Kelly Pidgeon James directs Aurora Daniels and Natalie Griffith for a scene. Photo Courtesy of Dixon Community Theater

DIXON, CA (MPG) - As the holiday season approaches, Dixon Community Theater is buzzing with excitement for its upcoming children’s Christmas production, “The Little Town of Christmas.” Directed by Kelly Pidgeon James, this heartwarming show features eight skits and musical performances that capture the spirit of the season in a charming small-town setting.

On a cloudy Dixon afternoon, over coffee at a local café, James shared her journey, inspiration, and vision for this special production.

James, who moved to Dixon in 2021, has been a driving force in reintroducing children’s theater to the community. After navigating the challenges of the pandemic, she sought to find meaningful artistic opportunities for her children in Dixon.

“I was hoping for diverse parks and recreation programs for kids, but I found there was a gap,” James said. “I firmly believe in being the change you wish to see, so I decided to help create those opportunities myself. Theater, which encompasses so many artistic disciplines, felt like the perfect fit.”

When the Dixon Community Theater board discussed holiday programming, James proposed a children’s production, recognizing it as the ideal way to bring young talent to the stage and foster community spirit.

“Christmas is a time for children—it's magical, innocent, and embodies the spirit of childhood,” James explained. “Theater has its own magic, and combining the two creates an unforgettable experience for kids and the community alike.”

Her goal for the cast is simple but profound: fun and growth.

“I hope they discover a love for performing and leave with more confidence,” she said.

James’s approach to directing young actors emphasizes individuality and skill development. By assigning roles that align with each child’s abilities, she ensures every participant contributes meaningfully to the production.

“Older, more experienced kids take on technically demanding roles, while newcomers can learn from them in supportive roles. Watching their confidence grow is amazing.”

Directing a community production comes with its hurdles. As an emerging organization, Dixon Community Theater is still finding its footing. Without a dedicated performance venue, securing rehearsal and performance spaces has been a challenge.

“But we’ve found strong support within the community and city government, which keeps us moving forward,” James shared.

Despite these obstacles, Kelly remains optimistic about the theater’s future. “We’re building something special here. Hopefully, one day, we’ll have a venue to call our own."

For Jmes, the sense of community in Dixon is unmatched, especially during the holidays. She admires the collaborative efforts of local organizations like the Dixon Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Dixon Business Association.

“Holiday celebrations here create a nostalgic, small-town atmosphere,” she said. “A production like this enhances that feeling, fostering hometown pride.”

As the curtain rises on “The Little Town of Christmas,” James hopes the audience will leave with a sense of joy and anticipation.

“This is our first full-length children’s performance, but it won’t be the last,” she said. “We’re dedicated to growing Dixon Community Theater and bringing the performing arts back to the city.”

Under Kelly’s direction, “The Little Town of Christmas” promises to be more than a holiday show—it is a celebration of creativity, community and the magic of the season.

Mark your calendars and join Dixon Community Theater for this festive production, Dec 6 to 8 at Tremont School Theater. Come for the skits, stay for the songs, and leave with the warmth of the holiday spirit.

For tickets and information: dixoncommunitytheater.com