Officially known as Arizona’s Christmas City, Prescott is one of the Top 25 Best Small Towns for Christmas for 2017 and 2018, according to Country Living Magazine.
The holidays are all about traditions, making memories with your loved ones, and Prescott is the perfect place to create them. Prescott Center for the Arts (PCA) asks you to consider a new tradition with live theater at its Mainstage and handcrafted gifts from its art gallery.
A Gift of Laughter From Your local Theater This Holiday! PCA is proud to present “A Christmas Story” Dec. 6 to Dec. 16 for your enjoyment.
This treasured classic is being directed by our Executive Director Robyn Allen. Robyn has been leading PCA with a focus on the future for over two years and will debut her directing talent on this production.
Not only is she known for theater management, artistic production design and youth programming education but also hands-on directing and acting that will bring this story to life for audiences of all ages.
When asked why she is directing this classic, Robyn said, “I am so excited to direct ‘A Christmas Story’ this year. Watching the movie is a family tradition that my husband and I look forward to each year. As young parents we often would watch the movie while wrapping last-minute gifts late into the night on Christmas Eve. I wasn’t sure that its charm would translate to the stage until I held auditions and listened to our gifted actors say the words! ‘Oh boy,’ I thought, ‘this works! Our audience is going to love it!’
“With a mixture of young actors and some of our most experienced and talented adults, this show also ties in well with our vision for Family Theater and our ever-growing youth programming. It’s a wonderful education for our young actors to work with trained adult actors. They not only help them understand basic theater techniques but also serve as mentors for our youth. Theater teaches us all so many life skills that transfer to all job opportunities,” said Robyn. “Life skills such as collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving are a large component of producing good theater and our youth take these skills with them into the workforce whether it be as an actor on Broadway or running their own small business.”
“I have had the opportunity to watch young people with very little direction in life finally pull things into focus after their experience in youth theater. That’s what excites me the most! I feel so fortunate to live in a thriving arts community and to work with such talented people. And I am grateful to all of our patrons who trust us with their entertainment dollars. With so many wonderful things to choose from during this holiday season I humbly ask that you give ‘A Christmas Story’ a try, you are sure to leave with a smile on your face and a skip in your step.”
Art is the Perfect Gift: PCA is hosting its annual Holiday Market through Dec. 19 to help Prescottonians and tourists find the perfect gift for their special someone.
Longtime local artist and volunteer for the Visual Arts Committee at PCA, Arlene Minuskin, shared why she believes you would enjoy shopping at the gallery, “The gallery is transformed into a festive holiday setting with handcrafted, one-of-a-kind art and gifts for all ages. Participating artists work year-round to create only the best in unique handmade gifts from glass, jewelry, clothing, books, wood items, ceramics, furniture, 3D work in a variety of materials, stuffed toys, photography, contemporary to more traditional wall art and much more. Receiving an original quality piece of art in any medium is a gift that can be appreciated and cherished, and the gallery and gift shop continues to consistently attract experienced and emerging artists. There are over 50 artists participating this year alone.”
Create a tradition of fun this season with entertainment and a special creative gift.
Check out pca-az.net or call (928) 445-3286 for additional information on purchasing tickets, hours of operation, community education and volunteering opportunities.