On Saturday, Dec. 12, talented young people from all over Washington Parish will take to the stage at 7 p.m. to bring music, dance and holiday cheer to family and friends.

The event is open to the public and costs $5 per person. Tickets will go on sale at the door beginning at 6 p.m. with the doors opening for seating at 6:30 p.m.

The Washington Parish Community Arts Association (WPCAA) will present the “Believe Christmas Spectacular” in the Bogalusa High School auditorium.

Some of the featured guests will include:

• Students from Annunciation Catholic School, directed by Bruce Sampson and Derik Thompson;

• Bogalusa High School and Bogalusa Middle School choir members, directed by Jolene Sampson;

• Breaking Pointe Dance Company, directed by Marguerite Perrin;

• Central Elementary School Choir, directed by Virgie Moses and Joan Porter;

• Franklinton High School Jazz Band, directed by Loyman Prestenbach.

The rest of the performers are third through 12th grade students from all over the parish, who have been attending a special workshop on Saturdays. These two-hour classes have taken place over a nine-week period and were taught by Bruce and Jolene Sampson. The students took classes in singing, dancing and acting while learning routines for this performance.

The Sampsons wrote all of the material.

“I wrote, arranged, and choreographed most of the ‘Believe’ numbers in this show at least 10 years ago and have been producing annual holiday shows and seasonal dinner theater productions around southern California,” Bruce Sampson said. “I’m very excited to share this adaptation with my hometown and parish.”

Aside from the Washington Parish Fair, this is likely the only time such a diverse group of parish performers will share the same stage for an event, Sampson said. The WPCAA hopes that this is only the beginning of such collaborations and cooperation of youth groups, schools and arts organizations. The newly formed organization’s mission is to increase the amount and variety of performance and visual arts in the parish by providing greater exposure and inclusion opportunities.

The group has already formed a number of alliances and partnerships with organizations like Bogalusa City Schools, the City of Bogalusa, and Annunciation Catholic School. The WPCAA is also actively seeking out talented artists, performers and instructors who will be willing to share their talents teaching a one-time class or series of classes in their chosen discipline during the Spring 2016 semester. To be included, visit online at www.parisharts.com or call 951-371-5239.

Saturday night’s show promises holiday fun suitable for the entire family.  It will be a fast-paced evening of fun and entertainment that will also feature some audience participation.

There will be plenty of traditional Christmas songs, along with some specialty numbers and popular songs that have been changed to reflect the season. The show will end with a “sacred section” that honors the true meaning of the season.