Applications sought for Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games Ceremonies

That's me drinking vodka in Quebec's Ice Hotel, not yet an Olympic sport.

With less than two months to go before the start of auditions on May 1, 2009, VANOC is looking for 7,500 performer applications for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. In the two weeks since the initial call was issued, nearly 3,200 applications have been received.

Executive Producer David Atkins, who is coordinating the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the Winter Games, said they need performers to "bring our mass choreography to life on the floor of BC Place." Additionally, performance volunteers are needed as athlete marshals, placard bearers to lead countries into the stadium and audience leaders who will help spectators participate in the show.

Applications to date include an entire women's hockey team, hundreds of dancers and other hopeful performers from nearly every Canadian province and territory. Twenty-three percent of the applicants have been men; statistically, this means male performers and athletes have a greater chance of receiving a call to audition and participate in the Ceremonies. Come on women! Outside of British Columbia, Ontario has the greatest number of applicants at four percent, with Alberta at two percent.

So is it only open to Canadians?

No previous experience is needed for the performers, dancers and athletes. They can be of all types and skills, but must be 17 or older by May 1, 2009 to apply. There is no upper age limit. Applications may be made online at www.vancouver2010/ceremonies.