About Five Bells for 9/11

This show should be done ESPECIALLY on Memorial and Veterans Day. On the latter two official national holidays - we remember those in uniform, but with Sept 11th....Rich’s show reminds us that we must also remember civilians who wore a uniform of 'HONOR'...like the man who ran towards the towers and not away.
-- Cheryl Felicia Rhoads
The voice of Liberty the Eagle in Star Spangled Adventures
Ben Carson's American Cornerstone Institute
www.LittlePatriotsLearning.com

Depth, range and dimension

Few Actors have the depth and the range demonstrated by Rich Swingle. Plus he possesses a spiritual dimension few actors hold. 

 —Dr. Byron Spradlin 

 President 

Artists in Christian Testimony International, Inc.

The real thing

"Rich Swingle is a highly gifted and talented actor who has performed all over the world. His passion for his craft is immeasurable and dedication to the mission is unmatched. Those professionals in the performing arts are intimately familiar with talent. Moreover, Rich's personal integrity is one of his most admirable character traits. He is the real thing!"

-Robert Mazzarella, MBA EA
Ossining, NY

About Beyond the Chariots

Rich's depiction of Eric Liddell's continued story is POWERFUL! I was instantly drawn into Eric's journey and was touched by his ministry, and the twist at the end. Only God!
--Becky Bartlett
Actress

About Five Bells for 9/11

One of the single greatest dramatic presentations, you are emotionally drawn to the lives of the people represented in this drama, and you feel as if you are there living the lives of those represented, feeling all that they felt on that day. It brings light to our dark hour, a moving presentation. Hope is renewed, amidst unfathomable despair. Well done. 

 --Anonymous

Nothing like it in 75 and 1/2 years!

Wow!! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! 

...in my 75 and 1/2 years I have seen hundreds of sermons and plays, but I have never seen anything like that. Rich brought the character of John so alive and to portray the book of Revelation in the way he did was absolutely amazing.

--Christian

Ocala, FL

Audio Theatre Central

“He’s just an amazing talent.”
Reviewing Jonathan Park, Season 15 

"Man, this guy, he can do anything.”
Reviewing The Adventum, Volume 3 

"The family friendly audio drama space is better because you are in it! Thank you for lending your talents to these amazing stories!”
JD Sutter
Audio Theatre Central
www.AudioTheatreCentral.com

About The Shepherd's Daughter on Palm Sunday

Watch at
www.RichDrama.com/HolyWeek

Thanks for the privilege of experiencing a well crafted and presented exposition.

--David Hagen 

Goshen, Indiana

Glad I got to see this! I really enjoyed the character and her perspective. --L.Y. 

CT

Unbelievable Joyce!!! But so Believable, Praise the Lord!! 

--Tamara W. 

Ossining, NY

About Five Bells for 9/11

A powerful, powerful performance by Rich Swingle commemorating 9/11 and the unexpected heroes. ... and grab a box of kleenex. 

--Susan Shearer 

Producer, Actor

Five Bells for 9/11 

Motivating and Uplifting Coach

It was nice to meet you at the "For The Glory" filming! Your acting skills are extraordinary! You sort of remind me of Jim Carrey 🙂 You make a motivating and uplifting Coach!
--Marsha Moor
Actor

Free at Last!

On a stage as sparse as a traditional Quaker meeting house, Rich Swingle spun the story of the 18th-century Quaker John Woolman, in his marvelously crafted production of A Clear Leading*.

Seventy-five years before the Emancipation Proclamation [actually the main event of the play is 105 years before the Emancipation Proclamation], John comes to view slavery as against the will of God. His view is not popular. And mild-mannered by nature, he is reluctant to fight for his ideals. But aided by his guardian angel, he does. John not only has to confront the blatant bigotry of the alluring, devilish town bully, Amos, but also the innocent misconceptions of his mentor Mr. Worthington.
Swingle switched expertly from playing the nine-year-old Sarah Ellis [a character no longer appearing in the current draft], to the fire-and-brimstone abolitionist Benjamin Lay, to a dying slave, to more than ten other characters -- without changing his single, splendid period costume. It was easy to believe it had been an epic performance with a full cast of characters.

Of particular poignance was his re-enactment of an elderly slave's dream of freedom. She swims the Atlantic Ocean back to Africa and finds the village she grew up in restored to its original state, except now everything is made of gold. Swingle avoided the over-reverential treatment that a religious play can often take. He treated each character's experience with great integrity. The two hours flew by in the capable hands of this consummate storyteller.

Near the end of this show, John Woolman steps into the future and into the audience and engages them in a discussion about slavery. "How were the slaves finally freed?" "Was it peaceful or was there violence?" And the most telling question: "How are Negroes treated today?" It becomes clear that the show is, in part, crafted as an educational device for touring. As eloquently as Swingle handles this dialogue, it would be a waste of his considerable gifts to restrict him to a college and high-school circuit. His acting needs to be seen in larger venues. His ability to dramatize a story in his writing is another great gift that he should continue to develop.

...with Rich Swingle the audience are in the hands of a talented and professional performer and writer....

--James A. Lopata
Off-Off Broadway Review, January 1999 (Full Review)

Mr. Lopata gave the production highest marks for writing and acting.

1997 Off-Off Broadway Review about an earlier production of the play

*A Clear Leading is now available as I Dreamed I Was Free.

Uplifted, Transformed and Healed!

Thank you again, Rich. I feel so uplifted myself and I am happy to see how you transformed and healed the residents. I certainly felt God’s presence and action in your work with them and their response. 
--Retta Blaney
Head of Marketing
EastView Independent Senior Living Residence
Owned and operated by The Salvation Army
Observation after Rich led residents in a sociodrama.
New York City

So informative, helpful, and inspiring

Thank you so much for your Actors Bootcamp workshop! It was so informative, helpful, and inspiring. I walked out filled with so much joy. The following days, I kept thinking how inspiring it is to be with other Christian actors and to be a part of this community, knowing that we’re all doing this work to serve Him.  It’s so exciting! I look forward to the work to come and to serving Christ in this work.  I will be referring to my notes from the workshop often!
Thank you so much. 
Caroline Askew
M.A. in Classical Acting, LAMDA, The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art

Creative juices dripping all over the floor!

"Rich is a highly skilled actor, with creative juices dripping all over the floor!"
--Julie Winslow
Hands of Hope, China
(Saw a performance in Hong Kong)

Cross any obstacle placed in your path!

Beyond the Chariots is a wonderful and uplifting experience. If you ever get the chance to see Rich Swingle in person cross any obstacle placed in your path to do so.
--David Woodruff

Remembered many years later

It has been many years since you came to Maryland and performed at New Life Changer's Deliverance Ministry.  Just wanted to say may God continue to bless you, and how I'll always be grateful for how you came to a few and gave your all.  A vessel of honor for the Master's use.  Blessings.....   
Sister in Christ, Wanda Glaze.

It would seem as if there are a half dozen people on stage instead of just one

Very recently I had the honor and pleasure to meet and work with Rich Swingle. He is without a doubt one of the most talented, creative people I know. He knew I had some personal connections to 9/11 so he shared his performance of “5 Bells For 9/11 NYC” with me. From the moment Rich walks on stage, as one of several different characters he plays, one no longer sees an actor named Rich, but the individual characters he is playing. The moves, the accents, the reactions are so unique and special it would seem as if there are a half dozen people on stage instead of just one. Rich Swingle has a way of taking a very serious subject and interjecting humor in such a way that is not only funny but respectful of the subject matter. It was a wonderful, emotional rollercoaster ride through a day that for our generation, as Franklin Roosevelt said on December 7, 1941, "A day that will live in Infamy. Regardless of ones connection to 9/11 I highly recommend this amazing performance by an incredible talent. Thank you Rich for touching my heart.
--Gerri Milosevich
Owner
gmCreate!

Wise King Media CEO

I just wanted to let you know that my wife and I had an opportunity to watch your one-man show of Beyond the Chariots. What an incredible performance!!!  Thank you for sharing this with us – we were highly entertained and inspired!

—Mark D. Rasche
Co-Founder, CEO
Wise King Media
Adventum, Johnathan Park Audio Adventures

From the producer of the Hollywood Divine International Film Festival

I was blown away by your performance in "Sheepish"....it was amazing!!! YouTube doesn't do you or the power of the play justice, it has to be experienced live. It was fantastic and I loved it. Do yourself and your audience a favor and book Rich Swingle, he is a true master of his craft who brought God's word in the story of Gideon to life in a way you must see to appreciate.
--Mark Den Bleyker
Producer of the Hollywood Divine International Christian Film Festival

After I Dreamed I Was Free at the Nordic Black Theatre

"It was a very moving performance. Thank you! I can’t stop talking about the performance to my family and friends."
--Nina Berggren Monsen
Oslo, Norway

My Heroes

I just wanted to thank you for what you did for me and the other students. I learned so much from you guys, and I will take it I into my future. I will definitely be staying in touch as I will have questions about different things that I will want your advice on. Thanks again. I don't have celebrity heroes from TV, you guys are seriously my heroes.
--Claire K.
Student of the Lamplighter Guild for Creative Disciplines

Reaction to Five Bells for 9/11 from Ground Zero helper

I watched your 'Five Bells for 9/11' with great interest (and EMOTION). My California community sent me to 9/11 where I worked directly next to Ground Zero to provide sanitation, healthy food and liquid supplies for the NYFD Fireworkers, NYPD and New Jersey's 'Wall of the Blue', EMT's, and so many others because the Red Cross and Salvation Army supplies and personnel 24/7 demands each month afterwards were rapidly depleting. Like everyone else, I worked 22/7 (two hours sleep) for months whereby in between those triple shifts God opened the door to train at the Billy Graham Crisis Center in order to offer Grief Counseling to assist our public servants whose minds, memories, and entire lives were shipwrecked with tumultuous oceans of PTSD. Inside the front cover of my Bible holds one of my most cherished reminders for ongoing prayer to this day: the signatures of those Firemen and NYPD and NJPD I was privileged to assist.
--Barbara X Smith
www.HLRI.org
Please click on the tab 'HELP FOR THOSE WHO NEED MORE' and request Master Instructor Barbara X Smith USA direct @ 831.238.7708

Window Into the Past

This intriguing piece, derived from Woolman's diary, portrays Woolman from teenager to older man (he died at 52 of smallpox while visiting England on an anti-slavery tour).

Obviously very sincere in matters of religion, Swingle hasn't let matters of devotion get in the way of creating an entertaining, interesting, and moving theatre piece. He played Woolman as an older man and as a 19-year-old, as well as portraying his boss, Michael Worthington, two slaves, and a slaveowner and former chum, Amos Elkins. In the course of the play, Woolman develops from callow youth to thoughtful and independent adult. The presence of the other characters gives Woolman something to develop against, as, for instance, when one slave dies, unburdening himself most frankly against white slaveowners, under his care. Woolman's character is shown warts and all, and his life becomes a process of slowly getting rid of those warts and starting his own ministry.

None of this would have worked were Swingle not an extremely competent actor, able to bring all these characters to life with a minimum of props, a couple of set pieces, and authentic-looking costume.

Two notes that made the production especially interesting were a minute of Quaker worship during intermission (no one had a clear leading* and spoke up, though) and a question-and-answer session by John Woolman -- that is, Swingle still in character -- after the show.
—John Chatterton
Off-Off Broadway Review, August 7, 1997 (Full review)

Click here for a 1999 Off-Off Broadway Review of a later production.

*The play was titled A Clear Leading at the time of this review. It is now titled I Dreamed I Was Free.

Review on IMDb about A Matter of Perspective

Rich Swingle shares moments of strength and vulnerability throughout the transformation. Really enjoyed the story about perspective and how easy things can shift when you choose to change... Thank you for this story and creating it to lift up faith and hope.
-TybeeDolphin

www.RichDrama.com/AMatterOfPerspective

The Acts

I'm still in awe about your performance! Thank you sooooo much for being faithful in using your gifting for the Glory of God and evangelism. We will stay in touch! It felt like getting a behind-the-scenes tour through the Book of Acts! Those scenes in the text were brought to life in an emotional way that truly magnified God's Word without dishonoring it. I was also stunned at how quickly you transformed your character with a commitment that was overwhelmingly convincing.
--Seth Tweeddale
Pastor
Grace Brethren Church-Suntree
Suntree, FL

The Revelation

You had such an impact on the folks here at Bethel.
--Richard Smith (recalling Rich's performance of The Revelation three years earlier)
Pastor
Bethel Baptist Temple
Livonia, MI

About All God's Children

I got to view this tonight at Rich's presentation in Suntree. What an amazing, impactful, and well-presented film! Regardless of what season of life you are in, there is some portion that speaks to you.
--Jeff Kocks
Melbourne, FL

About Beyond the Chariots

It is hard to tell a story as a single actor involving multiple characters - ambitious always, but Rich brought clarity and had a strong point of view throughout. His character work is really good and as always, his dialects are wonderful!
—John Forbes
Actor, Director, Producer
TV, Film - Stage - Off-Broadway, NYC

After a workshop at Princeton University

Rich, the word from the class was unanimous!… "One of the best classes ever taken at Princeton!"
--J. Robert Hillier, DHL, FAIA
Principal Studio Hillier
Princeton, NJ

Best-Performing-Artist-Of-This-Decade

I am pleased to nominate Rich Swingle as The-Best-Performing-Artist-Of-This-Decade for Theater, Film, and an outstanding Acting Coach. I have had the wonderful pleasure of knowing and working with Rich for several years now and have always found him above and beyond talented, professional, full of high energy, dependable, efficient, unfailingly punctual, and so much fun to work with and be around. In fact, I have never worked with an entertainment industry professional like Rich who gives as much attention to detail as he does in EVERYTHING. Also, his willingness to take on difficult Theater, Film, and Acting Coach projects and see them to successful completion has repeatedly impressed me over and over again.

Rich Swingle's skills do not end with his Theater, Film, and Acting Coach experienced accomplishments. He also projects a warm, cheerful attitude to everyone he comes into contact with. Rich has an amazing way of resolving conflicts and handle other difficult situations with remarkable patience and admirable tact. In the community he goes out of his way to help people in need. He loves people, works hard, and always tries to lift the spirits of those around him. I believe these characteristics represent all that is good in Rich Swingle, and I am blessed, pleased, and honored to work with him professionally and to know him personally.

Owen Hisle
Award Winning Actor, Producer, Director
www.owenhisle.com

Celebrity Confessions

"Sheepish," the short piece on Gideon was incorporated into Rich's performance in Celebrity Confessions:

We had a marvelous time and were greatly inspired through each and every story and heart on that stage. Great to see you in all of your Gideon action. Absolutely delightful, imaginative and was a great palette for painting with your gifts. Bravo. Joe and I are still talking about it all - a good sign. I was particularly taken with the fact that God is really still doing miraculous work in lives in such unexpected and HUGE ways. Talk about dramatic conversions! I’m so glad we got to be there and experience your work and God’s work as well. Many thanks and many congratulations!

Laura Bergquist
www.LauraBergquist.com

Recommendation from the District Superintendent

I was recommended by Art Alexander, the District Superintendent of the Metro New York District of the Church of the Nazarene. Click the thumbnail to read the recommendation.

Celebrity Confessions

Amy Harrell said about Celebrity Confessions...

Great Show! So proud of everyone! Rich Swingle, Patricia Mauceri, Donna East and the rest of the professional and talented cast!

This play spreads his glory

Portraying Ann Van Hine's husband in
Five Bells for 9/11

Rich's play is wonderful, and as the years pass it becomes more important, because now we have a generation that wasn’t born… I was actually born just ten years after World War II, and as a kid learning about World War II, even though my Mom had grown up in World War II, I thought it was as far back as the Revolutionary War. Like it was so long ago, why are these people still talking about it. And I think that’s our challenge. The Bible tells us to tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of our Lord and Savior. This play spreads his glory.* And we need to tell them the God stuff and the history stuff as well. We need to make sure they know.
--Ann Van Hine (widow of Bruce Van Hine, whose story is featured in the play)
*That line quoted in the Times Herald-Register.
Ann said the rest during her talk following Rich's performance commemorating the 15th anniversary of 9/11.

Observation after Lamplighter Live

Rich Swingle - A man of great faith. His story of God's goodness shows me how much we can trust our Father - when He calls, He will make the way for us to follow. Rich is a walking testimony to God's faithfulness! 
--Heidi Olson 
Voice Over Artist


www.RichDrama.com/LamplighterTheatre

12 Reasons Why You Need to Cast Rich Swingle In Your Next Christian Film!

Stephen Kendrick said something at this year's Christian Worldview Film Festival that resonated with me. He said you want lead actors that love Jesus and represent him on and off the camera. Thanks Stephen. That advice was hugely important for me in casting Rich as the lead in A Matter of Perspective Movie. Here are 12 reasons I think you should cast Rich in your film. Any one of them alone would have been well worth it:

1) He is sold out to God and is an ambassador for Christ wherever he goes. He encouraged me greatly in my relationship with God to walk closer, shine brighter, love deeper, witness often, give thanks in all circumstances and praise God for the victories.

2) He is a consummate professional that studied his lines and researched his character thoroughly.

3) He provides expert acting coaching making it fun and encouraging.

4) He brings other terrific acting talent with him. He even brought his lovely wife Joyce who became our prayer warrior on set.

5) He is a superb actor that requires little to no guidance during each take.

6) He is a smart marketer of his brand and adds tremendous value to the film conducting radio and TV interviews as well as film festival, web and social networking buzz.

7) He bathes everything he does in prayer from the first day of the project to the last.

8) He is extremely humble and kind, not even losing his cool after a 15 hour day when I did.

9) He fully expects every day to include divine appointments and it was impressive to me watching God provide them.

10) Through his "Big Kingdom, Small World" attitude he knows people everywhere and provided many needed resources through his friends.

11) He loves to laugh and brings fun and levity to some extremely long tiring shooting days. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.

12) He has the gift of languages. We counted he spoke 7 languages in one day at Crater lake alone.

As you can tell, I am pretty impressed with this man and grateful to God for his assistance, talent and heart during our shoot. It was a tremendous encouragement to me and my family and he left a lasting impact on our lives.

Thank you Rich Swingle! You are a great blessing!

Mike Hill and the whole A Matter of Perspective team.

Talking over a scene with Lindy Nelson.
Photo by Heather Peterson.

Just finished an exhausting but incredibly memorable week in Bismarck, ND. I was privileged to spend several days on a film set with Christian actor, Rich Swingle! His passion in his work, and love for the Lord were a huge inspiration. The time I spent working with him deeply encouraged me; not only as an actress but also as a follower of Christ.
--Lindy Nelson
Lead in Living Word

I have been wanting to thank you again from my husband and I, both, for investing in our daughters, Lindy and Larissa, through the Living Word film project. They and many other young people have been inspired by you. I've heard story after story of ways you blessed those on the filming project and more at the [North Dakota Home School] Convention. Your love for Jesus shines so very brightly.....it simply is contagious. May God abundantly bless you and your dear wife for all that you do to reach out to young people and invest in them.
--Luann Nelson

Outstanding in Indescribable

You were outstanding in Indescribable. Such a blessing to watch.
--Jill Jachim
Commerce, MI

It was delightful to work with the cast and crew of One Day a few weeks ago in Illinois! There were powerful and moving performances by Andrew Hurt, Rich Swingle, Kari Fabian, Tim Kaiser, and our other actors. We all really benefited from Rich Swingle's work as our acting coach.
 -- Stacey Bradshaw, Lead Actress in One Day
(www.RichDrama.com/StaceyBradshaw, www.StaceyBradshaw.WordPress.com)

Working as acting coach with Gwendelynn Martindale as she directs
Connor Schexnayder and Andrew Hurt in One Day.

Influence over a decade

I've had the great privilege of witnessing your ministry at a Salvation Army music camp in Canada about 10 years ago. I recall your performance on Revelation as John. That awesome ministry and performance has been a great influence. Thank you.
--Peter Park

"natural performances" in Providence

Both the teenaged actors (Josh Allen and Stacey Bradshaw) and the 40-ish adults (Juli Tapken and Rich Swingle) deliver low-key, natural performances. People unused to communicating emotions without words might be tempted to overact, but they don’t.
--Lawrence Toppman
Read the whole review of Providence here: ‘Providence’ takes us silently into a sweet story
The Charlotte Observer

It's a joy to watch you work!

Congratulations Rich, on 20 years as a full-time professional actor! Your passion for God and for your craft shine true and strong. I loved the enthusiasm, professionalism and care you brought to each role you played in The Dragon and the Raven, including playing Theodore the Abbot with Brian Deacon. It's a joy to watch you work! Thank you for your very kind comments---they hold a lot of weight coming from someone of your caliber. And yes, let's do some more work together!
-- John Fornof
Writer and Director of The Dragon and the Raven
John has won two Emmy Awards for his writing

ASTONISHED!

One Film Fan: How was it working with fellow actors Irene Santiago, Stacey Bradshaw, Rich Swingle, and Josh Allen?

Juli Tapken: Rich and Irene–that would be just a straight out “WOW”! Both are truly professional and inspirational to work with. The three of us meshed perfectly for the scenes we were tackling . I couldn’t have asked for a better team to create this with. Am I forever grateful to just meet them, get the chance to perform with them, as well as all of the other wonderful talent in “Providence”? ASTONISHED!

Read the full interview here: In Their Own Words: Actress Juli Tapken of “Providence”

Treasure Seekers - Super!

Loved what you do with Treasure Seekers, the accents, the ideas - superb!
--Cindy Palin
Songwriter and musician
www.NewCindyPalin.com

See her music video for Providence, a film in which I play one of the leads at www.RichDrama.com/DanceOfLife.

Profoundly honest and frank

With Juli Tapken.

Here's a very encouraging review of Providence by One Film Fan: Indie Film Review “Providence” Here are some excerpts:

Honestly, enough cannot be said for all the actors present in this story, as again, there isn’t a single moment of speaking, and therefore it all has to come together through the actions each character takes. Each incarnation of life presented for Rachel and Mitchell is wonderfully dramatized, and the unfolding beauty of their first meeting as children to the moment of “yours forever” connection as adults is a wonder to watch through both the acting and the varying music that follows their journey lyrically and/or stylistically. ... Tapken and Swingle finish things as the adults in such a profoundly honest and frank way that the viewer cannot help but be entranced by all the events that lead them to the pivotal moments in their coming together.

The acting is so vivid

One thing that distinguishes this feature film is that it is silent with only well placed music. However, the acting is so vivid you will feel that you are hearing every word. ... The adult Mitchell played by Rich Swingle has found his calling. He is a pastor. ... The scenes of Mitchell carrying out his pastoral duties are perfectly done and a must for any who feel called to take that role. ... Very striking is Mitchell in prayer and you know he is praying about and for Rachel.
--Point North Tidings
Providence: A Valentine Treat Coming February 12, 2016

Portraying Jesus in The Messenger's Box

Rich,
It was amazing to get the opportunity to work with you on this film! I was not aware that this was actually your first time portraying the Lord, in a film! You were terrific! I am not going to lie, while we were recording the crucifixion scenes, I actually was getting choked up! When I watched through the camera, I just couldn't believe I was filming this!!

Thank you for allowing me this chance and thank you for taking the time to travel here and perform this part! I greatly appreciate your talent and passion for performing the role of Jesus!

Thank you again!

- Jeff McHale
Director of Photography for "The Messenger's Box"

Reaction from The Messenger's Box

I WAS IMPRESSED ! ! ! You were shown right at the start on the spiral stone steps giving the box to Simon. You looked just perfect; terrific face shot with those special features and eyes that you have. I remember also the excellently appropriate voice you have---just perfect for the part. I wish now that I would have watched the filming of the crucifixion that day after talking with you while the "bloody" makeup was being done. I thought the script, acting, editing, and musical score were very well done. The entire creation was very well done and far exceeded my expectations.
-- Ralph Dixon
Macomb, MI
After the world premiere of The Messenger's Box

Playing Jesus with Joseph Ouellette.
A screenshot from the world premiere of The Messenger's Box
by Tricia Ouellette and used by permission of her and director Gary Bosek.

Couldn't have asked for a better instructor!

Couldn't have asked for a better instructor!
--Catie Harris
Student of Rich at the TAM Conservatory 
Helped create "No/Yes" through sociodrama

Super nice

Hallo. Must say The Unexpected Bar Mitzvah: Super nice. Just watched it. Wow. I'm a pastor and work with youth and teens, and the way the youth were used in the movie was phenomenal and such a blessing. Thanks.
--Nico Bezuidenhout
Secunda, South Africa

Rewind!

I bought and watched [Confessions of a Prodigal Son] - then I saw the credits and had to "rewind!" Good movie and Great job as a homeless man.
--Alicia Grab
Props Decor & Documentation
Sight and Sound Theatres

You can't go wrong!

Rich Swingle is in it, which means you can't go wrong!
saltyfilmcritic
in a review of Christmas Grace

Alive and Vibrant

If I had to pick two words to sum up Rich, they would be that he is so alive and so vibrant! I cannot even begin to describe my admiration for his work and his wholehearted devotion to Jesus. I can't wait to work with him again in the future, Lord willing!
—Rebekah Stought
Director and actor, Through the Storm
Student of Rich at The Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp

Vivid Life

I’ve never seen The Book of Revelation brought to such vivid life.

—Sam Perna
Production Team for Christmas Grace

Five Bells for 9/11

Wow. I remember being at MasterWorks a year or so after 9/11 and seeing this drama. There wasn't a dry eye in the room - the all guys row behind me was sniffling all throughout. I wish I could see it again, but it made a deep impression on me, and brought healing to our group. Thank you for sharing your gifts.
--Lauri Koenig
violin instructor
Wirth Center for Performing Arts
St. Cloud, MN

CHARGE!!!!!!!!

Sia and I just watched your "Sheepish" piece on Gideon and we were mesmerized by your performance. YOU are one talented dude! So tonight,  we will have our "Midionite" snack.......CHARGE!!!!!!!! BRAVO to your performance.

Peace,

Stephen and Sia Tofanos

White Plains, NY

FULL OF ENERGY!

Tonight I saw the best one man show! Rich Swingle was so delightful, talented and FULL OF ENERGY! I saw it with Fred and Sharon Wilharm (producers of Providence and The Good Book). Rich's shows are constantly being booked all around the world. We had a blast. Impressive talent & super nice guy. I'm so pleased I had the opportunity to work with him on Providence. God bless.
--Irene Santiago Baron (Actress/Producer)
Adrenaline, Secrets and Lies, One Tree Hill

Gripping portrayal of everyone in Acts

"Thank you for your gripping portrayal of everyone in Acts at Living Water yesterday. We appreciate you taking out time for us. It was awesome! Even my kids liked it. 
- Ralph Franco 
San Antonio, TX 
After viewing Rich's one-man play, The Acts

What a delightful surprise

Rich Swingle... I just now realized that I saw you on TV the other night...and did not even realize it was you. Although I am not that familiar with who you are...I have seen you in the trailer for The Unexpected Bar Mitzvah. Just now...I was watching your reel... (after reading your eCard) and was so surprised when a scene from A Christmas Snow popped up. My mouth dropped open as I remembered watching that movie just the other night...Christmas Eve I believe it was...and at the time I watched it...I did not realize that Claud was played by the same actor (you) that I had seen in that trailer for The Unexpected Bar Mitzvah. What a delightful surprise. I think you are a very talented actor sir.
—Royce Henry
actor: Best Friends Eternally, Best Friends Recycled, Romans XIII

Helped me grow in grace and truth

Thank you for your teaching and encouragement which helped me grow in grace and truth! You are by far one of my favorite, most influential, most memorable, and most enjoyable teachers. Not only your insights on acting which were many but your insights on to the nature and character of God which came just as fast and free. 
--Anna Hagen
Harpist, Writer and Dramatist
www.AnnaHagenHarpist.com

Superb and unforgettable

For our centennial celebration on the Metro NY District, Rich Swingle did a superb and unforgettable portrayal of C.B. Jernigan (who founded the district). I had to remind myself a few times that it was you and not C.B. himself! 

--Larry Mancini
Pastor Bay Shore Church of the Nazarene

I felt like I was sitting in that first assembly hearing the report for the very first time. It was amazing and it brought history to life. We have a rich heritage. Thank you for helping us to appreciate it. 
In Christ,
Karen Guevara

Kudos from Corey ten Boom actor

Rich, Swingle, you are an actors' actor! I'm blown away by your talent and the characters you create.
--Mimi Sagadin
Corey ten Boom in Return to the Hiding Place

Loads of ability

Your short bit in Christmas Grace was memorable. You generally seem to be a pretty natural actor. You're good at locking in and responding and not anticipating or giving away subtle "tells." You make your takes look as though they are happening for the first time, which is great. I felt like you found a character. Generally when it comes to actors working in Christian films who I consider solid actors you are very high on my personal short list. I think you have loads of ability more than some big names out there. I'm dying to work together again soon! 
 --Justin Lewis
actor: Remember, Polycarp, Mayflower II

FAR exceeded any expectations

Rich, I don't know if I ever officially thanked you for all that you've done! Being able to go to MasterWorks was a dream come true, and it happened only through God's Providence! And MW FAR exceeded any expectations I had! I was floored when I saw all the talent that I was getting a chance to work with. I don't think I've ever felt the presence of the Holy Spirit so poignantly before, and I know that I've never experienced Him so personally before! My life is changed! Not to mention the AMAZING friends I made there, and more than just friends--lifelong brothers and sisters! And I've never felt so completely satisfied and happy with a theatrical production before! MW was a mind-blowing, amazing experience. Praise God! And thank you for allowing HIm to use you! You have no idea what kind of an impact you made on all of us!!! God bless. :)
--Bernie Bernhardt

Indescribable IS indescribable

The movie Indescribable IS "indescribable!" What more can I say?
--Susan

A Happy Thing

"I don't play those kind of games! There's the door!" Gold. If you hit that peak performance even a few times in your career it's a happy thing. You were radiating the part so perfectly you caused an honest performance in your scene partner, too. I could watch that short moment multiple times and enjoy it.
--Justin Lewis
Actor: Remember, Mayflower II, Polycarp: Destroyer of Gods, My Grandpa DetectiveA 

Firebird

Your performance of Koschei in Firebird set the mood for the entire ballet with exquisite brilliance. It was
breathtaking.

--Bonnie Ringleb

Director, Dance Program

MasterWorks Festival

Thank you, Rich Swingle. Brilliant work!!!
--Charmaine Hunter
Choreographer of the 2014 MasterWorks production of the Firebird
Choreographer, Celine Dion's dance troupe
former principle, Dance Theatre of Harlem
Cirque du Soleil

MasterWorks Theatre

Here are some of the things that were said anonymously by our MasterWorks theatre students on their exit questionnaires:

"It was MAGNIFICENT!"

"MasterWorks has blessed me beyond what I dreamed possible. This is a beautifully annointed place, and I'm so glad to have been able to attend. I have never wanted to come back to a camp before, but I do pray (if it fits in God's plan) that I can come back. I will certainly recommend it..."

"I was encouraged to be around so many Christian artists; especially those with careers further along than my own."

"I learned to trust God more."

"I learned how to read a script for its ministry value; to evaluate every character as a spiritual being, and to be mindful of preparing my spirit for the role."

"I learned a lot about trust and humility."

"I really enjoyed how everything, even our art, was focused on God."

"The quiet time is a habit I had needed to set in my life, and that helped immensely. The quiet time I've had with the Lord has/is/will always be precious."

"I learned to let go and not ever worry about whether you look silly on stage or not."

"I learned to infuse prayer any time it's necessary/whenever I feel led."

"I enjoyed how often we took the time to pray and worship. That helped keep me focused on what's important."

"I loved learning to focus on God in the context of performing."

"I learned the power of prayer and standing up for what you believe."

In your element

You did a GREAT job in Beyond the Mask!!! Just watched it and - wow! Kids will love this film! Kudos to you in your role! You were absolutely in your element.
--Torry Martin
Actor, Comedian, Writer, Teacher

May this fruit remain!

I am so thankful that you came to call us to remember the Journey to the Garden ... and all that our Lord accomplished for us in His great love. It was a wonderful evening. The chairman of the Elders left me a message last night that he had never been in a service that had impacted him so powerfully. He thought it was the best communion service (and Good Friday service) that he had ever attended and thanked me deeply for having you come. That sort of response has already been coming in this morning as well. So thanks for allowing God to use you. May this fruit remain! 
--Sparky Pritchard
Senior Pastor
Immanuel Baptist Church
Richmond, VA

from a Canadian newspaper

Swingle's one-man, high-energy, hour-long play...Beyond the Chariots...won him many hearts.
--David Nadeau, The Capital, Three Hills, Alberta

About our MasterWits

It was a true blessing to be with the kids! They encouraged and edified me and gave me real hope for the future! I truly believe it IS in their hands!  And from that group, I am so hopeful that the LORD's name will be high and lifted up, and that there will be revival in the land! 2 Chron. 7:14

Hallelujah!

Let the Believers say AMEN and AMEN!

Bobbie Merritt

Talent Manager

NYC region

Totally convincing

Totally convincing as the "land speculator swindler" using just a twinkle in his eyes and a crooked smile, such is the mastery of actor Rich Swingle, in Alone Yet Not Alone.
--George Escobar
co-director of Alone Yet Not Alone

My brain exploded!

God bless you Rich! I mean those words more ever before since the Christians in Theatre Arts Conference (www.CITA.org) in Puerto Rico last Summer. My brain exploded seeing you perform "La Gente Que Jesús Conoció." I have been keeping up w your postings and was SOOO BLESSED with the preachings done by you and your wife this last Christmas (on Elizabeth and Zachariah). I am inspired by the work you're doing and I truly pray blessings over you and your ministry and your family!
--Hezir Aguero
Rochester, NY

Why did my eyes drip water?

We all watched Indescribable and are so blessed! Our four-year-old said he didn't know why, but it made his eyes drip water. We told him that was because you both did such a good job telling the story. Our 15-year-old went right to the hymnal afterwards and started playing "The Love of God" on the piano. Thank you so much! 

Jonah, JONAH!!! Wow. We laughed so hard! Our eldest was close to the stage when the whale "vomited" Jonah out.  He could not believe how high you jumped from all fours!  Slapping each other with the fish was GREAT!  Everybody laughed and thought that was great.  Thank you so much for putting character and skin to the Bible.  We seriously hope to see you again.  
Blessings,

--Zack and Dawn and children

San Antonio, TX

(Jonah, from Big Fish Little Worm, was performed at the Christian Worldview Film Festival)

Most moving artistic display against slavery

Wow. Wow. Most moving artistic display against slavery I have ever seen. Thank you for sharing this. Blessings.
--Tim Craig Campus Staff - NYC Arts Ministry with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
after seeing A Clear Leading at City College

Gran talento

Me goce mucho en el monologo que hiciste en La Catedral de la Ciudad. Que gran talento DIOS TE HA DADO. 
I very much enjoyed the monologue (La Gente que Jesús Conoció) that you performed in La Catedral de la Ciudad. What a great talent God has given you. 
--Miriam Rivera
Puerto Rico

Espectacular

Espectacular presentación!!
--Ysiane Marie Alfaro
Puerto Rico
after seeing <<La Gente que Jesús Conoció>> (www.RichDrama.com/ShortPieces)

Deeper

I thought acting was about the thrill of the applause, but through MasterWorks (www.RichDrama.com/MWF) I discovered that it can be much deeper than that.
--Robyn Haley
Burrows, Indiana

More talent than Hollywood

I saw more talent in the last 45 minutes than I have in the last month in Hollywood.
--Muse Watson
After coaching MasterWorks students

Best weeks of my life

I must say MasterWorks was so amazing and life changing I gained awesome new friends, grew in my acting, learned a ton, got to perform Off-Broadway in the city I've always wanted to go to, and most importantly I grew closer to God in ways I never imagined. Definitely the best four weeks of my life so far.
--Christina Doerr
Lafayette, IN

You don't have to choose

"When I was going to come to MasterWorks, I was expecting either very strong Christians, or fabulous actors. I never expected to receive both!"
--Cody Arn
Bryan, TX

Keep us posted

Rich, your performance of The Revelation was amazing. We loved it, and we'll be sure to see other things you're in. Please keep us posted!--Rosemary Blake-Pecoraro
Lodi, NJ

You can find out what's coming next at RichDrama.com/Updates.

Born on the same year

Thank you so much for your amazing ministry! My 15 year old daughter and I saw last weekend's performance (of The Revelation), and she verbalized to me exactly what I was thinking: "EVERYONE needs to see 'Revelation'." Do you have any future plans of performing it again in the tri-state area? We would like to invite many folks to see it with us. Thank you again, and may God continue to bless you and your ministry!
Sincerely, a fellow Nazarene, 
Linda Krupp
Nazarene Missions International President
Warwick Valley Church of the Nazarene

After seeing the 15th Anniversary performance of The Revelation

A Powerful Team

"Rich & Joyce are a powerful team. If you ever have the opportunity to see them perform together – don't miss it! Joyce conveys a lovely screen presence. She steps right into character with a strong performance."

–Daniel Knudsen  

Associate Producer of Indescribable

The Revelation Off-Broadway

I remember seeing Rich perform this back in the day at The Lamb's Theater. "The Revelation" is a stunning, contemporary, and vivid work that exceeds every expectation. It's as though John himself is personally sharing his vision with you and every mystery is revealed.
--Dr. David Wallace
Internationally-touring musician
Grammy-nominated performer
Award-winning composer
Juilliard professor
New York Philharmonic Senior Teaching Artist
Fiddler of The Doc Wallace Trio

Missed

I also missed having a guest artist performance like we did last year. The gentleman who performed last year (the one who travels to Israel) was so fantastic and truly challenged the students to dedicate their gifts in service to Christ, for His glory. Seeing faith in action in the real world is vital for these students.

I loved the workshops...My students missed having Rich Swingle there.

--From two exit surveys at the Christians in Theatre Arts (www.CITA.org) Secondary School Theatre Festival where I preformed in '11 and '12

Scriptwriting through sociodrama

I got to help the drama team at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church develop a script through sociodrama. I was delighted by their feedback:

I want to express my thanks to you for investing the weekend with our drama team. They were thrilled. My wife is prayer partnered with Cheryl Wise. They talked about it and, as you’d expect, Cheryl was thrilled with the entire experience and all that she and the kids were able to learn through the workshop and on Sunday.

And I could not have been more impressed with what all of you created from Romans 4. What a powerful way to share the text and the belief of Abraham.

I’m walking in his footsteps of faith.

Thank you for using your gifts so well to make a difference in our church family.

We have been blessed by you!

Pressing On,

—Bruce Barlow

Lead Pastor

Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church

Thank you for using your gifts to help equip, encourage and build up this part of Christ's body. Blessings!
—Cheryl Wise

Rich!! You, sir, are the bombdiggity!!!
—Josh

Rich, Thanks so much for doing all of this! I'll pray that God blesses you forever!
—Cindi

Rich, Thanks for sharing your gifts and your passion!
Blessings,
—Dan

Thank you for all your help!
—Megan

Rich, Thanks sooo much for coming and teaching us more skills that we can use in the future!
—Shelby

Thanks so much, Rich! This was so much fun!
—Annie

Thanks for sharing your skills and heart!
—KC

Thank you so much for being with us!
—Andrew

Thanks, Rich! Keep in touch I am thankful for your ministry.
—Jason

God bless your ministry Rich! You have blessed us! Thanks you!
—Lee