Portsmouth Academy of Performing Arts to Premiere SAVING SANTA at Seacoast Rep, 12/12

Written by the Rep's Artistic Director Miles Burns, SAVING SANTA tells the story of what happens when Santa Claus goes missing after delivering toys on Christmas Eve. In a battle of Naughty vs. Nice, adventure and hilarity ensues as the elves figure out how to rescue Santa and bring him "ho, ho, home."

"SAVING SANTA is a PAPA Youth Workshop Production. Youth Workshop Productions are performed by youth (ages 5 - 16) and for youth. These productions give young actors the opportunity to perform for a public audience while sharing the stage & set with the current Mainstage show. Workshop performers learn that the human imagination is boundless and the audience leaves with a sense that "I can do this at home," Show are bright, colorful & lively and include well-known children's stories & fairy tales, often include audience participation. All PAPA shows are family friendly.

The Rep's Youth Production Manager Alden Caple will be playing the role of Santa Claus. He was previously seen as Shrek in Prescott Park's production of Shrek the Musical. He will star in this production alongside students from the PAPA program.

PAPA Youth Workshop Productions offer unique opportunities for kids because Miles collaborates with the students in order to create the script in a devised play format. This format allows kids to become more involved in the creative process and helps them become more invested in the show they are working on.

Shows run Saturday and Sundays at 11am from December 12-20. Tickets are $10 for general admission. For more information about PAPA's production of SAVING SANTA, please visit the Rep's website at seacoastrep.org or call the box office at 603-433-4472.

The Seacoast Repertory Theatre is a 501(c)3 non-profit theatre committed to providing a variety of programming for the community. The Rep presents professional programming through its Mainstage, alternative programming through its Red Light Series and also offers a variety of programs for youth and seniors.

Pictured: Miles Burns as Santa Claus in the 2014 Workshop production of Rudolfoletto