MESA, ARIZ.
Behind the massive Easter pageant stage set up on the north lawn of the Mesa Arizona Temple is a small, white tent. While easily overlooked, important things happen inside.
"Here we help the actors transition from their hectic, busy lives to the principal characters of the pageant," said Kevin Kempton, makeup director.
Amidst wigs, beards, foundation, eyeliner and other makeup that help transport local men, women and children back to the days of Jesus in Jerusalem to portray His story on stage is a reverent spirit that helps them internalize the importance of those roles.
"They really do transform those people into their characters," said Jenee Prince, director of the pageant, "Jesus the Christ." "Internally, the actor does that; but on the outside, that's what the makeup person has to do."
As the actor who portrays Christ on the cross enters the tent that is crowded and bustling with activity for his turn at transformation, everyone gets quiet and makes room for the work to begin. Makeup indicating wounds to his hands, feet and side is applied. The significance of the scene soon to be enacted on stage is not lost on the busy volunteers.
Many say their experiences and feelings have changed their lives.
Last year Sarah Hoopes volunteered with a friend in her ward to help with makeup but unexpectedly felt the Spirit in the work.
"Even though it was just an actor, I knew Christ was real and He died for each and everyone of us," she said. "It changed my life."
"If the pageant just touches one person then it did what it was meant to do," she added.
Justin Price, who also helps with makeup, said the experiences that he's had in the last four years has helped build his testimony and he points out that the entire pageant area is on "sacred, holy ground."
"How could your life not be touched by the Spirit?" he asked. "Testimonies grow."
"Sometimes it's hard for these actors to be involved in the pageant because of the time involved," said Becky Kempton, who has been the makeup director with her husband for more than 15 years. "But in these brief, spiritual moments they come to know Christ as a person and see firsthand the miracles He has done."
Sister Prince, who is serving in her first year as pageant director after being an assistant director, said there are hundreds of people working behind the scenes in addition to nearly 450 in the cast.
"We couldn't do anything without them," she said. "They make it happen, and really are the backbone of the pageant.
For example, one volunteer who helps with lighting gives up his entire vacation time each year to be involved in the pageant and another family drives nearly two hours one way to participate.
"That's the kind of commitment we see," Sister Prince said.
"I've come to understand why people want to come back even though they sacrifice hours and weeks," she said. "They really are spiritually strengthened."
The pageant, which tells the scriptural story of the life, ministry, atonement, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, was performed in English March 28-29, and will be performed in English again April 3-7. Performances in Spanish were March 30-31. Performances begin at 8 p.m. in front of the Mesa Temple Visitors Center, 525 E. Main St. in downtown Mesa.
For more information, visit www.EasterPageant.org.
