HAMPTON — Superintendent Dr. Lois Costa is pleased to share that Hampton Academy will share online performances of “A Virtual Christmas Carol” this weekend.
WHEN:
Friday, Dec. 18 and Saturday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.
The virtual performance will be made live from 7-9 p.m. each night.
WHERE:
The performance will be made temporarily live on Hampton Academy’s Shark News YouTube channel on the night of each showing, linked here.
WHAT:
Students in grades six, seven and eight of the Hampton Academy Players are preparing a remote performance of “A Virtual Christmas Carol” by Flip Kobler and Cindy Marcus to be shared with the public this weekend. “A Virtual Christmas Carol” is produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service , Denver, Colo. The Hampton Academy Players is a self-sustaining program dependent on ticket and concession sales to support its productions. However the group is streaming its “A Virtual Christmas Carol” performance for free this year in an effort to spread holiday cheer in the community during an unusually challenging time with the ongoing pandemic.
The production has been overseen by eight grade English Language Arts Teacher and Hampton Academy Players Director Judith Clark, who established the Hampton Academy Players in 2000. Computer Technology teacher Sue MacNicoll provided technological assistance, and the production was also supported by district administration, staff, parents, guardians and the community.
“I felt that even though we could not be in-person, it was essential to give our students this outlet for their creativity even though it would be a challenge,” Clark said. “We could not have put this show on without the dedication of the cast, the support of their families, Principal David O’Connor, Assistant Principal Bridget Hughes, and the support of Superintendent Dr. Lois Costa and the School Board. I would also like to thank our Teacher’s Union, the Seacoast Education Association, for advocating for students to be able to participate in after school extra-curricular activities in a safe way. It is always a group effort to bring these shows to the stage, and this year is no exception.”
“Even though it’s a little bit hard to do it virtually, it’s been really fun to be with all the cast members,” said Kierra Martin-Biggs, grade eight, who plays “Evelyn” Scrooge in the production. “It has been fun to have to create a whole new personality to fit my character.”
“I thought it might be hard to do it virtually but I looked forward to practice everyday and it has been a great experience,” said Chloe Davis, grade seven, who plays Wendy in the production.
“I have wanted to be in Academy players since I came to Hampton Academy,” said Alina Hardiman, grade eight, who plays Fan and Mrs. Goldstein in the production. “I am really excited that I signed up this year even though I was nervous about doing it online. It has been an amazing experience working with people I don’t really talk to!”
Students in the play have met virtually every weekday from 3:30-5 p.m. since November through Google Meet to practice after school for the performance. This year, students were also responsible for their own sets, costumes and lighting as they perform virtually from home.
The cast list for the production includes:
- Isabelle Holland as Charles Dickens
- Kierra Martin-Biggs as “Evelyn” Scrooge
- Andrew Martin-Biggs as Bob Cratchit
- Avery Wood as Fred and Peter Cratchit
- Alison Pouliot as Winnie and Newscaster
- Chloe Davis as Wendy
- Aaliyah Michaels as Delivery Gal, Brittany and Young Lady Scrooge
- Elisabeth Furtado as Marley’s Ghost, Anna and Ricki
- Isabella Tabor as Ghost of Christmas Past and Ghost of Christmas Future
- Jack Strickland as Fezziwig and Ghost of Christmas Present
- Alina Hardiman as Fan and Mrs. Goldstein
- Camryn Morrissey as Emily Cratchit and Young Scrooge
- Jana Sami as Belinda Cratchit and 911 Operator
- Chloe Wood as Martha Cratchit
- Andre Mammah as Tiny Tim
- Simon Noel as Bill
“The difference in putting on a play in person and through a screen is huge. I know it’s been a challenge for many of us,” said Elizabeth Furtado, grade seven, who plays Marley’s Ghost, Anna and Ricki in the production. “It was a great break from school. Overall it was really enjoyable.”
“Being part of this year’s play has been more challenging than it was last year in person,” said Camryn Morrissey, grade seven, who plays Emily Cratchit and Young Scrooge in the production. “It has been really fun making new friends and getting to be a new person for a day.”
“I really enjoyed getting to know the cast because during COVID-19 I have not been able to get to know people, but this was a great opportunity,” said Alison Pouliot, grade seven, who plays Winnie and the Newscaster in the production.
Anyone who would like to donate to support the Hampton Academy Players program’s future endeavors can do so by mailing a check made out to Hampton Academy, with attention to the Hampton Academy Players, and mailed to 29 Academy Avenue, Hampton, NH.
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