Theatre prof earns Crystal Dove award

Jeff Barker, Northwestern College theatre professor, is credited as a script consultant for “The Frontier Boys,” which won The Dove Foundation’s 2011 Crystal Dove Seal Award for Best Limited Theatrical Release.

Written and directed by John Grooters of Michigan, “The Frontier Boys” tells the story of four life-long friends and high-school teammates. Brent, Jed and T.J. are star basketball players, and Jackson is their biggest fan. When Brent’s older brother begins associating with a drug-dealing gang, the violent consequences leaves T.J. in a coma and Brent’s conscience in turmoil.

Actors in the film include Grammy-nominated musicians Big Kenney, Rebecca St. James and Melissa Brock of Superchick. Their music, as well as music by Switchfoot, Jesus Culture and Manafest, is featured in the movie’s soundtrack.

“The Frontier Boys” has been released to DVD in the United States and as a theatrical release in several other countries, including Australia, Brazil and South Africa.

The Dove Foundation was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit organization that seeks to promote the creation, production and distribution of family-friendly entertainment. The Crystal Dove Seal Award is presented to the best “family approved” movies in six categories: comedy, drama, adventure, animated, documentary and limited theatrical release. Winners are chosen based on the amount of votes cast by visitors to the Dove Foundation’s website.

Playwright in residence at Northwestern College, Barker has written more than 30 plays that have been produced by colleges and professional theatres around the U.S.