FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 6, 2003
Media Contact:
Kristin Steimel, Christian-Hubble Media & Communications, 512-370-3474
BALLET AUSTIN TO HOST MORE THAN
2,000 UNDERPRIVILAGED CHILDREN FOR
THE NUTCRACKER “NIGHT OF COMMUNITY” PERFORMANCE
AUSTIN—More than 2,000 children from area non-profit organizations will experience Ballet Austin’s holiday tradition, The Nutcracker, at the Company’s annual “Night of Community.” Guests will enjoy the final dress rehearsal performance on Thursday, December 7, 2003, at 7:00 p.m., at Bass Concert Hall, as a gift from Ballet Austin.
“The idea of doing a community performance stems from our mission to make ballet accessible to everyone in our community,” Brenda Johnson, education specialist for Ballet Austin, said. “For many guests that evening, it will their first time inside Bass Concert Hall.”
The “Night of Community” performance, hosted in partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank, is for local non-profit organizations including: AIDS Services of Austin, Austin 7th Day Adventist Church, Austin Children’s Shelter, Austin Eastside Story, Austin Independent School District Clifton Center, Boys and Girls Clubs, Buckner Children’s Ranch, Hillcrest Elementary Kid’s Cafe, Our Lady of the Angels Maternity Shelter, Mental Health Mental Retardation (MHMR), Praise Early Learning Center, Presbyterian Children’s Home, SafePlace, Santa Cruz Catholic Church, Settlement Home, South Austin Neighborhood Center, Southwest Food Pantry, Southwest YMCA Preschool, St. John’s Neighborhood Center, Travis County Children’s Advocacy and Zavala Elementary Kids Cafe.
“The `Night of Community’ performance provides an opportunity for Ballet Austin to share the magic of the ballet and this enduring story with children who would not otherwise have this opportunity due to the challenges in their own young lives.” Ballet Austin Director of Community Outreach and Education, Laurie, Wetherholt, said.
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Ballet Austin’s 38th annual production of The Nutcracker will be performed December 8-23, 2003, at Bass Concert Hall on The University of Texas campus. Tickets range in price from $14 to $68. They are available at Star Tickets at 469-SHOW, online at startickets.com and at all area Albertson’s and Waterloo Records. Please call the Ballet Austin box office at 512- 476-2163 to inquire about special group rates.
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Ballet Austin exists to create and present classically innovative arts and arts education programs. Under the leadership of Stephen Mills, Artistic Director, the company has emerged as one of the nation’s premier ballet organizations recognized for its innovation in creation, arts education, and arts management. In additional to the company, Ballet Austin operates the Ballet Austin Academy.
From the Ballet Austin Tool-kit
