FRANKLIN — For those of the Christian faith who believe God has a sense of humor, Franklin resident Karen Matthews is proof He also has a playwright and director.  

Matthews has been entertaining audiences for the past 11 years with her gift of writing and directing gospel stage plays. It’s a talent that blossomed after some encouragement from a close friend.

“She said, ‘Karen as well as you write and you do public speaking you should write a play.’ I sketched my very first play in her den in her home in January of 2007,” Matthews said.   

That play was titled “Going to Hell from the Pew.”

It was a hit and various churches responded by letting Matthews present the play.  

The playwright soon began to hone the skill of bringing positive faith filled messages to life and adding a little humor to boot. 

“People are always asking me about my plays, when I am going to do another play, I entertain and let people know that even Christians can have fun,” Matthews said.

Her audiences now flock to community centers and theaters to see her work.

When asked how many plays has she written the playwright said she stopped counting at 25.

Matthews’s has gained her popularity despite having no formal training in her craft.

“Well interestingly, God gives me the inspiration and once he gives me the title of the play, I just begin to type it..I have no idea what the play is going to be about or how many characters it’s going to have.” she said. 

Now that the word is out on the woman who can mix faith and comedy, Matthews finds herself writing for all occasions.

“The majority of my plays are gospel stage plays but I’ve written plays for various other organizations. I’ve done surprise birthday parties, Dr. Martin Luther King celebrations in Loreauville. It just depends on if I’m hosting or if someone else is sponsoring it.”

Audiences span from Morgan City to Lafayette who come to  see Matthews characters such as “Uncle Bubba” and “Granny Grams”, who she plays herself,  take the stage.

Matthews’ latest production is titled “Chosen Men”. It’s a fictional story of five men who are called to the ministry as pastors. “The play will look into their lives because their all dealing with issues,” Matthews said.

When she’s not writing plays, Matthews can be found at her day job.

 She is the director of Health and Human Services for the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana in Charenton, where she oversees the health clinic and the human services department.

Matthews also is an active member of New Providence Baptist Church in Centerville and serves on the Board of Directors for Claire House.

She doesn’t have any children.

Her upcoming play, “Chosen Men,” is scheduled for performance at 4 p.m. April 15 at the West St Mary Civic Center. 

All children up to age 17 can see any of Matthews’s plays for free.

A portion of the proceeds are always given to local churches and nonprofits. 

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