As many of you know, I am the president of the theatre group at Fuller Theological Seminary, The Fuller Company. When we plan shows, we open auditions to the greater Los Angeles acting community as well as the Fuller student body, for various reasons. Not too long ago, we held auditions for our latest production, and as it turns out, all three roles in the show went to actresses from outside of Fuller. Now the question came up,
“is it still a Fuller production, if none of the cast members are students?” To which I ask, are the actors in a production the only important participants? Or are the producers, directors, designers, stage managers and crew just important? Having worked previously in technical theatre as well as on stage, I will admit to you the question was entirely rhetorical. From my perspective, the “techies” and other non-acting participants are just as valuable. I think it is a healthy part of how this theatre company operates, as many of the student members intend to minister in and to the world in some way.
Why should we disconnect ourselves artistically from others who may not share our religious views? (And speaking of which, why should we jump to such conclusions—just because none of these actresses happen to currently be Fuller students is in no way any indication of that their personal beliefs happen to be.)
So, there is the question. When and where should we work with people with different beliefs than our own? Is there a benefit one way or the other? What do you think?