VANOC’s newly unveiled creative-team members for the opening and closing ceremonies already have their work cut out for them — they need to come up with 4,500 volunteer performers to participate in the events.
David Atkins, executive producer and co-artistic director for the ceremonies, said around 5,000 people have applied to perform, but organizers had hoped for 8,000 to 10,000 applicants to have a strong pool of talent to draw from.
“At the moment we’re really happy with what we’ve got,” he said. “Even at the end of the volunteer-recruitment program we’ll be going out … looking for specific skill sets, so it’s a long process.”
Atkins said applicants need to be physically fit and enthusiastic. Auditions are being held May 1.
Yesterday, VANOC announced the 16 Canadian choreographers, producers, set and costume designers, and audio lighting specialists who will be orchestrating the events.
The team includes brothers Dean and Dan Caten, or Dsquared2, whose designs have been worn by Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Usher and Britney Spears.
Producer Bruce Allen, who represents Bryan Adams, Martina McBride, Anne Murray and Michael Bublé, is also on board.
“This will be the most ambitious single event ever staged in British Columbia,” said VANOC CEO John Furlong.
“When people leave the stadium next year, they’ll be awe-struck and they’ll be emotional.”
