![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/597130499_1454854556642841_5484431725888580179_n.jpg\"\/)
<\/p>\nJanuary 22, 2026
26-5<\/p>\n
Jessica Pope
Communications and Media Relations Coordinator<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Valdosta State University Theatre & Dance\u2019s seasonal production of \u201cA Christmas Carol\u201d is the winner of Broadway World Tallahassee\u2019s 2025 Best Play Award. It was adapted for the local stage by Ian Anderson, associate professor of theatre and interim head of the VSU\u2019s Department of Communication Arts.<\/p>\n
![\"597102797_1454854573309506_675804553106730258_n.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/597102797_1454854573309506_675804553106730258_n.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
VALDOSTA \u2014 Valdosta State University Theatre & Dance\u2019s seasonal production of \u201cA Christmas Carol\u201d is the winner of Broadway World Tallahassee\u2019s 2025 Best Play Award. It was adapted for the local stage by Ian Anderson, associate professor of theatre and interim head of the VSU\u2019s Department of Communication Arts. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Anderson said \u201cA Christmas Carol\u201d is a piece that he has worked on in different forms and locations over the years. However, he undertook a more substantial adaptation when VSU Theatre & Dance decided to produce it as a recurring holiday scholarship fundraiser almost two years ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom the outset, we knew we wanted the production to be a true collaboration between faculty, students, and the broader community,\u201d he shared. \u201cI took what was originally conceived for a cast of about 11 and expanded it \u2014 parsing out roles, refining character arcs, and adding moments that allowed more voices and perspectives to live in the piece. In 2024, the production grew to a cast of 22, and in 2025 we expanded again to 29 performers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anderson said great storytelling is born from collaboration. It is the engine that makes theatre programs run, as different people work together to create a shared artistic and human experience that lasts well beyond the final curtain call.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of my favorite moments \u2014 like the staging and embodiment of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come \u2014 came directly from the imagination of our design team, and the piece continues to evolve every year,\u201d he explained. \u201cIt\u2019s never exactly the same production twice.\u201d<\/p>\n
VSU Theatre & Dance plans to produce \u201cA Christmas Carol\u201d again this December. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been incredibly meaningful to see it grow into a holiday tradition for Valdosta, one that supports our students while bringing the community together,\u201d Anderson said.<\/p>\n