Auditions for the eighth annual presentation of Coasting Along Theatre Society’s The Nutcracker will be held at the Coast Academy of Dance on Sunday, Sept. 8.
Dancers and acrobats must be at least seven years old by Dec. 31, 2019 to audition. The maximum age has yet to be reached. Adults in the Party Scene in Act I have more fun than anyone! They don’t have to audition, but must meet with artistic director Kathleen Holmes beforehand. Their rehearsals usually begin in late October.
There are roles for many talented artists – jugglers, stilt walkers, gymnasts, and dancers. It is a ballet, so dancers must be currently taking ballet classes, anywhere. Some of the dancers commute from Vancouver and as far away as Calgary.
Rehearsals are held on the weekends, and most of the younger dancers will rehearse on Saturdays only, until December; older dancers rehearse mostly on Sundays.
“We are thrilled to have Chenxin Liu and Yue Shi returning as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier,” Holmes said. Yue Shi is a phenomenally talented dancer who was recently promoted to soloist with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Chenxin Liu, also a soloist, is the most delicate ballerina – but deceptively strong. They are so happy to have their schedule permit them to return to the Coast.
“And we are tickled to have Graham McMonagle return as Herr Drosselmeyer,” Holmes said. “He not only brings experience and humour to this role; the cast and crew look forward to his presence every year. He is a great coach to the dancers and loves teaching them. He is impressed at the progress of our young dancers.”
There are eight performances again this year, six public shows and two school shows. The dancers last year had a blast performing for 500 school students, who had studied The Nutcracker. Coasting Along Theatre Society gave the teachers study guides so they were well prepared to see the ballet. Thanks to another grant from the Sunshine Coast Credit Union, the schools outreach program will run again this year.
The Nutcracker will perform at Raven’s Cry Theatre, Dec. 14 to 17. If you can dance, come audition. For more information and audition times for each group, see www.CoastingAlongTheatre.org, call 604-989-6050, or email CoastingAlongTheatre@gmail.com
– Submitted by Kathleen Holmes
