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The University of West Florida Department of Theatre will present “A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas,” a new take on the beloved Charles Dickens classic adapted by Michael Wilson. Performances will be held Dec. 7-8 and 14-15 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 9 and 16 at 2:30 p.m. All performances will take place in the Mainstage Theatre of the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82, on the Pensacola campus.

This year’s production marks the first time in over a decade that a student from the Department of Theatre will direct a regular season production. Student director Victoria Grace leads the creative team, which includes Department of Theatre chairperson Charles Houghton as lighting and set designer, and Glenn Avery Breed as costume designer.

In her vision, Grace has chosen to focus on the heartwarming aspects that exemplify the Christmas spirit. “I feel this show is more about love, family and acceptance than a ghost story,” Grace said. She also believes that it is important to humanize the iconic character of Ebenezer Scrooge to avoid creating “a caricature of a mean, old man.”

When asked about her experience of the production process, Grace said that she is honored and never expected to be afforded such an opportunity as an undergraduate student. She cites the willingness of her fellow students to work alongside her and the guidance of her mentor Sara Schoch as highlights of her experience.

Grace is a senior dual majoring in performance studies with an emphasis in directing and arts administration. She has been an active contributor to the cultural community in her time at UWF. She has worked as assistant director for Your Wings Have Eyes, Romeo and Juliet, Baby: the Musical and The Music Man. Grace has also directed two productions for the Northwest Florida Theatre Festival, Sweet Storm and The Agreement, and worked as assistant director at the Farm Theatre’s production of the new play #Love95Times in New York City.

Ticket prices are $18 per person for adults; $14 per person for senior citizens and active military; $12 per person for non-UWF students, UWF faculty and staff; and $7 for high school students. UWF students are admitted free with their Nautilus cards. Tickets can be purchased at the CFPA Box Office, Building 82, by phone at 850.857.6285 or online at uwf.edu/cfpa.