Dancers perform during a previous Tyler Junior College Academy of Dance production of “The Nutcracker.”

The Tyler Junior College Academy of Dance is preparing for its 30th anniversary presentation of Tchaikovsky’s ballet, “The Nutcracker.” 

Auditions will take place Sept. 8 in Room 125 in TJC’s Ornelas Health and Physical Education Center.

“Audition day is always exciting, because it gives us a chance to see the wealth of dancing and acting talent that exists right here in East Texas,” TJC Academy of Dance Director Carolyn Hanna said in a statement released by the college.

This year the academy will team with East Texas Symphony Orchestra for performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at The University of Texas at Tyler’s Cowan Center. 

“We are also inviting several alumni dancers from the TJC Dance Department, Academy of Dance, and those trained under Shurrell Wiebe and Thereza Bryce-Cotes to perform and showcase our professional dancers from around the country,” Hanna said.

Roles are available for performers ages 6 through adult.

Audition times are:

• 10-10:45 a.m.: ages 6-8
• 11 a.m.-noon: ages 9-11
• Noon-2 p.m.: ages 12 and up
• 2-3 p.m.: Dancers auditioning for the role of Clara
• 3:30-4 p.m.: Adults, teens or actors interested in party scene.

Those auditioning should arrive 30 minutes early to warm up and fill out paperwork.

For more information, contact Carolyn Hanna at 903-510-2483 or by email at chan3@tjc.edu.

SEPT. 7-15: GREGG COUNTY FAIR 

The Gregg County Fair in Longview offers a midway with rides and games, food vendors, a petting zoo and special events.

SEPT. 15: ETSO & KENNY BROBERG 

East Texas Symphony Orchestra opens its season with a concert at the Cowan Center featuring pianist Kenny Broberg. Information: etso.org.

SEPT. 15: DAY FOR KIDS

Children can enjoy games, crafts and entertainment in Bergfeld Park at the annual Day for Kids. 

SEPT. 15-16: GLADEWATER ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR

Artisan and food vendors will have things for sale at the Gladewater Arts & Crafts Sale on thegrounds of Broadway Elementary School.

SEPT. 19: GENE WATSON

Country music legend Gene Watson performs at Liberty Hall. Information: libertytyler.com.

SEPT. 20: RICK SPRINGFIELD  

Singer Rick Sprinfield performs at The University of Texas at Tyler’s Cowan Center. 

SEPT. 21-30: EAST TEXAS STATE FAIR

The annual run of the East Texas State Fair takes place at the fairgrounds on Front Street. Expect lots of food vendors, a midway with rides, competitions and entertainment.

SEPT. 21: TROUT FISHING IN AMERICA

The folk duo Trout Fishing in America is set for a show at Liberty Hall. Information: libertytyler.com.

SEPT. 22: HAMBURGER FESTIVAL

Humburger cooks compete for honors at the Uncle Fletch Davis Hamburger Festival in Athens. Information: unclefletchfestival.com.

SEPT 28: STRAHAN

The Foundry Coffee House celebrates its fourth anniversary with a concert by Strahan. Information: foundry-coffee.com.

SEPT. 29: THE TEXAS TENORS

John Hagen, Marcus Collins and JC Fisher, who perform as The Texas Tenors, are set for a show at the Cowan Center. Information: cowancenter.org.

SEPT. 29: IRON HORSE FESTIVAL 

Mineola celebrates its railroading heritage with a day of events downtown.