Citrus College Theater Art students ended the semester with holiday spirit. They performed “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens on Friday Dec. 4 and Saturday Dec. 5, adapted for the stage by Cherie Brown and Jason Buuck.
Each student performed and recorded their role at home in front of a green screen. The use of editing technology gave the students more chances to get their scenes right and perform together.
Despite Citrus being closed due to COVID-19, the theater department put on a show. Instead of holding the performance at the Haugh Performing Arts Center, they live-streamed the performance on YouTube.
The performance, directed by Jason Buuck, is about Ebenezer Scrooge. He begins the Christmas holiday with his usual tightfisted contempt, rumbling at his most loyal clerk, Bob Cratchit, and his joyful nephew Fred.
Everything changes when The Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, and Future takes Mr. Scrooge on an eye-opening journey. The students reprised their roles well despite the virtual performance, convincing Scrooge to reflect on his life and open his heart before it is too late.
The lighting and sound effects were perfect. Each character could be seen and heard clearly. The only downfall was the audio of the ghosts’ voices, as a special effect made it hard to understand what they were saying.
Overall, the show was a success: the students did a great job at staying in character. The costumes were detailed and well-designed with dark colors to match the scenery.
The props used during the show were well constructed, and some even had their own sound effect to add more characteristics.
While it was a free show on YouTube, the theater art program promoted a tax-deductible donation through the Citrus College Foundation where people can still contribute to show support with scholarships, tuition assistance, and support the educational goals of students studying the arts at Citrus College.
