Census takers set the scene for historical Bethlehem. In the book of Luke we read that a census was taken of the entire Roman world. This is what brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth. When visitors enter the census room, they get a feel of what it was really like- the crowds, the political atmosphere of the time, the customs (**only a man can sign**). If a Census Taker slips out of character, or recognizes friends in line with contemporary language or even a knowledge of current events, the visitors will be in the mindset of going to a play, and perhaps not a good one. We want to create an entire atmosphere of reality. Of stepping into another world, and into another time. Census Takers have specific lines they say to tell the story Biblically. They MUST stay in character. Census Takers, (and any character with a speaking part) must attend a training class provided to learn the details of the time period and people who lived back then. They must park at the school in the designated cast parking, arrive at Fellowship Hall on time each evening of the event as they are scheduled, and be in costume and ready to head to the city when the first call is made. Costumes not including leather sandals are provided by our costume team. As soon as the prayer concludes at the well, the characters get in place.