Arts and community theatre present holiday classic

Next weekend, Jessamine County Arts and Community Theatre will present a Christmas classic for the holiday season, “A Christmas Carol,” at the East Jessamine High School Theatre.

A story which Director Lindsey Carlstedt-Sovkoplas said ignites the holiday spirit in audiences around the world, will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 9.

“You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. And you’ll leave the theatre filled with warmth and anticipation for the holiday season,” Carlstedt-Sovkoplas said.

Located at 815 Sulphur Well Road, tickets can be reserved in advance for priority seating at the show by visiting the Jessamine County Arts Community Theatre website.

“We have been in rehearsal since the beginning of November,” Carlstedt-Sovkoplas said. “The rehearsal process for this show has been brisk, but we’re looking forward to spotlighting the talent in our schools and community. It is because of their talent, hard work, and willingness to learn that we are able to pull off this Christmas classic in such a short time span.”

The production consists of 26 actors, three tech crew and three production staff individuals. Many of the actors have experience acting in other productions, although there are still some who are new to the stage.

“Theatre, in general, builds community,” district arts coordinator Amy Harrod said. “The goal of this and future productions of Arts and Community Theatre is to embody those connections between our schools and the community.  

“Since this is our first production, it’s exciting to see Jessamine County School students, staff and alumni collaborating with community partners and members of our community to create a beautiful show that encompasses the spirit of the season and sends a wonderful message.”

Harrod said only one production was completed through the Cal Community Theatre. However, this production has seen support from the community and school system as well.

“We’ve been able to combine schools and community to create a fantastic work for our whole community to see. I can’t wait to see how it grows and what we will do next,” Harrod said.

The funds raised by the production will supplement the arts after-school program and will allow Jessamine Arts to provide opportunities for students and residents in the community, Harrod said.

Funds will also help the production of future performances. 

Although theatre goers will not see costumes associated with the Dickens’ classic, they will represent the period the story takes place in.

“We have borrowed costumes from St. Peter and Paul Regional Catholic School and SCAPA in Lexington,” Carlstedt-Sovkoplas said. “We are so grateful to our extended theatre family for sharing their costumes with us.”

The community arts program continues to rise in Jessamine County, Carlstedt-Sovkoplas said, and with that, Jessamine County Arts Community Theatre looks forward to expanding its opportunities for Jessamine County students, their families and residents.

“We’d like to thank Jessamine County Schools for their continued support for the arts,” Carlstedt-Sovkoplas said. “Amy and I are so grateful for this chance to share the work of our thriving district with all of the arts-lovers in the area. Jessamine County craves these types of artistic endeavors, and this is just the beginning of providing ways to satiate that need for creative outlets. We hope you’ll join us for this heartfelt production and cheer on our amazing artistic team.”

For more information, or to reserve tickets visit jessaminecountyarts.wixsite.com/info/arts-community-theatre.