Students, faculty and staff share magical memories of "The Nutcracker"

For newcomers stepping onto the stage for the very first time to seasoned faculty-artists offering their guidance for more than a decade, "The Nutcracker" holds a special place in the hearts of many. This collaborative endeavor involving the Dance, Design and Production and Music is an eagerly anticipated tradition that both the campus and community eagerly await all year.

Magical memories

"I started my career at UNCSA as an usher for 'The Nutcracker' in 1996, where I was stationed in house left. This was conveniently the area from which the dance faculty would take notes on the production. I'd seen it before growing up, but overhearing their comments and suggestions was a fantastic way to learn how to watch and think about dance as the professionals do!"
-  Latonya Wright, Manager of Patron Services

"I remember a few years ago when Maddie Whittman and Brett Coppa danced the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier pas de deux. They had the most electrifying performance I had ever seen, and I was crying in the wings watching their beauty. When they came off stage they knew it had been a great show and just hugged and hugged each other so tightly. Witnessing those kinds of moments is magical."
- Marissa McCullough, Dance Costume Shop Director and Wardrobe Supervisor 

The evolution of a classic

"I loved playing with the low brass section! Not only did I get to play with great musicians, but I got to sit next to and collaborate with the principal and second trombones, as well as with the principal tuba — all of which are great friends of mine. Connecting with those people on an emotional level and being able to put all of our love into the music is what I look forward to the most each year. Additonally, we got to perform with the ballet students, a few of which are also good friends. I just love that massive spectacular collaboration of students!"
- Darien Baldwin ’22, Principal Bass Trombone

"The scene in the Pine Forest/Waltz of the Snowflakes section is always so beautiful with the costumes and the movement and the lovely forest in the background. I always feel like the season has really arrived once the "snow" begins to fall onstage. Maybe it'll spark some extra magic for some real snow!"
- Latonya Wright, Manager of Patron Services

"I am a contemporary dance student, so I was excited to be a part of the production and to make new memories with everyone. Also, getting to see what the production side of 'The Nutcracker' was like compared to the audience point of view was very exciting!"
- Julia Shoffner ’22, Dancer: Drosselmeyer

"I love being back onstage with many of my talented peers and performing in front of a live audience! All of the artists work so hard and it is wonderful to see it all come to life."
- Emma Cilke ’23, Dancer: Snow Queen, Clara and Dew Drop

"Being a part of 'The Nutcracker' is a wonderful experience. I love collaborating with departments across the university in this amazing production."
- Clara Ruiz Medina ’23, Principal Clarinet

"I really enjoy Campus Night and seeing everyone’s reactions to all of our work. Running props backstage is exciting and I love the process of everything coming together."
- Mahalet Andargachew ’24, Assistant Properties Director

"I've worked as an advisor on 'The Nutcracker' every year since I joined the Stage Management faculty in 2007. Each year what I always look forward to most is sitting in the house for Campus Night. The house is always packed and everyone cheers on their friends throughout the performance. I've always likened it to the closest thing we have at UNCSA to a homecoming football game experience. It gets loud and rowdy and it's so much fun!"
- Jamie Call-Blankenship, Stage Management Faculty Adviser

"I loved seeing the premiere of the 2020 filmed version of "The Nutcracker." I was awestruck by what we were able to create in the midst of the pandemic and wowed by the ingenuity and capabilities of my classmates across the arts concentrations on campus. It was magical to see this cohesion and the outcome of our countless hours of hard work and dedication. Go Pickles!"
- Karl Pil ’24, Dancer: Mouse, Trepak, Chocolate Man

"My favorite memory is opening night during my freshman year! It was my first time performing on the Stevens Center stage, and I was so excited to perform the role of Clara."
- Emma Cilke ’23, Dancer: Snow Queen, Clara and Dew Drop

by Melissa Upton-Julio

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