Tree House Youth Theatre is gearing up for its annual Christmas show which is running in a slightly different format this year.

The Winter Wonderland Christmas Party runs at the Scott Block Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and Dec. 7-8. The idea is to open the show up to businesses and organizations who wish to utilize it as a Christmas party while offering individual tickets to the general public at the same time.

“It’s a full evening of Christmas fun,” explains Matt Gould, Tree House Youth Theatre’s artistic director. “It’s an indoor carnival with games, hot and cold snacks, and then the show.”

This year’s show, Winter Wonderland, is being directed by Lucinda Sheardown.

“It will feature some musical numbers, some seasonal poetry, movement pieces, some theatre-type performances – it’s a variety show,” said Gould, adding it’s a cast of nine this year. “You’re getting a lovely mix of different aspects of the performing arts from music to dance as well.”

A smaller cast works well for the youth, as they get to take part in virtually every aspect of the show. “They get lots of experience switching characters and switching approaches. The kids are really excited about it.

“It’s a really great way for people in the community to see how positive youth can be and how positively involved they can be. It’s great to see them so dedicated. They are so committed to Tree House and the things that we do. It’s great.”

Tree House Youth Theatre is a non-profit organization that has been providing performing arts training for youth since 1988. Youth ages six to 17 are invited to participate.

Productions over the years have included award-winning performances in the Kiwanis Performing Arts Festival and one-act plays as well as You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,
Alice in Wonderland,
Santa and the Wicked Wazoo,
The Magic Toy Shop, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and
Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.

Meanwhile, Tree House Youth Theatre will be marking the troupe’s 25th anniversary in 2013, said Gould, who is also working on a special three-act production for Red Deer’s centennial in 2013 as well.

As to the their own 25th anniversary, Gould said they are launching a special fundraiser called ‘25 X 25 for a Year’. He’s looking for 25 people to contribute $25 per month for one year to help cover operational and program expansion costs.

Looking down the road, Gould said the troupe is also planning to expand training opportunities by launching more programs in the coming months.

‘Scene Stealers’ is geared to 12 to 17-year-olds, and will culminate in a performance next May. “We’ll do a series of scenes from modern plays and old plays. We’ll be looking at different approaches to characters.”

A folk tales program for youth ages nine to 11 will also be up and running at the same time with a show set for May as well.

To book a space or a table for the Christmas show, contact Janet Cole at treehousetheatre@gmail.com or call 403-986-0631. For more information about programming, the fundraising initiative and events, check out www.treehouseyouththeatre.ca.

editor@reddeerexpress.com