Come see WCA student Carter Hall in the newest STP musical!

By Evie Fordham

 

Carter's cast photo

Carter’s cast photo

Peek into just about any middle or high school class here at Wake Christian Academy, and chances are you’ll see the face of a student who participates in Garner-based Spiritual Twist Productions (STP), formerly known as Christian Youth Theatre. Rising ninth grader Carter Hall is one of these students, and he’s the only Wake Christian student with a role in STP’s annual summer musical that will take place from July 30th to August 1.

The summer musical is especially anticipated this year because it’s the premiere of Out of the Woods, a twist on the popular Broadway show and, recently, feature film called Into the Woods. Like its inspiration, Out of the Woods features a mashup of fairy tale characters, but unlike the secular version, this musical contains meaty spiritual truths and is actually a take on the book of Revelation. This production has over eighty cast members and was written by STP’s Executive Director, Natalie Snapp.

Carter will play Jesse, a character who represents Jesus Christ, and calls the role “a humbling experience.” A seven-year veteran of STP, Carter joined the troupe in the second grade and says he loves STP not only for the theatrical skills he sharpens there but also for the godly atmosphere.

“It’s like a youth group for me, and it’s a good place for fellowship,” he stated. He only has praises to sing of his castmates, saying, “Everyone at CYT is really genuinely in love with God and empty of themselves, and they’ve allowed the Spirit to come into them…  Those who aren’t like that learn to be that way through time with these people.”

Carter has enjoyed being able to take on more challenging roles as he spent more time at STP. He explained, “You start off small, and every role counts… My favorite role of all time is probably the Cowardly Lion because I like the comedic roles, but I also really liked being Bill Sykes [in Oliver Twist]… because being the bad guy stretches you.”

Carter’s parents are just as big of fans of STP as he is. His mother, Rebecca, who volunteers frequently for the organization, recognizes that through STP he can now perform or speak publicly with “ease.” But more importantly to Mrs. Hall, Carter’s developed greater spiritual maturity.

“I credit a great deal of his spiritual growth to the adult leadership and his friendships with peers within the STP family,” she shared, “Prayer and worship are such a large part of every rehearsal and especially before every performance. By volunteering, I’ve seen and heard their prayers and praises and it truly sounds like a slice of heaven.”

Additionally, Mrs. Hall is glad she and her son have witnessed the Christian leadership of STP’s Executive Director, Natalie Snapp.

“Even as an adult, it has been a remarkable experience for me to have such a godly role model. Her heart for God and others is a light that shines brightly,” said Mrs Hall, “I love to watch her as she watches the children and youth perform; they all adore her, and she adores them. It is a beautiful family relationship, and we are so very grateful to be embraced within the fold.”

To learn more about Out of the Woods, watch the trailer, or purchase tickets (which start at $5.00), click this link: http://spiritualtwist.com/upcoming-performances/

 

 

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