Joseph’s House Christmas Outreach Program

Each year the SJN Theatre Ministry mounts a Christmas Outreach Program. These programs often include singers, dancers and actors from prior productions who can perform with little or no formal rehearsal time.  Gifts are acquired by donations and service of cake and sparkling cider are part of the production. Some prior programs have included The Christmas Wedding”  an original, interactive performance piece designed specifically for memory-impaired patients and the elderly, and performed at various area nursing homes and assisted living facilities, The Stars of Tomorrow Showcase with Frank Fabularo, also an original production for patients in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. A Carnival Christmas for Mrs. Claus, an interactive production for residents of family homeless shelters (performed for Carpenter’s Shelter in December of 2007) which included carnival games, snacks, a Christmas cake, presents for all the children and a visit from Santa Claus.   

The program for December of 2008 took place at Joseph’s House, a Washington, D.C. hospice for homeless men and women with terminal illnesses. The show included singers from prior productions, Santa, Mrs. Claus and “Tiny” the elf.  Each patient was given personalized gifts. 

We have been blessed for the past two years with an appearance by professional Santa Claus, Tony DeBennedittis of Herndon who, along with Theatre Ministry founding member, Judy Bowns as Mrs. Claus, and her two fluffy white pooches, Max and Zoe Elizabeth, lend a really festive air to any Christmas Production. They are aided by Jim Cuddihy as large and loveable “Tiny” the elf. Tiny’s awesome costume was designed and built by costumer, Debbie Dahms.

Christmas Outreach Links:

Christmas Outreach 2007 Photos: The Christmas Wedding | Contact Lou Ann Behan for additional information