Happening in December
Watch the Arizona gymnastics team in the GymCats Showcase on Dec. 15. (Photo by Rebecca Sasnett for Arizona Athletics)
Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium's annual "Season of Light" and "Holiday Magic" return this year.
Theater students will perform in "R&J: For Love or Money," which challenges some common takeaways from "Romeo and Juliet."
Kathleen Glasgow, the author of two young adult novels, will give a presentation and meet with readers on Dec. 7 at Worlds of Words in the College of Education.
Spend an evening with three princesses at "Broadway Princess Party."
Catch the last five Science Cafes this month, including one on Dec. 5 at the Tucson Botanical Gardens.
The home stretch of the fall semester is nigh, and once Thanksgiving comes and goes, it'll be crunch time for those of us administering or taking final exams – or perhaps both. But should you be lucky enough to find any downtime, there's plenty to do on campus leading up to the holiday closure.
December events include a performance by theater students that looks at "Romeo and Juliet" in a new light and a presentation and book signing by a New York Times best-selling author. Later in December, spend an afternoon with three princesses and catch the Arizona gymnastics team before the season starts.
To see what else is going on at the University in December, check out the Master Calendar, which is open to submissions from employees and students who want to promote University-sponsored events or events happening on campus or in University facilities. Add your event using the calendar's submission form.
Holiday Shows at Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium | Throughout December
The annual holiday shows at Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium return this year with "Season of Light" and the "Holiday Magic" laser music show.
The "Season of Light" full-dome planetarium show explores festivals of light, such as Christmas and Hanukkah, inspired by the dark days around the winter solstice, and how the traditions are related to astronomy. Attendees will also hear popular holiday music and the origins of the season's songs and customs.
The "Holiday Magic" laser show is set to a soundtrack of classic Christmas and seasonal songs.
Attendees can catch preview screenings of the shows the weekend after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29-Dec. 1. The full schedule begins on Dec. 16. Showtimes will be available soon on the Flandrau website.
Admission to the shows is $8 for adults and $6 for children. To see the rest of the center's exhibits, admission is $16 for adults, $12 for children ages 4-17, and free for anyone age 3 and younger. Admission for students, senior citizens, or members of the military who show ID is $12.
Fall Theatre Studies Performance Showcase – 'R&J: For Love or Money' | Dec. 5-8
Students in the School of Theatre, Film and Television will challenge the common takeaways from "Romeo and Juliet" in their fall showcase. The performance, titled "R&J: For Love or Money," will explore whether Shakespeare's most famous play is actually a commentary on money, greed and the cultural practices used to consolidate wealth and social standing.
Performers have prepared for the showcase by studying Fitzmaurice Voicework, a vocal training program that prepares actors emotionally, intellectually and physically for performing heightened classical texts.
Performances will be held in the Drama building, 1025 N. Olive Road, in the Harold Dixon Studio Theatre, Room 116. Shows begin at 8 p.m. Dec. 5-7; the Dec. 8 show will begin at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $7.
WOW Teen Reading Ambassadors Present Kathleen Glasgow | Dec. 7
Kathleen Glasgow, author of The New York Times best-selling young adult novel "Girl in Pieces," will give a talk on her latest book, "How to Make Friends With the Dark." Glasgow's newest novel is about "love and loss and learning how to continue when it feels like you're surrounded by darkness."
The program will include a presentation followed by a Q&A session, then snacks and a chance for attendees to meet Glasgow. University of Arizona BookStores will offer books for sale and autographing. The workshop includes two free hours of professional development for educators.
The free event, presented by Worlds of Words Teen Reading Ambassadors, will be held in the College of Education, Room 453, 1430 E. Second St., from 1-3 p.m.
UA Presents: 'Broadway Princess Party' | Dec. 15
If a young person in your life begs to wear ballgowns and tiaras 24/7, take them to see three of the most famous princesses in one evening. Jasmine from "Aladdin," Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" and Anastasia from the musical of the same name will be at Centennial Hall for a princess party featuring three actresses who have portrayed the princesses on Broadway.
Attendees will hear classic songs and hilarious stories about backstage – and onstage – antics. Those who come dressed in their best royal attire may win a prize.
The performance will be held at Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd., and begins at 3 p.m. Attendees must be at least 6 years old. Tickets start at $29.
GymCats Showcase | Dec. 15
The Arizona gymnastics team will hold its annual GymCats Showcase, giving the Tucson community a chance to see the team's talents at home before the 2020 season begins.
The GymCats' 2020 schedule begins with a road competition against LSU on Jan. 3. The team's first meet in Tucson will be a quad meet on Jan. 11 against Western Michigan, Iowa State and Rutgers.
The showcase will begin at 6 p.m. at McKale Memorial Center. Tickets cost $5.
Also happening this month:
- Dec. 5, 10, 11, 12 and 17 | Science Cafés at Tucson Botanical Gardens, Saddlebrooke, Tumamoc Hill and Borderlands Brewing Co. and Magpies Gourmet Pizza
- Dec. 11 and 14 | Arizona men's basketball against Nebraska-Omaha and Gonzaga | McKale Memorial Center
- Dec. 12 | MBA Lunch and Learn for University Employees in Tucson | Student Union Memorial Center, Sabino Room