FAIRVIEW, Ala. – Forty-seven Fairview High School Theatre students have been preparing for weeks, and on Saturday, Dec. 9, the group will present the classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Principal Dr. Johnny Whaley said, “We are excited about our Christmas program this year. Our drama sponsors and kids have worked really hard and I believe everyone will enjoy the play.”
Beginning the year with a goal of three shows and performances, planning and coordinating begin almost immediately after one show ends. From August to October, the theatre group’s focus is on its Halloween show. As soon as that show ends, Christmas takes over and it’s full steam ahead in anticipation for the winter show.
Morgan Watts, one of FHS Theatre’s instructors, said, “We decided to perform ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ at the beginning of the school year and have been working on the ins and outs of the show since then. They have dedicated so much of their time and energy to working through their roles and truly portraying their casted character. They have all come together to put on a great show!”
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” is a classic animated TV special based on Charles M. Schultz’s comic strip, Peanuts, that originally aired in 1965. It follows Charlie Brown and his gang of friends as they navigate the holiday season with humor, hitting snags along the way to a memorable Christmas celebration.
Students in grades nine through 12 can enroll in Watts’ drama class to foster their love of acting and performance, of course, but an unseen side of the students who opt to take her class is showcased during performance preparation. Students are involved in much more than just on-stage acting; set design, prop building, painting and planning are also their responsibilities.
“These students are enrolled in our class and participate in various capacities such as artistic involvement, set and props development, backstage management, costume management, lighting and sound design, and acting. This type of class is great for students who need an artistic outlet with such a wide variety,” said Watts, who explained that even students not involved in the production can showcase their skills. “Sometimes we reach out to the Agriscience or Family and Consumer Science departments for help in creating special sets and props needed for individual shows. Each student truly has an opportunity to not only demonstrate their artistic abilities, but share them with others while supporting and representing their school as well.”
Watts and the students of FHS Theatre will perform “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Saturday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m. in the Fairview High School auditorium. Tickets are $6, with proceeds benefiting FHS Theatre. Santa will also be in attendance, arriving early; $5 will buy a photo with him to commemorate the night.
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