FESTIVAL BALLET PROVIDENCE
ANNOUNCES 2019 AUDITIONS
ARCHIE, THE NUTCRACKER DOG
…and for Dog Lovers
“Adoption Day”
Partnership with the East Greenwich Animal Protection League “The Heart of RI”
Festival Ballet Providence (FBP) is pleased to announce the Second Annual Audition for The Nutcracker Dog on Sunday, November 24, 2019 at FBP’s studio, 825 Hope Street, Providence from 12pm-2pm. Two pooches will be selected for alternating performances in this year’s production to replace the company’s beloved Yorkshire Terrier, Archibald “Archie” who, in his 19 years with the Company, appeared in hundreds of performances of The Nutcracker at PPAC. In anticipation of Archie’s retirement in 2018, the first-ever dog auditions were held, and three dogs were selected to perform with the professional ballet company. After seeing the winners last year, Archie was confident that his paw prints would be adequately filled when he passed peacefully this summer. In his memory, the role of The Nutcracker Dog will be officially called, “Archie.” The Nutcracker will take place December 13-15 at PPAC.
In the spirit of the holiday season, FBP will be teaming up this year with the East Greenwich Animal Protection League “The Heart of RI” (EGAPL) to host an Adoption Day to help furry friends find their forever homes during this year’s Nutcracker Dog Auditions. EGAPL “The Heart of RI” is a non-profit organization that shelters and cares for orphaned animals while searching for the paw-fect placement in a new, loving home. “Archie was a member of the FBP family for his entire life,” remembers FBP Artistic Director Mihailo “Misha” Djuric, adding, “We hope to give the shelter animals a chance to be loved by a family, the way Archie was by ours.” FBP encourages potential adoptees to come out to cuddle with a critter and connect with an expert who can help in the process of finding another pet or in finding one for the first time. And who knows? Perhaps the next Nutcracker Dog will be among the bunch!
Though Archie was a petite pup, the new Nutcracker Dog will need to live up to his big star status. The Nutcracker Dog’s appearance on the PPAC stage opens the show, making one lucky pooch the very first character to be seen by an excited audience. With an energetic prance across the stage, the Nutcracker Dog garners giggles and applause that set the stage for this most anticipated and treasured holiday show. Archie’s sweet demeanor endeared him to audiences, cast members and the entire FBP family, and the new “Archie” will need to bring his or her own singular character and style to the role.
The casting call is open to all canines – all dog breeds, sizes, and ages. Owners must arrive with dogs leashed and ready to perform. Auditioning dogs will be asked to traverse the grand studio at FBP without guidance to meet their owners on the other side.
The criteria are simple: Does your pup have an elegant prance? A regal coat of fur? A charming smile? Have you always wanted a peek behind-the-scenes at the life of a professional ballet dancer? Can he or she handle the paparazzi? Then you’re barking up the right tree! Don’t paws- it’s now or never!
Pre-registration is not required. Participation is free and open to any and all canine applicants. Participants can drop in to register and audition on the day of the event. All participants will receive an exclusive discount code for tickets to see FBP’s The Nutcracker.
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ABOUT FESTIVAL BALLET PROVIDENCE
“Unmatched, Unbelievable, Unforgettable”
Festival Ballet Providence (FBP), Rhode Island’s premiere ballet company and New England’s second largest ballet company, delights audiences with a diverse repertoire of classical, neo-classical, and contemporary dance. Founded in 1978 and in its 42nd Season, the company enriches the lives of its audiences, inspiring the community by presenting world-class dance. The Company, made up of approximately 30 full-time professional dancers, performs in three venues in Providence throughout its September-May season. Together with its pre-professional School with 300 actively enrolled students and its robust outreach programs reaching 13,000 youth annually, Festival Ballet is one of the leading arts organizations in the region. Festival Ballet Providence strives to bring the transformative power of dance to the widest possible audience.
EGAPL “The Heart of RI”
As a non-profit shelter located in Cranston, RI, EGAPL “The Heart of RI” (formerly East Greenwich Animal Protection League) is committed to the rescue, quality care, and adoption of companion animals into forever homes. EGAPL “The Heart of RI” supports and shares the valuable lessons of kindness, respect, and responsibility for animals and we will continue our efforts towards building humane communities.
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