Moving into its ninth year, the collaboration between Valdosta School of Ballet and VSU Theatre & Dance has raised an estimated $80,000 in scholarships for the university’s dance and theatre students.

On a rotating basis, the program has presented productions of “Cinderella” for a few years, followed by a few years of “Sleeping Beauty,” followed by “Cinderella” for the past few years.

As the organizers prepare for this weekend’s productions, Brandi Roberts, Valdosta School of Ballet, and Jacque Wheeler, a Valdosta State University Theatre & Dance instructor, said this will mark the end of “Cinderella’s” run likely for a few years. As for next year’s 10th anniversary production, they are keeping mum but advise audiences to expect something different.

Yet, each year of these performances are different. For example, this year, “Cinderella’s” two shows will be performed on the stage of Mathis City Auditorium, a first. Audiences will meet a new Cinderella with Larren Woodward dancing the title role.  

Ramil Bagmanov performs as Prince Charming. He is a graduate of Rudolf Nureyev Academy in Ufa, Bashkortostan. Following graduation, he joined the National Bashkortostan State Opera and Ballet Theatre and National Tatarstan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. He is trained in the classics but is well-versed in contemporary roles. He is now a member of Dance Alive National Ballet.

Yet, traditions are also kept. The production coordinates performances between VSU Theatre & Dance students and the Valdosta School of Ballet students. The performances provide learning opportunities for dancers of all ages.

And the shows help VSU Theatre & Dance students with scholarship money. Many of “Cinderella’s” VSU performers are scholarship recipients.

The performances are part of a long tradition for Brandi Roberts.

Years ago, Roberts led the annual production of “The Little Match Girl” to benefit VSU Theatre. After several years’ hiatus, she returned with “Cinderella” to raise money for university scholarships. Roberts and her Valdosta School of Ballet keep none of the proceeds. All of the money goes to VSU Theatre & Dance.

While audiences enjoy “Cinderella” this weekend, they can wonder what the 2015 collaboration may bring. After all, there are many fairy tales about many princesses from which to choose.

THE CAST: Larren Woodward, Ramil Bagmanov, Brooke Butler, Duke Guthrie, Eric Nielsen, Will Stanley, Michael McClain, Andrew Ritfeld, Antoinette Williams, Ethan Parker, Tess Buis, Sarah Beth Moseley, Elizabeth McClure, Haley Sheppard, Sarah Wildes Arnett, Elizabeth Cribbs, Ashley Poulos, Leah Kelly, Rachel Schramm, Lauren L. Sirmans, Josh Barcol, Olivia Kramer, Katie Rothenhofer, Hope Hathcock, Alexis Everitt, Shanna Beall, Blake Fountain, Matthew Hogan, Kristen Keebler, Annie Eilders, Evans George, Faith Johnson, Emma Paulk, Wendell Hester, Eva Branch, Madelyn Burnam, Selena Cardona, Sidney Connor, Audrey Crow, Ansley Howell, Madeline Knight, Kherington Malone, Ava Grace McElvey, Ysabelle Antill, Lauren Bass, Riley Bradt, Kaitlyn Butler, Rayleigh Parker, Brooklyn Starr, Alessandra Trujillo, Anna Clark, Ambelina Hunt, Hayden Hunt, Ella Paulk, Aubrey Register, Mallory Rogers, Hailey Sheaks, Amelia Trieu, Charlotte Wisenbaker, Analei Barrett, Taylor Bennett, Grace Anne Bondurant, Claire Green, Maggie Jo Hamilton, Kaitlin Hurst, Philela Jackson, Jazlynn Jones, Thaisia Jones, Ginsey Lawlor, Madeleine Niemi, Andrea Petty, Madeline Pitts, Abigail Shelton, Ariana Williams, Allie Woodruff, Sophia Alzheimer, Allyson Crow, Kristann Godwin, Leyton Hart, Karli Malone, Ella Grace Neal, Katelynn Atkins, Marleigh Corbett, Bayleigh Dame, Molly Eilders, Addison Lightsey, Kaitlyn McDonald, Harley McGee, Audrey Merriman, Ava O’Brien, Eliza Paulk, Isabella Pringle, Claire Rothenhofer, Sammie Sayers, Kathryn Shelton, Abby Smith, Sadie Tomlinson, Addison Wells, Eimile Williams, Adair Carter, Sydney Corbett, Madison Goodman, Savannah Hitchner, Madison Miller, Rebecca Moody, Alaina Moon, Katelyn Rothfuss, Baileigh Rowland, Emma Sheaks, Rosa Alvarado, Sarah Davis, Cristina Gutierrez, Amanda Cole, Riley Davis, Sarah Davis, Sammye Hamilton, Sydney Knight, Blythe Lindsey, Morgan Mackey, Madison Ply, Kennadi Register, Crystal Wang, Nicole Zhao.

DIRECTION, PRODUCTION: Jacque Wheeler, stage director; Brandi Roberts, artistic director; Brooke Butler, assistant director; Brandi Roberts, Jacque Wheeler, Gaye George, Brooke Butler, Lauren L. Sirmans, Sarah Arnett Wildes, choreographers; R. Keith Pugh, scenic art; Rebecca Morris, stage manager; Dennis May, Jared Kay, assistant stage managers; Ruth Brandvik, light designer; Chela North, house manager; Jared Kay, fly operator; Rebecca Morris, sound board operator; Genna Kasun, light board operator; Diamond D’ozia, Tyrell Ruffin, spotlight operator; Belinda Eilders, Jeanette Dukes, Doris Michel, Dorothy Barnes,  Esther Iverson, Hanna Everitt, Joan Everitt, Michelle R.B. Everitt, Mary Lindsey, costume designs; Kathy Raess-Young, costume crew; Bill Malone, logo design; Emily Bradford, prop runner; MacKenzie von Holten, backstage runner.

SHOWTIME

Valdosta School of Ballet, partnering with Valdosta State University Theatre & Dance, present “Cinderella.”

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25; 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26.

Where: Mathis City Auditorium, 2300 N. Ashley St.

Tickets: Advance, $8, student; $10, adult, available through Saturday at The Scoop, City Market, Giradin Jewelers, Steel’s Jewelry. At the door, $10, student; $12, adult. Proceeds go toward VSU Theatre & Dance scholarships.