Streets of Bethlehem

BEHIND THE SCENES

Did you know that production of this 5 day Christmas experience takes a full year to plan and implement?  Behind the scenery, costumed citizens, and musicians; behind the animals, beggars, and kings, thousands of hours of work have already been completed.

YEAR ROUND PLANNING

Early each year, the Streets board meets to discuss the previous year's performances and make changes or build on that year's strengths.  This board will meet throughout the rest of the year, planning out each detail of the presentation, including the street itself, parking and shuttles, advertisements, city requirements, security, and other important topics.  During this time sets are painted, costumes are sewn, and volunteers are assigned roles.

BUILDING BETHLEHEM

In just a few short weeks the streets of a town of 2000 years ago appears in the parking lot of First Baptist Church.  After months of planning, painting and building have passed, suddenly the set is ready.  After each piece of the set is erected and ready for inhabitants the "street" is missing only one important component:  dirt.  The contemporary asphalt of the parking lot is covered generously with mud and littered with hay, just as one might expect to see in Biblical Bethlehem.  With the addition of lights for the aid of our late evening visitors, Bethlehem is ready for its residents.

Below are some pictures of newly erected sets at the Streets of Bethlehem.  Click on the picture to view the entire photograph and some descriptive text.

PERFORMANCE NIGHT

In addition to the scenery and the hundreds of costumed performers that flood the streets, there are many who remain literally "behind the scenes."  These people prepare meals for the performers, baby-sit for volunteers, warm and help care for baby "Jesus," run sound and lights, and take care of all the necessary tasks to keep the show up and running.

Below are some pictures from behind the scenes at the Streets of Bethlehem.  Click on the picture to view the entire photograph and some descriptive text.

You, too, can participate in the Streets of Bethlehem.  Visit our volunteer page for more information.