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In the Motion Picture technique, a Bible passage or story is distilled into a series of simple lines, with each line accompanied by a gesture. When the lines and gestures are performed rhythmically by a group of actors, the passage is transformed into a picture that moves.

There are two ways to use the technique. One employs a narrator reading the passage as the actors, one at a time, interpret the text with their lines and actions. If the audience is already familiar with the story to be presented, however, the actors can simply perform their parts without a narrator.

Telling a Story without a Narrator:

• Select a scripture passage or story to present. For example, “The Miracle of the Feeding of the Five Thousand.”

• Line up your actors, shoulder to shoulder, facing the audience.

• The first actor in line creates a spoken line and a gesture that starts the story. For example, they say the line “I’m hungry” over and over in rhythm as they rub their stomach with a repeated gesture.

• After the first actor has performed their line and action three times, the second actor layers a new line and action on top of the first actor’s line—a new line that furthers the story. For example, the second actor begins to say “What shall we feed them?” repeatedly in rhythm as they hold their palms up and shrug their shoulders. The first actor should continue their line and gesture, but lower their volume so the new line can be easily heard.

• After the second actor has performed their line and action three times, the third actor adds a new line and action on top of the first two. For example, they repeat “Five loaves and two fish?” in rhythm, accompanying it with the gesture of holding up five fingers on one hand and two on the other. The first two actors continue their actions and lines at a lower volume when the new actor comes in.

• The pattern is repeated down the line of actors until all the actors are rhythmically saying lines and actions simultaneously that tell the whole story.

• Once all the actors have chosen a line and action to perform, add a beginning and ending to the presentation. To start the performance, ask all your actors to lower their heads and stand with their arms at their sides until it is time for their part. When their turn comes, they should raise their heads and perform confidently till the end of the scene. To end the presentation, all the actors should freeze in place when the final actor has said their line three times.

Adding a Narrator or Reader:

• The actors can be arranged in an interesting picture with levels.

• The narrator begins reading the passage or story. After each line, they pause as the next actor in the group joins in with their chosen action and line.
  

  By adding a reader, you can use the Motion Picture technique not just with stories, but also to present other parts of scripture—psalms, or epistles, or just words of instruction. And the lines and actions of the actors actually become an interpretation or response to the reading.

Notes:

If the schedule is tight, the director can assign pre-determined lines and gestures to each actor. If you have more time, however, you can let the actors reflect on the passage and come up with their own lines and actions. In that case, the process of creating the presentation becomes just as meaningful as the finished product.

The Motion Picture technique can also be used as a kind of Bible study. Once people see how it works, divide into groups and assign each group a passage to present. Within each group, the members work together to discuss the passage and distill it into the simple lines and actions for each person to perform. When the task is completed, everyone comes back together to share their interpretations

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