There are few things more magical than the spirit of young children at Christmas. Their eyes full of wonder and excitement for the season, the anticipation of the gifts to come, and the wonderment of making their own schedule being released from school obligations mix together to create some magical inner-workings. Thingamajig Theatre Company is passionate about helping the youth of Pagosa realize those inner-workings and put them on display through the original work of the kids themselves.

This year’s production —’Christmas Gone Wrong’ — performs one day only, Saturday December 12 at 12noon. Tickets are available at the door or ahead of time for $5.

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Each year, as part of an ongoing class, Thingamajig helps theatre students write, rehearse, and perform a completely original play. Starting with the earliest stages of creating a story, there’s a brainstorming process about what the play will be that lasts for two sessions and then the work gets a little more tangible. After writing the play together, the students are assigned roles and are responsible for learning their parts and coming to class prepared to put the play together.

While Thingamajig is passionate about producing quality, professional work that challenges its audience members, it is equally passionate about unlocking the imaginations of the youth of Pagosa as they prepare to become the next generation of artists. With a focus on learning theatrical skills and building confidence onstage and off, the Whatchamahoozits provide a safe place for young folks to experiment with their art.

This year’s play follows a young writer attempting to write a Christmas Story that will win him a major contest. With the help of two Nutcracker Narrators, he is determined to tell the story of ‘Christmas Gone Wrong.’ His friends in Candyland help him out by acting out his tale, and he discovers how to write a great story from events of his own life.

Thingamajig Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional theatre in residence at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts. They produce musicals, comedies, and dramas year-round. They also host theatre camps for children, put on free summer concerts, and a fall Playwrights Festival, as well as provide free tickets to local nonprofits for fundraisers. In its fifth season in Pagosa, Thingamajig Theatre Company has become a staple among tourists and locals, a lot of which has to do with their willingness to produce thoughtful and challenging theatre.

Come celebrate the ingenuity of the youth in Pagosa this winter season. Support your local theatre while taking a look into the brilliance that can be created when your main goal is saying “yes” to your friends’ ideas.

‘Christmas Gone Wrong’ performs one day only, December 12 at 12 PM. Tickets are available at the door or ahead of time for $5. Call 731-SHOW (7469) for more information.