HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: Give the gift of the arts this holiday season

From local stages to the big screen, the arts are in full swing across the Miami Valley with many options to choose from heading into 2022.

In your search for arts-centric gift ideas, here are a few choices to consider while helping to support local artists and organizations still recovering in these challenging times.

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

Dayton Art Institute

A cultural cornerstone for over 100 years, the Dayton Art Institute’s current exhibitions include the iconic imagery of “Norman Rockwell: Stories of Emotion” (through Feb. 13) and the aviation-themed paintings, drawings and photographs of “Ralston Crawford: Air + Space + War” (through Jan. 23).

A DAI membership includes free admission to the collection galleries and exhibitions, access to educational programs, exclusive in-person and online member events and more. Through Dec. 31, you can get 15 percent off the cost of select new and gift memberships. For more information, call 937-223-4278 during regular museum hours, visit the Guest Services Desk at the museum, or purchase online at daytonartinstitute.org using the discount code HOLIDAY2021 at checkout.

Credit: CONTRIBUTED/DAVID A. MOODIE

Credit: CONTRIBUTED/DAVID A. MOODIE

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company

Rooted in the African-American experience, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company provides authentic, soul-stirring artistry. The troupe’s 53rd season notably continues with “Inside/Out” (Feb. 26-27, Victoria Theatre), an interdisciplinary and collaborative program featuring music by jazz composer Wesley Winfrey.

For tickets or more information, call 937-228-3630 or visit dcdc.org.

Credit: Ron Valle

Credit: Ron Valle

Dayton Live

There’s something for everyone to enjoy from Dayton Live’s assortment of entertaining selections.

From the best of Broadway (“Dear Evan Hansen,” “Come From Away,” “Fiddler on the Roof”) and the adventurous explorers of National Geographic (Kara Cooney, Andy Mann, Ronan Donovan) to a variety of concerts (tributes to Led Zeppelin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, AC/DC) and returning favorites (Black Violin), Dayton Live offers an array of unique experiences.

Dayton Live gift certificates can be purchased for any amount. The gift certificates can be applied toward any performances available through Dayton Live.

For more information, call 937-228-3630 or visit daytonlive.org.

Dayton Performing Arts Alliance

Dayton Ballet, Dayton Opera and Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra are gearing up for a full slate of appealing shows next year.

In particular, the highly anticipated return of Dayton Ballet’s “The Great Gatsby” (Apr. 8-10, Victoria Theatre), Dayton Opera’s world premiere of “Finding Wright” (Feb. 25 and 27, Schuster Center) and Dayton Philharmonic’s SuperPops presentation of “Paul Laurence Dunbar: A Juneteenth Celebration” (June 17 and 18, Schuster Center).

It’s not too late to become a DPAA subscriber. Perks include up to 25 percent savings over single-ticket prices, a 10 percent discount on additional tickets throughout the season and exclusive invites to special concerts and subscriber-only events.

For more information, call 937-228-3630 or visit daytonperformingarts.org.

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

FilmDayton

Dedicated to advancing the art, craft and business of film in the Dayton region, non-profit FilmDayton is at the forefront of building and encouraging the next generation of filmmakers and cinephiles.

Membership levels begin at $30 but benefits begin at the film enthusiast level at $60 which includes free admission to Film Connections (10 meetings/screenings per year), the monthly FilmDayton e-newsletter, special ticket opportunities and discounts to selected film activities, and one free small popcorn at the Neon in downtown Dayton with paid admission (monthly benefit).

For more information, visit filmdayton.com.

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

Human Race Theatre Company

The Human Race Theatre Company, currently presenting the hilariously naughty comedy “Who’s Holiday!” at the Loft Theatre starring Wright State graduate Alex Sunderhaus as Cindy Lou Who, is having a delightful 35th anniversary season.

Three Dayton premieres are on the horizon: Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder’s gender-identity family drama “Everything That’s Beautiful” (Feb. 17-March 6), Katie Forgette’s nostalgic, female-driven family comedy “Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help” (Apr. 14-May 1) and Christian Duhamel, Ed Bell and Charissa Bertels’s one-woman musical “My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend” (June 16-July 3).

For more information about this three-show package, call 937-228-3630 or visit humanracetheatre.org.

La Comedia Dinner Theatre

Give the gift of dinner theatre as La Comedia in Springboro offers a 2022 roster of familiar titles.

The season opens with “Godspell” (Jan. 13-Feb. 13) and includes Maury Yeston’s gorgeously operatic “Phantom” (Feb. 17-Apr. 3) as well as family-friendly favorites “The Music Man” (Apr. 7-May 22) Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” (June 2-July 24) and “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” (Nov. 3-Dec. 31).

For more information about La Comedia gift certificates, call 1-800-677-9505 or visit lacomedia.com.

Credit: HANDOUT

Credit: HANDOUT

The Neon

It’s Oscar season! If you know a film buff who loves catching the latest Oscar nominees or potential nominees, look no further than the Neon in downtown Dayton, currently screening Nicole Kidman’s buzzworthy portrayal of Lucille Ball opposite Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz in “Being the Ricardos,” written and directed by Aaron Sorkin (“The West Wing”).

Gift cards are always available. For more information, call 937-222-8452 or visit neonmovies.com.

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

TheatreLab Dayton

Formerly Dare to Defy Productions, TheatreLab Dayton is offering 15 percent off any ticket to the remainder of its 2021-2022 season. This special holiday deal continues through Dec. 24.

The options are: TheatreLab executive director Philip Drennen and ensemble member Skyler McNeely’s world premiere musical “Charlie and Doggy and the Song at the Edge of the World: An Original Seafaring Musical Adventure” (Jan. 19-22, PNC Arts Annex), Stephen Sondheim’s groundbreaking musical “Company” (March 16-19, PNC Arts Annex) and Wayne Kirkpatrick, Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell’s Tony-nominated Renaissance-era musical “Something Rotten!” (May 20-21, Victoria Theatre).

To access the discount, visit daytonlive.org and use code lab15 at checkout.

For more information about the company, visit theatrelabdayton.org.

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