For 68 years, a live orchestra has been part of the Lake Erie Ballet Company’s annual Nutcracker performances at the Warner Theatre.
This year, the company is asking the community for help keeping that tradition alive.
The Lake Erie Ballet Company is seeking $27,000 in pledges by Oct. 2 at 5 p.m. to bring a live orchestra back for this year’s performances. The company says 100% of the money pledged or donated will go toward paying the musicians.
Artistic Director Christina Maria says having live music makes the experience more immersive for audiences.
“You come through the doors, and part of your life and issues that you have to walk away from are going away, and then you hear that music, and then the curtain goes up, and then it’s fully gone,” Maria said. “It pulls you in differently.”
The company has also made changes to this year’s production based on audience feedback.
Survey results showed audiences wanted more sets, which the company plans to add this year. The production will also return to traditional ballet without dialogue, using pantomime instead.
“In years past, we had dialogue with it, so this year it’s just the traditional ballet,” Maria said. “So instead of using the dialogue, we will be using pantomime.”
Maria said the company recognizes that audiences have different preferences and is considering alternating between versions in future years.
“First timers love the dialogue, but traditionalists like the strict ballet, so we’re considering doing, like, every other year,” she said.
The Lake Erie Ballet Company has also faced financial challenges in the past, including instances where some vendors were not paid for their work.
Maria said the company is now prioritizing contracted workers, including union stagehands and other backstage personnel.
“I want to make sure that, you know, union people that get a contract, that have to work backstage, that they are the first ones to get paid,” Maria said. “We wanted to make sure that that money is, like, not touched—for them.”
The company says bringing back the live orchestra will cost $27,000, and every dollar raised through the campaign will go toward musician payments.
Those interested in supporting the effort can make a pledge through the Lake Erie Ballet Company’s fundraising campaign. The deadline is Oct. 2 at 5 p.m.