Human video

A human video is a form of theater combining music, American Sign Language, Modern Dance and drama. A human video consists of a song (sometimes a blend of songs edited together in an attempt to enhance the dramatic value) played over loudspeakers while actors use rhythmic physical movement (gestures and other movements of the limbs and body) to communicate joy, exultation, sadness, anger, and often the passion of Jesus of Nazareth to a given audience.

The name “human video” is descriptive of how this dramatic act is performed. In this case, the performance is presented in a form similar to a music video you might see on MTV, BET, VH1, or similar music networks. It presents a story that illuminates a particular artistic intent through spatial relationships, meaningful gestures, and artistic movement. The fact that it is a live performance is what makes it not only “theater,” but also “human.” The live theatrical connection between audience and performer lends an additional level to the relationship. A recorded video has no opportunity for feedback and is essentially a one-way communication; it lacks a personal quality. “Human videos”, by contrast, are an amalgamation of a variety of communicative art forms, such as: interpretive dance, modern dance, American Sign Language, music, pantomime, and classic mime.

The story told within the video can be either implicit in the words of the song or a story written independently of the original artist's meaning.

Just as more "traditional" forms of theatre can be situated on different types of stages, so too can these dramatic acts. This particular form of drama can perform the same text in many different venues without disrupting its meaning. Because it typically has no set and limited costumes, it is ideal for performance in any location.

Props are sometimes used, but are forbidden in some competitive venues. In this instance, props are restricted in an effort to force creativity-- because in the ideal Human Video, all actors on stage should be used to represent objects like crosses, thrones, trees or giants. Actors movements should demonstrate a story and the theme of the song being played and express concepts like as peace or illustrate the effect of poor choices on the main characters of the "video" and thus the effect of "evil" on "the world."

In the United States, one example of how human videos have permeated the culture is the inclusion of human videos in Fine Arts Festivals (Assemblies of God, Pentecostal Holiness Church, Church of God, etc.) and church ministry groups in a variety of Protestant denominations.

History

The name "human video" was invented by Randy Phillips. He is reported to have performed the first "human video" in a chapel service at Central Bible College, with several elements used from the then quite poplar Deaf Ministry Team. It was used more formally in the early 1990s at Phoenix First Assembly of God led by Pastor Tommy Barnett.

Although elements of the form have existed in theater for centuries and no one can actually claim to have invented it, Mr. Phillips began use it as a ministry tool first at church services and then for outreach and missions with the help of Pastor Lloyd Ziegler [http://www.masterscommissionusa.com/staff/] and the ministry training program called Masters Commission [http://www.mcin.org/modules.php?name=History] .

Human Video Example

[http://www.humanvideo.info Human video scripts and videos]

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZu5WU6O-CI Solo Human Video Performed at NFAF]

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq5YvK8eOM8 Human Video Performed at a Church]

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOwT5zMEGzw Human Video Using Sticks]

[http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=5580766939465332239&hl=en Human Video performed at a Christian Event]