What you can do this weekend to be part of this Springfield tradition

Auditions for performers ages 5-up for the 28th presentation of the holiday classic β€œThe Nutcracker” will be Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17 at the Ohio Performing Arts Institute. CONTRIBUTED

Auditions for performers ages 5-up for the 28th presentation of the holiday classic β€œThe Nutcracker” will be Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17 at the Ohio Performing Arts Institute. CONTRIBUTED

The Ohio Performing Arts Institute will have auditions at its facility Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17 for the upcoming 28th annual performance of β€œThe Nutcracker.”

Auditions will be 1-2:30 p.m. both days for beginning to lower intermediate performers and 2-4 p.m. for upper intermediate to advanced performers; those auditioning should plan to come both days. All parts are open and no prior experience is necessary to audition.

β€œWe’re really excited to get it going again and welcome everyone to come out and become involved in this tradition,” said Nutcracker director D. Scot Davidge. β€œIt’s a part of what we do.”

Auditions are open for ages 5-up. Last year’s performance had a cast of about 100 people.

Davidge said adults are needed as well as they made up nearly a quarter of the 2016 cast, although some parts such as the prince will be reserved for younger cast members.

OPAI’s production of β€œThe Nutcracker” will be performed Dec. 15-16 at the Clark State Performing Arts Center.

>> PHOTOS: The Nutcracker at Kuss

Davidge said if participants audition well he will do his best to accommodate anybody who wants to be part of this holiday tradition.

β€œWe’ve been doing it for 28 years. We’re doing something right,” he said.


WANT TO GO?

What: Nutcracker auditions

Where: The Ohio Performing Arts Institute, 1616 E. High St., Springfield

When: Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17, 1-2:30 p.m. beginner and lower intermediate and 2-4 p.m. upper intermediate and advanced

Admission: free

More info: 937-324-7444 or www.facebook.com/ohioperformingartsinstitute/

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