by Noella Noelophile®
It’s that time of year. No, not quite Christmas–yet.
But it’s definitely time to start thinking about the Great Dickens Christmas Fair.
The Dickens Fair, the Bay Area’s “Victorian Christmas card come to life”, recently announced their “Early Bird Ticket Sale”. Purchase tickets by October 16th, for any of their first three weekends, and they’ll give you $7 off admission for each adult ticket–and $4 off for the youngest Dickensians in your family. 
And, there are clearly no “Scrooges” heret. These discounts are even good for November 25th, the Friday after Thanksgiving! Here’s the link for more information.
Now, just in case you’re not familiar with the Dickens Fair–this is a hugely popular Bay Area Christmas tradition. (As well as one of my absolute favorite parts of Christmas in California!) 
More than a festival or performance, it’s an interactive theatrical experience, complete with crafts vendors, games, performances, dancing, food–all set on a Christmas Eve in Charles Dickens’ London. 
You’re as likely to see Mr. Scrooge enact a scene onstage as to see a band of strolling players–or Mr. Dickens himself, holding forth on his latest works to his colleagues at the Adventurers Club.
And, perhaps Queen Victoria will make an appearance–or even lead off the dancing at Fezziwig’s Dance Party.
Two points of note here: the Dickens Fair, not surprisingly, now has “Select Day” ticketing. In other words, like a theatrical performance, you need to be certain which day or days you’d like to attend, as your tickets are for that specific date–and nonrefundable,
And secondly, if you’re an active member of the military (thank you!), the Dickens Fair wants to invite you and your family for Christmas. Their first two weekends, November 19-20 and 25-27, you and three family members will receive free admission. Photo ID is required.
Now, as to the second Christmas gift from the 2016 Dickens Fair? This one’s for you if you live in the Bay Area, and can commit to creating something special, this Christmas season.
The Dickens Fair accepts a limited number of volunteers for the duration of the Fair, for their volunteer entertainment team. Volunteers, according to their website, need to be available for the entire season; attend the Dickens Fair’s annual theatrical workshops in late October and early November; and register and get selected into a group.
You’ll need to know, upfront, that this isn’t just a few hours of your time. A major commitment is involved. You’ll need to audition for a specific role. If accepted, expect to create a costume and character (guidelines are available here), get your costume approved by the costume department, and attend extensive workshops and rehearsals, then be available throughout the full run of the DIckens Fair.
The payoff? This is a lot of fun! Auditions for characters from Dickens’ books are being held next Wednesday evening, September 28th, in Alameda–here’s the link for more information.
While the date isn’t specified, the same audition page says there will be auditions for dancers for Fezziwig’s Dance Party, as well. So, if you’re local and would love to help create something magical, you might like to email for information: director@fezziwgs.org.
Have fun auditioning, and break a leg! (Unless you’re auditioning for a dance role, of course.) Hope to see you at the 2016 Dickens Christmas Fair!