Here are some notes and observations on costumes:
1. We need more variety especially in the neck area of the costume that allow for very small grommets, rope, and leather stitches (as is pictures in the chosen pictures).
2. Reducing the intensity of the colors will be helpful in making the Play appear more modern. Currently, many of our costume colors really "pop." Reducing the saturation of some of the colors will be helpful.
3. Making a variety of sizes will also be super helpful.
4. Unlike the Chosen (and more like the Passion of the Christ), garments need to reach the ankle. Sleeves need to at least pass the elbow/midway between elbow and wrist. Most should go to the wrist.
5. Notice that each disciple and person has a different "featured" color, but they all remain within a similar family of color hues.

Men: Simple inner garments, varying lengths with 4-5 different muted color choices. 3-4 outer shape options with  options for belts, satchel, or some other accessories such as walking sticks or a burlap sack that looks dense. These can be picked up on set from market and from cart.

​Women: Longer flowing inner garments with 3-4 pretty color choices (pastels and muted lavender). Outer garments with small accents like string and bead ties at the sleeves and bottom seams. Accessories for women being water pots, flowers, wool/pretty fabrics that they can pick up from market or fabric salesmen by East Gate.

The three pictures with muted colors are from the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany from 2022. Their approach is very muted in colors and mostly devoid of bright.

Notes on the costumes made:
Great work on the one on the left. The only thing you might change is the amount of material in the arms.  The one on the right might be a little too big. I think we need a greater variety of sizes. Rather than approaching from a one-size fits all approach like we have in the past. We need more of small, mediums, large, and extra large. Previously, we have just roped up costumes so they could fit someone, but we need to take a slightly more tailored approach.

I think the commercial patterns will run large. The ones that Judy made from the Chosen basis are much better. We want all costumes to go down to a person's ankles. Notice too that in the Chosen picture that not everything is tailored. The bottom edge is sometimes left unraveled.

We have several mission trip groups with seamstresses with them! We are working to update and rejuvenate our costuming. 

Play all the video to see their work!

The First Christian Church from Stilwell, Oklahoma was here this past week to volunteer at the Great Passion Play. “We bring as many 6th graders and up as we can,” says Rick Eubanks. The group of 13 consisted of 3 adults, 3 college & career and 6 youth. Some of the past projects were, a greatly needed dorm room above the Eastern Gate, building the stone retaining wall on the set, the tearing down and rebuilding of a new fishing shack by the Sea of Galilee, and weeding and watering by the front entrance. This week, along with helping out with meal preparations as usual, the volunteers focused on laying pavers for the flogging post on the set and helped to build a retaining wall by the Snack Shack . And we don’t want to forget while they were here last year, Kent did some matchmaking. He will be marrying Natalie Gaches and Benjamin Johnson in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on July 19th.

​We at the Passion Play never say goodbye to our family of volunteers. We just say “until next time.”

We are looking at specs to entirely redo the worn and unlevel areas of concrete on the Passion Play property. This page is currently under development.

As an enrichment to our performance birds and petting zoo birds, we feed them Meal Worms. This will be a very good mission project, and as anything in the Passion Play...we plan to grow it big!

​Larry & Cathy Handley moved to Eureka Springs from Bentonville, Arkansas to retire in 2006, “which I did not do,” recalls Larry. His unique Snow Village & Train exhibit was set up here in the Great Hall in 2021-2023 for viewers to tour from November 27-December 31st. The Snow Village’s history began in 1994 when Handley’s daughter Hope gave him his first piece, The Church, that made up the starter set. “After that,” says Larry, “I added new pieces I bought and Christmas gifts people gave me.”

The Hadley’s collection has grown to over 1,322 pieces and an extensive electric model train exhibit all on a snowy setting. The Great Passion Play is officially the new home for this one of a kind display. When asked why they decided to donate their collection to the non-profit, Larry acknowledged some concerns as to who to donate to. “We considered locations around Eureka Springs to give the collection to, but as large as it is, storage is a problem.”

Larry recalls, “After our second year at the Play we approached Kent, Director of Operations, about making the exhibit a donation, and he & his wife Mallory were pleased with the idea.” To have volunteers to help him set up and take down the collection was a concern the Hadley’s had, but the voluntary mission group, Arkansas Campers on Mission, was here to assist him in late November. And in January they came back to build storage containers to keep the Snow Village in mint condition. With over a dozen volunteers, they worked tirelessly along with staff and other volunteers to disassemble and pack away the display. That was a confirmation to the Hadley's that they were moving in the right direction.

We believe that throughout the years the public will enjoy having access to this remarkable collection that presents the spirit of Christmas past in miniature. We’re pleased to say that many who came to enjoy the light displays we put up for the Christmas season and view the Passion of the Christ Statue, also visited the Snow Village and Train Exhibit. The numbers are increasing each year the collection has been displayed in the Great Hall.
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Thank you, Larry & Cathy, for entrusting the Great Passion Play with your incredible Snow Village collection and Train Exhibit. We will earnestly continue with your tradition and desire to share the joy of the Christmas holidays. The display amazes young and old alike and aligns with our goal of proclaiming to everyone, the Reason for the Season, Jesus Christ.

We had to complete a major plumbing overall in the buffet. We hope to be done before March 15!

Jennifer Dorn, is a native of Longview, TX. Folks who live there know it was named the official “Balloon Capital of Texas,” in 1985 and is famed for its annual Great Texas Balloon Race. Her parents moved Jenn and her brother to Green Forest, Arkansas in 1994 expressly to be in the Great Passion Play. “My parents felt led to have us all be cast members in the Play together,” recalls Jenn. She remembers her mom, brother and herself sitting on the sidelines that first season. “They only had an opening for my dad,” Jenn says. In 1995, the entire family came on as cast members, and the rest is history. “I led the Christ donkey from the barn that first season.” When she was 16, she worked in different areas of The Holy Land Tour.

Today, Jenn and her husband, David, whom she met on the set of the Play when she was 13 and he was 14, have four boys and are all in The Great Passion Play together. “My dream was always to be a wife and mother.” And Jenn’s dream has come true. Her love for Jesus, her family and others shines brightly as she joyfully meets the many responsibilities she has on campus. As of now, Jennifer plays the ‘angel,’ and ‘Herodias,’ but is up for the challenge of learning a new role if need be. Due to family situations, she & David left the Play in 2002, but came back in 2017.

When asked what the best part about being in the Play is she replies, “Hands down, I get to meet people from all over and tell them about Jesus every night there’s a production.” When Jenn’s not in the Play, she manages the ticket office and sometimes fills in other areas where needed. It’s not unusual to see her directing traffic in one of our parking lots before the Play begins!

Her favorite passage in the Bible is Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
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We at the Great Passion Play want to say, well done Jennifer, your exceptional work ethic, loyalty and positive attitude are what we see and appreciate the most in you.

Trish Renka Watts, is a native of Georgia, best known for its peaches, peanuts, pecans, Vidalia onions and the home of Coca-Cola. “My parents moved us to Mountain Home in 1976 when I was 15.” says Trish. “That’s where I gave my life to Jesus at the age of 16 when I went forward at the First Baptist Church to be saved and baptized.” At 29, Trish rededicated her life and was baptized again.”

When asked how she got involved with the Great Passion Play, she replies, “My family came over to watch the performance. From that point on, I dreamed of being one of the actors in the play, but never thought in a million years I would ever be able to, due to circumstances.” Though Trish regrets not making the drive to apply sooner, she says the 1 hour and 45 minute drive from her home in Flippin is a small sacrifice for the cause of Christ. Since 2018, she’s played many roles and is more than willing to try a new character, if they need her.

Her favorite verse is Jeremiah 17:14, “Heal me, Oh Lord, and I shall be healed; Save me, and I shall be saved, for You are my praise.”

When asked what Trish likes best about being in the Play, she responds, “I enjoy being part of the testimony of the last days of Jesus unfolding right before the audience’s eyes. Countless lives are eternally changed every time this powerful story is presented. As a cast member, I am deeply affected by each performance. It’s a beautiful drama.”
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We at the Great Passion Play give kudos to you, Trish, for your great sacrifice to be here faithfully during Play days and for your desire to join with us in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.