Like its current production, The Snow Child, a childrens puppet show based on a popular Russian tale in which winter brings surprising life, Classika Theatre seeks to enliven the winter months with holiday-themed shows. On stage at the Synetic Theater, Classikas alter ego, A Christmas Carol brings a different audience the familiar Charles Dickens tale for the winter holidays.

Established in 1996 and recently merged with Synetic Theater in Rosslyn, Classika Theatre, nestled in the Village of Shirlington, continues to find satisfaction in its goal of encouraging art appreciation among the youngest throughout the community. Business Manager Yulia Kriskovets underscored Classikas commitment saying, Stage productions geared for children reinforces love for the arts and theatre in general and also grooms future patrons, donors, and mature arts appreciators. Classika also supports this philosophy with their ever-popular Summer Camp, studio classes and birthday packages.

In Kriskovets home country of Russia, theater is considered for children and youth just as much as for the adult population, a sensibility Classika believes in. It is very common to have professional theater for children, she said, which results in children growing to love the arts at a young age.

Running through Dec. 23 at Synetic, A Christmas Carol is artistically rendered through just five actors playing 20 different characters and is entertaining for both youth and adult. Prices are accessible, offering a variety of discounts to stoke appreciation for live-performance.