Our Triangle theaters need your support this holiday season (perhaps more so than any other). So, as you are completing your holiday shopping, here are some ways you can check some items off your gift list and support your local theaters at the same time.
Toys, Games & Trivia – Puzzles have become a pandemic staple. Why not show your support of Theatre in the Park’s annual production of A Christmas Carol by ordering this commemorative, limited edition, 500 piece puzzle? The puzzle features a scene from Ira David Wood III’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story. Theatre in the Park’s A Christmas Carol will be streamed virtually this year. For more information on purchasing the puzzle and tickets for the streamed performance visit https://www.theatreinthepark.com/. We are also excited about Scrambled Pegs’ peg dolls, pins, ornaments, stickers, and custom creations inspired by theater and pop culture. Visit her Etsy shop for available items. Finally, if trivia is your thing, check out Brian Yandle’s The Fatty McBigBalls Trivia Experience book, inspired by his weekly online and live trivia events.
Classes – We love the idea of gifting experiences, particularly experiences that last long after the holidays are over. So, why not consider gifting a local theater class? Seed Art Share is offering a one-week theater camp this month (12/15 through 12/19). Raleigh Little Theatre’s next session of virtual classes for kids begins January 25th. Registration begins December 3rd. Raleigh Area Children’s Theatre, Back to One Acting Studio, Cape Fear Regional Theatre, and Moonlight Stage Company are also offering winter classes. In addition, Moonlight Stage Company’s Estes Tarver and Sean McCracken have also produced an online video course, Book It From Your Basement, available on-demand for actors who want to hone their audition skills.
Headshots – We can’t think of a performer who wouldn’t love a new set of headshots. So, why not book a local photographer like Alex Lewis, Areon Mobasher, or Erin Bell and surprise your favorite performer with a professional photo shoot?
Tickets – We have populated the RDU on Stage Calendar with a host of December events. Tickets to any of these performances (be it virtual or in-person) support local theaters and artists. From holiday favorites like PlayMakers’ reimagined production of A Christmas Carol, the 10th Anniversary of Justice Theater Project’s Black Nativity, Theatre Raleigh’s annual holiday concert, Raleigh Little Theatre’s This Wonderful Life, and Pure Life’s Soulful Christmas, to cabaret performances like NRACT’s Duet Cabaret series, featuring local performers Brian Westbrook, Aya Wallace, Connie McCoy Leach, and Shane De Leon, to original new work like Lormarev Jones’ My Geriatric Uterus, there is something for everyone.
Gift Certificates – Some theaters, like North Carolina Theatre, are offering gift certificates, which can be redeemed for any NC Theatre show. Check out NCT’s 2021 season, which includes On Your Feet, Sister Act, and 9 to 5.
And if you are looking for music to get you into the holiday spirit, check out Yolanda Rabun’s Christmas album, Christmastime. Hear what Rabun has to say about her album, holiday music, and more, here.
Please remember to support your local theaters, artists, and small businesses this holiday season. For additional gift ideas for theater lovers, click here.