Londonderry Native Lands Leading Role in New England Dance Ensemble's 'The Nutcracker'

One hundred and fifteen young hopefuls auditioned for a role in New England Dance Ensemble’s the annual production of ‘The Nutcracker.’ Most auditioning dream of being cast in the coveted role of ‘Clara.’

Thirteen-year-old Audrey Severn has been cast in the lead role, and is looking forward to taking the Windham stage on Thanksgiving weekend.

Appearing onstage throughout much of the production, the central role of “Clara” requires rigorous training, solo and partner dancing, and advanced technical and acting skills.

“When I found out I was Clara I was so excited I was shaking. I had no idea what to say. So I pretty much just stood there in shock. I feel so lucky. I still cannot get over the fact that I will be dancing with Misty Copeland!!!”

The Londonderry Middle School eighth grader is no stranger to the stage. Audrey began her training at Londonderry Dance Academy at the age of five. This will be her eighth year performing with New England Dance Ensemble, an award winning non-profit performing arts company. She first debuted as a baby mouse in NEDE’s ‘The Nutcracker’, and has worked her way up the rank of parts. Audrey has also performed in NEDE’s “A Child’s View of the Holocaust,” and “Story Dance Touring Company.”

Audrey is currently juggling a rigorous schedule including maintaining straight A’s at Londonderry Middle School with daily classes at Londonderry Dance Academy (LDA) where she has earned distinctions on international Royal Academy of Dance vocational exams, and gold with distinction in the classical ballet Performance Awards. Noting her favorite style is jazz, Audrey’s summers are spent honing her theatrical skills at Triple Threat Theater Camp.

The chance to share the stage with professional stars, and to be featured in her favorite Nutcracker battle scene, are among the many highlights of Audrey’s “Clara” experience. To see Audrey Severn perform in the Saturday matinee performance on November 29th, of the upcoming full-scale NEDE production of holiday classic The Nutcracker at Windham High School on Thanksgiving weekend visit www.NEDE.org for tickets and information. Additional performances will be held on Saturday November 29th at 7:00PM and Sunday November 30th at 2:00PM.

Submitted text. Courtesy photos.