A Brief History of STP
Spiritual Twist Productions began as a summer children’s theater workshop in 1987 in Fuquay-Varina. Natalie Snapp, the ministry’s founder, responded to a need in the community – parents wanted their children to experience theater in a Christian context bringing glory and honor to God. She began writing her own material, spiritually twisting fairy tales, literary stories, and Bible accounts, and creating real theater that offers students the opportunity to grow in their faith and share the gospel on stage.
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What began as a small summer ministry blossomed into year-round classes that grew little by little every year. Classes rehearsed in spaces in Fuquay and later moved to Angier. Productions were hosted by local churches, and audiences traveled to wherever the next performance might be. After almost 25 years, Spiritual Twist Productions was blessed to find its permanent home in the former Victory Church building on Aversboro Road and received its 501(c)(3) non-profit status shortly thereafter.
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Currently, Spiritual Twist Productions is a hub of activity, with over 200 students learning each week in eight classes that serve ages 4-18. Classes begin in September each year, and every class produces a major musical in the spring. There is a class for young actors (ages 4-8), homeschool classes, afterschool classes, and classes in the evenings for teens. Adults can revisit their high school production days in Spiritual Twist’s unique adult class that begins in March and produces a show each June.
One of the highlights of the ministry is the leadership opportunities that it affords to teens. Each class is staffed with TTAs (theater teaching assistants) who mentor younger students, praying with them and teaching skills that are valuable both on and off stage. In 2019, STP was pleased to present the premiere productions of Never After and Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, musicals written by STP graduates. Included in our current season are musicals written by STP graduates and directors, along with favorites from our founder.
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Directors are carefully chosen for their skills in theater, their love for students, and their faith in Jesus Christ. Directors, assistant directors, and TTAs are trained on site, and there is a 1:6 volunteer to student ratio for younger classes. Students receive training in acting, voice, and dance each week, and there is a gospel-centered devotion given at the beginning of each class.
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Families are encouraged to volunteer on their child’s production, serving in one of the many production areas, and joining the strong community of faith that is another ministry highlight.
Please take a look at current registration opportunities under the “Join a Class or Camp” tab. In addition to theater classes, there are opportunities to take art and design, tap, voice, piano, and summer camps. Our camps feature creative learning experiences in a variety of areas including dance, art, acting, and mini-productions!
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Spiritual Twist Productions…speaking truth, sharing hope, creating community!!