What People Are Saying... 
You're such an amazing talent!
—Martha Bolton
Author and comedy writer for Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller, Ann Jillian, Jeff Allen, Mark Lowry, Fritz Coleman, and more.


Five Bells for 9/11 
Re: Five Bells... That was lovely. Thank you.
—Robert M. Fresco
Academy Award Winning Filmmaker

The play provided some excellent opportunity for grief work to continue
among many in our congregation. I thought the play was very tastefully done.  A powerful witness to our ultimate salvation through Christ.  (Matt 10:28)
—Steve Shomo
Pastor of Warwick Valley Church of the Nazarene
Home church of one of the three characters
in Five Bells for 9/11

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed 'Five Bells for 9/11.' I sat transfixed."
—Lois Struble
attends Warwick Valley Church of the Nazarene

A Clear Leading 
Another Quaker innovator, Rich Swingle, has been performing…A Clear Leading, based on incidents in John Woolman’s life, (which) has delighted audiences across America…
Michael P. Graves
from Truth’s Bright Embrace

Obviously very sincere in matters of religion, Swingle hasn’t let matters of devotion get in the way of creating an entertaining, interesting, and moving theatre piece....Swingle [is] an extremely competent actor, able to bring all these characters to life with a minimum of props, a couple of set pieces, and authentic-looking costume.
John Chatterton
Editor, Off-Off-Broadway Review “Window into the past”, August 7, 1997


Rich Swingle, playwright and actor, brings excellent stage presence and physical exuberance to his performance of the one-person play, A Clear Leading. … (Swingle) is a master of a large variety of voices and dialects, switching characters with hats and other minimal props to pull off a well-paced and provocative drama, even when he is the only actor on stage. …The burden of this play is that of not passing the curse of racism on to the next generation—a tangible issue for every American, since the curse has been passed on to all of us. —Wayne Copenhaver
“‘A Clear Leading’ A One-person play about John Woolman” Quaker Life, January/February 1997

I thought the Woolman play was remarkable on a number of levels. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of taking a stand for truth and justice. I liked the “ordinary” aspects revealing injustice can exist under our noses, forming the fabric of our lives, and simply because it is commonplace does not justify its existence or continuation.
—Sherrie Schulke
Professor of Sociology, George Fox College

I found your performance [of A Clear Leading] compelling, disturbing, and engulfing.
Amanda Skow
Salt Lake City Monthly Meeting of Friends

Big Fish Little Worm 
The play lets us look at a familiar Bible story in a new way, giving us some insight into the humanity of Jonah and the reality of how God deals with his people.
—James Masters, Ph.D.
Playwright

It was really a treat and a blessing having a professional actor share with us such a high quality performance of biblical events! At the evening service the people were sharing what a blessing they had received Sunday morning.
—John Hobson
Pastor North Bend First Baptist Church (Oregon)


Great way to involve audience and really make them think about what they have seen and heard.
Marlita Yardumian
Leader Tennessee Work and Witness Team


The Revelation  

"Your acted out depiction of the book of Revelation made the amazing past and future events of God's word more real to me than ever before. God used you (Rich) to bless my heart as we await the return of our blessed Lord."
—Sam Schwartz
Career Missionary
Porto, Portugal

We were so spiritually enriched by your artistry with our European team. The gift of your presence and drama was very generous. Your depth was demonstrated in your adaptations and inclusions.
—Dr. Will Marling
Dublin, Ireland


Loyalty  

It is amazing to watch Rich Swingle transform himself from a baby to a 20 year old in front of your eyes. Only a top actor can do this.
—Mac Nelson
Stage, Screen, and Television Actor

Rich's message speaks directly to our church today. The challenge of remaining loyal in a relativistic society rings true in our hearts and minds. Are we the next Pergamum?
—Jeff Matteson
Valley Community Church
Clinton Corners, NY

This is now the third time I have had the pleasure of seeing you in action. Once again, you astound me! Not only for the clear biblical message, but your ability to portray each persona is exceptional. This presentation is, clearly, the best yet. And it was, in a word, powerful!
—John Healy
Assistant Principal
Arlington Middle School
Poughkeepsie, NY

"Loyalty" is one of the short pieces Rich offers.



Sociodrama  

Rich Swingle has mastered a unique combination of entertainment, teaching, and self-discovery. He provides a bright approach to the story of Jonah, entertains, questions in character, then conducts a sociodrama which allows the audience to improvise themselves and teach one another. Rich’s giving personality comes through as he leads the group through a fun and enlightening experience.
—Gino Peña
New York City Teacher


Workshops  

Homer!
—Terry Dismore
Gospel Music Association
GMA Week Programming Committee


Miscellaneous  

He's like a stick of dynamite!
—Jim Downs
Youth Pastor
Lewiston, ME, Corps of The Salvation Army

On behalf of the entire Europe Team of Grace Brethren International Missions, I thank you. We very much appreciated the way you captured the spirit of the living Word, of some of its main characters and their message. Thank you for the inspiration that you were to us, stimulating creativity within our team—especially among the children & teens. Merci, graçias, danke, thanks and ciao!
—Paul Klawitter
GBIM Europe Regional Director
Dijon, France

I want to thank you for sharing your talent in both writing and acting. The story was powerful, and I am amazed at the way in which you brought so many characters to life through voice and personality. The magic was in the gift you have and shared to bring the past so truly present.
Kathy Beckwith
Portland, Oregon

He's the converted version of Jim Carrey.
Pastor Eustace McDonald
East New York Church of the Nazarene


Thank you for your inspiration and guidance.
Sarah Mayfield
Founder and Artistic Director
WML (What's My Line?!) Players

You changed my life.
William Martin
Kearny, NJ