Northwestern State University hosted its 36th annual Christmas Gala on Dec. 4-5 in the A.A. Fredericks Fine Arts Center. This year’s performance followed two elves and Mrs. Claus as they teamed up with classic Christmas characters to surprise Santa Claus with a party once he returned from delivering gifts. Over 300 students, faculty and staff members helped put this production together.

Sean Bartley is an associate professor of theater history who has worked on the Christmas Gala for three years, this year being his first as director. “Christmas comes early to the director of Gala in the form of ‘Spacing Week,’ the week of rehearsals before Thanksgiving vacation,” Bartley said. “That week, each group in the show comes in one by one to show what they have come up with as we begin to stitch the show together. I spent the whole week grinning from ear to ear and enjoying what my colleagues and students had spent weeks making.”

For the first time in several years, the Christmas Gala included performances by NSU’s three choral groups: Chamber Choir, Orpheus and Lyrica. The Gala also included performances by the NSU Jazz Orchestra, Musical Theatre Ensemble, NSU Dance Company, Demon Heat, NSU Percussion Ensemble, Improv Troupe and the Demon Dazzlers.

Jillian Duggan is a senior dance major who has been a part of the Christmas Gala for four years. Duggan decided to work with the Gala because of her background as a Demon Dazzler. “My favorite part of Gala is performing. The energy from the crowds makes it such a surreal experience. I always call it ‘Christmas Magic,’” Duggan said.

The Christmas Gala at NSU is truly a memorable experience, kicking off the holiday season with a mindblowing show of talent and ingenuity. From gorgeous sets to entertaining dances and performances, the Gala was a success yet again, spreading Christmas cheer to all in attendance.