A ten-day community arts celebration with youth plays, family talent showcase, and festive gathering under the glow of The Hearth.
This December, TheActrix Studio in partnership with The Hearth invites families, friends, and community members to gather for Shaking the Christmas Tree — a Hearth Holiday Festival. The event will run December 22–24, December 26–31, and January 2 at The Hearth (1915 N. Swan St). The Festival is a community-driven celebration of creativity, belonging, and holiday spirit — featuring youth theatrical productions, a community talent showcase, and a Winter Break Drama Lab for children. Proceeds support The Hearth as a vital community space, and all are welcome to attend or participate.
Youth Holiday Plays — Two full productions: A Hundred Acre Wood Holiday (ages ~6–11) and The Santa Interviews (ages ~10–14+). Children, teens, older siblings and parents are welcome to audition. Participation in these productions is free.
Winter Break Drama Lab — A tuition-based holiday camp offering theatre games, creative play, crafts, and mini-skits for children ages 6–14. Campers will also get to perform short warm-up skits during Festival nights.
Community Talent Showcase — A festive variety show open to all ages: music, storytelling, dance, spoken word, family acts — giving community members a chance to "share their gifts," celebrate connection, and build new holiday memories together.
Festival Nights & Family Showings — Over 10 days, rotating performances and gatherings: plays, skits, community acts, and open mic–style events. Families and neighbors are encouraged to attend one show or return for more.
The Festival reimagines winter break as a time of creative connection, community belonging, and intergenerational celebration — especially meaningful for families who may be staying in town during the holidays.
As a fundraiser for The Hearth, the event helps sustain a beloved local community space.
For many children and teens, this is an opportunity to reconnect with performing arts, build confidence, and experience the shared magic of storytelling and stage.
Quotes:
"The plays were well put together and provided a stage in which all of the kids were able to have that amazing feeling of being center stage and all of the confidence that comes with that experience. My kids had a safe space with amazing adults who not only taught but also impressed upon them the feeling of being a part of a community." — Damien Davies, Parent of 2025 Summer Drama Campers.
"I love the simple act of courage of standing up and telling a story. Performance can be courageous and generous at its heart and we practice both of these things through small steps in the rehearsal room." — Wendy Spurgeon, TheActrix Workshop Leader.
"We're thrilled to see The Hearth filled with laughter, learning, and the magic of young creativity over Winter Break." — Emily Aversa, Hearth Community Engagement Administrator.
Call to Action & Participation Info:
Auditions for the youth plays and the Community Talent Showcase are open now. To sign up or learn more, email
About TheActrix Studio & The Hearth:
TheActrix Studio is a community-oriented theatre and life-arts organization based in Silver City, creating soulful, story-driven experiences for youth and families through drama camps, mentorship, and community events. The Hearth is a beloved local gathering space dedicated to providing safe, creative, intergenerational community connection. Together, TheActrix Studio and The Hearth are committed to nurturing belonging, self-expression, and shared joy through the arts.
Media Contact:
Wendy Spurgeon, Founder & Creative Director, TheActrix Studio
Email:
Phone: (575)297-7851
