By Kelline Linton, Staff Writer

The spiritual drama group Seekers of the Word staged an extra audition this school year in search for male actors.

The organization usually has try-outs only during the fall semester, but they recently had another audition in hopes of increasing shrinking ranks, especially in the male category. The troupe had only three male actors in the 11-student group by the end of last semester.

“It did not seem appropriate to have a girl dress as Jesus,” said two-year director Krystal Krieg, senior youth and family ministry major from Plano.

Twelve students attended spring auditions, and seven were accepted, including five men.

“Auditions were really good,” said assistant director Erica Sindley, freshman art major from Bakersfield, Calif.

The try-outs involved an informational form, creative scene acting and a personal interview session. The interview was a major point of the audition, as judges questioned spiritual growth and ministry involvement.

The group now has eighteen actors from a variety of majors; incidentally, none of the students are theatre majors.

Seekers practice several Saturdays each semester and almost every Wednesday. This drama group has very distinct practice methods. The actors do not read scripts but are shown the scenes by others. They learn by example as they watch the performances, and then gradually substitute themselves into the skits.

“This method allows for more creativity. We don’t change the theology, but become our own characters,” Sindley said. “This builds more community and trust, which is a part of any ministry.”

Abby Loe, president and junior psychology major from Canyon, said the group is like a family.

“We get to reach out to others, but we also help each other grow,” Loe said. “I always turn to this group in rough times.”

Seekers of the Word writes the majority of the skits its members perform. Some are dramatic, others comical, but all are based on biblical teachings. The group brainstorms as a whole during most Saturday practices.

“We spend time getting an idea for scripture,” Krieg said. “We want to outreach to smaller congregations that don’t see a lot of drama; we want to be uplifting.”

The group will attend a retreat this weekend in Glenrose and perform skits for younger children.

“We want to let them see Christian college students,” Krieg said.

They also are scheduled to help with Disciple Now curriculum in Fort Worth later this semester and will visit two churches in Amarillo this April.

Seekers of the Word will perform in Moody Chapel this semester.

“Students should come out and see,” Sindley said.