Into these darkest days of the year, Heartwood Theater and many performers are about to shine some light, presenting a warm evening of poetry, music and short stories, available online at heartwoodtheater.org, free of charge Dec. 11-Jan. 3.    

Under the direction of Griff Braley, this compilation of pieces recorded in Heartwood’s studio, along with contributions of familiar performers from afar,  features poems of winter and the Christmas season, group readings of “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” (Dec 11, 12, 18 and 19 only, due to Actor’s Equity Union rules), “Gift of the Magi” and a delightfully fun version of “A Christmas Carol: Abridged!”

Sprinkled throughout readings will be music for the season, performed by Sean Fleming, Kayleigh and Katherine Tolley, Sophia Scott, Honora Boothby, Emmie Farrell and Michelle Bruckner.

“This is simply our gift to a very supportive audience and the Midcoast community,” said Heartwood’s Joy Braley. “Sharing live performance is what we do, and this array of content is delivered with a personal feel, directly into people’s homes, from our hearts to theirs, whenever they’re ready to settle in and share the joys of the season with us.”

Find the cast list of adults and students, along with a full list of content, at heartwoodtheater.org