Springfield Youth Performers Bring The Nutcracker to Life

The Springfield Youth Performance Group Foundation (SYPG) will celebrate its 20th anniversary this holiday season with a production of The Nutcracker on December 6 and 7 at the Sacred Heart-Griffin Auditorium, 1200 West Washington Street in Springfield.

This fast-paced, family-friendly adaptation of the classic holiday ballet will feature dancers from the SYPG Company, Preparatory Company, and local youth performers. Drawing from German tradition, nutcrackers are believed to bring luck and protection to families, symbolizing strength and power. The show follows Clara’s enchanting journey after she receives a nutcracker as a gift and ventures through magical lands with the Nutcracker Prince.

Performances are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on December 6 and 2 p.m. on December 7. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children (13 and under) and are available at www.sypgfoundation.org. Parking is free, and children can enjoy complimentary crafts and activities in the Nutcracker’s Workshop beginning 30 minutes before each show. A new addition this year is a free children’s library, as well as an ASL Interpreter at Saturday’s 2 pm performance.

“We are grateful for our community partners that are helping bring The Nutcracker to life, including: Dr. Ken Sagins, Paul ‘Rocki’ Nawrocki, Aasne Daniels, and Clint Sestak,” 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 event is sponsored by Springfield Clinic.

Founded in 2005, the Springfield Youth Performance Group Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children through the performing arts. SYPG’s mission is to encourage and cultivate artistically talented youth by providing performance opportunities that enhance community appreciation of the arts. The organization emphasizes excellence in stage performance, arts education, and youth-centered programming led by professional artists.

SYPG’s Executive Director is Taryn Grant, Artistic Director is Elizabeth Cheney, and Assistant Artistic Director is Michellina Naughton. For more information, contact sypg@sypgfoundation.org or call 217-553-4475.