FIRST CHRISTIAN DRAMA SERIES HITS PRIME TIME

7TH STREET THEATER premiered March 3, 2007 on TBN and became first ever prime time Christian drama series to air on a national television network in the history of broadcasting.

Click to enlarge

“I saw that there was a tremendous need for Christian drama on the airwaves,” said Dave Christiano, producer of the series. “I wanted to offer something that had a direct message for Christ and was dramatic entertainment at the same time.”

7TH STREET THEATER launched with one of the world’s largest television networks. “TBN is a worldwide stage and a great number of people are able to receive the program,” states Christiano.

TBN currently goes into 92% of the homes in America. The series also airs on I-LIFE TV, The NRB Network, and Cornerstone Television in the USA. It airs overseas in Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia.

“I feel that Christian people deserve to see something dramatic that specifically is trying to help build them up in the faith and this is what the show hopes to do,” said Christiano.

The series airs weekly and consists of 24 original episodes in the first season. Season Two is scheduled to begin airing in the fall of 2008 and will also consist of 24 episodes.

“There has never been a weekly drama series with continuing Christian characters for people to watch,” said Christiano. “I hope that people will tune in and see what we’ve tried to do with this show.”

7TH STREET THEATER is the story of five Christian actors who perform a weekly stage show for their community. It features an extremely talented cast which includes Josh Gaffga, Hugh McLean, Johanna Jowett, Stacey J. Aswad, Shane Willimon, and Jack Kelly in the lead roles. The series follows the lives of the characters and the many different issues they deal with as they work together.

“I'm excited about the uncompromising message," said actor Josh Gaffga. "The gospel is presented and a strong story is told that has substance to it.” Josh played a main role in a previous Dave Christiano film, Late One Night.

Actor Hugh McLean adds, “Once a person starts watching and gets into the content of the show, there is some life-changing truth. You can watch a Christian program, and not feel preached at, but learn some life lessons and be entertained at the same time.” Hugh also worked in Late One Night and was the first actor cast by Christiano for the series.

“I’ve always in my heart wanted to do something that would have a lasting affect on people,” said actor Shane Willimon.

The official website for the TV series is 7thStreetTheater.com. The series is also available on dvd.