Kathleen Chapman is a motivational Christian Speaker and author of Teaching Kids Authentic Worship.

Biography

Mom to three, 'Mimi' to nine as of September 2010 (so far) and teacher to thousands awards her the "Kid-Expert" title!

Kathleen has been writing, directing, producing, and teaching children's theater for more than 35 years. The author of four books relating to children's theater, she also wrote the best-selling Teaching Kids Authentic Worship, released in 2003 and now in its 6th printing. She is a popular guest speaker at Christian Education conferences, church seminars, Christian School Spiritual Life weeks and most recently taught workshops at Worship Expo 2009 in Tampa, FL. Her love for kids, expertise in their world, and her zany personality has also resulted in numerous TV and radio appearances.

Background:

A native southern Californian, Kathleen has a passion to see kids meet, and fall in love with Jesus Christ. She recognized her theatrical bent, at the tender age of 8, when she won a first-place trophy in a speech contest. By the time she had reached fourth grade, musical theater had already impacted her life. Her dream was to somehow use the stage to bring self worth and self-confidence to the children of the world.

After the birth of her three children, she realized God was leading her to write, direct and produce children’s musicals, knowing the "stage" was the perfect vehicle to impact children’s lives for Him.

In 1981 she founded Chapman Music Co. summer drama workshops, which still continues today. To date, more than 4,000 children have participated in her programs. She also has musical theater programs in many schools and churches. More than 10 years ago, Kathleen expanded her musical theaters to include public schools. Her original musicals, which have garnered numerous awards from the state competitions, have touched the lives of 3,000 participating children.

Kathleen has written over 300 musicals and 1,000 original songs, which have been performed throughout the world. Her dedication keeps her busy year long writing, directing and producing for both private and public schools, writing original scripts for eight musical theater groups (400 children weekly) and traveling as a featured seminar speaker teaching teachers how to use theatre and the classroom to impact kids lives for eternity.

Highlights:

• Current:
  • Writing and speaking at various nationwide venues.
  • Author of Teaching Kids Authentic Worship – 6th printing
  • Musical Theatre weekly rehearsals with Star P.A.K.; also Wagon Wheel Elementary School
  • Speaker for various organizations on the topics of worship, children and family, and children's theater, MOPS International, Associated Christian Schools International and Sunday School conferences nationwide
  • Drama and Speech Tutor
• Previously:
  • Co-Director, with daughter Nancy Matossian, of Children's Ministry at Coast Hills Community Church in Aliso Viejo, CA
  • Award winning writer, director and producer of curriculum-based educational musical theatre for public schools:
    • Adams Elementary School, Costa Mesa, CA
    • California Elementary School, Costa Mesa, CA
    • Eastbluff Elementary School, Newport Beach, CA
    • Moulton Elementary School, Laguna Niguel, CA
    • Paularino Elementary School, Costa Mesa, CA
    • Sonora Elementary School, Costa Mesa, CA
    • TeWinkle Middle School, Costa Mesa, CA
    • Tijeras Creek Elementary School, Coto de Caza, CA
    • Victoria Elementary School, Costa Mesa, CA
    • Wagon Wheel Elementary School, Coto de Caza, CA
  • Director of Children's Ministry, Lake Hills Community Church, Laguna Hills, CA
  • Director Children Celebration Arts, Coast Hills Community Church, Aliso Viejo, CA
  • Seminar Speaker "For Kids Only," a touring program which instructs church leaders and teachers on the dynamics of explosive church ministry
  • Director of Maranatha! Music's Kids Praise! Company, San Juan Capistrano, CA
  • Director of Maranatha! Music's "Kids In Church" Seminars
  • Produced and directed children's musical recordings for Focus on the Family
  • Consultant with National Institute of Youth Ministries and Christian Homeschooling association
  • Appeared on the "Today" show with Maria Schriver
  • Appeared on "Home and Family Show" (Family Station)