Experience Upon This Rock

People throughout the Midwest and across the nation come to experience Upon This Rock. This diverse cast of both professional and amateur actors and singers never disappoints! From the soulful music to the enchanting silhouette of choreographed dance, every song sung, every word spoken, and every move made points the audience to the passion of the Christ! Emotions range from tearful sorrow as Jesus hangs life-less on the cross during the crucifixion scene to foot-stomping cheers and shouting as the flames of pyrotechnics declare the victory of Christ as he takes the keys from death, hell and the grave.

Upon This Rock Productions produced it’s 40th & final performance of the annual passion play, April 2023. Videos for the four (4) dynamic final performances can be purchased from the UTR Store.

While the passion play has completed its run, Upon This Rock Productions continues with new and exciting “next level” productions that will produce the same passion and power as the annual Upon This Rock Passion Play. Keep watching for upcoming productions.

Our Team

Over 300 Cast & Volunteers

Each year over 300 cast and community volunteers come together to bring the Passion Play to life.

Sharon Thompson-Hill
Playwright & Executive Director

Pastor A. Thomas Hill
Co & Managing Director

The Upon This Rock Family is led by real-life brother and sister, Playwright and Executive Director Sharon Thompson-Hill and Pastor A. Thomas Hill, Co & Managing Director. They combine their talents and efforts to lead a cast and crew of over 300 community volunteers in creating a Christian-based production focused on remembering the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These volunteers have expressed a special interest in the area of theatre arts and the business of theatre from a Christian perspective. The majority of these volunteers participate in the annual Upon This Rock performance, while others participate in smaller mini-series productions throughout the year.

Casting for various characters in each of the productions is handled through open auditions each year. By casting in this manner, Upon This Rock is able to give both amateur and professional actors the opportunity to be a part of the production. Upon This Rock casting staff selects cast roles based on the potential, character, and integrity of an individual, before being concerned with one's previous experience or credentials.

The cast and staff of Upon This Rock work together in a spirit filled environment, ministering to each other through prayer, song, and words of encouragement. It is in this atmosphere that greatness is created and presented for all to experience.