Auditioning! Are you doing it wrong?

Auditioning and directing in the DFW Theatre community for almost ten years, I have seen the best and the worst of auditions. I’ve seen them from the actor’s perspective, a director’s perspective, and a friend of actors and directors perspective. So gathering all of those good and bad experiences together, I’ve compiled a list of recommendations. One list is from actors to directors and one is from directors to actors.

I’m not slamming anyone. And you shouldn’t either.
All of these are ideas are culled from many sources, not just one or two, and most of these errors, I have made myself. So, please don’t comment saying, “So-and-so director/actor totally did that...” or any other crap like that. That isn’t what this is for. Use it to help yourself.

From An Actor, To Directors...
Please, take more time with your audition notice.
Give me ALL the info I may need. Remember, I'm an actor. I will find an excuse for being late or messing up that you didn't think to cover, so give me as much information as possible so as to make it a challenge.

• Time - Make sure to designate whether this is an “all-call” where all actors show up at once, or by appointment, or some combination of the two.
• Location - Not just the address. Tell me where to park. (Especially in Dallas. Ugh. Don’t get me started on that.) Also tell me how to get into your building. Some theaters have weird little side doors and labyrinthine passages to navigate. You know the way, but I don’t! I’m that new face you are always complaining that you don’t see! Signage outside AND inside pointing the way can help with this as well.
• A phone number - Not YOUR phone number, please. One that will be answered by someone who can give directions and answer questions. You will probably be too busy to do this.
• Pre-cast roles - If the notice doesn’t tell me that a role is precast and I show up and find out at the audition that it is, I’m probably walking out. If you can’t be honest on an audition notice, how can I trust you to be honest in working on the show?

Include other info as needed. Is it okay to arrive later for a general call? Any special requirements? Will there be call backs?
The more info on the notice, the less questions you have to answer. Actors always have questions.

Don’t flunk the audition-audition!
I may be auditioning for a role, but you are auditioning the experience of working on this production. The audition is your chance to give a preview of your organizational and communication skills. If you can't run the audition efficiently, actors will wonder if rehearsals will be equally haphazard. Show me that you won't waste my time, by not wasting yours!

Be upfront and honest about setbacks and delays.
Lots of things can derail an audition. An accompanist stuck in traffic. A delay in the arrival of enough copies of the script. Even an abnormally large turn out can throw you. (If you prepped for about 30 people and 70 show up, you won't stay on schedule.) Be honest with all attendees. Let us know an estimate of any delay and allow actors the chance to decide to leave if they need to. You could even offer to schedule an extra audition time to accommodate those who can’t stay. The bottom line is, don't soldier on like nothing is wrong and hope actors won't notice. Because they do.

Do not chat up actors you know.
It’s inevitable in an active theatrical community like DFW that you will be acquainted with many of the auditioners. It’s okay to acknowledge that you know them. "Good to see you so-and-so." But that is it. Get down to business in a businesslike manner. Number one - you are wasting time. Talk to your friends later. Number two- other actors are already despairing because they think you are going to cast your friend, so don't give them any more ammo. Be professional. Not chummy.

Give everyone a fair shot. Don’t leave anyone out.
It’s one thing to be sad because I didn’t get cast in a show. It’s another to be mad because I don’t feel like a got an audition! Make sure everyone gets heard. Have an assistant, friend, or representative from the theater there, and give him or her the job of keeping you honest. It’s easy to get focused on a few people that you like, and not realize that there are people sitting around who haven’t read as much. If you really like a few people, have a call back and spend all the time you want with them. The first audition should give everyone a fair shot. Besides, if you don’t read people for parts that you don’t think fit them, you will never have the pleasure of being surprised.

Talk about the end of the audition at the beginning of the audition.
Before you begin, communicate clearly about callbacks, casting, or additional auditions. (dance auditions, fight choreography auditions, etc.) If this info is not in the notice, this is a MUST. Make sure no one leaves without knowing when and how they will be notified regarding callbacks or casting.

Also, if I don't get cast, I don't need to hear your voice on the phone. Just make your email professional and courteous.

Email "no-thank-you's" AFTER you get confirmation back from the "yes's." Don't automatically assume that I will do the show before you hear back. I might have another show on the line. Or you might have flunked the audition-audition.


From A Director, To Actors...

First of all, if you have not read Audition by Michael Shurtleff, go buy it and read it before you eat another meal.

Prepare, so that you don't have to apologize.
Read the audition notice CAREFULLY and COMPLETELY. There are clues in there that can give you an edge. Namely, showing up with what is asked. Have the requested shoes, sheet music, monologue, whatever. And be on time!!! Do not be late. But if you are late, know who to call. How would you know that? Read the notice!

Apologize! No excuses.
If you are late or don't have the required sheet music/dance shoes/monologue, apologize quickly and simply. Don't make a long explanation or excuse. You want to be remembered for what you did do, not for why you didn't do what you were supposed to do.

Headshots? Go simple, please.
For many auditions, a headshot is not truly needed, but when you need one, make it good. Keep your headshot simple. Don’t let it get too out of date, and don’t do anything elaborate for it. Don’t get me wrong. A professional photographer and the right outfit/makeup are a big plus, but there are limits. Nothing is more annoying than a headshot that is so out of date or so “art-ed” up that you are unrecognizable. I once almost didn’t read an actress at an audition because I was looking around the room for the girl in the headshot and couldn’t find her. I assumed she had left and I put her form and headshot off to the side. Remember, it is called a HEADshot. I want, primarily, to see your face. It doesn’t have to be a close-up, but shots that prominently feature other parts of your anatomy are not helpful. Also, don’t bother with multiple headshots or a multi-shot, proof-sheet style headshot showcasing all your “looks.” Me with long hair. Me with a mustache. Me with a beard. Me with 5 o’clock shadow. Me with wet-sexy hair. Me with a clown nose. Using a different “look” headshot for different types of auditions is smart, but use one per audition. A headshot should show YOU. Plain and simple. No elaborate costumes or makeup required.

Do NOT apologize for any poor performance.
You are wasting my time telling me how congested you are, or that you are rehearsing a role that smokes, or that your new roommate has a cat, or any other reason why you might not hit your money note or sound your best or have your monologue memorized. Just do the absolute best that you can on that day. Unless I’ve seen you before, on stage or at a previous audition, I have to evaluate you based on today.

I don't HAVE to evaluate you based on today. You are ALWAYS auditioning.
Especially in community theater, there are directors hiding everywhere. They might be acting, doing sound, lights, props... You never know who, in a current production, might be a director of a future production. Also, other people will assist the director in casting decisions. Music directors and choreographers will have a say in musical auditions, and anyone may be a trusted source whom a director may ask for input. So, you really should always be nice to everyone. How you run your mouth, miss rehearsals, mistreat others, never get off book, whine about choreography, or talk bad about the director behind his or her back, may all come back to bite you later when a director remembers your behavior in a previous show. This also means that when you show up to the audition location, treat everyone with respect. The director may be watching. If I see you getting snippy with the staff or volunteers handing out forms, it will count against you.

Do not chat up directors you know.
If anything, be even more respectful and professional than needed. After a quick greeting, behave exactly as you would if you did not know the director. Introduce yourself using your full name, and say the name of your monologue or song and the name of the work it came from even if the director is the one who helped you pick it out. ESPECIALLY then! You don't want to be thought of as only getting cast because you are the director's buddy.

Tell the truth on your audition form.
Tell the truth on your audition form. I did NOT repeat that by accident. There are at least two issues here.

• One: There is a blank for “What part are you auditioning for?” There is also a blank for “Are you willing to accept another role?” Tell the truth in these blanks. If you are willing to accept any role, say “yes.” If you will accept supporting roles, but not chorus, write it in the blank! If you are not willing to accept any role but the one you had in mind, be honest!
• Two: Be honest about your time conflicts. I can work around conflicts for most roles. Rehearsal schedules don’t have to be set in stone. But don’t make me regret casting you by holding out on a big conflict that you know about, just so that you have a better chance at a role. If you make me regret casting you, and make the rest of the cast work longer, later, and harder to make up for your absences, you can bet that I will talk about you with other directors. Don’t be that guy. Don’t be that girl. Tell the truth.

Hanging out with Christians...

This post is 50 percent tongue-in-cheek. If you have a problem with tongue or with cheek. You can just skip it.

Many people have friends that don’t share their same beliefs. If you are not a Christian, but have a Christian friend, you both have religious freedom, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t experience religious awkwardness. So I’ve come up with a few tips for non-believers on hanging out with Christians.

For the purposes of this tip-list, I’m considering a Christian to be an active church participant. Sure. You can be a Christian and not participate in church. But if I called myself a wrestler all the time and you found out I last wrestled in the 5th grade, you’d look at me funny.

Also, I’m considering a “non-believer” to be, not only members of other religions (including atheists) but “Christians” who are Christians just like I’m a wrestler.

So, here we go. Five tips to help you ease religious awkwardness when hanging around with Christians...

1- Stop being offended at being called a sinner. It's basically like being called a pooper. It might be uncomfortable to talk about, but everyone does it.

If your Christian friend is not a jerk, he or she won’t be calling you a sinner to your face anyway. I mean, come on. Your friends believe that everyone sins. You. Them. Their pastor. Everyone. So being called a sinner doesn’t make you special, or picked on, or hated. At all. It doesn’t. Everyone poops. And everyone sins.

2- Ask them about their church. It’s only polite. Plus, it will freak them out!

Your friends probably like their church. If they didn’t, they’d probably not go. It’s just nice to ask your friends about things that they like and why they like them.
Also, as a bonus, it will freak your friends out. They won’t expect you to ask about church. They are probably careful talking about it around you for fear of you being offended that they are too “churchy.” Asking them about it up front, puts them at their ease and takes the discomfort out of it.
*Bonus points if all their Christian friends are asked to pray for you because you are asking questions about church.*

3- Go to their church if they invite you.

Again, this is just pure politeness. If you ask questions about their church, they will probably be emboldened to ask you to come. Don’t worry, no one is going to force you to convert. You know that you appreciate it when people come to events that you care about. Especially you theatre people. Seriously. Think back and remember. You know that there was a show you were a part of, that you knew your friends hated. (Either because they hate Sondheim or because they hate shows that aren’t Sondheim) But they came to see it anyway because they are your friends. So, even if you hate church and all it stands for, if they ask you to come, do your best to attend. And pretend you like Sondheim while you are there.

4- Stop sharp-sticking your friends about stuff they can’t control. Don’t be a jerk on the Internet.

Bear-baiting is illegal. It’s a crime to tie a bear to a stake and stab him with sharp sticks until he dies. Unless that bear is a person on the Internet and the sharp sticks are cheap one-liner insults. Having honest questions and discussing them on social media is one thing. Gloating over, or fuming over the latest news about some church or some “celebrity” Christian is another. Of course there will be scandals in churches. There will be leaders who are found out to be false teachers or criminals. How ever much you hate those people, they aren’t the majority of Christians, they aren’t your friends, and your friends are angrier about it and more offended about it than you could possibly understand.
Imagine how angry you would be at your favorite political leader if he or she was revealed to be doing exactly the opposite of what he or she stood for. Now imagine your Christian friends piling on and griping at you about it on the Internet. It’s not a pretty picture. Don’t do it. Don’t condone it. And step in to stop your other friends from doing it.

5- Consider proselytizing a compliment. They are saying that they care about you so much, they want you around for eternity.

Many people have something that they constantly share with others. Whether it is how great Apple products are, or the best place to get an authentic taco, people are evangelists for what they think is best. Why should it be any different with religion? No one who honestly believes something can be expected to NOT try to convince others about it. If you knew it was going to rain, you would advise your friends to take an umbrella. What are your friends supposed to do when they believe that an eternity without God is something so miserable that no one should have to experience it?

So, there you go. A little bit funny and a lot serious.

By the way, if you just flip the concepts here, you have a pretty good guide for how Christians should hang out with their non-Christian friends.

1- Don’t freak out when they act in “non-Christian” ways. After all, they aren’t Christians.

Just because you live by a different standard, doesn’t mean you have to try to point out the sins of people around you. That is like being the guy who always points out to the group, in public, that someone farted and won’t shut up until someone admits it. That guy is a jerk. Don’t be that guy! Besides, theologically, pointing your your friend’s sins isn’t your job anyway. It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to convict people of their sins. He doesn’t need your help.

2- Ask them about what they believe. They won’t expect it.

In the back of their minds most non-Christians have an illogical fear that Christians are brainwashed brainwashers who want to brainwash them. Counter that by keeping them talking about their beliefs instead. If they become interested in what you believe, they will ask.

3- Be a part of their lives before you invite them to church.

This is just polite. For many reasons, people are weirded out by church. The better they know you, the less weird it will seem.

4- Stop sharp sticking your friends! Don’t be jerk on the Internet.

Seriously. The Internet, and the world in general, could use a lot less of, “Ahh Hah! Someone on YOUR side cheated/lied/said something stupid, therefore ALL of you are cheating-lying-stupid people!!!” This sums up half of the religious and political posts on all social media. Ever. Stop it. It’s wrong when “they” do it about Christians and it’s even more wrong when we use the same tactic.

5- Don’t be surprised when they try to convince you that you are wrong.

Your friends don’t believe the Bible. If they didn’t have doubts, they would already be Christians. Don’t expect them to take at face value anything you say and don’t be surprised when they don’t want to believe what the Bible says. You don’t have to give up using the Bible, though. It doesn’t matter if they believe it. It’s important because you believe it. Don’t argue about how sharp your sword is. Just stick them with it. (But don’t “sharp-stick” them. Re-read number four. You know you need to anyway.)

Black Hole Issues...

When was the last time you inadvertently steered a conversation too close to someone's personal political/theological/religious black hole?

A black hole pulls in everything around it, including light. A black hole issue pulls in a person. These black hole issues start to take over people’s entire lives. You can’t talk about anything without the conversation getting sucked toward it. Thirty minutes later, you wish you had that time back. Even if you agree with him or her. Sometimes, especially if you agree, you wish you had the time back.

Too many people allow their entire lives to revolve around one issue.
Christians do this and so do non-believers.

• Abortion.
• Gay rights.
• Predestination.
• Obama.
• Worship style.
• Bush “era.”
• Money.
• The Environment.
• Tithing.
• Iraq.
• End times.

I’m not saying that these issues aren’t important. Of course they are.
I’m not saying that people shouldn’t be passionate about things. Passion makes life exciting.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t stand up for what you believe. I’m saying the opposite.

Standing up for what you believe doesn’t mean fighting every fight any more than winning a war means killing all the enemy. Killing all of the enemy is genocide. Winning a war means winning strategic points, and persuading your enemy to make peace.

But single-issue people aren’t interested in peace. They let their whole lives become dominated by fighting for one single issue. They seek out fights about it. Fighting over that issue makes them feel powerful and important. And don’t you dare try to take that away from them.

If you work, eat, sleep, and live only for one issue, I guarantee you that you are missing something that you shouldn’t be missing. God has more for you in life than that. If you can’t be friends with someone because they disagree with you on an issue, (like gun control, taxes, or the proper way to administer the ordinance of baptism) you have a problem. Especially if you are a believer. I guarantee you that Jesus didn’t agree on all the issues with all the people he partied with. He didn’t even agree with the disciples!

If you have given up on someone or something, (including friends, family, God, the church, the government), because of one single issue, wake up. God has a bigger picture for your life than any one single thing. God is bigger than your particular pet peeve or hang up. There ARE more important things, than your one thing.

Godspell Heroes Part 3

This is the third and final post of some of the table work we did for our actors in Godspell. My theme/interpretation of Godspell uses heroes as a central focus and I asked the actors to describe to me a hero of theirs as a part of developing their characters. These are their responses.

By Rebecca Lodge: Gilmer/Lady Ace

My Parents are my heroes…they have taught me the true meaning of unconditional LOVE! No matter

what is going on in my life they have always been there for me, as well as my sister! It’s like wedding vows that my parents took on the day that I was born! Through sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, as well as through the good times and the bad! They had no idea what a roller coaster ride I would be! But, they promised to love me without reservation, comfort me in times of distress, encourage me to achieve my goals, laugh with me and cry with me, grow with me in mind and spirit, always be open and honest with me, and cherish me for as long as I shall live. I know there were/are times when they should have ‘divorced’ me…given up on me, but they never have and I am truly grateful! I am very blessed with the parent’s that God has given me…they are my HEROES! I love you Mom and Dad…unconditionally!

By Brooke Sailer: Angelica

As I've gotten older, I've come to admire a very un-orthodox, but none-the-less HEROIC noble quality; let's just call him the "turn the other cheek" hero.  There's something amazing about a person who has nothing to prove...someone who can stand in the face of an accuser and not have to fight back...but walk away confidently.  It's a deep, deep courage that is so incredibly unassuming.  My grandfather was a very predominant, "successful" Senior Pastor of a church in the 1970's when his world was rocked by a public scandal.  His administrator had been stealing money from the church.  The local authorities got involved and when their case went to trial, the public quickly accussed him- my grandfather, the pastor...that he should have "noticed it" or "caught it sooner".  He was held ultimately responsible.  He maintained incredible composure as he both stood up for truth and remained humble and courageous when facing accusers.  He didn't save anybody as we might think heroes do.  But, he saved himself from saying unkind words he would have regretted later or actions that would have misrepresented his faith.  He's my hero...a man of noble qualities.

By Laura Jones: Peggy/Morning Star

Well, this may sound cliche, but my mom is one of my heroes.  She's my hero for many of the obvious reasons, but I want to share a story I've heard her tell about when I was a baby.... When I was an infant my dad was in Vietnam and my mom was in college.  One night in her apartment she was hanging out with some girlfriends listening to music when a man tried to break in.  They saw this big, hairy arm pushing through the door trying to get the chain off.  I was in the living room with them in a playpen.  My mother ran for the bedroom and all the girls followed her and shut themselves in the room.  My mom had gone in there to get her gun.  She turned around and told her friends to let her out of the room, that her baby was out there.  She went back in the living room, pointed the gun at the door, and told the guy, "I have a gun.  If you come through that door, I'm gonna pump every one of these f*****g bullets into you!"  The arm came out of the door and she could hear him running down the hallway.  My mom is my hero.

By Chelsea Duncan: Robin/Aquamarine

I've heard about and known personally families who have hit hard times, and because of the difficulties the father has left them. Sometimes the leaving isn't physical,  but mental and emotional. But abandonment is painful in any form. So I think when difficult times come to a family, and the husband/father stays physically and emotionally present and fights for his family- this is very heroic. It will affect his children for the rest of their lives and teach them how to face inevitable hardships that come to everyone.

I've been delaying this post because I could not find the hero paragraphs for my last three heroes. (Bad Director! Bad!)
But all of my cast were amazing heroes to me and I wanted anyone who is reading this to see the fantastic photos that were taken by one of the cast members, G. Marshelle Phillips.

Richard S. Blake: John the Baptist/Judas/Eclipse

Brian Cook: Jeffrey/Shellshock

Jennifer Fortson: Pharisee/Greyscale (on the left)

This show was amazing. The cast showed fantastic flexibility and creativity in creating characters for Godspell like no one has seen before. It was a smash-sell-out for the theater and a dream come true for me to direct. It is not often that I would be willing to direct a show a second time, but I love this concept of Godspell so much that I would come back and direct it again in a heartbeat. Any theater willing to take me up on it, give me call.

Godspell Heroes Part 2

This is the second in a few posts of some of the table work we did for our actors in Godspell. My theme/interpretation of Godspell uses heroes as a central focus and I asked the actors to describe to me a hero of theirs as a part of developing their characters. These are their responses.

By Dean Phillips: Herb/Awesome Man
A hero of mine, who I admire for their success and their contribution to history, is Jim Henson. Henson started his career of puppetry as a freshman in college. Jim created a cascade of unforgettable characters, including Kermit the Frog and with those characters he made a great legacy. Sesame Street and The Muppet Show on TV and the Muppet movies developed some what if a bar of quality for child entertainment. His movies The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth both had a new world inside them without the Muppet characters. However, neither did well when they first came out but later became great family films. Jim Henson is my hero because he started real humbly with small spots on variety shows then made an entire world with friends that we make as children, but keep for a lifetime. He made puppetry an actual form of art both in creation and performance. His product reinforced my morals and taught me to put value in my work.

By Ryan Amador: Jesus/Son Of Man
My hero would certainly have to be my mother, Tracy. She basically raised two kids by herself and ever since I can remember she has taught me to work hard for want you want, harder for what you need, always be respectful, never give up, and above all else, always trust in God's will. She has been my rock, she never gave up on me and my sister and has made tremendous sacrifices to give us a better life, and told me to never give up on my dreams. As I have grown and matured I realize how blessed I am to have such an unselfish, inspirational, and motivating mentor and role model so close to me.



By London Sharay: Disciple/Scarlet Dragonfly
My parents are DEFINITELY my heroes. They have given up SO much for me and my family, and yet they continue to give up more. My Mom and my Dad are two of the most godly people that I know, and they love me and my brothers will all their hearts. They are never afraid to admit when they are at fault, and they always encourage me to strive for greatness in the Lord's presence and here on earth. They are super encouraging, and never give up - even in hard times. My family has been going through difficult situations for the past few years, and my parents have continued to trust in God, walk in His steps, and comfort and encourage us kids. I am SO blessed to call them my parents. They are my heroes.

By Katreeva Phillips: Joanne/The Blue Rider
Definitely my only true hero is Jesus Christ...but if I had to choose an earthly hero, it would have to be Bernadette Peters. She has an amazing talent, and has been going strong for years despite battles and hardships. Despite belief of talent bringing ego, she has maintained a humility that is unmatched when compared to her skill. And Batman is my superhero :)

By Larry Launders: Pharisee/Longarm

Often when asked "who is my hero?" there is one name that leaps to mind. Stevie Ray Vaughan. I could write pages. Not simply just a guitar hero, no. Nor just a celebrity hero. Given his background, his dedication to his craft, his rise to fame and the obstacles and temptations that came with it, also came an honesty in every note he played, every word he sang, and he went to lengths to give musical nods to those who influenced him. As critics (if you watch the Live From Montreaux DVD) the guy from Rolling Stone put it best: "He always cited his sources." In recorded footage he also made tremendous efforts to bring others up with him. All tremendously generous acts from someone who didn't have to be, and admirable qualities. But for me, that's not what made him a true hero. In 1986, after repeated mild intervention attempts, he almost died due to his excessive alcohol and cocaine use. He entered rehab and thankfully survived, and from that point Stevie had a message. If you get your hands on the live recording of a song titled "Life Without You" (originally written as an epitaph for the owner of Charlie's Guitars in Dallas), he had a little speech toward the end of that song (about 3 minutes into that link). Rather than butcher it, I'll just copy it!

"You know, right now, the most important thing in my life is to make sure you understand that first of all, I thank God I'm alive today. And I mean that. You see, I spent too many years of my life thinking that the big party was the whole thing. It took me quite a while to realize that the real deal is to be able to be enough of a person on your own to know when somebody loves you and cares about you. You see, we are here, as far as I can tell, to help each other. Our brothers, our sisters, our friends, our enemies. That's to help each other, not hurt each other...and sometimes, to help them, we have to help ourself...so that we'll know that they're around in the first place.
You see, it's a big world out there...there's enough pain and misery in it without me going around and helpin' it out by hurting myself, and consequently, those that care about me. What I'm trying to get across to you is: Please take care of yourself and those that you love...because that's what we are here for, that's all we've got, and that is what we can take with us."

Godspell Heroes Part 1

I'm going to share in a few posts some of the table work we did for our actors in Godspell. My theme/interpretation of Godspell uses heroes as a central focus and I asked the actors to describe to me a hero of theirs as a part of developing their characters. These are their responses.

By G Marshelle Phillips: Sonia/The Red Ignitor
I've never really thought about who my hero is. And honestly, I don't know who that is. In order to completely understand my choice, I looked up in the dictionary what Hero really meant. I found 'a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his/her brave deeds and noble qualities.' I still don't know who that one person would be for me. I've had friends who have saved me out of scary situations, both physically and emotionally. I've had family members who have held me when I've scraped my knee. And I've been inspired by the confidence in some celebrities. But I still don't know who my hero is. I don't know. I just don't know. Is that wrong?

By Melanie Swenson: Pharisee/The Black Widow
True Heroes are people who make their world a better place.  People whose work, character, and spirit inspire those around them to work a little harder, be a little kinder, give a little more.  My aunt Kathy was such a person.  She spent her career caring for the town’s library, creating an anchor for her community.  She spent her free time supporting area artists, regularly attending the symphony, ballet, art galleries, and the theatre. She spent her life as a role model to others -- a cherished friend, a pillar of her community, a hard-working fund raiser and advocate for literature and the arts, strong in her faith, and devoted to making her corner of the world a better place to live.  She is my hero.

By Deena Crawford: Disciple/Queen Green
Heroes are always characterized as beings who are willing to sacrifice their wants, needs, and if necessary, their lives for the benefit of others.  The ability to have the care and discerning perception to know that the immediate is not nearly as important as the long term, or even, eternal often motivates these individuals to take action.  Superman and Batman sacrificed their personal happiness for the greater good; V from V for Vendetta and Dr. Neville from I Am Legend give their lives for the benefit of humanity; the extreme examples are endless.  On a less glorious scale, however, parents chose this sacrifice every day.  I admire the parents who chose to make hard decisions for the welfare of their children.  Heroes are the parents who provide comfort during a storm; who teach their children the importance of tenacity; who encourage compassion towards those less fortunate; who appreciate the value of a good sense of humor….who put their child’s long term, life needs ahead of their own.  Someday, I hope examples of these everyday heroes will also be endless…and we can start the list with mine, who have always been my heroes.

By Timothy Jordan: Lamar/Grenadier
Riddle Me This!
The idea of a hero for most people is someone who saves the day or a person who stands up for what is right. The Riddler does not fit into either one of these catagories.
So “why is he my hero” you ask? The Riddler is my hero because he causes Batman or anyone else for that reason to think beyond the surface. It seems as if sometimes when he thinks up his fiendish riddles he is not doing it because he wants to cause havoc to Gotham or The Batman but because he wants all of Gotham to expand their minds. To many people in today’s society take the easy way out of doing things because our society is getting lazier by the day. If we just took a day to think like the Riddler (not the genius criminal part of him but the genius part) imagine how much it would open up our mind and how much more interesting life would be. In conclusion the Riddler although his motives are messed up has a great mind that we could all learn a lesson or two to use throughout our daily lives.

Question for Church leaders...

In the time it took these kids...

...to become these kids...

...what resources have you invested in the next generation?