Audition Information for the Nutcracker Ballet

Classical Arts Entertainment’s production of the Nutcracker is an incredible opportunity for local dancers to experience a professional production that will be seen by appreciative audiences this holiday season. Being selected as a cast member is an honor and a privilege. Those selected will work with professional dancers, choreographers and directors, wear exquisite costumes and appear on a lavish set at Hatfield Hall (5500 Wabash Ave., Terre Haute) on November 6th in two performances, 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM.

Along with the honor of being selected comes commitment and responsibility that require a high level of dedication from both the performer and the performer’s parents/guardians. Before auditioning, potential cast members must consider all their other activities and be willing to put their commitment to this production above those activities should they conflict with Nutcracker rehearsals or performance times. When deciding to audition, please keep in mind that this is a professional production. The production depends on the participation and excellence of everyone participating.

Audition Information

Auditions will take place September 6 at the Terre Haute Academy of Dance (2000 S. Third Street, Terre Haute) from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

10:00-10:20: Ages 7-9

10:20-10:40: Ages 10-13

10:40-11:00: Ages 14+

Dancers do not to prepare audition material. Choreography will be taught to demonstrate technique and/or dancing ability. Younger students must be able to follow directions and be able to participate in the entire audition process without parental help.

Attire

Girls: Leotard, ballet tights, well-fitted ballet slippers and/or pointe shoes, hair swept up off face in bun.

Boys: White t-shirt, black tights/shorts, well-fitted ballet slippers

Application Fees

A non-refundable audition fee of $25.00 per dancer or $40.00 per family is due at registration along with the audition form.

Cast Member Acceptance and Role Announcement/Rehearsal Schedule

Those chosen as cast members will be notified on the same day by the end of the audition process.

  • All roles will rehearse once a week
  • Rehearsal time will be determined by the Host Studio (Academy of Dance)
  • Rehearsal will take place at Academy of Dance
  • Weekly rehearsal times/days will be posted on the Academy of Dance website

There will be a mandatory dress rehearsal held on the day of the show, exact time to be announced at Hatfield Hall (5500 Wabash Ave., Terre Haute).

Student Performer/Parent Agreement Information

The dancer’s commitment is from the first rehearsal to the final performance. There may be no absences from rehearsal. Any student missing the rehearsal classes may be removed from cast without a refund of company fees. Extenuating circumstances, such as injury or illness, should be discussed with the director. Participants must be consistent in order to achieve a performance of the highest caliber.

Communications

Please provide Academy of Dance with a current e-mail address and phone number. E-mail is our primary form of communication for important and urgent information. It is the parent’s responsibility to follow up on rehearsal schedules.

Tickets

Tickets are available for purchase through the theatre box office for the cast and families/friends of the studio. Each family participating in the show is expected to help advertise and sell tickets.

Etiquette

  • Students should exhibit good behavior at the studio and the theatre by being on time, listening to and respecting the teachers/director and keeping quiet backstage. Being on time means arriving at least 15 minutes early to dress and stretch.
  • Most of all students must be courteous to all backstage personnel and fellow dancers.
  • Due to our professional and union theatre performance rules, there are certain procedures that must be followed. These will be provided to all cast members so that they can be adhered to by all.

Costumes

CAE will provide all costumes. They will be used on the day of the performance and will be returned after the performance without any damage before the participants are released to their parents. Eating and drinking are prohibited when costumes are on. Participants are responsible for providing your own tights, shoes, make-up and other personal items to be announced at a later date.

Videotaping/Photography

CAE will have an exclusive professional photographer taking photos of the dancers in costumes. The photos will be available at the theatre in printable and digital formats ($30 for digital and printed first photos — two formats in one). Any additional digital photos will be $25 per photo. The company’s policy does not allow any other photography on site. All videotaping during auditions, rehearsals and/or performances is prohibited. Professional videography of the performance is offered by CAE.

Production Fee

There is a $150 participation fee (non-refundable) for each participant offered a role. If there is more than one dancer in the family participating in the performance, the second dancer will pay a reduced rate of $100 and the third/additional dancer will pay $75. This participation fee helps cover the costs of rehearsals, costume use and cleaning, and administrative fees. This fee is due prior to the first rehearsal and is payable to the host studio.

If you have questions about auditions, please contact Patti Willey: pwilley@thacademyofdance.com.