Interview:
Although Evon is new to the Drama Guild, she's not new to drama, and we've found her enthusiasm, ideas and dedication an asset to the ministry. Evon has a great sense of humor and we look forward to working with her on a number of projects in the coming months. Currently, Evon and Erik Singman are rehearsing for a performance of What are the Odds?, based on a skit by Bob Snook.

Evon isn't one to try and grab the spotlight, but we managed to corner her and ask a few questions. We're hoping to include her first skit with the Drama Guild in an upcoming podcast, but to make sure you don't miss it, mark your calendars for August 27th (Meadows Fellowship 10:30 am service).

DG: Ok, Evon, we'll go easy on you for a few questions, and then dig deeper for something we can blackmail you with later on. (About this point, Evon was looking nervous and hoping Erik would bail her out, or maybe there would be a power outage so she could sneak away.) Could you speak up, I want to make sure the camcorder is getting all this. (laughter)

Evon: (Smiling) You're not recording this are you? (Get's up) I don't think I want to -

DG: Recording? Of course not! No. Never, but please, sit right there and look toward the camer--, um, so, tell us, Evon, what's your favorite movie?

Evon: Phantom of the Opera.

DG: Ok, who's your favorite actor or actress?

Evon: A favorite? I don't have one - I'm really just not a groupie. I don't follow actors or actresses, but I really like Matthew McConaughey. He was in "Sahara" and a bunch of other movies.

DG: (Ok, so I spent 3 minutes trying to get the name straight so I could look him up on the internet. Never heard of him - guess I'm not a groupie either, but then this ministry keeps me pretty busy. Mental note to get out more often.) Alright then, if you had to be a cartoon character, which one would you choose?

Evon: (Without hesitation) Cinderella.

DG: Cinderella? Ok, so if you had a chance to be in only 1 hollywood movie, which one would you pick, and what character?

Evon: Maybe Cinderella? I can't remember the name of the movie (she started trying to tell me actors, scenes, started singing the theme song, then broke down laughing. Erik was cracking up in the background and I guess my jaw must have dropped and she figured out I was clueless or something. Smart girl). Actually, The Passion of the Christ. I'd have loved to be in that movie.

DG: What part?

Evon: There were really only two. Two major parts.

DG: (I get to edit what I say - and I did, since I'm an oddball, and made some dumb remarks about how there were thousands of parts, but finally agreed there were only a few really biggies.) Which one?

Evon: Mary, mother of Jesus. I know it would have been a difficult part, but I would have liked to play it because it's the closest thing in hollywood to come close to [biblical]. It wasn't completely scriptural, but it was a good start. It touched a lot of people. Made people think.

DG: Alright. What's your favorite verse in the bible?

Evon: (She wanted to look it up to get it perfect, and I could tell right away it was very special to her. I couldn't write notes down fast enough - that verse has so much meaning for her that I will barely scratch the surface of her response) Zeph. 3:17. This verse came to me right before I was going on a missions trip. I was going to Costa Rica and I was up all night struggling, talking to the Lord. The Holy Spirit said everything is going to be alright. He led me to this (she read it for me. I've read the bible many times, but I don't remember it. Look it up. Very cool!)

It was like a bell going off in my head. I never realized God sings. I looked up the word, rejoice. This verse is so powerful because the word means to spin with violent motion. I woke up thinking if He sings, does he dance too? When I get to heaven, I want to sing and dance with the Lord. He told me I didn't have to wait until heaven. I can do it right now! This whole book is about being obedient to God and this [obedience] makes him so happy he rejoices over us with singing!

DG: Wow, Evon. I'll have to look that one up again. By the way, I don't write fast, so I only caught maybe half of what you said, but I'll let you check this later, in case I'm off base (you're reading this, so while I didn't capture everything she said, I guess I'm safe. Evon didn't quit the Drama Guild or threaten me with bodily violence. Life is good!) So, Evon, why are you working with the Drama Guild instead of one of the local theater groups?

Evon: Because the Drama Guild is Christian, and promotes the word of God. Some of the local acting groups are worldly, and I want to use my acting talent for the Lord.

DG: Evon, what's the #1 thing you want to get out of the Drama Guild ministry?

Evon: I think it's a good experience for me and it's such a joy for me to just be able to use a talent that the Lord has given me - to be able to express that. I hope it blesses people, but I know God blesses those who serve him also. When you are faithful in little, then God continues to bless you in bigger things - I want to do something that will grow and expand and bless others in a bigger way - to reach people in a medium that can affect more people than I could ever reach one on one.

DG: Good point. And the podcasts will help with that as well. Thanks, Evon. I appreciate your time! (There's a funny situation that occurred that interrupted the tail end of our interview, but I'll let Evon or Erik decide whether or not to reveal that one - I don't want to push my luck!)

Interview by Bob Whitely (8/12/06)