From Stage Fright to Spiritual Growth – A Cast Member’s Journey

For many cast members, stepping onto the stage for the first time is both exciting and terrifying.

The nerves are real. The doubts creep in. “Am I good enough?” “Will I forget my lines?” But something remarkable happens along the way.

As rehearsals progress, fear begins to give way to purpose. Lines become more than words -- they become truth. Movements become more than actions --they become worship. The heartbeat of God becomes your heartbeat too.

Actor Rob Paquette playing Jesus in the CG Passion Play

What starts as stage fright slowly transforms into spiritual growth. I recall Rob Paquette who played Jesus in our 2026 Passion Play…. Early in our production timeline we had “Jesus” already lined up to play this part and due to a medical situation in his family he had to decline playing Jesus. This same scenario happened again with our second Jesus. Then 3 weeks before our presentation our new Jesus appeared as part of our cast. He never encountered this opportunity in his life – singing, acting, learning lines in 3 weeks! Yet he humbly bowed his heart to obedience to the call God whispered in his heart.

I’ve never seen such a transformation in a character like this. He said YES, and God said I’M HERE!!

Don’t get me wrong….Rob was nervous, but he also had faith in God to see the fulfillment of God’s call. And so it may be with you, but God never fails!!!

Many cast members find themselves connecting more deeply with the story than they ever expected. Portraying these moments—the joy, the sorrow, the sacrifice—changes you. It softens your heart. It strengthens your faith. You are never the same.

And by opening night, it’s no longer about performance. It’s about sharing something real, something eternal, something life-changing.

Are you feeling the tug in your heart to step out into something you may feel is unthinkable? Jesus says to you, “Come to me!” Leave the story to Him and you will find you don’t have to act at all….you will live it !!!

Will you join us and share the live breathing story of Jesus with our community? Click the link below. You won’t be sorry you did !!

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