It’s time for all area dancers to audition for the Averitt Center’s annual production of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker.”

This regional production is presented by the Statesboro Youth Ballet, a group of regional dancers who audition for roles in the group’s productions.
Children and adults, ages 3 an up, are welcome to audition for “Nutcracker” roles.

“Of course, it’s helpful for younger children to have taken dance classes before,” said ballet director Shay Morgan, “but, especially for children under age 7, it isn’t necessary.”

For older children, some familiarity with ballet movement, terms and technique is highly desired.

“In our ‘Nutcracker’ production nearly all roles are danced by area dancers,” explained Tim Chapman, Averitt Center executive director. “We do hire professionals for the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier (or partner), but every other part is performed by an area dancer.”

Chapman explained that the opportunity to dance major solos and group (called the corps in ballet) roles is one of the most unique things about the Averitt Center production.

“A lot of cities bring in a professional company that will use local dancers for minor parts — but here we use our dancers for those roles, providing them a performance opportunity that some dancers don’t get until they graduate from high school,” he said.

“Our dancers rehearse beginning in early September and work hard to bring Statesboro a wonderful performance,” continued Chapman. “I believe our performance is one of the best regional ‘Nutcracker’ performances I’ve ever seen.”

Adults who love to perform are welcome to audition for the opening scene — the Christmas party. A dance background is not required, although one should be comfortable with movement similar to ballroom dance.

Dancers who are new to the area or are GSU students are encouraged to audition, for women, both flat and pointe work is included in the audition.

Auditions are Saturday Aug. 15 and Aug. 22. Please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time to fill out the information sheet for each child who auditions. Children ages 3-first grade will begin their group audition at 8 a.m.  Children ages second-fifth grades will begin their group audition at 8:45 a.m. Children only need to audition one time, either Aug. 15 or Aug. 22.

Dancers age sixth grade and up should audition only on Aug. 22. Their group audition begins at 10:15 on Aug. 22 only.  

Adults interested in performing in the Christmas party scene only need to fill out the information form.     

There is an audition fee of $5, cash or check only. A $90 performance fee, payable at the first rehearsal, covers costume rental, a performance DVD and a T-shirt. Performances are schedule the weekend prior to Thanksgiving. A complete rehearsal and performance schedule will be distributed once the cast is determined.

For more information, contact the Averitt Center at (912) 212-2787.