School of Performing Arts prepares for A CBU Christmas

Riverside, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2024) – The songs have been selected, the choreography planned and rehearsals are underway. At California Baptist University, the Christmas season is one of the busiest for students and faculty alike.

Lancer Nation is preparing to present the 2024 performances of A CBU Christmas. The four performances will take place Dec. 7-8. Rehearsals began in earnest in early November for students, but faculty have been preparing the music, lyrics and choreography for months.

“This year’s performances are certain to inspire joy and excitement for both our audiences and performers,” said Dr. Joseph Bolin, dean of the Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Performing Arts. “Alongside the cherished musical traditions of the season, we are thrilled to introduce a dramatic presentation of the Christmas story, celebrating the true reason for this joyous season.”

A CBU Christmas brings the Inland Empire community together. The 2023 performances sold out, and the 2024 performances are trending to sell out as well.

“I love how much community CBU Christmas brings in – bringing together students, families, friends, faculty and, so much more, in the audience alone,” said Juliana Nguyen, an interior design sophomore who plays the viola. “While it is hard work, it truly brings together a variety of people and groups to make something wonderful.”

This is the seventh year that CBU has presented A CBU Christmas, and it has become one of the most spectacular Christmas performances in the Inland Empire. More than 500 students and faculty will participate in this year’s performances.

“The most important part for us, as a Christian institution, is that we point everything back to Christ,” said Tori Hitchcock, a senior music major who is singing and dancing this year. “We want to provide the audience with the reason we have joy and hope and peace — and that’s Jesus.”

Hitchcock is the dance captain and assisted with choreography. The dances will feature jazz, ballet, hip hop, the Rockettes and the Nutcracker.

“It's over an 80-foot stage, so it is a massive scope we have to cover,” Hitchcock said. “We help train dancers, but also work with all the performers to be ready.”

Along with what is happening onstage, there is a lot of coordination that happens behind the scenes. For example, costume design must be just right in the telling of the story. Costumes can range from pulling pieces from previous shows to purchasing or renting costumes.

“Last year (the show) was going through the decades of Christmas, and this year it’s going to be like traveling through New York City at Christmas time,” said Machir Lakofka, costume designer. “We'll be doing Central Park, the streets of New York and a little bit of urban, a little bit of snow and window shopping. All our West Coasters who have been to the East Coast for Christmas will hopefully experience a little bit of nostalgia.”

CBU’s Collinsworth of Performing Arts features rich artistic shows while training excellent and versatile performing artists. Along with a CBU Christmas, the School of Performing Arts hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, featuring theatre, jazz ensembles, choir and orchestra (UCO), commercial music, opera and more. Visit https://calbaptist.edu/academics/schools-colleges/performing-arts/events for a full list of upcoming events.