The Springfield Youth Performance Group Foundation (SYPG), an organization spotlighting young talent from the Springfield area, is excited to announce The Nutcracker on December 2 and 3 at Sacred Heart Griffin Auditorium, 1200 West Washington Street, Springfield.
This fast-paced, family friendly adaptation of the holiday classic The Nutcracker features dancers from the SYPG Studio Company, Preparatory Company, and local young dancers, including cast
members from Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois. According to German tradition, nutcrackers were given as keepsakes to bring luck to the family and to protect the home. It is said
they represent strength and power while watching over the family. Join in on the magic and excitement as Clara is gifted a nutcracker at a family holiday gathering then through her
imagination joins the Nutcracker Prince and travels to many magical lands. Audience members young and old will be entertained with lively dancing and colorful characters in a performance that concludes in just over an hour.
Live shows take place at 2pm and 6pm on December 2 and 2pm on December 3. Tickets are $25 per adult and $15 per child (13 and under) and may be purchased at www.sypgfoundation.org.
All parking is free. Children are invited to participate in free activities and crafts in the Nutcracker’s Workshop 30 minutes prior to the start of each show. A live stream of the 2pm
show on December 2 will also be available to purchase at www.sypgfoundation.org.
“The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois is proud to continue our long-standing partnership with SYPG,” said Tiffany Mathis Posey, CEO & Executive Director of Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois. “Our ballet outreach program with SYPG provides Club kids with mentoring, positive self-image, and early exposure to fine arts training; performing as a cast member in The Nutcracker gives the kids the full theatre experience.”
“We are grateful for our community partners that are helping bring The Nutcracker to life, including: Sangamon County State’s Attorney Dan Wright; Dr. Nicole Florence, M.D.; and
LaMyiah Pearlinia, WICS Lifestyle Anchor,” said Elizabeth Cheney, SYPG Artistic Director. “They are giving selflessly of their time to support the arts in our community and teaching our
dancers the importance of giving back.”
The Nutcracker is sponsored by Springfield Clinic.
Springfield Youth Performance Group Foundation (SYPG) was founded in the summer of 2005 as a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children through the
performing arts. SYPG’s mission is to encourage and cultivate the artistically talented youth in our community by giving them the opportunity to perform thereby enhancing community awareness and appreciation of the performing arts. SYPG works toward this purpose by targeting excellence in stage performances, arts education, and youth-centered programming that is facilitated by professional artists.
The Executive Director is Taryn Grant and the Artistic Director is Elizabeth Cheney. For more information, email sypg@sypgfoundation.org or call 217-553-4475.
