Touring
Here’s what people are saying about Acacia Touring:
- “Something powerful happened!”
- “You touched the core of our souls.”
- “You had our people in awe at the meaning of the message.”
- “We continue to support the wonderful work you are doing as a Christian Theater in the community.”
- “A very professional and meaningful program.”
Beginning as a touring company, Acacia performed at schools and churches throughout the Greater Milwaukee area. The company continues to tour today and has performed for thousands of people in countless schools, retirement communities and churches of every denomination. For information about bringing an Acacia touring show to your organization, call (414) 744-5995 or email office@acaciatheatre.com.
TOURING SHOWS
Biblical Characters
Handmaid of the Lord
By Janet Peterson
Acacia’s most popular touring show, this original one-woman show recounts the life of Jesus through the eyes of his mother, Mary. Shortened versions available for Christmas and Easter. (30 or 60 minutes)
Fish Eyes
By Ted Swartz & Lee Eshleman
A hit in Acacia’s 2014-15 season, this play has “humor, pathos and amazing grace” (Journal Sentinel). The eternal story of Jesus as told through eyes of two fishers-of-men, Peter and Andrew, an odd pair who hilariously misunderstand their Lord as they earnestly attempt to follow his call. (Optional intermission. Length of play without intermission: ~65 minutes.)
Noah & the Rainbow
By Jon Pawinski Layton
Meet the wise-cracking Noah, his wife and some animals as they come to understand the covenant of the rainbow. (20 minutes)
Jonah…and Friends?
By Jon Pawinski Layton
Everyone has heard of the whale, but how did Jonah get thrown into the sea to begin with? This story stresses God’s forgiveness to those who repent of their sins. (20 minutes)
King of Kings, Prince of Peace
By Jon Pawinski Layton
God is incarnated as a man to reunite humanity in this encouraging and joyful journey that is closely based on the biblical Sermon on the Mount. (15 minutes)
Christmas Shows
Blessed Christmas
By Jon Pawinski Layton
Can the true meaning of the Incarnation be discovered when four people are trapped in an elevator on Christmas Eve? (20 minutes)
Christmas Past
By Scott Nolte
A beautiful trio of legends and stories that touch the very heart of Christmas. (20 minutes)
See also Handmaid of the Lord and Fish Eyes and The Tale of the Three Trees.
Lenten / Easter Shows
Cross Purposes
By Jeff Barker
A heartwarming retelling of the events of Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem, as told through the eyes of a merchant, the soldiers, Judas and two bumbling con artists. (45 minutes)
Claudia
By Lawrence G. Enscoe
Pilate’s wife recounts her dream and begs her husband to set Jesus free. (15 minutes)
See also Handmaid of the Lord and Fish Eyes and The Tale of the Three Trees.
Shows for Any Occasion
The Water Cooler
By Chuck Neighbors
A contemporary imagining of the parable of the woman at the well. (15 minutes)
The Tale of the Three Trees
By Tom Long
Three trees take part in the life and death of Jesus. Also suitable for Christmas and Easter. (10 minutes)
A Day at the Bus Stop
By Tom Long
A person waiting at a bus stop is challenged by a stranger who claims to be Jesus. (10 minutes)
The Lord’s Prayer
By Tom Long
If God talked out loud what would He tell you? (10 minutes)
The Parable of the Lighthouse
By Tom Long
A lighthouse becomes so successful that it discontinues life saving operations. (10 minutes)
Joy Full
By Melinda Rhodebeck
In the dark of doubt, a woman finds joy in the Lord of love. Inspired by the hymn “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.” (15 minutes)
Voices of Hope
Arranged by Janet Peterson
A poetry reading consisting of varied poets from classical to contemporary, all reflecting and inspiring hope. (Customizable length)
Shorter shows may be combined. All Biblical Characters shows are also suitable for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the audience size requirement?
We have performed for every size group from small Bible studies to auditoriums. We can help you find a show that would be a perfect fit for your event/group!
Is there a required size for the stage/performance area?
While many of our shows can be flexible when it comes to the amount of space the actors have to perform in, there are a few shows that have sets, props, or blocking requiring a certain amount of unimpeded space. Acacia’s Administrator can provide more specifics.
How far can your shows travel from the Milwaukee area?
Though many of our touring productions happen in the Milwaukee area, we have done shows all across Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. Please bear in mind that depending on how far the actors live from the desired performance location, there may be a travel stipend added to the cost of the show. If a show is a considerable distance away, it will be necessary to pay for lodging for the actors.
What is the age appropriateness of your shows?
While all of our shows are family friendly, they are not recommended for groups of small children.
When do the actors usually arrive for a touring performance?
Acacia’s actors will arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled performance time, although some shows require set-up and sound check before the event begins.
What is a talkback?
For many of our touring shows, Acacia offers the audience the opportunity to have a quick time of questions and answers with the actors themselves directly following the performance. It is free of charge, and it is also not required.
Is our group allowed to charge for tickets to one of Acacia’s touring shows?
Yes, you may charge for tickets, but the ticketing, promotion, and payments must be COMPLETELY handled through your organization. Another idea that some groups have used is asking people to bring items for a food or clothing drive in exchange for a ticket to the show.
Do the actors need anything at the performance space?
We ask that you have a private room for the actors to change, run lines, mentally prepare for the performance, and safely keep their personal belongings during show.
Are microphones required for the actors?
Generally, our actors do a great job of projecting their voices to fill the performance space without needing a microphone, but we do understand that certain larger performance locations will require using them. Acacia does not provide any mics that may be needed for the performance.
Are there sound or video requirements for any of the shows?
At this time, there are no shows with video requirements, but there are shows that have sound effects. If your location does not have a sound system, we have alternate means.
Should I prepare seats or place settings at our event for the actors/production crew?
Generally, the actors are preparing before the show, and they have to change and put away props and set materials after the show, so usually the answer is no.
Do you ever do touring performances of your mainstage shows?
We are unable to tour with any shows that are not listed above, though several of our mainstage actors do perform in our touring shows!
Who do I contact about having one of Acacia’s touring shows perform for our group?
Please send an email to Acacia’s Administrator, David, at office@acaciatheatre.com or you can call our office at 414-744-5995. We look forward to creating unforgettable memories with your group!
