A Theatre for Young Audiences Performance Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) presents Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus, December 1 – December 9, 2023. Two compelling stories come together in this heartwarming play inspired by the famous editorial Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, in New York City, eight-year-old Virginia is left pondering whether or not Santa really exists after a series of unhappy events. Meanwhile, a young newspaper editor also struggles against tough holiday times as he is faced with losing his job if he can’t find his writer’s voice by morning. Even though they don’t know each other, the spirit of Christmas is about to bring these people together, creating in the process an unforgettable and cherished part of classic Christmas folklore.

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus will be performed by ECTC’s talented teen Junior Company players and staged in ECTC’s main space located on the second floor of 560 Grand Boulevard in Grand Boulevard Town Center in Miramar Beach. The Junior Company high school troupe is part of ECTC’s Rising Stars educational program.

Public Performances: Saturday, December 2 – 9.30am Sunday, December 3 – 2.30pm & 4.30pm Saturday, December 9 – 9.30am

Director: Anna Fisher Costume Designer: Taylor Walker Set & Lighting Designer: Rebeca Lake Prop Designer: Ora Wolfgram Stage Manager: Leya Bathula Alicia Jurek- Assistant Stage Manager

Cast: Alex Koehler…………………………………………………………………………..Francis Church Arianna Malai…………………………. Samantha O’Hanlon, Martha the soup lady, Magical Elf Aubrie Porter………………………………… Mother O’Hanlon, Postperson, Homeless Woman Ben Bathula……………………………………………………………. Magical Elf, Homeless Man Caden Gray…………………………………………………………………………… Walter Gibson Maggie Bingham……………………………………………………… Hannah Parker, Magical Elf Mattie Livingston……………………………………………………..Mary Lou Parker, Magical Elf Mercie Taylor…………………………………………………………… Wendy Parker, Magical Elf Solomon Miller……………………………………………………………………… Father O’Hanlon Tabitha Sheldon…………………………………………………………………… Virginia O’Hanlon

Nathanael Fisher, co-founder and producing artistic director of ECTC says, “This story is about more than Santa Claus, it’s about life and the beauty of faith. This show is touching and will put you in the holiday spirit right away! “

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus will be staged in ECTC’s main space located on the second floor of 560 Grand Boulevard in Grand Boulevard Town Center in Miramar Beach. Tickets range from $12 – $26 depending on the show time/day. There is an additional processing fee for ticket purchases. Purchase tickets online at www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org. You can now choose your seats when you purchase your tickets.

Become a VIP! Membership support allows ECTC to offer a variety of high-quality productions for audiences of all ages as well as reach hundreds of children through our Educational Theatre programs and field trips. Each VIP Membership includes tickets to shows as listed with each membership level, a VIP name tag, early access to reserved seats, access to the VIP Lounge, eight complimentary drinks (wine, beer, or water) for the season, recognition on the ECTC website and in the printed programs, and 10% off all classes, camps, and additional tickets for shows. The VIP Membership is a special community of supporters for ECTC.

ECTC will be providing field trip opportunities for local school groups for A Christmas Carol, The Play that Goes Wrong, Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus, Mother Goose on the Loose and Mary Poppins. For booking information please call 850-684-0323. For more information about Emerald Coast Theatre Company and its educational programs, please visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org.

A special thanks to ECTC’s Major Sponsors of the 2023-2024 season: Grand Blvd at Sandestin, St. Joe Community Foundation, Howard Group and Visit South Walton. Thank you to our Education Program Sponsors: Shoreline Title, Barker Williams, PLLC, Go Play, Inc, Jennifer Crawford’s Own At The Beach Team with Keller Williams, and Heritage Oak Wealth Advisors. Thank you to our Theatre for Young Audiences sponsors: Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, Orthopaedic Associates, Dr. James Watt, United Community Bank, Wells Vision and laser Eye Center, and Charcuterie by Shelli.

To make a tax-deductible donation, volunteer or learn more about Emerald Coast Theatre Company, call (850) 684-0323 and visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org. Engage with ECTC as well on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

ABOUT EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY: Emerald Coast Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) founded in 2012 by Nathanael Fisher, MFA, and his wife, Anna Fisher, MA. Based in Miramar Beach, Florida, ECTC’s mission is to enrich and entertain the Emerald Coast community through professional and educational theater. ECTC operates year-round with a two-fold mission to provide both educational and professional offerings to the Northwest Florida community. Educational programs include after school and home-school programs, Theatre for Young Audiences productions, field trip opportunities for local children, touring and staged productions, summer camps, workshops and classes. The professional theater efforts are focused on thought-provoking productions and collaborations, as well as acting and improv workshops and classes for adults.

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus