OXFORD, Miss – Children and youth ages 6 to 18 are invited to audition for the Dance Alive National Ballet Company’s production of “The Nutcracker.” Auditions are set for 8:30-9:30 a.m. Sept. 14 for ballet and jazz dance roles, and at 6 p.m. for tumblers, all at the University of Mississippi’s Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts.
Casting for dance roles will be posted by 10 a.m. and for tumblers by 6:30 p.m. Rehearsals will immediately follow both auditions. Cast members are required to provide some costume pieces and fulfill an additional rehearsal schedule, which will be provided after auditions.
“The Nutcracker is a timeless, enchanting story that is enjoyed by audiences all over the world during the holiday season,” said Kate Meacham, marketing director for the Ford Center. “Showcasing young talent from Oxford and the surrounding area is just one more way that we are able to engage the community during our celebration of 10 years of performing arts at the Ford Center.”
Boys and girls ages 6 to 18 will be cast in a variety of roles, including soldiers, mice, party children and tumblers. Girls age 12-18 may also audition for roles as Clara’s friends. Strong ballet and jazz are required for most roles, while back-handsprings, walkovers, cartwheels and similar skills are required for tumblers. Registration will begin 30 minutes before the auditions. Pre-registration is not required.
For more information about auditions, call 662-915-2787.
“The Nutcracker” will be performed at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Ford Center. Tickets are available online at http://www.FordCenter.org and from the UM Box Office by calling 662-915-7411.