When you come to church on Sunday, you’ll notice that Hudson Hall has undergone a transformation. Our stage will look more like 16th century Italy than 21st century McLean. Shakespeare Opera Theatre has, once again, taken up residence at St. Thomas, and will be here from now until mid-July.

Here are three reasons why it’s a gift to have a local non-profit theater company in residence at St. Thomas several times per year.

First, it’s good for our building to be used more than just on Sundays. We’ve got a beautiful space and its good stewardship to have our space used when it would otherwise be sitting empty.

Second, Shakespeare Opera Theatre pays performers from around the country and around the world to perform. And they offer internships for high school and college students who wish to work in theater, so that they can gain real experience in a professional setting. Those of us who came to grill night last Sunday got a chance to meet some of the performers and interns and welcome them into the wider St. Thomas community.

Finally, hosting the performances in Hudson Hall is an evangelism opportunity. Each night of the performance we welcome 50-60 people into our space. Lori always welcomes them to St. Thomas and invites them to get to know us as a congregation. Before and after the performance, as well as during intermission, we have the chance to mingle with those we don’t know and get to know them. Joshua would call these potential evangelism moments! We always get a shout out in the printed programs.

If you stop by St. Thomas and see people in the building you don’t recognize, say hello! You might meet a cast member walking from one part of the building to another, or one of the interns working on costumes.

And of course, do plan to attend one of the performances at St. Thomas – July 14, 15, or 16! You’ll be so impressed by the talent of these performers and the quality of the performance!

The Very Rev. Fran Gardner-Smith, Rector