Hastings College is transforming its December chapel service into a poignant mini-theatre performance as a Christmas pageant that delves into a novel question: What is Christmas like for those ornaments that stay in your attic all year? What about those ornaments that, because they are too old or too broken or bring up too many memories, never come down at all?
“Away in an Attic” follows the experiences of these objects, exploring their perspective on the holiday and whether the message of the Nativity offers them a sense of hope and belonging, too.
The pageant, written by Hailey Gifford, a senior education major from Eagle, Colorado, is part of the regular chapel service on Wednesday, December 3 at 1:30 p.m. in Scott Studio Theatre (806 N. Turner Avenue), followed by a second showing at 6:30 p.m. Both services will also involve singing favorite Christmas hymns and traditional prayers.
Both performances are free and open to the public, with a reception immediately following the 6:30 p.m. performance.
Additional holiday-related events at Hastings College include the traditional Lighting of Campus in French Memorial Chapel (800 N. Turner Avenue) at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, and “A Very Hastings College Christmas” featuring the Hastings College band and choir on Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 p.m. in First Presbyterian Church (612 N. Lincoln Avenue). Both are free and open to the public.
“Away in an Attic” by Hailey Gifford
- Director — Kathleen Lorenzen, instructor of theater
- Musicians — Rev. Doodle Harris, chaplain, and Jason Jones of Colorado Springs, Colorado
Cast
- Pig — Miah Fox of Paxton, Nebraska
- Dinosaur — Lucy Reid of Omaha, Nebraska
- Ladybug — Claire Fuqua of Woodland Park, Colorado
- Mount Rushmore Souvenir — Natalie Miles of Onida, South Dakota
- Elvis — Jordan Parker of Omaha, Nebraska
- Cookie Monster — Peyton Wallace of Bennett, Colorado
- Snow Globe — Morgan Ashcraft of Limon, Colorado
- Kids’ Craft Ornaments #1 — Charlotte Lafler of Littleton, Colorado
- Kids’ Craft Ornaments #2 — Hailey Gifford of Eagle, Colorado
- Kids’ Craft Ornaments #3 — Vinnie Nunnenkamp of Hastings, Nebraska
- Rockettes the Nutcracker — Julia Bernard of Omaha, Nebraska
- Angel Toppers #1 — Maddie Kamler of Shickley, Nebraska
- Angel Toppers #2 — Maxwell Blankenship of Queen Creek, Arizona
- Angel Toppers #3 — Abbygayle Peeters of Limon, Colorado
- The Ex — Story Talbert of Morrison, Colorado
- Barbie — Michaela White of Florissant, Colorado
Hastings College is a four-year residential college that focuses on student academic and extracurricular achievement. Founded in 1882, the College is dedicated to student success and service to the community. Discover more at hastings.edu.