The Little Theatre of Alexandria offers classes for all ages. Register online at www.thelittletheatre.com. Photo by Jeanne Theismann.
If you are still doing your holiday shopping on Christmas Eve, you are not alone. According to the National Retail Federation, nearly 90 percent of holiday shoppers still have lists to wrap up with many opting for an “experience” rather than a more traditional gift.
In the most recent NRF survey among millennials, 36.1 percent of holiday shoppers are planning to give the gift of experience such as a dining gift card or tickets to a sporting event or theater production. Even more respondents – 55 percent – said they would like to receive such a gift.
“Season tickets to a local theater, or even to a single production, is a great gift idea,” said Roland Branford Gomez, a longtime director at The Little Theatre of Alexandria. “LTA also offers classes for all ages, both in on stage performance as well as playwriting and improvisation. I can’t think of a better gift to give a child than the chance to meet new people and learn and experience the arts.”
Youth classes at LTA are for ages preschool through eighth grade and include a wide range of performing arts including acting, singing, dancing, improvisation, Shakespeare and guitar.
Classes take place weekdays and weekends with many culminating in a large scale spring showcase production on the main LTA stage.
Summer Camps commence June 6 and run through Aug. 29 with Full day, half-day and extended day options available. Online registration is available at www.thelittletheatre.com.
“We have an Open House scheduled for Jan. 9 from 10 a.m.-noon,” Gomez added. “It will feature a backstage tour, family improv, puppet making and face-painting and is a great way for everyone to learn more about classes here at LTA.”
For a night on the town, consider tickets to First Night Alexandria. Live performances take place throughout the city with festivities culminating with a fireworks finale along the Potomac River at midnight. Children and active duty military are free and tickets can be purchased online at www.firstnightalexandria.org.
The Potomac Riverboat Company offers tours along the riverfront, including tours north to Georgetown or south to Mount Vernon Estate. Individual passes can be purchased for these tours and others such as the Canine Cruise, but a little known secret is that the company also offers a season pass for use on the water taxi and most other tours. For more information, visit www.potomacriverboatco.com.
“It’s hard to think of just the right gift since so many people already have what they need,” Gomez said. “A gift of experience will bring lasting memories and for children, help shape them for a lifetime.”