EDITOR’s NOTE: Recently, Broome Arts Mirror writer George Basler reported on how local arts organizations have been “Coping with COVID.” As groups formulate or revise plans, BAMirror will publish updates like the following article.

By George Basler

Three performing arts organizations are continuing holiday traditions even as they remain closed to in-person performances because of COVID-19.

Ti-Ahwaga Community Players in Owego, the Endicott Performing Arts Center and Tri-Cities Opera have all scheduled virtual programs this month that you can enjoy from your homes in keeping with the holiday spirit.

The Ti-Ahwaga production, A Very Merry Ti-Ahwaga Christmas!, will take place this weekend (Dec. 11-13) with performances at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The holiday virtual variety show will include scenes from A Christmas Story, which has been a holiday staple for the company for the past 19 years, Karry Kane, a board member, said in a press release.

The play is based on the movie which, in turn, was based on a story by humorist Jean Shepard about a young boy’s campaign to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.

“For almost two decades, families have created their own traditions that include Ti-Ahwaga, and this holiday shouldn’t be any different,” Kane said.

Tickets are $15 and will give viewers access to both performances. For tickets, click the donation button on the company’s website, www.tiahwaga.com.

Also this weekend: Tri Cities Opera will lighten the holiday season by streaming a special program, “Cocoa & Carols,” at 3 p.m. Sunday. The company bills it as “a modern spin on the holiday TV specials of days gone by.”

Former Resident Artist Jake Stamatis will host the program, which will feature messages and songs by TCO alumni. Registration is free, but viewers can upgrade the experience by purchasing a Cocoa Care Package, the company said. The package, costing $15, includes a newly designed TCO mug and an artisanal hot chocolate bomb from community-based Sinful Indulgence. A candy cane stirrer is also included.

Patrons can choose from Milk Chocolate Indulgence or Dark Chocolate Mint. Delivery will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. To schedule a delivery, call 729-3444, ext. 12. Deliveries will only take place in the Tri-Cities area.

For more information, to reserve a spot or order a package, visit TCO’s website, www.tricitiesopera.com.

Meanwhile, EPAC’s Virtual Christmas Show will be available Dec. 17 through Jan. 3 on EPAC Digital, the new online platform granting digital access to EPAC productions.

The variety show will feature classic holiday songs and contemporary songs performed by local talent. Performances will take place at different locations in the community. There also will be short, holiday-themed puppet shows by the EPAC Puppet Tree Theater Group and archival footage of EPAC shows from previous Christmas seasons.

For more information and register, visit EPAC’s website, www.endicottarts.com.