Blog, News and Upcoming Events
This page was last updated: November 10, 2009
"Servants By Your Grace" By Bill Cooper. To purchase the sheet music contactmasterworkproductions@yahoo.com.
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Getaway to Chipaway
The new dinner theater with original music and a message from the creative team at Masterwork Productions, written specifically for churches to present as an outreach event.
For information on how attending or to receive a reading copy contact us at masterworkproductions@yahoo.com.
Blog--
News and inspiration in the arts
The Latest in Christian Arts News
Book Reviews-- Finding the Groove by Robert Gelinas
If you have suggestions about books to review, let us know at masterworkproductions@yahoo.com!
News:
June 23, 2009
‘The Lights are Bright on Broadway’ Awards Announced
Dan Gordon, author of Broadway’s Irena’s Vow and Radio City Rockette Cheryl Cutlip, founder of Project Dance, will receive 2009 “The Lights are Bright on Broadway” awards presented by Masterwork Productions, Inc. to individuals and organizations making a difference in the Broadway community through faith.
Irena’s Vow (http://irenasvow.com/) is a play based on real life Irena Gut Opdyke, a Polish Catholic who singlehandedly saved 12 Jews from death in the Nazi camps during World War II. Irena’s vow to God not to stand by and helplessly watch as Jews are slaughtered and the faith on which she relies drive Mr. Gordon’s story.
“I am deeply honored by this award,” Mr. Gordon said. “In honoring the play of course you are honoring Irena Gut Opdyke's courage, moral rectitude and unshakable faith in her Creator, her rock and her salvation. Absent that faith she said many times she would never have been able to do all that she did. In the last conversation we had the day before she died her sole concern was "Who will tell the children when I'm gone?" My answer was "you will." That was the reason the play was written and it is my fervent hope that it will continue to tell Irena's story of faith and courage to ever wider audiences. On behalf of her family, the producers, the director, the cast and entire company of Irena's Vow thank you.”
Mr. Gordon’s award will be presented to him and the company at the conclusion of the Broadway performance this Saturday, June 27 at the Walter Kerr Theatre by Masterworks Executive Director and Broadway reviewer Lauren Yarger.
Cheryl Cutlip, following a call to “make a difference in the artistic fiber of our nation,” founded Project Dance (http://www.projectdance.com/), which has produced performance events in Times Square, Los Angeles', Hollywood and Australia's. Dance Spirit magazine has named the New York event as one of the top ten dance events in New York City. The Project Dance Studio located in Times Square trains dancers in excellence and integrity.
“Project Dance is thrilled and honored to receive this unique award,” Ms. Cutlip said. “I never imagined a day when the work of believing artists in the NYC community would be recognized in the public square. Our only hope has been to encourage dancers toward their highest potential and offer performance and training opportunities worldwide where dancers are able to express their faith in God through the gift of dance. Whether it's been a Bible study in the rehearsal halls at Radio City or a circle of prayer before a Broadway Underground show, Project Dance desires to honor God will every success within the performing arts community. Thank you for acknowledging such work and encouraging this vision and mission of Project Dance.”
Project Dance’s award will be presented at an upcoming New York event to be announced.
Masterwork Productions, Inc. is a faith based, non-profit organization which helps Christians and churches reach out through the performing arts by producing shows and events, booking artists, providing Broadway and theater reviews and training at workshops and conferences. For more information, visit http://www.masterworkproductions.org.
March 10, 2009
Ministering in Hard Financial TimesThe economy may have slowed, but the need to reach the unchurched hasn't. In fact, in these difficult times, folks need to hear about God's love and plan for their lives more than ever.
Torry Martin, award-winning actor and comedian, author of sketches for church services and writer for Focus on the Family's "Adventures in Odyssey," heard that many churches are struggling to reach out to their communities with fewer funds available. He has partnered with Masterwork Productions, Inc. to offer a special "Flat Rate Tour" for the remainder of 2009.
"Times are tough," Torry said, "but that doesn't mean people don't still need to hear about God's love. I'm happy to help wherever I can."
The Flat Rate Tour will allow churches to book Torry's "Lessons in Laughter" performance for an all-inclusive fee of $1,500 -- that includes all travel expenses. There is an even lower reduced flat rate available for churches in Tennessee as well.
"The rates might be flat, but the jokes won't be," he quipped.
Masterwork Productions, Inc. will book the flight and hotel so you don't have to. Compare this rate with other booking possibilities and you'll see this is the most cost effective way to bring a nationally known, award winning entertainer to your church.
"I can honestly say that Torry has a wonderful gift when it comes to hitting your "funny bone." Not only does he have a fantastic sense of comedic timing but he backs it up with a heartfelt message that conveys the love of Christ." -Rodney Scott, Host of "Discovery Jones", The Inspirational Network
Torry's brand of storytelling humor ran from the amusing to the downright hysterical. Perhaps the most striking thing about Torry's routine is the way he uses each of his stories to highlight a biblical principal. These lessons are not detached and distant, but connect with the hearers in a believable, relevant way." - Peter J. Isenberg, Associate Minister, New Hope Christian Church, Roanoke, VA
Torry's humor is great for an outreach event, a men's retreat or part of the Sunday service. We also have an option for combining a performance with a selection of workshops for your creative teams on:
Sketch Writing Part 1
Sketch Writing Part 2
Finding Your Calling/Discovering Your Gifts
The Art of Collaborative Writing
The Secrets to Free Publicity
Story Telling/Monologues
Comedy as Outreach
Only a limited number of performances can be accepted as Torry's writing, filming and travel schedule permits, so don't delay. Contact Masterwork Productions at masterworkproductions@yahoo.com now!
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