For 68 years, a live orchestra has been part of the Lake Erie Ballet Company\u2019s annual Nutcracker performances at the Warner Theatre.<\/p>\n
This year, the company is asking the community for help keeping that tradition alive.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s performances. The company says 100% of the money pledged or donated will go toward paying the musicians.<\/p>\n
Artistic Director Christina Maria says having live music makes the experience more immersive for audiences.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou 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\u2019s fully gone,\u201d Maria said. \u201cIt pulls you in differently.\u201d<\/p>\n
The company has also made changes to this year\u2019s production based on audience feedback.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn years past, we had dialogue with it, so this year it\u2019s just the traditional ballet,\u201d Maria said. \u201cSo instead of using the dialogue, we will be using pantomime.\u201d<\/p>\n
Maria said the company recognizes that audiences have different preferences and is considering alternating between versions in future years.<\/p>\n
\u201cFirst timers love the dialogue, but traditionalists like the strict ballet, so we\u2019re considering doing, like, every other year,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The Lake Erie Ballet Company has also faced financial challenges in the past, including instances where some vendors were not paid for their work.<\/p>\n
Maria said the company is now prioritizing contracted workers, including union stagehands and other backstage personnel.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d Maria said. \u201cWe wanted to make sure that that money is, like, not touched\u2014for them.\u201d<\/p>\n
The company says bringing back the live orchestra will cost $27,000, and every dollar raised through the campaign will go toward musician payments.<\/p>\n
Those interested in supporting the effort can make a pledge through the Lake Erie Ballet Company\u2019s fundraising campaign. The deadline is Oct. 2 at 5 p.m.<\/p>\n