The Tyler Junior College Academy of Dance’s 30th anniversary presentation of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, “The Nutcracker,” is fast approaching.
Auditions will be held Saturday, Sept. 8, in the TJC dance studio (Room 125) in the Ornelas Health and Physical Education Center, located at the corner of Apache Pass and Palmer Avenue on the TJC main campus.
“Audition day is always exciting, because it gives us a chance to see the wealth of dancing and acting talent that exists right here in East Texas,” TJC Academy of Dance Director Carolyn Hanna said.
“This year’s production is especially exciting because, not only is this the 30th anniversary production of ‘The Nutcracker,’ we will also be performing with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra in the stunning Cowan Center, under the direction of Maestro Richard Lee. Our performances with ETSO only happen every five years, so we are thrilled to begin the process!”
Performances are on one day only, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at the UT Tyler Cowan Center.
“We are also inviting several alumni dancers from the TJC Dance Department, Academy of Dance, and those trained under Shurrell Wiebe and Thereza Bryce-Cotes to perform and showcase our professional dancers from around the country,” Hanna said.
“These performances will highlight our amazing faculty who train these dancers and illustrate the talent that was nurtured right here in Tyler, Texas. Our alumni, guest artists, and dancers from the community will perform together, side by side, for a spectacular performance!"
Audition details
TJC’s annual “Nutcracker” is a large-scale production with more than 100 roles to fill. Roles are available for performers ages 6 through adult, and performers must be able to rehearse every Friday or Saturday and perform in each show.
Audition times are:
• 10-10:45 a.m.: Ages 6-8
• 11 a.m.-noon Ages 9-11
• Noon-2 p.m.: Ages 12 and up
• 2-3 p.m.: Dancers invited to audition for the role of Clara
• 3:30-4 p.m.: Adults, teens or actors interested in party scene
Those auditioning should arrive 30 minutes before their audition time to warm up and fill out paperwork.
For more information, contact Carolyn Hanna at 903-510-2483 or by email at chan3@tjc.edu.