About the Show
Fifty years of live animals, flying angels and the story of the first Christmas, told by the people of Marion Avenue Baptist Church in Washington, Iowa.
How a simple play became a Southeast Iowa tradition
The first Live Animal Christmas Play was staged in 1974 as a simple way for Marion Avenue Baptist Church to share the Christmas story with its community. The idea was immersive from the start: instead of telling the story, the church would let you walk into it. Over the decades the play grew into the Live Animal Christmas Show. Theatrical staging, music and special effects were added one season at a time, along with the scenes people now come back for every year: Mary riding a donkey down the center aisle, shepherds under a starry sky, a camel carrying a wise man to Bethlehem, and an angel flying over the congregation to announce the Saviour's birth. Today the show draws thousands of guests each December and is one of the region's most treasured holiday traditions. The 50th anniversary production was filmed in front of a live audience in 4K so the show could reach well beyond our auditorium. Admission has always been free, and it always will be.
How the show is made
Work begins in October
Rehearsals, set building and costume fittings start each fall, two months before opening night.
About 300 volunteers
Church members act, sing, sew costumes, do hair and makeup, build sets and props, and run lighting, sound, effects, nursery and attic crews.
Built by hand
Every set and prop, and most of the costumes, are made by church members.
A flying angel
The angel wears a harness on a fly system designed by Hall Flying Associates.
Animals up the front steps
The donkey, camel and sheep walk in the same way you do, with handlers keeping them calm and cared for.
Always free
A free-will offering is received after each showing, but most of the cost is covered by the giving of church members.