By Jean Boonstra
Actors sometimes prepare for roles by imagining that they are their characters. This is called “method acting”. Wyatt Watson became an unintentional method actor for Discovery Mountain when he chose to exercise his faith.
Wyatt, Tamhelda, and Naomi giggled as they left the studio from their recording session.
“We should’ve known better,” Director Doug said light-heartedly, “than to cast three friends for these roles. You have way too much fun when you’re in the studio.”
“Oh, Director Doug,” Wyatt explained, “I didn’t know Naomi or Tamhelda before Discovery Mountain.”
“Really?” Director Doug asked.
“Right,” Naomi added, “We’ve all become friends because of our parts in this program.”
“I see,” Director Doug teased. “So, we created this giggle problem.”
Wyatt, Naomi, and Tamhelda talked and smiled as they left the studio and back to work and school.
The next time Wyatt arrived at the studio he wasn’t laughing.
“What happened to you?” Director Doug asked Wyatt as he hobbled toward him on crutches.
“I hurt my knee,” Wyatt answered.
“Are you method acting, Wyatt?” Director Doug asked
“Method acting?” Wyatt asked, and then he made the connection. “Right, in this story, my character Wyatt breaks his leg.”
“And,” Naomi added, “he has to stay in the hospital.”
“Thanks a lot, Naomi,” Wyatt added, smiling towards his friend. “It’s not broken. But it hurts. A lot.”
“You should see a doctor, Wyatt,” said Director Doug.
“If it still hurts tomorrow, I will,” Wyatt answered. “Now, let’s record the scene! My ouches will be very authentic.”
The next day, Wyatt visited a doctor. Naomi’s comment rang in his ears.
“What did the doctor say?” Naomi asked.
“Well, you were right,” Wyatt answered. “I tore a ligament, my ACL. I’ll be on crutches for a while.”
“I’m sorry, Wyatt,” Naomi answered. “But why did you say that I was right?”
“About the hospital,” Wyatt explained with a sad sigh. “I have to have surgery to fix the tear.”
“Oh, Wyatt,” Naomi answered. “You know you’re taking this method acting thing a little too far.”
Wyatt’s surgery was a success and by the next recording session, his knee was completely healed.
The night before the next recording session, Wyatt read over his scripts. He read his lines, and as the story unfolded, a huge grin spread over his face. His character planned a surprise for everyone, and Wyatt almost couldn’t believe what he read. He couldn’t wait to tell everyone!
“Everyone,” Wyatt said, hardly able to contain his happiness. “I’m method acting again.”
“Oh? I don’t see any crutches,” Director Doug teased.
“In this story, Wyatt has a big surprise for everyone. And, well, I’m planning the same surprise.”
Naomi looked at Wyatt blankly for a moment, and then she remembered the story. “Oh, Wyatt, you mean it?” she asked.
“Yes, I’m getting baptized,” Wyatt answered, his voice quieting. “These last few years, my faith has grown, and just like my character Wyatt, I want to take this step to show everyone that I’ve given my heart to Jesus.”
“Wyatt, that’s amazing. So happy for you, man.” Director Doug said beaming.
Ms. Jean smiled and blinked back a few stray tears.
Naomi gave her friend a hug. “Proud of you, Wyatt,” she almost whispered.
“I’m glad that you agreed to audition that day,” Director Doug answered. “I had to talk you into it.”
“I know,” Wyatt answered. “I was nervous, but I’m glad I did, too. And just like my character, I’ve exercised my faith.”