Holiday Hound

Last year, Festival Ballet Providence started the hunt for the newest star of their annual production of The Nutcracker. The casting call was unusual, looking for candidates with an “elegant prance” and “regal coat of fur.” FBP was looking for a pup to play the coveted role of The Nutcracker Dog after longtime furry cast member Archie retired in 2018. This November, FBP will be hosting another audition in what they have declared will be an annual tradition.

Archibald or “Archie” the Yorkshire Terrier spent 19 seasons and hundreds of performances trotting across the stage during FBP’s most famous holiday show. “Archie’s sweet demeanor endeared him to audiences, cast members, and the entire FBP family,” share Press Representative Ruth Davis and Marketing Director Dylan Giles, “and the new ‘Archie’ will need to bring his or her own singular character and style to the role.” Unfortunately, this past summer, at the age of 92 in dog years, Archie passed away. In his memory, the role of The Nutcracker Dog will officially bear his name.

The casting call is simple: It’s open to dogs of all breeds, size, and age. They must be leashed and ready to go. And without guidance, auditioning dogs must “traverse the grand studio” and meet their owners on the other side. The pup with the right stuff will appear in this year’s production, which runs December 13-15, and one thing’s for certain – they’ll certainly have big pawprints to fill.

The Second Annual Audition for The Nutcracker Dog on November 24 at 825 Hope Street.