On the Friday night after Thanksgiving, when local residents are out shopping or enjoying time with family, a half dozen performers are on the stage of the Children's Theatre of Annapolis building sets, singing carols, rehearsing lines, and working through choreography.

Tiffany Shannon, who has been working with CTA since 2003, wrote this holiday show, titled "The Elves Who Saved Christmas," three years ago.

"I wanted to do a show that was geared toward smaller children," explained Shannon. "We use a lot of audience participation and the storyline really gets the kids involved."

Shannon's story is about four of Santa's most dedicated elves who are heartbroken because children around the world have stopped believing in Santa, making him lose his magic and causing him to sleep all of the time.

Shannon's fellow elves include sister Kaitlyn Shannon; Adam Tinko, a Cape St. Claire resident and CTA alum; and Stevie Mangum, a Broadneck area resident and CTA alum.

"It's always fun to work with Tiffany, and it's really cool that we can do this silly stuff for kids," said Tinko.

From decorating the Christmas tree to "Jingle Bell Rock" to doing the Santa wake-up dance, the elves perform a 45-minute show before St. Nick finally makes his appearance.

Shannon's stepfather, Greg Anderson of Arnold, has been "assisting" for Santa all three years the show has been running.

"I'm happy to be a part of the show," said Anderson, who, like Shannon, has been participated in community theatre in the Bowie area in the past. "Nothing beats the smiles on the kids faces when Santa walks on stage."

Before the show, children are reminded of show etiquette rules, such as listening and not talking, applauding after a song is completed, and, most importantly, singing out when it is time to sing with the elves. Children are then allowed to visit with Santa once the show is over. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

The show is being held today [Nov. 27] at 10am and 1pm at the CTA Theatre on Bay Head Road. This was the first year that tickets were available online, and though sales were good, there are still tickets left for walk-ins. For tickets, go to www.childrenstheatreofannapolis.org or call 410-757-2281.