December 8, 2022
It’s that time of year, as the holidays draw near, to watch some plays filled with festive cheer! We’re delighted to see so many Theatre and Dance artists spreading joy this winter in holiday productions across Texas. From reimagined classics right here in Austin, to dazzling productions at a neighboring Texas theatre, to an interactive bilingual performance, there are plenty of shows to help get audiences into the holiday spirit.
The Watchmaker's Song
Ventana Ballet and Red Nightfall Productions
On stage December 2-3, 2022 (Comfort, Texas) and December 8-11 and 15-17, 2022 (Austin, Texas)
Featured performers include alumni Kanami Nakabayashi (B.F.A. 2017), Veronica Boccardo (B.F.A. 2017) and Mia Dedear (B.A. 2019) and faculty member Dorothy O’Shea Overbey
"The Watchmaker’s Song is an immersive dance-theatre production based on the beloved ballet, The Nutcracker, performed at the historic Neill-Cochran House Museum. The Watchmaker’s Song showcases many different dance and theatrical traditions, from classical ballet to Spanish Flamenco, Egyptian Belly Dance, Traditional Chinese Dance, and drag performance. Our mission is to bring the Austin dance community together to honor our diverse traditions and celebrate our love of dance!
By presenting this performance in an immersive style at the Neill-Cochran House Museum, we break down the barriers between performers and audience members, so dance of all kinds can be experienced in an intimate setting."
La Pastorela 2022
Teatro Vivo
On stage December 8-18, 2022
Featured facilitators include alumni Juan Leyva (B.F.A. 2021), Oscar Franco (B.F.A. 2014) and Madison Palomo (B.F.A. 2017), current students Jessica Peña, Demian Chavez and Tenzing Ortega and faculty member Roxanne Schroeder-Arce.
"Teatro Vivo is proud to present La Pastorela 2022: An Interactive Theatre Experience! This year’s production of La Pastorela will be unlike any you have seen before! Join us as we center our comunidad and uplift your gifts. This bilingual production opens with a welcome from our featured actor/facilitators, representing the shepherds, angeles, y diablitos. Actors will offer a history of the Pastorela tradition, and invite audiences to use their talents to create gifts to offer during the performance. Audiences will have a chance to participate in a dance, song, spoken word, or create a work of visual art. Audiences opting to observe are also welcome. This production will allow families and the community as a whole to let their talents shine, as they work collaboratively with whatever level of participation they are comfortable with."
A Christmas Carol Classic Radiocast
Penfold Theatre Co.
On stage December 8-23, 2022
Featuring current student Yunina Barbour-Payne among the cast.
"Enjoy this cherished masterpiece brought to life with live foley sound effects and an all-woman company of actors voicing Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, the Spirits and dozens of others. Together, they will tell the stirring story of an ice-hearted miser who is given a last shot at redemption one miraculous night!"
What-A-Christmas!
Alley Theatre
On stage December 2-30, 2022
Written by alum Isaac Gómez (B.A. 2013) and directed by faculty member KJ Sanchez.
"Meet Margot, a Tejana Scrooge who’s flippin’ burgers, flingin’ fries, and seein’ spirits! The Christmas Eve overnight shift is her personal tradition — even if that means spending the holiday dealing with grumpy drive-thru customers and an equally grumpy robotic Santa. But when her dead best friend Jackie Marley drops by to warn her of impending late-night visits by spirits, Margot has no choice but to roll with the punches and confront the very Scrooge she’s become. It’s a Christmas Eve like none other in this brand-new holiday show filled with humor and heart set right here in Htown by Texan playwright Isaac Gómez."
A Christmas Carol
Alley Theatre
On stage November 18 - December 30, 2022
Featuring costume design by faculty member Raquel Barreto.
"Inspired by the original novella, Melrose captures Dickens’ witty wording and evocative style to surprise audiences with parts of the familiar story they didn’t know were there! With rich Victorian costumes, exciting magical illusions and beautifully sung holiday carols, A Christmas Carol tells the beloved story of Scrooge and his miraculous transformation. This new production of a holiday tradition is the perfect way for families to recapture the nostalgia of Christmases past and to create memories for many Christmases to come."