Sisters in the Church House© is a play that evolved from four long time Christian friends occasionally getting together to hang out and talking about writing a play. They were determined to let God direct their paths as they embarked upon their vision of playwriting.
In 2009, Sisters in the Church House came into fruition. People often meeting some of the cast members at a mall, in church, or in a grocery store would ask when will the play be repeated. So, again in 2017, they presented it at the Norfolk Collegiate. School. This year, it is back by popular demand with added new cast members. We pray that you will enjoy the production and leave with laughter in your spirit.
Our vision is to create a world where everyone has access to quality education, healthcare, and basic needs. We believe that by investing in the Arts, we are investing in the future of our society.
Gwendolyn Staton Matarita A native of Norfolk, oldest of five siblings, born to the late Jesse and Ugertha Doles. She is the writer of "Sister in the Church House" along with her three friends. She has been an organist and Minister of Music for over 60 years in the Tidewater area. She is a graduate of Bayside High School and earned a B.S. degree in Business Education from Norfolk State University and retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad. She has been playwriting for over 25 years. She is presently organist and Minister of Music at her church, Ambassadors for Christ Worship Center and is married to Elder Dan Matarita.
At Sisters in the Church House, we believe in a holistic approach to helping people in need. We not only provide them with basic needs but also education, healthcare, and emotional support. We work closely with local communities to understand their needs and create sustainable solutions.
Jacqueline Bright Staples - She is co-writer and directress of Sisters in the Church House. A native of Norfolk and a graduate of Granby High School, grew up watching "I Love Lucy" and the "Carol Burnett Show." Her dad, Lloyd Mac Bright, made several recordings, including "The Pony." Her husband, George Staples, is related to the Staples Singers. She is a life-time member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, where she was Ministry Leader of the Drama/Mime Ministry and has performed at various churches and organizations throughout Hampton Roads and the North Carolina area. She has a gift for making people laugh with her wild stories and the dramatization of her. She believes her gift is ministering to the young and old through drama. She worked for GSH Real Estate for 17½ years and developed her own custom gift basket business, "Gifts from the Heart," for all occasions.
We have seen our donations working to feed the once malnourished and sick, now healthy and thriving. We are proud of the positive impact we have made in their lives and the communities.
Dr. Apostle Johnice Johnson - She is a native of Goldsboro, North Carolina, and a musician, gospel keyboardist, songwriter and presently recording a gospel music project. She is the founder of the East Carolina University Gospel choir. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree and a master’s in educational administration. She is also co-writer of this production and writes, composes, and plays our theme song, as well as other materials. She is a gifted musician as well as a natural comedian but loves God more than anything. She spends hours studying and sharing the Word on social media. She recently was awarded a Doctor of Divinity degree from Breath of Life Prophetic and Apostolic University
At Sisters in the Church House, we believe in helping people find joy in laughter in life.
Laverne Johnson Co-writer of "Sisters in the Church House," and a native of Titustown and member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. She was co-director of the Drama/Mime Ministry and a member of Voices of Praise Choir and the Greeters Ministry. She was a school bus driver for Norfolk Public Schools for 27 years and enjoyed working with children. She loves watching comedy shows like "Sanford & Son" and mimicking Madea's voice from Tyler Perry, her mentor. Her mission in life is to make people laugh, but above all, praising God, reading the Bible, and singing.
The Virginia African Cultural Center (VAACC) interview done on
42 views Streamed live on Sep 21, 2023In honor of Gospel Music Heritage Month, join the VAACC for its highly acclaimed Virtual Artist Masterpiece 2023-2024 Series kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m., featuring native Hampton Roads Playwrights, Directors, and Actresses Jacqueline Staples and Gwendolyn Matarita. The pair will highlight their popular stage play, "Sisters in The Church House." This engaging online event features a moderated interview discussion with these two dynamic women by VAACC Executive Director Tamar Smithers and VAACC Director of Programming Crystal Sessoms. The artists will reflect on their career and artistry, as well as highlight videos from the production. The event will end with an audience Q&A. Viewers must register in advance online for this free, virtual event hosted in part by the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission and Dominion Energy.
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