<<

Calvary Theatre Arts Presents TheFantasticks Book and Lyrics by Music by HARVEY SCHMIDT

March 11 - 21, 2021 Author Biographies

Composer Harvey Schmidt and lyricist Tom Jones are the legendary writing team best known for shaping the American musical landscape with their 1960 hit, . After its Off-Broadway opening in May 1960, it went on to become the longest-running production in the history of the American stage and one of the most frequently produced musicals in the world.

Their first Broadway show, , was revived on Broadway in a new production starring Audra MacDonald. I Do! I Do!, their two-character musical starring and , was a success on Broadway and is frequently done around the country. For several years Jones and Schmidt worked privately at their theatre workshop, concentrating on small-scale musicals in new and often untried forms. The most notable of these efforts were Celebration, which moved to Broadway, and Philemon, which won an Outer Critics Circle Award. They contributed incidental music and lyrics to the Off-Broadway play Colette starring Zoe Caldwell, then later did a full-scale musical version under the title Colette Collage. The Show Goes On, a musical revue featuring their theatre songs and starring Jones and Schmidt, was presented at the York Theatre, and Mirette, their musical based on the award-winning children's book, was premiered at the Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut. In addition to an Obie Award and the 1992 Special Tony Award for The Fantasticks, Jones and Schmidt were inducted into the Broadway Hall of Fame at the Gershwin Theatre, and on May 3, 1999 their 'stars' were added to the Off-Broadway Walk of Fame outside the Lucille Lortel Theatre. Then in 2012, Jones & Schmidt were honored by being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Calvary Theatre Arts Presents

Book and Lyrics by Music by TOM JONES HARVEY SCHMIDT

THE FANTASTICKS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

STREAMING IS PRESENTED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL (MTI) NEW YORK, NY.

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

The musical is suggested by a play Les Romanesque by .

Since its opening in May 1960 at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in New York, and its subsequent revival at the Jerry Orbach Theatre, The Fantasticks remains the longest-running production of any kind in the history of American theatre.

March 11-21, 2021 Student Life Center 512 Bong Avenue Belton, MO 64012 Cast of Characters The Mutes ...... Leah McNabb, Esther McRae The Narrator (El Gallo)...... Mike Burke The Girl (Luisa) ...... Rebekkah Harms The Boy (Matt)...... Adam Weeks The Girl's Mother (Bellomy)...... Abigail Tschetter The Boy's Mother (Hucklebee) ...... Ashley Huseby The Old Actor (Henri)...... Mary Lenk The Man Who Dies (Mortimer) ...... Logan Hiskey

Production & Design Staff Director...... Kenneth England Technical Director...... Kaleb Krahn Dramaturge ...... Logan Hiskey Choreographer...... Beckie Lucas Fight Choreographer...... Kenneth England Musical Director ...... Bruce Barrett Pianist...... Chris Stolberg Rehearsal Musician/Accompanist...... Chris Stolberg Percussionist...... Phil Schmidt Audition Accompanist ...... Chris Stolberg Stage Manager ...... Becky Bitner Assistant Stage Managers...... Bethany Cathcart, Zeb Johnson Stage Crew...... Leah McNabb, Esther McRae Set Designer...... Callie Johnson Set Construction Crew...... the cast and crew of The Fantasticks, Laurel Hughes, Zakayo Hategeka Lighting Designer ...... Kaleb Krahn Assistant Lighting Designer...... Zeb Johnson Lighting Console Operator...... Hannah Bitner Lighting Crew...... Laurel Hughes, Zeb Johnson, Esther McRae Properties Master...... Amanda Harman Properties Assistant...... Julie VanderWoude Costume Designer ...... Becky Bitner Wardrobe Supervisor ...... Annalee Nourse Costume Crew...... Francine Washington, Levi Bennett Dresser...... Levi Bennett Sound Designer...... John Harms Sound Console Operator ...... John Harms Sound Technicians...... Hannah Bitner, Julie VanderWoude Makeup and Hair Designer...... Brittany Hill Hair and Makeup Crew...... Tori Roberts Social Media Team...... Becky Bitner, John Harms, Adam Weeks Photographer...... Callie Johnson Production Videographers...... Callie Johnson, Kaleb Krahn Video Editor...... John Harms Graphic Designer...... Becky Bitner Program Designer...... Adam Weeks T-shirt Designer...... John Harms Lobby Display ...... Seven Lewis Front of House Manager ...... Seven Lewis Box Office...... Seven Lewis Head Usher ...... Kara Adams Ushering Crew Charissa Harwerth Laurel Hughes Abigail LePage Hannah LePage Jared Miller Dawson Moad Daniel Pitts Rachel Tchetter Samuel Tschetter Concessions Head...... Marietta Washington Concessions Crew ...... Francine Washington and the congregation of Abiding Faith Baptist Church & Mission

Please, no flash photography during the production. — Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. — Parental guidance is suggested due to comedic violence. — Please be aware that spinning and flashing lighting ef- fects are used in this production. Synopsis of Scenes & Musical Numbers ACT ONE Overture Orchestra

Try to Remember El Gallo, Luisa, Matt, Mothers

Much More Luisa

Metaphor Matt, Luisa

Never Say No Hucklebee, Bellomy

It Depends on What You Pay El Gallo, Hucklebee, Bellomy

Soon It's Gonna Rain Luisa, Matt

Abduction Ballet Orchestra

Happy Ending Mothers, Luisa, Matt, El Gallo ACT TWO This Plum Is Too Ripe Hucklebee, Bellomy, Matt, Luisa

I Can See It Matt, El Gallo

An Episode Mortimer, Henri

Plant a Radish Hucklebee, Bellomy

Much More (Reprise) Luisa, El Gallo

'Round and 'Round El Gallo, Luisa, Company

They Were You Matt, Luisa

Metaphor (Reprise) Matt, Luisa

Try to Remember (Reprise) El Gallo, Company Glossary of Terms accelerando gradually increase speed with movement con molto acropolis Greek, a high city or high portion of a city; a reference to the Acropolis of Athens, the home of many famous ancient sites, e.g. the Parthenon Adonis mortal lover of Venus (Aphrodite) amalgamated united or combined arrivederci Italian, goodbye or see you later azalea subgenus of Rhodendrons, a common flowering shrub in the United States Beatrice central female lover in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing Benghazi capital city of the Kingdom of Libya at the writing of the play; a very cosmopolitan city before the coup led by Col. Gaddafi blench to flinch in fear (also a quote by Hamlet in Shakespeare's Hamlet) bog-wart or bilberry, wimberry, whortleberry, or common European blueberry Bombay capital city of Maharashta, India, renamed Mumbai in 1995; known as the most cosmopolitan city in India at the writing of the play

Brutus close friend to Julius Caesar and senator central to Caesar's assassination; also a central character in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar buccaneers pirates, specifically those in the area of the Caribbean callow immature or inexperienced candelabras a candlestick with several branch lights Cassandra Greek, to excel or shine; priestess of Apollo, cursed to utter true prophecies, but never to be believed fig leaf the idea of covering up something embarassing or distasteful with something that appears to be harmless. century plant or sentry plant; agave, a flowering and ornamental plant native to Texas and parts of Mexico cesspool storage for liquids, often temporary and containing waste Cleopatra queen during Egypt's Ptolemaic dynasty, a central character in Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra distingué French, distinguished Doge a reference to the Doge's (Duke's) palace in Venice, which has burned, in part and in whole, several times doublet a fitted, padded jacket worn between the 14th and 17th centuries en garde French, fencing term meaning on guard Eurasian of a mixed European and Asian origin fakir a Muslim or Hindu mendicant monk who is regarded as a holy man glen a secluded, small and narrow valley usually surrounded by gentle slopes gondola a small row boat usually found in Venice gondolier a rower of a gondola grande jeté French, a ballet leap in which the dancer's one leg extends forward and the other back in a split Guinevere from the legend of King Arthur, his wife Helena central character and one of the four lovers in Shakepeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream hodge- derived from hodge-podge, meaning confused or disorderly podgenee mixture horticulture the art or science of garden cultivation management ignoramus ignorant or stupid person Juliet central female lover from William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet lagoon a reference to the Venetian Lagoon in which Venice is located Lear central character in Shakespeare's King Lear Lodevigo possibly a reference to Lodovico, from Shakespeare's Othello Macduff Macbeth's foil in Shakespeare's Macbeth Minerva Roman goddess of wisdom (parallels Athena of Greece) monkey suit formal suit or tuxedo mountain possibly the mountain ball cactus, common at high elevations in cactus the southern Rocky Mountains pantaloon Italian, a reference to the commedia dell'arte character Pantalone, an old foolish man pell-mell in a confused, rushed, or disorderly manner pinochle trick-taking card game Polaris Latin, North Star poseur French, poser, insincere person or a pretender prodigal son the parable of the lost (or prodigal) son found in Luke 15:11-32 progeny descendant, offspring prosciutto Italian dried ham Rape of a reference to one of the myths about the foundation of Rome, Sabine where, after attempting to barter for wives, the Roman Senate Women instructed Romulus to kidnap wives from areas around Rome, including Sabine. Often depicted in Renaissance paintings, most famously by Rubens rhododendron a genus of flowering shrub which is common in the United States Richard II & III historic kings of England; also, two tragedies by Shakespeare Rip Van main character in washington Irving's 1818 short story of the Winkle same name Romanoff Romanov, the Russian royal family from 1613 to 1917 Romeo central male lover in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet Shylock antagonist in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice

Socrates famous Athenian philosopher t-zars tzars, Russian emperors tableau a representation of a scene with posed, motionless figures valkyrie a reference to the "Ride of the Valkyries", the opening of the third act of Richard Wagner's opera, Die Walküre Venus Roman goddess of love and beauty (parallels Aphrodite of Greece) Watteau 18th-century French painter Jean-Antoine Watteau, known for painting dynamic tableaus yogi a practioner of yoga Director’s Notes The Fantasticks is the longest running musical in the world and the second longest running show in the world. With over 21,000 performances, The Fantasticks handily beats out such giant and well-known Broadway spectacles like Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, and The Lion King. But how does a musical that is relatively unknown to the general public’s cultural experience persist for over fifty years and have such lasting impact? It all comes down to themes and theatricality.

When The Fantasticks was first conceived, its creators tried to make it a Rogers and Hammerstein style musical, but the style didn’t fit the content of the story. It wasn’t until years later that Tom Jones began experimenting with a different form with which to present the story that the show became “Much More.” In stripping out the flashiness of a typical broadway musical, reducing the cast size to 8 performers, and opting for a Brechtian theatricality, Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt made The Fantasticks an intimate show that highlights its characters and themes.

The themes of The Fantasticks are varied and universal to the human experience. There are themes of parenthood, love, hurt, worldliness, selfishness, growing up, care for others, imagination, and the list goes on. But, there is one of these themes that ties all the rest together. It is embodied in El Gallo’s lyrics, “Without a hurt the heart is hollow.”

You see, El Gallo is correct when he says that there is a paradox in the world. Growth is only facilitated when there is pain or hardship. No character in a story grows until the author subjects the character to trials and struggles. You can see this in the natural world in the seasons: after winter comes spring. After a forest fire, fertile ash is left behind which stimulates incredible growth. But this theme should be even more evident and powerful to those who follow Christ.

The idea of pain leading to growth is found all throughout the Bible. The biggest example comes from the Gospel itself. What hope of growth or fulfillment would we have if not for the suffering and death of Christ? Here are a few other examples.

"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope." Romans 5:3-4 "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you." I Peter 4:12

So, what do we do with this knowledge? Knowing that pain, hurt, and trials are supposed to bring about growth is all well and good, but how should it affect our lives? It should make us more compassionate, more sensitive, and more supportive. It also should make us more human, and consequently more like God since we are made in his image. Hardship is to make us more like Christ. Please enjoy the show.

Kenneth England Theatre Department Chair

Cast & Crew Biographies Mike Burke, The Narrator (El Gallo) Mike is a creative writing and theatre type who wonders just how many times you’ll stomach him telling you he was a career Marine before you start throwing things at him. He also believes Steve Rogers is overrated as a professional soldier, Imperial Stormtroopers lack discipline, Bruce Wayne is a bit of a cry baby, and light sabres really are no match for a good blaster at your side.

Bethany Cathcart, Assistant Stage Manager Bethany Cathcart has recently completed her degree in Biblical Counseling with a minor in Biblical Psychology. She is currently working at House of Hope, a residential program for teen girls. Over her time at Calvary she has enjoyed being part of the Theatre community. Fantasticks is the second production she has been a part of and she is enjoying learning about the technical side of shows.

Kenneth England, Director Kenneth England, the Theatre Department Chair at Calvary University, studied Theatre Arts at Calvary before going on to receive his M.F.A. in Acting at Purdue University. Outside of Calvary he works as a freelance theatre artist auditioning for plays, designing lights, and building sets.

Amanda Harman, Props Master Amanda Harman is an English major at Calvary who is more comfortable with words than people. She loves books, movies, and pop culture, so don't get her started unless you are prepared for a long, long talk about the writing in the latest blockbuster or a passionate rant about fictional characters. John Harms, Sound Designer & Operator John is a senior at Calvary University majoring in Business and Theatre Arts. John first discovered his enjoyment in sound design when creating a Nicolas Cage-themed horror game, and has since invested more of his time and knowledge into that field.

Rebekkah Harms, The Girl (Luisa) Rebekkah Harms has performed in various Calvary productions, such as A Midsummer Night's Dream, All My Sons, Newsies, Doubt: a Parable, and One Voice. She is very excited for this new role as it is not quite like anything she's done before. So far Doubt and The Fantasticks have been her favorite performances.

Brittany Hill, Makeup & Hair Brittany Hill is currently working on her Masters in Music at Calvary University. She teaches several forms of art through her private studio, Calvary University, Donna's Dance, and through STG Studio. Her technical resume includes directing, choreography, quick change artist and dresser, and designer for hair, makeup and costuming. Her designs for costuming, hair, and makeup can be seen on stage in several productions around Kansas City including The Barn Players 2017 production of The Crucible. Logan Hiskey, The Man Who Dies (Mortimer) Logan Hiskey is a senior who will be graduating in May. His acting experience includes being in the cast of Calvary's Newsies as well as five Calvary Shorts. Some of his favorite roles have been a bumbling inspector, a love-struck landowner, and a hysterical father-of-the-bride. The Theatre department has given Logan many great memories and friendships during his time here at Calvary. But for now, he has to go practice "dying" some more.

Howie, Stage Hound and Chief Canine Advisor Howie is the kind of girl designed to be kissed upon the eyes. She has extensive emergency medical training specializing in hand to dog resuscitation.

Ashley Huseby, The Boy's Mother (Hucklebee) Ashley Huseby is a sophomore at Calvary University studying Music Education with an emphasis on voice. She has been acting and singing on stage since she was but a wee lass. She love arts and crafts, trees, thrift shopping, and baconator fries from Wendy's. Callie Johnson, Set Designer Callie is a Calvary alum obsessed with rainy days, Emily Dickinson's use of the em-dash, and that very specific sound cows make when chewing feed stalks. When not working her day job as an editor or moonlighting as a set designer, she can generally be found falling down Wikipedia rabbit holes researching mythological archetypes. Donations are welcome in the form of coffee or sparkling water.

Zeb Johnson, Assistant Stage Manager Zeb Johnson is Calvary alumnus deliberating over his existential direction. He has therefore concluded that continuing to devote full-time hours to theatre will not only not pay his current life expenses but provide an eternally joyful, sleepless, stress-filled existence. He is now attempting to herd cats...er actors... and assist in keeping the lightbeams pointing in the proper direction.

Kaleb Krahn, Technical Director Kaleb is the Technical Director for Calvary’s Theatre Department events as well as teaching many of the technical theatre classes. He received his M.F.A. in Technical Direction from UMKC in 2016, but continues to learn with his students through each course. He also stays busy at home raising his three boys with his lovely wife Karen.

Mary Lenk, The Old Actor (Henri) Mary Lenk is a Junior at Calvary and studying Theatre Arts. She grew up overseas, but she has been able to find a home here. In her free time, she likes to create AMVs, consume stories of various types, and discuss stories with others.

Seven Lewis, Front of House Manager Seven is a Theatre Arts major. She has served in several onstage roles as well as tech roles, such as designing makeup and helping with FOH. She likes to sing, dance, and create art. Seven plans to graduate in May.

Leah McNabb, The Mute Leah is a freshman at Calvary majoring in Intercultural Studies and minoring in Theatre Arts. This is her first show here, and she looks forward to being a part of theatre as long as God blesses her with the opportunity. She plans on finishing her degree here and then going to Ethnos360 to become a missionary to unreached tribes. Some of her favorite things include singing, plants, thrift shopping, and The Phantom of the Opera.

Esther McRae, The Mute Esther McRae is a senior at Calvary and a Theatre Arts major. She has been involved in several shows either on or off stage, and she's so grateful for the experience she's gained. Bobbie has had an incredible impact in her life, as well as Kaleb and Becky and the theatre department as a whole. Outside of rehearsal she admires her axolotls, does a lot of homework, and enjoys coffee. Annalee Nourse, Wardrobe Mistress Annalee is a senior working towards a bachelors degree in Children’s Ministry. This is her second play as Wardrobe Mistress, with the first being One Voice. Depending on the day of the week, you may find Annalee teaching a science experiment to kindergarteners, guiding high schoolers through critical thinking exercises, sitting around a bonfire with family and friends, or simply procrastinating on her homework.

Tori Roberts, Makeup Assistant Recently graduated from Calvary University, this Theatre major spends her days drawing, writing, reading and baking. When not on stage or cuddling her cats, she is whipping up goodies at her sisters coffee shop Joy Coffee. She loves theatrical makeup and is looking forward to being back in the theatre again.

Christopher Stolberg, Accompanist Chris Stolberg is a local accompanist based in Kansas City, MO. Skills/ achievements: Pianist, can simulate earthquakes by shaking tables, everything he staples is at a 45* angle, familiar with breathing (intermediate level), former youngest person in the world, TIME Magazine's Person of the Year in '06, five time Academy Award Viewer, effective middle-distance communicator, can almost always tell when dinosaurs in movies are fake, and can tell if an animal is a dog within like 5 seconds of seeing it.

Julie VanderWoude, Props Julie VanderWoude is a freshman at Calvary majoring in Performing Arts. She grew up in Western Michigan where she did theatre all throughout Junior high and High school, although she has been dramatic since birth. Some of her favorite things include sunsets, cookie dough, and penguins.

Abigail Tschetter, The Girl's Mother (Bellomy) Abigail Tschetter is a junior from Ogallala, Nebraska. She is pursuing a major in English Education and a minor in Theatre Arts, hoping to one day facilitate some student analysis of Arthur Miller. Previous roles include Sister Aloysius in Calvary's Doubt and Katherine in Calvary's Newsies.

Adam Weeks, The Boy (Matt) Adam ______Weeks is a(n) ______studying ______at Calvary University. He recently adopted a(n) ______and is currently in the process of training it not to ______. His favorite ______is ______, but he would not say it is the ______. Special Thanks To Kaleb Krahn: Ever faithful, ever hard working, ever talented. Thank you for your tremendous work in moving our production to the SLC, set, lights, sound, and embarking on the new and intrepid journey of recording and streaming shows.

Becky Bitner: Your value to this show cannot realistically be overstated. Simply the amount of paperwork that you organize into understandable formats is mind breaking. Thank you especially for all the consistency that you have provided during this transitional time in our department.

Callie Johnson: Your set design is gorgeous, magical, and full of fun. Thank you for your creativity in coming up with this wondrous playground for our actors.

Annalee Nourse: You’re a costume hero! Thank you for all the long hours you put in making sure all the costumes were hemmed, buttoned, and leafy.

Seven Lewis: Wow. You were given a lot of responsibility during this show as Front of House Manager. Thank you for all you have done in this capacity. Our audience wouldn’t have nearly as good an experience if we had not had you on board.

Zeb Johnson: Any place Calvary does theatre, you are sure to be right behind. Thank you for your dedication to the work.

Beckie Lucas: You have what must be an innate ability to teach dance. Thank you for the splendid work for our shows. Your critical eye and many suggestions were invaluable.

Francine Washington: You had a bit of a run around this show. Thank you for your flexibility in helping in multiple areas.

Levi Bennett: You might not have been on stage for this show, but you played a critical role this year. Thank you for your willingness to help with costumes.

Brittany Hill: Thank you for your enthusiasm and tremendous artistic skill in making our cast look beautiful.

Marietta Washington: Last minute save! Thank you for helping us with concessions. We were in dire straights until you volunteered, saving our audience from suffering hunger during our performance.

Tori Roberts: Your infectious giggles are always welcome. Thank you for all the help you have provided with makeup.

Logan Hiskey: Not only do you wear many hats in the puppet booth, you wear different hats in life. Thank you for helping us with all the nitty gritty dramaturgy.

Bethany Cathcart: I must say, it was great having you around for the show. Thank you for all your hard work. Bruce Barrett: Music director extraordinaire! Your creativity has brought a depth and a complexity to this story. Thank you for all your brilliant contributions!

Phil Schmidt: I wish we had the space to give you your own trailer. Your percussive skill brings a vibrancy to the stage that delights performers and audience alike.

Chris Stolberg: I have no other way to describe what you do other than sorcery. You support our students and inspire them throughout all of their performances.

Hannah Bitner: Our light board probably has become so accustomed to you running it that I doubt it would ever accept another operator. Thank you for always being there to fill this critical role.

John Harms: The incomparable sound designer! Thank you for making this show sound so good. Not only that, you also made us look awesome through your mad editing skills. Thank your for the work you did on the insane video editing turnaround.

Amanda Harman and Julie VanderWoude: Talk about baptism by fire. Thank you for your gumption in jumping into a role you knew nothing about. We all learned a lot and you provided some very nice props.

Calvary’s Student Senate: Your generosity is show-stopping! …or the opposite… because without your generosity our show would not be as successful as it is. Thank you for gifting us the funds we need to properly light our show.

Graceway Church: Theatre is collaborative and it is even more magical when we get to collaborate with another institution. Thank you for allowing us to use some of your lights. They have provided just the right amount of magic on stage.

Lowe's: Theatre can be an expensive artform, and so we are incredibly thankful to Lowe's for donating most of the materials needed to build our set. This generous donation allowed us to distribute funds to other technical aspects resulting in a much more polished production than we otherwise could have afforded. cia anks o

Raymore, MO -- 225 North Dean Avenue Raymore, MO 64083 South ansas City, MO -- 10 West 133rd Street Kansas City, MO 64145 ee’s Summit, MO -- 1830 Northwest Chipman Road Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Overland Park, S -- 001 West 95th Street Overland Park, KS 66212 Olathe, S -- 1350 South Blackbob Road Olathe, KS 66062 lowescom Calvary University offers a theatre minor for the believer artist e’d love to help you serve through the power of story

or more information, visit calvaryedutheatre-arts We would like to invite you to partner with us in our Patrons of the Arts program and become an official supporter of the quality, familyfriendly theatre youve come to expect from C Theatre Arts. With your support, we can offer scholarships and provide excellent theatre technology and equipment to give our students the best atmosphere for learning and growing. Each level of our Patrons of the Arts program comes with several benefits we extend to you in gratitude of your support and encouragement.

Understudy 100 - 2 Actor 20 - Star 00 - Director 1000 - 2 Producer 200 - Eecutive Producer 000 and above

To learn more or make a donation, visit calvaryedupatrons-of-the-arts Upcoming Theatre & Music Events Brittany Hill's Senior Recital Friday, March 26, 7:00 PM at Blue River Bible Church Logan David's Senior Recital Saturday, March 27, 7:00 PM at Blue River Bible Church Mariah Strickland's Senior Recital Saturday, April 10, 6:00 PM at Graceway Music Department Spring Concert Friday, April 16, 7:00 PM at Blue River Bible Church Noby Williams’ Senior Recital Friday, April 23, 7:00 PM, Virtual Link SpringShorts Acting Recital Saturday, April 24, 7:00 PM at Calvary's Liberty Chapel

Calvary University Mission Statement Calvary University is an independent, non-denominational institution providing undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate education which prepares Christians to live and serve in the church and the world according to the biblical worldview.