The King’s Children Family Theatre Ministry is a theatre ministry based right here at Southwest! For the young and the young at heart, we are calling lovers of theatre ages 9 to 99 to join us this Christmas on and off the stage! We will be producing Papa’s Gift, adapted for the American stage by Carey B. Christian from the Spanish novel El Regalo De Papá by Jim Megal. Translated by Kathy Haley.

It is the story of two siblings who, just like anyone else, love to receive gifts for Christmas. But in the search for the “most important gift,” they come face-to-face with history. They search for Jesus with the shepherds, ride camels as they follow the star with the Wise Men, and meet Herod. It is the adventure of a lifetime, but will they be able to make it home?

The Christmas Session looks different than our regular semester-based class and performance time.

• It’s FREE to participate, and parent volunteer requirements are reduced.
• There are only SIX weeks of rehearsals (this is half the time).
• We will be working on blocking right alongside script work. This is challenging, but the students proved it is possible in the past two years.
• Snack time will be rotated. Students will get a 15-minute break, just not at the same time each week.
• Auditions will need to be recorded and submitted by October 27.
• The Cast List will be posted on October 30 and scripts distributed at our first rehearsal on October 31.

What hasn’t changed? Each rehearsal will open with prayer and a review of our rules and expectations, a warm-up, and a devotional that encourages us to learn from the art of acting and themes from the play.

New start time: Rehearsals will be Thursday evenings from 4 to 6:30 p.m. for 6 weeks starting October 31 and ending with our performance December 13 (No rehearsal the week of Thanksgiving). There is a bonus TUESDAY rehearsal on December 10.

Space is limited. We need actors and crew members to help backstage. Registration opens September 19. There is no cost, but a minimum of 6 hours of parent volunteer time will be required. A contract covering expectations will be signed by parents and registered children on our first evening together. Register by October 26 to secure your spot and be able to submit an audition “tape” on time!