The Magic Of Theater: Young writer shares spirit of season on stage

Courtesy Photo There's plenty of Christmas cheer to go around in Arts Live Theatre's production of "'Twas the Night," written by student playright Avery Batson.
Courtesy Photo There's plenty of Christmas cheer to go around in Arts Live Theatre's production of "'Twas the Night," written by student playright Avery Batson.

If you're looking for a family-friendly holiday theater experience, Arts Live has just the ticket. Its "'Twas the Night" is a clever new look at the classic Clement Clarke Moore poem, written by veteran Arts Live student Avery Batson.

"I've loved the majesty of the winter holidays ever since I was little," she says. "I'm very happy to be able to share some Christmas whimsy with everyone through this story."

FAQ

”Twas the Night’

WHEN — 7 p.m. today & Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday & Sunday

WHERE — Arts Live Theatre, 818 N. Sang Ave. in Fayetteville

COST — $10-$12

INFO — 521-4932

In Batson's play, three elves, disappointed by the loss of the Elf of the Year award, travel back in time to meet Moore as a way of getting into the seasonal spirit. Once there, they uncover a plot to do away with Christmas forever. Will they be able to foil the evil Holly Twinkle's plan and save Christmas?

"It's always wonderful to celebrate the holidays and have that experience come into the theater," says director Jennifer Nesbitt. "In the outside world, everywhere you go, the lights are starting to come on in the town, and everyone is getting into the holiday spirit -- it's fun to incorporate what's going on in the world, seasonally, and bring it onto the stage."

Nesbitt says with a cast of 16, it's one of the smaller shows in Arts Live's season.

"We're performing in our studio space, and that's usually the biggest cast we can have perform there," she says. "It's not like the 30-plus cast members we have for our musicals. It's nice to have more intimacy in our Arts Live Studio Theater."

Arts Live productions are cast entirely with student-aged actors, but acting isn't the only arts-based opportunity the organization offers to its young students, as evidenced by Batson's experience. She says this production will be the second she's brought to the stage, despite her young age.

"A few years back, I hosted an acting summer camp," she explains. "I had written a short play and then directed it. I rented out a church stage to perform it on. It was a fascinating experience, and it taught me a lot about planning and time management."

Playwriting is a natural extension of the storytelling skills she's had since she was a child, says Batson.

"For as long as I can remember, I've been enchanted by the art of theater and cinema as a way of sharing stories. I fill my free time writing screenplays [and] scripts or learning how to improve my writing. While I don't plan to write as a career, I hope that I'll always have a chance to share my stories."

"I love being able to direct a student writer -- it's wonderful being able to guide a young playwright in what her role is in a new piece of work," says Nesbitt. "And she gets to see it go from page to stage."

Nesbitt says the show that Batson has written is appropriate for an audience of all ages.

"I would encourage young ones to come and see this, because it will really get people in the holiday spirit," she notes. "It's wonderful how imaginative kiddos are at this time of the year. This show has holiday spirit for adults and kids alike. It's fun to catch a little bit of the magic of Christmas."

NAN What's Up on 12/13/2019

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