Port Theatre's Sandra Thomson doesn't need a clown nose or swift hands to juggle her acts.
Instead, her juggling skills take place on paper.
The award-winning director of programming and development did a lot of fancy hand work when she put together this year's 2006/07 season and managed to secure an act she's been after for four years.
The 11-member blend of male voices, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, will finally grace the Port Theatre stage and is among Thomson's many coups of the season.
She unveiled the new lineup of jazz, theatre, ballet and music Wednesday at an annual launch party.
Members had first crack at 21 Port Presents events that run from Sept. 27 through April 29.
Thomson said she sees many of the attractions before bringing them to Nanaimo and noted each one is of high caliber and is sure to delight ticket holders.
The season starts with Ballet B.C.'s A Streetcar Named Desire. The dance number includes an original jazz score that Thomson is anxiously waiting to hear.
Nanaimo residents will surely have a special interest in Theatre One's production of Being Frank. The play debuts in April and tells the story of the city's most dynamic, passionate and colourful citizens -- Frank Ney.
Other notable acts include 91原创 Brass, which will take advantage of the entire technical capabilities of the theatre. The legendary quintet will bring back renditions of Beatles, Bach and Duke Ellington with jazzy, brass and rock influences.
Multiple Juno award winner Micheal Kaeshammer and Harry Manx will team up Oct. 14 for some boogie-woogie jazz and blues tunes as part of the theatre's blues package that also includes David Gogo and Colin Linden on Jan. 20.
Returning Dec. 17, for another year is the Christmas favourite Winter Harp.
"We made the mistake one year of not presenting it," Thomson said, describing the show as "visual poetry" and "pure magic."
General manager Bruce Halliday said this year's diversity is something he's proud of.
"This room is going to be amazing," he said, standing in the 800-seat theatre.
"Presenting 21 shows is a big endeavour.
"We are thrilled to be able to do this much."
Organizers are trying to entice younger audiences to the theatre so for the first year a unique student package will be offered. High school students will be able to be patrons of the arts and buy regular theatre tickets for as little as $5.
Thomson hopes if students get used to watching live theatre at a young age, they'll continue the trend into adulthood.
Until August 11, members will get first grab at tickets.
For a full list of upcoming events go to www.porttheatre.com or wait until mid-August when the Port Theatre's Spotlight brochure will be mailed to households in the region.