When the stage lights up for "Christmas This Year," an annual holiday variety show featuring performers with Down syndrome, it marks a remarkable decade of growth. From a small gathering with just a few performers, it has transformed into a sold-out holiday extravaganza at the Ent Center for the Arts in Colorado Springs. Showrunner Jared Anderson reflects on the years that have "flown by" as the show continues to expand.

"Celebrating Christmas with Down Syndrome: A Spectacular Journey"

Show's Inception

In 2015, Christian musician Jared Anderson visited Club 21 in South Africa, a nonprofit school for those with Down syndrome. Observing and performing with the students who had learned his songs inspired him to consider a similar venture closer to home. Back in Colorado Springs, he and his wife Megan began by calling local friends with Down syndrome kids. The first show was held in a church sanctuary with a few families, featuring some readings and a song or two.The next year, they moved the show to Rampart High School to reach a wider audience. Word spread, and more families came forward, seeking a social and creative outlet for their special-needs children. Initially titled "15th of December" after a song Anderson wrote to satirize holiday traditions, the show's growth led to a name change.

Performer Growth

Over the years, the number of performers with Down syndrome on the Ent Center stage has steadily increased. In 2021, 27 families signed up, and the following year, it grew to 46. This year, the program will include 60 participants, ranging in age from 6 months to nearly 40 years. Breanna Bradshaw, 39, will be performing for the seventh year, and she loves being a part of it. "I've been with Jared and Megan a long time," she says.For many of the performers, the show is a chance to shine in front of their families. As Beverly Bradshaw, Breanna's mother, puts it, "She's watched her brothers play, and now it's her turn to shine. They all come to support her, and she's having a blast."Laura Jacobo's son Jeremiah will perform for the second straight year. She emphasizes that the show focuses on the kids' abilities rather than their limitations. "The fact that he has Down syndrome is the first thing people see, because of the facial features," she says. "But he's very smart, talented, and independent. A lot of these kids are."

Impact and Future

While giving local Down syndrome kids a big stage to showcase their talents, the show also raises funds to support Friends of Club 21, a local nonprofit. Last year's show raised nearly $200,000. Bolstered by the show's large turnout, the Andersons are looking to expand their venture to include year-round engagement activities. They hope to start a small arts academy to provide day programs for special-needs kids and adults."There are day programs out there for special needs, and they provide a good service, but in a way, they're kind of like babysitting," Jared Anderson says. "They go to the park, or the library, or shopping. There's value in those activities, but we'd like to see more, especially for the (Down syndrome) population that has graduated out of the school system."In the meantime, the showrunners encourage Colorado Springs residents with a relative with Down syndrome to attend the show and consider adding their loved ones to the cast. "There's beauty and talent here, and we have a lot of fun," Anderson says. "Dancing and singing and celebrating. That's the jam."For show dates and times, visit christmasthisyear.org.