A new act has come to town.

Waymaker Arts, a faith-based theater group that blends Christian ministry with a passion for wholesome entertainment, is in the midst of its first production, "Pride vs. Prejudice," which runs for three more shows through Saturday.

Founder and artistic director Logan Foster said the idea for Waymaker began around January.

"We’re only 7 months old at this time,” he said Tuesday.

Foster runs the administrative side out of his home as the fledgling organization partners with area churches for rehearsal space. Waymaker's debut show is playing at Coeur d'Alene Bible Church.

A 10-year local theater veteran who performed with Christian Youth Theater North Idaho and stunt shows at Silverwood Theme Park, Foster has also taken several classes at North Idaho College.

“My training has come from private classes, workshops, I’ve been taking private voice lessons for eight years for musical theater," he said. "It’s a very eclectic education in the arts.”

Foster said his faith came into play as he began to wonder, "Why am I doing this?"

"I’m Christian and my faith is a massive part of my life," he said. "I felt like I wasn’t doing anything with it."

He said he launched Waymaker Arts to allow other Christians a place to participate in theater without compromising their morals while also providing entertainment without scandalous content.

"At the beginning of the shows we have a bit of a devotional where I come out and give my speech, I give the general information, then go into sharing the gospel," Foster said. "That’s the heart of the group — the Christian faith. Everybody that's involved with our group, we make sure we keep the culture as welcoming as we can."

The name "Waymaker" comes from Bible verse Isaiah 43:19: "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

"This verse struck us and really stood out as it both highlighted us heading out into a new thing for God, and his promise to make ways for his children to do what he has called them to do," Foster explained. "Throughout this experience and rehearsal process, God has proven Himself time and time again to be a provider and opened doors in ways I never expected or thought possible."

Foster plays Mr. Darcy in "Pride vs. Prejudice," an all-original musical written by costar James Thrasher and based on works of Jane Austen.

Opening night went great, Foster said.

"The audience was very entertained," he said. "The main point of the story of this version is to stay as close to the original as possible."

The show features sword fighting, musical numbers and a comedy-riddled script.

"The main reason Jane Austen is so well known is her dialogue is so witty, her stories are very beautifully done," Foster said. "The main point of this story is misunderstandings and mischaracterizations on first contact, and then people getting to know each other over time.

"This version actually stays true to the hearts of the characters and point of the story, which is the growth of the individuals and their relationships with each other," he said.

Waymaker Arts' production of "Pride vs. Prejudice" plays at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $10 per person with group rates available.

Coeur d'Alene Bible Church is at 5350 N. Fourth St.

Tickets and info: waymakerarts.ticketgoat.com

    Lexie Fouch as Elizabeth Bennet and Logan Foster as Mr. Darcy perform a scene from the Waymaker Arts debut production of "Pride vs. Prejudice."
  

    Shirley McDaniel and John McDaniel play the Bennets in "Pride vs. Prejudice," on stage at Coeur d'Alene Bible Church through Saturday evening.