This book provides an approach to writing playscripts for the theatre by the Christian writer. In part one, it establishes the aesthetics of story and situates the faith-based writer within a more theoretical context. Part two examines story structure elements and tools that will equip the writer to continue her journey in realizing her full creative potential through the written word.

Throughout, the author reflects on why the preponderance of students he taught over 40 years who classify themselves as Christians rarely try and integrate their faith experience into their written creative work. In response, before concluding the author offers categories of faith and art that the writer should consider in this faith-integration journey such as worldview, sin, image making, transcendence, and mystery, among others.

Endorsements

“Dr. Elvgren has distilled a lifetime of accrued knowledge, wisdom, and experience into a practical and accessible textbook that will benefit the budding playwright and more accomplished practitioner in equal measure. Much more than paint by numbers to create a well-made play, Gil dives into the “why” behind the writing process for a richer more purposeful approach. Perhaps more than anything, I’m enamored with his organic integration of faith and art. It permeates this text because it is who Gil is as a theater maker. There is no segregation of the two. He is as much a playwright as he is a Christian and the two cannot simply be bifurcated. This benefits all of us who yearn for a seamless marriage between our faith and art.”

—Bruce Long, theater producer and Executive Director, Christians in Theatre Arts

“Dr Elvgren reminds us that we are wired (created!) for the power of story as incarnated by actors. The challenge for those of us who feel called to the theatre industry is how to bring God’s unfolding story to our broken world without diluting it to dramatic pablum or condescending PR spin. The Christian playwright, as Gil points out, can confidently tell the truth of God’s love with all the frail, sweaty, human vulnerability and Divine mystery one can muster.”

—Scott Nolte, Founder and Producing Artistic Director Emeritus, Taproot Theatre Company

“This book has much to offer for playwrights in all stages of writing development. All aspects of crafting the play, from dialogue to character development, from structure to timing are covered well.  Elvgren’s vast knowledge of the theatre is evident from the multiple examples he provides from classic and contemporary works. Elvgren’s book is much more than a “how to”, it is a deep and challenging call to create works that will prod the heart and engage the mind.  There is a vast and fun intellect behind this book and the reader is in for an adventure.”

—Richard Young, playwright, producer, professor, and author of And the Word Became Flesh: Devotionals for Theater Artists

“Gillette Elvgren’s work on playwriting changed the direction of my writing life. The lectures and playwriting exercises he presented in the classroom are also available in this rich and formidable playwriting text. These are pages for the playwright, whatever the level of experience, to garnish in and grow by.”

—Paul D. Patton, Professor Emeritus of Communication and Theater, Spring Arbor University