Santa Fe College will host its annual “Holiday at Santa Fe” event on Saturday, December 6, featuring performances by students in the Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The program brings together vocalists, actors, dancers, and technical theatre students to present a show that includes singing, dancing, audience participation, and an appearance by Santa Claus.
Tickets are priced at $20 for adults and $10 for seniors, students, and military service members. Children under 12 as well as Santa Fe College students, faculty, and staff with college ID cards can attend for free. Tickets are available through the Fine Arts Hall box office or online at Showpass: showpass.com/holiday-at-santa-fe-4.
“This event is all about community, collaboration and education,” said SF Assistant Professor of Dance Melissa Brenner, who is directing the production. “Many areas of the campus, Fine Arts, Zoo, Planetarium, and the Little School, work together throughout the semester to learn from one another, and the result is what we share with the community during the December event.”
The event features collaborations across several departments. Dance students have worked with children from the Little School to teach movement basics while gaining experience in instruction themselves. Fine Arts performers also visited the Teaching Zoo to observe animal movements with guidance from zoo faculty and students. The Planetarium contributed scientific perspectives that were incorporated into theatrical elements of the performance.
One segment of this year’s show will include a West African dance inspired by the Gray Crowned Crane—a bird known in its native region as a symbol of hope and perseverance—featuring live drumming and audience participation. Another highlight involves Santa Fe College’s squirrel monkeys crossing the stage on ropes under supervision of technical staff.
After each performance families can participate in activities such as photos with Santa and Frosty, meeting live animals, arts and crafts led by Little School staffers, and enjoy light refreshments.
“Holiday at Santa Fe” is organized by the college’s Fine Arts and Entertainment Technology Department in partnership with other campus units including SF’s Teaching Zoo, Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, Little School; it receives partial funding from Visit Gainesville and Alachua County.
