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
