Auditions held for Nutcracker play

By Ben Olson
Reader Staff

Is it too early to start thinking about the holidays? Not according to Pend Oreille Arts Council. They are holding open auditions for this winter’s performance of Eugene Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.”

The performance, which will take place on Monday, December 7, 2015 at the Panida Theater, is always a favorite for the holiday season as it highlights the abilities and talent of the local ballet dancers.

Auditions will take place on Tuesday, September 3 at Danceworks Studio (409 N. 4th Ave.) in Sandpoint. Each age group will have a specific time in which to audition:

•Baby Mice      — Ages 5-7 — 4 to 4:30 p.m.

•Angels             — Ages 7-9 — 4:30 – 5 p.m.

•Bon Bons         — Ages 9-11 — 5 – 6 p.m.

•Party Children — Ages 11-15 — 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Students are asked to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to audition times to fill out a registration form. There will be a $5 registration fee collected, payable to “Eugene Ballet.”

At least one year of ballet is required for all roles except Baby Mice.

Ballet Mistress from Eugene Ballet will direct the audition and select the children for various roles in the production. Choreography will be taught by Becky Lucas, a local dance instructor, and she will conduct weekly rehearsals until the performance date.

Audition or rehearsal questions? Call Becky at 263-9186. Tickets for the performance will be on sale after October 1 at POAC office (302 N. First Ave.). Ticket prices are $20 for POAC members, $25 for nonmembers, $10 for youth under 18.