'A Century Of Honor' - Boy Scouts of America

What to say about this amazing production I had the privilege of being involved with? There is a lot. But, I will keep it short and sweet.

The LDS church was producing a dramatic show to celebrate their 100-year partnership with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City and had asked me if I would play the part of the Unknown Scout in England who had an impact on WD Boyce when he visited London in the 1910s.  The English scout had such a positive influence and impact on Boyce that he enquired about scouting, found our more about it and then took it back to the USA and started scouting there. 

It was such a pleasure working with Paul Walstad Jr. who played WD Boyce.  I learned so much about performing and the Gospel from him as he has had much experience in this field of work.  Him and I had great fun together, sharing opinions, thoughts and experiences and we were pleased with our scenes in the show and with how they went.  The First Presidency of the LDS church were also in attendance and there was a sublime feeling being so close to the prophet and his counselors. In total, there were 1,000 cast members in this production including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the 'Orchestra At Temple Square'.  It was broadcast live via satellite to stake centers across North America and Canada and was later shown on BYU Television channel.  Being involved in a live broadcast was very nerve racking but there was so much inspired direction, assistance and preparation that the nerves turned into love for the work we were doing.

I have personally never been affiliated in any way with scouts - it isn't that big a deal in the UK anymore - yet, I felt such a sense of belonging up on stage with all those scouts.  It think it's because I created such a bond and relationship with the cast members that I met and especially with the ensemble scouts that I worked with.  They were such fun and humble young men and they were an amazing example to me.  They honored their scout law:

To do [their] duty to God and [their] country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep [themselves] physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

I admired each of the scouts I was on stage with and although I have never done scouts, I live by very similar standards anyway.  I certainly made life-long friends on this production and people certainly had a life-long impact on me in more ways than you'd think.

The broadcast went so well and the happiness that was in the air during the performance was surprising but totally fitting.  There was no stress or tension.  Even the stage managers were relaxed and having a great time!!  The spirits were high and you could hear many young men backstage saying things like, 'can I help you... let me carry that for you... I've got your back'.  These little acts of service during what would usually be an intense environment really touched me and reminded me of how important it is to respect others and uplift them.

This is why I love this work.  I learn so much about myself.  I learn so much about others.  And most of all, I learn how to love.

You can view the full show by visiting this link: https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/watch/on-my-honor/2013/10?lang=eng

This Is The Place

I am here people!

Ahhh it feel so great to actually be here in Utah after being awake for 28 hours consecutively! I arrived on Friday night, with my friend Robin Dick who I met at London Heathrow as we both made our way to Utah for Savior Of The World (SOTW), and we were picked up at Salt Lake City airport by the producer of Savior Of The World, Kirsta Davies.

First stop: Wendy's.  I got the #5 on the menu: a baconator burger with fries, and a chocolate frosty. I knew then, that we were most definitely in the USA - it had been too long and it was the best Wendy's I have ever tasted!

Bountiful Regional Center

We were then taken straight to the Bountiful Regional Center (a large conference theatre the LDS church owns) where I had a music rehearsal with the amazing Music Director of SOTW, Gayle Lockwood.  I had been awake for 27 hours by then after a long flight however, it was a wonderful rehearsal and it hit me then that I was actually here in Utah working on this beautiful production.

As I flew from Minneapolis into the Salt Lake valley - I've got to say - I was overcome and quite emotional. Why, you ask? Well it was a clear evening and there was nothing obstructing my view of the wonderful cities. As soon as I saw this breath taking grid system of houses, skyscrapers, roads mixed with, mountains, forests and ravines, I found myself suddenly thinking deeply about the LDS pioneers who worked endlessly in a desolate valley to build a city where they could worship God and have everyone take refuge in a place where they can be sealed in a temple to their family for eternity.  I thought about how exhausted they would have been after hundreds of miles of trekking across America to the west; I thought of the mothers, fathers, and children who sadly died on the way; I thought of the unflinching faith and zealous courage of a group of humble saints who fought against every law of nature and of the natural man to have the true Gospel of Christ live on for future generations like you and I.  I truly believe that the LDS pioneers genuinely cared about our happiness and our well being.

And thus, we have this now INCREDIBLE, HUMUNGOUS, BEAUTIFUL valley developed into a wonder grid of cities full of saints living the Gospel and also wonderful people who aren't a member of the church.  It think it's fitting that non-members enjoy the city as well as members as their is a sacred spirit to be felt here and a responsibility for members to invite others to Christ.

There is truly is something special about Salt Lake City - you just feel something very special when you're here and you can see so vividly why Brigham Young, as he looked across the wilderness from the top of the valley, said: “It is enough. This is the right place. Drive on."

I love this city and I feel a sense of belonging.  It is wonderful.

General Conference in the Conference Center

I was able to attend three sessions of General Conference this weekend, with Jessica and Corinne Wadley (my American sisters who's family I am staying with) at the conference center downtown Salt Lake City (Priesthood Session, Sunday a.m. session & Sunday p.m. session).  Being in the presence of members of the city, all members of the twelve, and the noble three men of the first presidency was so, so special.  Words can't describe.  My highlight so far was hearing our beloved prophet, Thomas S. Monson, declare the truthfulness of Christ's gospel in person.  It was very powerful and very spiritual.

Today is now Monday and it's 0720am here.  I am going downtown Salt Lake today to the Church Office Building (COB) to do some work with the Director of the Priesthood Department and his colleagues.  

I love it here so much!

"Savior Of The World"

Ever since I posted up on-line that I was moving to Bountiful, USA for the next three months, everyone has become so curious and has been asking me why.  I wasn't able to officially announce my purpose in spending time in the Utah due to many different reasons, but I am able to now! I have a job in a theatre. Not front-of-house staff or working in the box office (as important as those jobs are)... In fact, I have a part in a production called 'Savior Of The World'.  What is 'Savior Of The World' I hear you ask? (Or rather I assume you ask, since I can't hear you).  Well let me share with you what this amazing production is all about:

"'Savior of the World' is a musical dramatic production produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It premiered November 28, 2000 in the Conference Centre Theatre on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah and has been presented annually during the Christmas season in the same theatre.  This sacred musical drama is foremost a testimony of Christ and His divine mission as the Savior and Redeemer of the world.  Through music and drama, the production recounts the historical events leading up to the birth of the Messiah and the events following His glorious Resurrection." (Taken from Wikipedia and LDS.org)

Wow! I can't believe that I am part of this fantastic production. None of this feels real!  I first heard some of the music from 'Savior Of The World' about three years ago and I fell in love with it.  I loved how the music allowed me to relate to 'famous' biblical characters in a way I hadn't been able to before.  As I listened to some of the songs from the production, it was almost as though characters such as Joseph (earthly father of Jesus Christ) and Thomas (Disciple of the Lord) became people I could relate to and learn from.  The music is so powerful.  Ever since I heard some of the songs, I just knew I had to be involved in this show at some point - however, I did not expect it to happen so soon! But boy, am I so grateful and extremely humbled that I have a role in the show for the 2013 season.

Let me share briefly how this all came about... Most of you will know that I was in the Core Cast for the British Pageant 2013... Some of you may or may not know that for the majority of the time the cast spent at the Pageant, we were joined by Director of the Priesthood Department for the LDS church, David Warner and his co-worker Ray Robinson.  They both seem to believe in my talents and abilities, and their love for me is nothing but humbling! I just feel so blessed to have met them. And to cut a long story short - they had me audition via Skype with the AMAZING help of Emily Wadley, who is now a dear friend of mine and my American-mom whilst I am out there, and I got a part. From the bottom of my heart I am so grateful to the wonderful saints who have worked so hard over the past few weeks to give me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

To name probably only a few of those wonderful people: Cynthia, Adele, Kay, Lewis, Emily, Gayle, Shanti, Ray, David -- THANK YOU!!  I am so grateful to all of you! (I hope I have missed no one out).

I leave on Friday the 4th of October and start rehearsals straight away.  There is a total of around 30 public performances over the November-December period.  Tickets are available very soon.  I fly home December 30th.

I am playing the parts of:
Disciple
AND
Jacob.

Oh yeah, I have been single-cast in two roles... Whaaaaat?! It is going to be hard work but I am so excited because I know that throughout the whole process that I will be growing closer to my brother, Jesus Christ and to Heavenly Father.  My testimony is going to be strengthened so much during the rehearsals and the (on average) six performances a week.  I get goosebumps just thinking about the experience I am about to have.  I don't think it has sunk in yet that I am going out there! But I'm sure it will hit me when I land in Salt Lake City and see the beautiful temple, the conference centre, the legions of people walking about in suit and tie, and when I see a small meal in McDonald's which is the equivalent of an extra-large meal here in the UK.

*********

You can keep updated during the full three months here on this blog and also look out for video blogs (video diaries) posted on YouTube three times a week.

Chronicles of an LDS Artist

Gordon B. Hinckley once said, "In all of living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."

My name is Benjamin Hunter and I am a happy member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I love my faith and I love my Heavenly Father. I am also an actor, a singer and a songwriter; officially my title is: LDS Artist (or performer). Allow me to quickly describe my life and my purpose in writing this blog...

I have always had a passion for performing, ever since I was a kid really - as cliché as that sounds. I have been singing and songwriting since I was fourteen and it's something I truly love doing as it's a way for me to express my inner-most self in an appropriate way. I studied musical theatre in Scotland, where I was born and raised, and I loved studying the art. I was taught some very important skills and technicalities to acting, dancing and singing. However, a lot changed for me as far as the arts are concerned during my time participating in the first British Pageant of the LDS church.

I portrayed Alexander Baird, one of the five youth narrators; I can truly say that during my 3 weeks spent in Chorley, England - at the British Pageant - my life was turned around. I learned the most valuable lessons of my life, so far. You may think that's a far-fetched statement because 'it is only playing a part in a production' - however, due to the fact it was a religious LDS production my testimony was strengthened and my love for God has become far greater than it ever has been. It was an honour to be involved in such a historic and life-changing event for many people, however the things I learned personally will forever stay with me.

I learned how to truly love everyone. It is a difficult thing to put into practice - but I learned how to do it. Our glorious director Alex Johns taught me this. She taught me, by example, how to be kind and how to accept all types of people with open arms.

I also learned more about the arts than I have in my whole life. I learned that the arts and more specifically theatre is a blessing to us from Heavenly Father. He has a purpose for everything. He has a purpose for theatre - a purpose that is so sacred. I learned what that purpose was during those three weeks in Chorley: to uplift and strengthen others and to bring them to Christ. I learned that theatre can have an eternal perspective. How grateful I am to David Warner, Ray Robinson and Alex Johns (along with some others) for teaching me this and helping me understand/realise this.

Those lessons are so important to me. I want to perform for the rest of my life and more specifically, for my church; for the Lord. He blessed me with my talents and abilities and I feel so humbled by that. I feel prepared for this kind of work and I feel as though I've found my calling in life!

I am moving to Bountiful, Utah, USA on the 4th October to be involved in more of this sacred work and how grateful I am for this opportunity. I get choked up thinking about the experience I am about to have. I feel like the more I do theatre for the Lord, the closer I am to Him and to Heaven. That's how fulfilling this work is. It is so beautiful and it makes me happy. I love it. It is fun. It is glorious. It is my life.

I will forever stand by that statement by President Hinckley! We of course, have great trials before us that we must overcome; however positivity and a trust in the Lord is so important. There is no point in just getting through life for the sake of getting through it!! We have to enjoy it and love it; love others; love the beauty of the earth; love the Lord; love His plan.

My goal and aim in life is to try and inspire others, make them happy and uplift them. No one deserves to be unhappy! We must strive to be better people everyday. I know this to be completely true.

I hope you enjoy reading my blog entries and, reading about my experiences in the USA and in the theatre. God bless you.

[ Photo by Marie Barber; Benjamin Hunter rehearsing at The British Pageant 2013 ]