About the immanuelights (ilol)
Lights in the Darkness
We are a youth blacklight performing group whose purpose is: to glorify our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, sharing the gospel in practices and performances; to strengthen each member's God-given identity; to create a safe, loving, supportive, family-like community of all ages; to encourage creative freedom and expression; and to find joy and laughter in all that we do.
"For God, Who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)"
Family Friendly Fun for All Ages
From music and dance to skits and puppets, we're always experimenting with new ideas. Our performances are filled with a series of short routines that captivate the young and wow the young at heart. Every performance is a show to remember!
Private and Public Events
While we do 3-6 of our own public performances every year, we love to perform for schools (chapels and special events), churches (banquets, fundraisers, and special events), and everything else from camps and staff retreats to weddings and nursing homes. We come totally equipped (sound system, lighting, and backdrops) for every show – all we need from you is a dark space in which to perform. Drop us a message to inquire about our availability and pricing!
School Drama Class Workshops
Has your school got a drama class that would love to learn more? Alongside our performances, we host workshops that include brain training, team building, respectful contact, puppeteering, performing under blacklight, and much more. Our members will work right beside your students for a fun and memorable day. Contact us for more information!
About the Leaders
Our Leaders
Charles and Charlene Van den Akker have been leading the ImmanueLights for many years. Black Light Theatre started in Winnipeg MB from 2003-2015, until the Lord led them to Lethbridge, AB in July 2015. It was revamped and rebranded to be the ImmanueLights, first working out of Immanuel Christian Secondary School as an extra-cirricular activity. In 2021 they made the decision to become independent. What started as a part of a dinner theatre became a favourite extra-curricular activity for 10-20 kids every year.
Our Assistant Leaders
With over 30 years of combined experience, our assistant leaders are members who are out of high school and either in post-secondary or the workforce, but just couldn't give up being a part of the ImmanueLights. They take on leadership roles such as preparing and teaching pieces, leading trust exercises and practices, and helping the leaders with the group. They also keep their membership by being able to perform in pieces with everyone else.
Left to right: Joel, Leanna, and Sierra, and Mercedes (bottom)