great thoughts young mind… From one who has often thought of himself as simply goo, ready to be transformed…or in the face of failure….or when I’ve…
Read More →The past year of touring took the Company to many wonderful places (see our Year in Review video here for some specifics.) A couple of places stand out…Marble Collegiate in New York City. Justin and Phillip practicing …One of the treats I get: hearing the musicians play. Justin, Chris and Phillip in some exquisite sacred spaces.… and some utilitarian spaces… regardless, the music renews my soul
Read More →This past Monday, Ted spoke on the theme of “Struggle” for the Church of the Brethren’s NYC (that’s National Youth Conference…not New York City… the more you know.) In a beautiful twist of fate, he was joined on stage by long-time friend Ken Medema and summer intern, yours truly (Jen). Leading up to NYC, a few eerie things happened… 1. The text given to Ted was Jacob wrestling with the Angel, the theme – “Struggle.” 2. Ted realized 12 years ago – he, Lee, and Ken performed a version of “Jacob’s Ladder” (a show about the humorous and heartfelt story of Jacob and Esau) at NYC. 3. Ken was going to be at NYC, too. Then it clicked – Ted had to perform portions of that show, taking on the role of Jacob and Ken had to reprise his role as the Angel. Beautifully, Ken was happy to oblige. I…
Read More →The church at St. John’s is a loosely structured group, with more emphasis on the “loose” and “group” than on the “structure.” Which is not to say that they are a loose group, or without moral structure. It’s just that the organizational structure is loose in nature – let’s say “relaxed fit.” In creating the show, Seth, Ted and I had lots of fun imagining what a “relaxed fit” church (with plenty of space and breathing room for all the important things) might allow and encourage, and the results – in my humble estimation – are all kinds of hilarious and holy, sometimes even at the same time. It’s been fun for me to get back into doing some acting, too, as that particular art form is one I haven’t practiced since high school. Much like the pick up line, praise the Lord. St. John’s Revival is the kind of…
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