Our Story
It began as the dream of one woman, Jean Evans Weaver, a Macon dance instructor. She envisioned an annual local production of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet that would rival those presented by the country’s premier city ballet companies.
Since December 19, 1985, the Nutcracker of Middle Georgia, Inc., a fully tax-exempt, nonprofit arts organization, has delivered on that promise.
The fledgling company that began with no costumes, scenery, or money has evolved into a proficient team of passionately committed volunteers who create the spectacular sets and costumes that make each production come alive. It premiered at Wesleyan College, and moved to The Grand Opera House in 1986.
Artistic staff
Meet the team that helps nurture dance talent, shapes the multitude of performances, and carries on the vision of a world-class Nutcracker ballet.
Our Board
Officers
Rachel Sheppard
President
Cindy Jarrard
First Vice President
Austin Johnston
Second Vice President
Brenda Mueller
Secretary
Donna Williams
Treasurer
Artistic Director
Alice Sheridan
FOUNDING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Jean Evans Weaver
1985 – 2016
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Frank Wood
Executive Director, Piedmont Grand Opera House
Members
Cindy Adams
Judi Adolino
Karen Baxley
Melanie Bratcher
Don Colbert
Trey Crisp
Amy Green
Ashley Griffin
Susan Hammock
Audrey Hutcheson
Melanie Marshall
Pam Onderko-Wells
Caroline Perkins
Michelle Reitz
Holly Riley
Donn Rodenroth
Tony Long
Marcy Waugh
Amanda Wood
ADVISORY MEMBERS
Jim Crisp
Katie Powers
Elizabeth Schorr
Randi Warren
Julie Wilkerson
To date, more than 150,000 patrons have attended the beloved ballet. Each year, more than a hundred children, adults, and dancers from the Central Georgia community audition for the Nutcracker production. While a select group of professional guest artists have taken the Macon production to a higher level each season, the majority of the cast is an amateur ensemble, and the large number of children in the program add a special sparkle to each performance.
As the curtain rises each year, the Nutcracker continues to fulfill its original vision of providing the region with high-quality performances, while working with local school systems and other civic organizations to promote greater interest in the performing arts.
