On April 7–8, Andrews University will host the fourth annual Easter Passion Play. This year several changes have been implemented to ensure a smoother production. Ticket registration is now available online, using a confirmation number to assure places on the tour. A registration form is available on the official website: http://passionplay.andrews.edu.
Registration includes a wristband, which acts as a pass for the buses and the tour. "Be sure to keep your wristbands on throughout the entire play,” advises Richard Parke, director of this year’s play. “Roman guards may ask to see your 'pass.’” Also new this year, guests will begin the tour in the Howard Performing Arts Center, instead of Pioneer Memorial Church, in order to allow for a better rotation flow and to accommodate those in wheelchairs or strollers. As a result, parking at the church will no longer be available. The marketplace location will move to the west side of the Seminary, but will still include crowd favorites such as the live animals and miscellaneous, interactive booths. The new Last Supper scene will be entirely contained in a 48-foot semi trailer, and Parke reported that a new resurrection scene will be constructed for “authenticity as well as structural improvements.”
There have also been changes in Passion Play administration. Richard Parke, director; Krystal McKenzie, assistant director and marketing director; Saba Gashugi, drama director; and Ean Nugent, assistant drama director, are amassing volunteers using an online volunteer database. This allows potential participants to see what positions are available and will be an organized source of information for visitors on the website. The fund-raising director position is new this year, “created to help us keep the play improving from year to year,” Parke explained. Overall, Parke wants to “raise the level of quality and communication with what we are doing.”
Bonnie McLean, University Relations student news writer
