Gather at our Downtown Campus on Sundays at 9:30a or 11a or online at 9:15a, 11a, or 5p.
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The Story

Wonder

Mus The Story Wonder 2022 Star Hd

Fri, Dec 9 @ 7p • Sat, Dec 10 @ 2p • Sat, Dec 10 @ 7p
Tickets available beginning Tue, Oct 11


Dear Houston's First family,

Christmas at Houston’s First has always been special, and this year is no exception. We are bringing a brand new Christmas experience to Houston’s First with The Story – WONDER.

Taking place in the heart of Houston, WONDER immerses our audience in the excitement of Christmas as they become an interactive part of the show. This adds a new element of fun for our cast and choir as we share the storytelling with live narration, dancing, and audience props for all ages. That’s right! The audience will have props, too. With characters like Toy Soldiers, Santa, and our Little Drummer Boys, the fun of Christmas is sure to entertain even our smallest little wonderers in attendance. As the story unfolds, angels will fill the skies to share the news of the birth of Jesus.

We all know there are no white Christmases in Houston, but, we have our own traditions that make a Houston Christmas unlike any other place on earth. Join the team for The Story and be a part of all the surprises and fun as we marvel in the WONDER of the story of Christmas!


Jeff Bumgardner
Minister of Worship & Arts

Introducing Wonderland

Beyond the wonder presented on stage in the Worship Center, guests to The Story – WONDER can also experience Wonderland — a fun-filled festival taking place before each of our three presentations. Presented by our NextGen Ministries and included with their ticket to the show, Wonderland will have opportunities for volunteers to serve our guests as they enjoy Christmas-themed fun and games before experiencing The Story – WONDER!

Join The Team

Explore the different volunteer opportunities below — before the show or during the show, on stage or behind the scenes. Then, complete the interest form to take the next step. If you're not sure which team is right for you, select "I need help choosing where to serve" on the form and you'll be presented with questions designed to help you make a selection.

Dance Auditions

Sun, Sep 11, 2022 @ 1:30p — The Loop (Worship Center)
7401 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024

Whether you have mad dance skills OR you just love to tap your toe to a good beat, we would LOVE for you to attend Dance Auditions for The Story - Wonder. Our amazing choreographer, Lezlie Clay, will teach everyone a routine, give you time to practice it a bit, and then ask you to perform the routine with a group to the best of your ability. The audition is lots of fun, and it is for people of all skill levels! The only skill required is a smile and a willing attitude to learn! Please give it a try!

Auditions will begin at 1:30p on Sun, Sep 11, in the Worship Center at The Loop. Following our general audition will be an advanced audition (estimated from 4–6p) for a specific contemporary/lyric number. If you are an advanced dancer, please plan to come at 1:30p and stay until 6p.

We are casting at least 4 dances; only 1 of which is considered “advanced.” One of the dances is a Country Western line dance (and maybe a Texas 2-Step, if we get enough couples). The audition isn’t just for the “young” people or those who are “dancers.” This is truly an audition for everyone! If you have questions contact Marsha Taylor at Marsha.Taylor@HoustonsFirst.org

The Story Team

Cast and Crew

Before the Show

Costumes — ❉ Create and repair costumes for cast members. You do not need to have your own sewing machine — we have several at the church for use. There are projects which can be taken home. You do not have to know how to sew — there are projects for non-sewers.

Set Fabrication — ❉ Make sets and/or props for the presentations. Two teams will come from this — making props/sets. Volunteer should have their own set of tools. This could also involve painting.


❉ College age or older.

Interest Form

Behind the Scenes

Production — ❉ ❖ Assist with backstage production needs, including flying assisting, stage loading and unloading and much more during presentations. Requires advanced training.

Stage Crew — ✧ ❖ Move props and sets on stage during presentations.

Makeup — ✧ Apply cast member make-up for dress rehearsals and presentations. Should have basic skills in make–up application, but specific theatrical techniques will be taught.

Animals — ✧ Assist professional animal handlers with animals used in Live Nativity. Involves feeding, gathering, walking with cleaning up after animals as needed.


❉ Must be college age or older.
✧ Must be college age or older, OR in High School Elevate program with approval from Nikki Moss, Elevate Student Worship Director: Nikki.Moss@HoustonsFirst.org
❖ Must be willing to attend most rehearsals and all performances.

Interest Form

On Stage

Acting / Cast — ❖ Be on stage in various roles (mostly non–speaking) and choreographed dance numbers (if desired).

Choir — ❉ ❖ Sing in the Choir by attending regular Choir rehearsals at The Loop every Wednesday from 7–8:30p. Must be college age or above. No audition required.

Orchestra — ✧ ❖ Audition to play in the Orchestra. Audition required: Contact Tim Cates, Minister of Instrumental Worship: Tim.Cates@HoustonsFirst.org

Students (6th–12th Grades) — Elevate provides a way for students to participate in The Story – Wonder. Meets Sunday afternoons beginning Sep 11 from 1–2p at The Loop. Requires a meeting with Nikki Moss and her approval prior to being added to The Story – Wonder.

Children (1st–5th Grades) — Children can participate in through Uplift Kidsʼ Choir. Wednesday evening rehearsals from 6–6:50p begin Wed, Aug 24 at the Loop. Parents may sign up their child online, and will be contacted by Brittany Reeves, Uplift Kidsʼ Choir Director


❉ Must be college age or older.
✧ Must be college age or above, OR in High School Elevate program with approval from Nikki Moss, Elevate Student Worship Director: Nikki.Moss@HoustonsFirst.org.
❖ Must be willing to attend most rehearsals and all performances.

Interest Form

During the Show

Box Office — ❉ Assist patrons purchasing tickets in person beginning one hour before each presentation. Training will be provided.

Guest Experience — ❉ Welcome patrons to and assist them throughout their time on campus. Must attend a training session prior to the performance.

Wonderland — # Welcome guests and operate stations at a fun-filled festival taking place at The Loop just prior to each performance.


❉ Must be college age or older.
# Must be at least 11 years old and CYSNA-certified.

Interest Form

Be a part of The Story!

What part will you play in The Story? Complete the interest form below to take the first step toward joining the cast and crew of The Story – WONDER!