Nutcracker 2024 auditions are almost here!

Auditions take place at Bainbridge ballet on April 27, 2024.

Ages & Times:

7-10 yrs: 10:00-11:30 AM

11-13 yrs: 12:00-2:00 PM

12+ yrs (en pointe): 2:00-4:15 PM

For Performers

Performance Contract

Nutcracker Cast Information

Nutcracker 2023

OTHER EXPENSES TO ANTICIPATE

•       Dance shoes, tights, undergarments (i.e. nude leotard) $40-80+

•       Stage make up based on specific instructions   $25

•       Optional DVD of show   $35

COSTUMES

Costumes will be ordered and sewn per. We will repurpose as much as possible for each production which means they must be handled with care by all cast members.  Unless specifically instructed, costumes are not to be taken home and should be hung up carefully following each use.  Eating and drinking anything other than water must be avoided while wearing a costume.  Let the Costume Assistant know if they become stained, torn or any threads become loose.

HAIR AND MAKEUP

Being on stage has certain requirements due to the lighting and the distance from the audience.  Hair and makeup are designed to complement the choreographer’s vision and make the feel of the performance complete and look professional.  The specifics of each role will be spelled out prior to the production starting.  Please do not dye hair or get a drastic haircut after auditions, as this would make the choreographer’s requirements difficult to achieve.

PERFORMER EXPERIENCE

There are many benefits to being part of a professionally-run production, some of which are:

•       opportunity to enhance dance experience – there aren’t many in our small community

•       understand what it’s like to be in a professional-level production

•       build performance ability and confidence

•       make lasting friends

•       collaboration/team spirit

•       discipline, dedication and resilience

•       community involvement

•       creating something bigger than oneself and sharing it with the community

REHEARSALS

Rehearsals for Nutcracker begin in August for larger group pieces, generally Snow and Flowers.  Those cast in these pieces will be advised of the expected schedule upon casting.

The entire cast begins rehearsing generally the 1st or 2nd Saturday in September and continues throughout the production.  We strive to hold most rehearsals on Saturday or Sunday. Starting in late November with only weeks until the production starts, cast members will be required for both days of the weekend.  We schedule rehearsals based on scenes of the production and make every attempt to schedule in a way that cast members need to be present for the shortest period of time.  Those in multiple scenes will have to be present for longer periods of time.  

Rehearsal time will most likely change from week to week depending upon progress being made.  We advise that, as a rule, you keep your schedule open from 10:00am to 5:00pm on Saturdays and 12:00pm to 4:00pm on Sundays until you get your specific rehearsal time. A specific time schedule will be sent out at the beginning of each week.  Dancers should come 15 minutes before rehearsal time in dancewear to warm up and be ready to go.  

For smaller performances outside of Nutcracker, individual rehearsal time will be scheduled and communicated.

PRELIMINARY CALENDAR

August  28-Sept 8- Rehearsals for Waltz of the Flowers and Waltz of the Snowflakes

September 9th – Rehearsals begin for all cast
October 31st – Halloween Downtown promotion
November 25 – Downtown Tree Lighting performance
November  – Thanksgiving weekend (MANDATORY full run-through Sunday evening 4-7:00)
December – Weekend rehearsals for the entire cast now include Saturdays and Sundays
December – Tech rehearsals during the week before opening night
December 15-19– Performances! Weekend before Christmas, including Saturday and Sunday

performer Requirements

ATTENDANCE

Rehearsals are mandatory.   If you (cast member) sign up for other commitments (team sports, other stage shows, etc.) that fall during the production season, you must make Nutcracker a priority. We strongly suggest that you do not commit to other activities that may conflict with rehearsals.

Illness:  Do not coming to rehearsal if you have had a fever in the last 24 hours.  We understand that illnesses happen but, if you are just a little under the weather and please come to watch, take notes or video.

Other than for true emergency, we expect cast members to be at every rehearsal.  Because missing rehearsal will negatively impact the success of the whole show, we reserve the right to re-cast a role if a member misses more than 1 rehearsal.

We expect to be notified if you will be absent!  Because attendance is so important, expect a follow up call regarding any absence.

CASTING

According to the choreography and setting, we look for most suitable dancer for the intended roles.  Sometimes due to sheer numbers in the audition and a limited number of roles, not every person can be cast.  Also, there are times when we feel a person who auditions does not have a proper foundation of skills to be on stage.  

The major parts often go to a performer with a vast amount of experience and training, technical and performance skills.  A record of good attendance, work ethic, dedication and positive attitude including overall behavior shape the process of casting.

As someone once said, “There are no small parts”.  Each and every part contain the capacity to challenge an individual to expand one’s abilities and perception of themselves.

NOTICES

We will communicate entirely through e-mail and website.  Please let us know immediately if any changes occur to your e-mail address.  If young performers have an e-mail address, it is helpful to add them as it increases their responsibility level in knowing what is happening.  We also have a Facebook page which you can join.   Please make contributions to our Facebook page, and share your positive experience with everyone.

DANCE CLASS REQUIREMENTS

To qualify to participate in this production, dancers must be currently enrolled in a dance studio and take technique classes appropriate to their dance style. The following is a guide for amount of training during the summer: age 7-10, 1 or more hours per week, age 11-13, 3 or more hours per week, age 14+, 4 or more hours per week. ALL CAST IN FLOWERS, SNOW OR LEADS MUST TAKE AT LEAST 1 WEEK OF OUR INTENSIVE PROGRAM.

FEES

Performance fee – $450 per performer due within 3 weeks of casting The Nutcracker. This fee is non-refundable except for extraordinary circumstances.

The performance fees collected pay for our choreographers’ time and costumes for Nutcracker.  The remaining expenses we pay for through ticket sales, fundraisers and sponsorships. Like other activities, your fee pays for instruction and costumes (uniform).  It takes about 14 weeks to prepare for the show, which averages about $32.00 per week to participate.  

In an effort to help offset the performance fee, families who bring in one or more sponsor donations or advertisements for the show program will receive two tickets to the Nutcracker performance of their choice.  

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

In order to produce a very large children’s production, we very much need volunteers in many areas.  This includes a Front of House Manager, ticket takers, ushers, concessions, back-stage help, set movers, and the like.  Please read the following and let us know your area of choice:

•       Every family must commit 8 hours of volunteer time between July and mid December before the Nutcracker show weekend.  Areas to volunteer are:  promotions, set building, stage set up, costume sewing or steaming, fundraising, and advertising.  We can help guide you into what area would make the most sense based on your interests/schedule.

•       Individuals who volunteer to head up one of the key areas receive 2 free tickets to the performance of their choice.  Contact the Executive Manager if you are interested.

•       In addition to the 8 hours required before the show starts, each family must commit to working at least one shift during the performance weekend. These responsibilities include set-up, ticket sales, concessions, ushering, stage crew, backstage supervision and clean-up crew at the end that need to be taken care of. More is better and it is fun to be part of the action!

Volunteer positions will be available soon.

Parent Committees