By rdnewsNOW staff

bringing joy during frustrating times

Video starring Lacombe area youngsters offers virtual Christmas gift

Dec 17, 2020 | 10:43 AM

The Lacombe Performing Arts Centre Youth Theatre program, in partnership with AnnaMarie Lea of Cow Patti Theatre, had to postpone in-person classes in the middle of November. To offer value and keep connected, Lea shifted gears to create a virtual Christmas video with her students.

“It became clear to me the effect this virus was having on them mentally. The need to create this special project became apparent when we switched to virtual classes,” she explained. “The goal was to bring the youth some joy and the feeling of being needed and valued in these confusing and frustrating times.”

Lea and Rosanna Kerekes, Executive Director of the Lacombe Performing Arts Centre, are hoping this video will offer some cheer and connection to people who are particularly isolated this year, including seniors in assisted and long-term living facilities.

“We bestow our gift on all those that are vulnerable, alone, and in need. A gift that will hopefully bring a smile to their eyes and a glisten of magical joy to their ear,” says Lea. “These truly are 13 amazing youth who I am honoured to work with. They will lift your spirits and encourage you to keep moving forward, for their light will push away some of the darkness.”

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Lacombe Performing Arts Centre worked with JD Hunter to create a virtual film including a combination of pre-recorded videos and recorded online meetings. “It’s not an ideal presentation format to work with, but it relates to everyone who has had to switch from in-person to on-screen this past year. All of us have had to shift gears and learn new apps and programs, and this video will always be reminiscent of the changes we had to work with,” says Kerekes.

This Christmas video includes two songs: We Wish You A Merry Christmas and the 12 Days of Christmas (pandemic edition), and a reading of The Gift of The Magi by O. Henry.