What is the definition of a Passion Play? - The Passion Trust

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What is the definition of a Passion Play?

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What is the definition of a Passion Play?

PT Admin

March 2, 2023

Actors portraying Jesus and two others are hung on a cross. Photo set against the West Pier on Brighton seafront during a Passion Play that took place at Easter in 2011

Finding a definition of a passion play is easy. However it is not always easy to fully capture what a Passion Play really is because you need to experience it for yourself to truly understand it.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a Passion Play is a play representing scenes connected with Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion.

According to Britannica Dictionary, it is a play about the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.

To offer another definition of a Passion Play; it tells the Easter story of the last week of Jesus’ life, his death and his resurrection. Many people experience the Easter story for themselves by watching a free live performance in their city centre. Other people experience the story of Easter by joining the large volunteer casts and taking part in the live performances.

Many Passion Plays tell the story of Jesus, his love and forgiveness, in a unique way for each different local community, with the Easter story adapted to the specific history and needs of the specific community.

There is no better way to experience the Easter story than by watching a Passion Play for yourself! Find a play near you this coming Easter.

Image courtesy of Keith Blundy | aegies.com

Tags: Bible Community death Easter story free theatre Gospel Jesus life Love Passion passion play Performance play plays story of Easter

Is fundraising like online dating?

Just like online dating, trying to find the right match among so many different trusts and funding charities is the key!

Once you find trusts and funders who are of a similar mindset and value the things you value, you are well on the way to a perfect match.

How do we find those funders?

The Charity Commission’s Register of Charities allows you to search for free by using filters to narrow your search. (Remember, Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate registers.)

Funding Central is another register that is free to access.

For a more expensive option, you can try the Directory of Social Change’s Funds Online website which is regularly updated.

Since Passion Plays bring many churches of all denominations together, your diocese can be a good source of information and signposting. For example, see the Diocese of Bristol and their list of funders here. www.bristol.anglican.org/documents/diocesan-funding-guide/

The Christian Funders’ Forum is also a useful source.

How do we let funders know our project is a good match for them?

Now is the time to do some research and really think about compatibility with the funders you are researching.

You can research their online content, websites, and also Further information will be inread through their annual reports published on the Charity Commissions website (click ‘Documents’ tab). These annual reports will give useful imformation about projects they have previously funded.

A quick phone call can also be helpful in establishing contact and goodwill as you will be able to find out more about them and let them know what you do.

Remember here that one of the key elements is timing! Some funders have a set application process that requires you to apply before a deadline. Other funders have trustees’ meetings at set times during the year and those times are good to work with.

The timing of your project also matters. Some funders like to fund projects in the early stage of development, while others like to give funding when they see other funders have already contributed.

There is a lot to think about with fundraising! But Passion Plays are such unique projects that it can also be an enjoyable process. Many funders like to hear about large community arts events that tell the Easter story in fresh and inspiring ways. Not only do Passion Plays have large outdoor audiences across the UK each Easter, they are also unique spaces of community, skill-sharing, mentoring and investing in the lives of volunteers across all sections of society. They are more than a one-off performance and the impact spreads across the whole community for many months.

If you want more help with fundraising, we have plenty more tips and advice on our website here.

You can also find lots of helpful tips and advice at The Benefact Trust here or click on the image below.

Is fundraising like online dating?

Just like online dating, trying to find the right match among so many different trusts and funding charities is the key!

Once you find trusts and funders who are of a similar mindset and value the things you value, you are well on the way to a perfect match.

How do we find those funders?

The Charity Commission’s Register of Charities allows you to search for free by using filters to narrow your search. (Remember, Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate registers.)

Funding Central is another register that is free to access.

For a more expensive option, you can try the Directory of Social Change’s Funds Online website which is regularly updated.

Since Passion Plays bring many churches of all denominations together, your diocese can be a good source of information and signposting. For example, see the Diocese of Bristol and their list of funders here. www.bristol.anglican.org/documents/diocesan-funding-guide/

The Christian Funders’ Forum is also a useful source.

How do we let funders know our project is a good match for them?

Now is the time to do some research and really think about compatibility with the funders you are researching.

You can research their online content, websites, and also Further information will be inread through their annual reports published on the Charity Commissions website (click ‘Documents’ tab). These annual reports will give useful imformation about projects they have previously funded.

A quick phone call can also be helpful in establishing contact and goodwill as you will be able to find out more about them and let them know what you do.

Remember here that one of the key elements is timing! Some funders have a set application process that requires you to apply before a deadline. Other funders have trustees’ meetings at set times during the year and those times are good to work with.

The timing of your project also matters. Some funders like to fund projects in the early stage of development, while others like to give funding when they see other funders have already contributed.

There is a lot to think about with fundraising! But Passion Plays are such unique projects that it can also be an enjoyable process. Many funders like to hear about large community arts events that tell the Easter story in fresh and inspiring ways. Not only do Passion Plays have large outdoor audiences across the UK each Easter, they are also unique spaces of community, skill-sharing, mentoring and investing in the lives of volunteers across all sections of society. They are more than a one-off performance and the impact spreads across the whole community for many months.

If you want more help with fundraising, we have plenty more tips and advice on our website here.

You can also find lots of helpful tips and advice at The Benefact Trust here or click on the image below.

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