Ted takes this tradition’s sacred text and does not treat it as a very old relic whose pages would crumble or fall apart if they were turned too quickly or too lightly. Instead, he puts us there between the lines, and on being there, we say, “Yup! That could-a, should-a, would-a, might-a been me/us.”

Ted seems willing to work with a unique set of circumstances. His performances are always engaging and moving. This time was no different.

Ted was fantastic. He was amazing with our students and helped lead 13 of them through a one day prep to perform an opening act skit. It went fantastic and the kids loved him.

We knew that [Just Give Em the News] would be a great way to begin the Advent season. We weren’t disappointed – in fact, it exceeded our expectations. The show was entertaining and engaging, yet had a real hook spiritually. It was very meaningful. Both Ted and Jeff were warm and connected well with the audience. The standing ovation was evidence of appreciation for content and delivery. It was GREAT!

I got a ukulele for my birthday. I am super excited. More than that, I got “Laughter Is Sacred Space,” Ted Swartz’s new book. I opened it like three hours ago and haven’t been able to put it down. I literally had to shut it in the middle of a sentence so I would stop and get some sleep…

Ted was able to use both humor and irony to communicate deep truths of our human journey with God. His theatrical interpretation of conversations between the disciples provided insight into both the angst and the celebration of walking with Jesus day to day. We saw him “toss the nets into the sea” at Jesus’ instruction and discover the great catch that comes with obedience.

Further, Ted spoke with incredible sensitivity about his friend and partner, Lee, and Lee’s struggle with bi polar disease. Ted was able, with gentle acknowledgement of pain and real expression of growth, to describe his friend’s suicide and his own journey down the path of abandonment and grief. Ted’s presentation took the academic facts and lectures of the semester and gave expression to the human experience that makes them matter. The time together was unforgettable.

We viewed Ted’s message as one of hope, healing and God’s love so we therefore offered [the performance of Laughter is Sacred Space] to our congregation and the community on a donation basis. We think Ted’s message is healthy for any community and the delivery is entertaining and uplifting. This was a positive event for our church family and for those who do not attend our church.

I have been researching my German ancestors’ immigration through the port of Philadelphia in the 1700s … Your play reminded me how art can engage not just the intellect, but the soul and our emotional lives in a deeper way that has more potential for change. Thank you!

During the talk back, two men stood: one the father of young gay man, and the other a young gay man himself. Through tears, each shared that Ted & Co had accurately and movingly told their respective stories. The young man went on to share that seeing the show inspired in him more compassion for his own parents and for his home congregation. I can’t imagine a better testimony to the power of this production to not only open space for conversation, but also compassion and transformation.

I’m so grateful to have attended last night’s performance in Leola, PA. As you may know, there’s a 42″ high-pressure shale gas pipeline being built across Lancaster County. It meant a lot to me that you spoke of our issues in the play. The teaching you’re doing is incredibly important.