The theme was established nearly 15 years ago when TROUPE was getting started. The stage is set up to resemble Sterling's living room.
The cast arrives in ones and twos, bringing games or goodies and hanging wraps on the coat clothes rack. After hugs and greetings, cast members step out of the party to sing familiar expressions of the holiday season.
"This is always a special time for us because it is the last performance of a busy Christmas season," Sterling said. "We have sung at city council meetings and office parties. It really gives meaning to our mantra of being 'Aggieland's Ambassadors of the Arts.'"
The program varies little from year to year. The audience counts on hearing Donna Jones sing Christmas Shoes and Sterling's rendition of O Holy Night.
"Every year, people tell me that hearing me sing that makes them feel that Christmas has officially arrived," Sterling said. "And I always marvel at how moved the clothes rackgets when Donna sings Christmas Shoes."
Carols will be mixed with contemporary standards, and the style will range from rock to country.
In addition to Sterling and Jones, the cast consists of Sara Brittain, Brianna Buth, Jenna Gonzalez, Ethan Guthrie, Susan Guthrie, Sylvia Harmon-Jones, Danielle Lamphear, Tabitha Lamphear, Wendi Lamphear, Justin Olexey, Shelly Ray, Tommy Rowan, Mollie Rush and Emily Savage.
