By SEAN

It all begins and ends with GOD. So we pray a lot about what story we will do and what message we want to express.

We believe that GOD is the most creative person and so He is the one who inspires us. Usually we have a story team that is praying for a spark of inspiration and creativity.  And literally, sometimes, GOD brings it during the most random times. It could happen while dreaming or while listening to a sermon or watching a clip on youtube... it just hits you! And over the years, I’ve learned to write it down immediately! :) And more often than not, it is from that moment where we weave a story and the message is formed.

Sometimes, I get an image of the ending of story or the climax. Whichever, I use it as a launching pad to create a story that I believe is inspired by GOD alone. We then work out a bone structure of the scenes and a general outline of how the story will play out. (emotion/mood of the scene, the action and possible dance styles)

Next, we research and find music that fits the mood and dance style we want to incorporate. Then, we pitch the vision of the story to the choreographers, production design crew and other MS Officers. From that moment on, each team gets to work.

During this process, the choreographers try to create a dance that fits the mood and intention of the scene of the story and message. I will then evaluate if the dance fits the vision and message of the story we had intended. (Now, there are many times where the choreography is REALLY good or not as good and it doesn’t support the Story and Message. At which point, we need to decide whether to cut that dance or adjust the Story to fit that dance. Yes! This can be very challenging but it is very essential to assess before teaching the members the dance. And you must do this with love and respect as it takes a LONG time to come up with choreography.)

So, after the choreography is somewhat set. We teach the members. And wait until everyone gets the moves down. Then, you see the dances in sequential order to see how the flow is and the energy it expresses. Do the dances move the Story line along? Does the dancing support the vision of the Message? (Again, here, you may need to adjust the choreography or the Story. But one thing I’ve learned is that whoever the director/producer is, they must for the most part, stick to their guns with the message and general direction of the Story they were originally inspired by! They must believe that GOD gave it to them for a reason.)

Once all this is established, and the dancing is on its way to perfection, we put the dancing and Story together. This will usually take about 1.5 weeks. During this time, MANY changes will take place. There has to be transitions that make the Story flow and acting to make the Story come alive. We’ve found that the dances that move the Story along are the ones that help the Message to be more clear! And though good dancers are needed, dancers who can ACT are even better!

All in all, we’ve tried many different methods with Story writing and directing- one person, teams of people, hiring outside sources. However, ultimately, you’ll need one person who has the vision and sees it and believes in it from beginning to end. The director will face many doubts and questions but they are the ones who must pray the most and trust in God the most to make sure it is from GOD. This is the only assurance that it will be executed faithfully. There will be many times the Story writer and director will want to quit and feel like he/she is alone in this whole process. And when it doesn’t come out the way it’s suppose to, they will be the first ones to get the blame. :) However, in the midst of writing the Story and directing it until the end, GOD will guide them while breaking them to the point where they will absolutely need GOD’s help to finish the Story. And this by far is the most blessing element of directing and writing the Story. YOU get to experience and encounter GOD and see Him at work. You will quickly recognize who the REAL Director and Producer and Story Writer IS- THE LORD, Himself!