Singing in Christmas
Lights flicker as students run onto the stage, wide smiles fading to the cheerful words of the song they chose to perform. Each year, the Christmas Coffeehouse at Liberty University offers drama, music and student-submitted video performances that highlight the participants’ hidden talents.
“Christmas Coffeehouse is by far the most exciting event we host the entire school year,” Stephanie Ward, Promotions Manager for Student Activities, said.
Tryout — Coffeehouse will be Dec. 7. Photo credit: Jill Springer
Coffeehouse allows Liberty students to put their talent on display in the Vines Center at either the spring or Christmas Coffeehouse events. Run by Student Activities, tickets to the biannual event are open to both Liberty students and non-students.
The Christmas season means that it is time for the first Coffeehouse of the academic year. The specific theme varies each year. In previous years, the themes have been Island of Misfit Toys, Christmas morning, the movie Elf, presents and other iconic images of the festive season.
“Students always amaze me with their different talents and the twists they put on their performance,” Ward said.
For over 20 years, Student Activities has hosted Coffeehouse on Liberty’s campus.
“We usually see around 70 acts and 15 video submissions for Christmas Coffeehouse each year. In order to keep the show around two hours, we typically add three to five videos and 12 to 15 acts,” Ward said.
Auditions for this semester’s show are offered Nov. 5 through Nov. 7 and Nov. 12 through Nov. 14. Outside performers are welcomed, but 75 percent of each performing act must be composed of Liberty students.
As an approved late night activity, the performance will be held Dec. 7th at 11:30 p.m.
“I went to both last year. I’m excited to go this year,” Gladis Gonzalez, a sophomore at Liberty, said.
More than 6,000 students are expected to cheer on the event this year, according to Ward.
“It’s really the start of the Christmas season for me,” Ward said.
Tickets for the event are available at the Vines Center box office. The tickets are $3 in advance and $5 at the door. In the past few years, students have sold out the Vines Center, so Student Activities urges students to buy their tickets early.