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       Nutcracker Auditions          September 9, 2023

Audition Registration Now Open

Performances:

December 16th, 2023, 1:30pm and 7:00pm

Audition Requirements:

Students must be between the ages of 5 and 18 and in grades K-12.  All students must be at least 5 years of age by the date of the audition.  There are also some limited adult roles that do not require an audition (read below for more information).   Please read the following carefully.

Soloist Role requirements: All dancers auditioning for lead roles (Clara, Sugarplum, Fritz, Nutcracker Prince, and soloist roles, i.e. Spanish, Chinese) MUST attend a general audition as well.

Clara: Female role.  Dancers must have a minimum of three years ballet training and must be at least 11 years of age.  Pointe shoes are optional for this audition.

Fritz: Male role.  Dancers must be at least 11 years of age.

Nutcracker Prince: Male role.  Dancers must have a minimum of two years ballet training and be at least 11 years of age.

All soloist roles: Both females and males may audition for all soloist roles.  Dancers must have a minimum of three years ballet training and be a minimum of 14 years old.  Ladies auditioning for Dolls, Snow Queen, Dew Drop, Chinese, and Merlitons MUST audition on pointe.  Spanish, Arabian, and Russian may audition without pointe shoes.

Adult roles: There are a few roles in The Nutcracker for adults.  If you are over the age of 18 and would like to perform with us, please email Rebecca at rebecca@rstd.net.

Volunteers:  If you are interested in volunteering behind the scenes, helping with costumes, sets, ushering, or helping backstage, please fill out the Nutcracker Volunteer Form.

How to Register for Auditions: 

  1.  Please create an account register for Nutcracker Auditions, and pay the $25 registration fee.  See Nutcracker Audition under Summer 2021 Camps/Clinics.

See link to create an account.
https://dancestudio-pro.com/online/rsrisingstar

Links to download RS App:

Google Play Link
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.risingstartumblinganddancestudio.mi

iTunes Link
https://apps.apple.com/app/id1543464914

2. Then fill out the audition form here.

Audition Protocols:

  • Arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled audition time(s) to check in at the front desk.
  • Please arrive in proper attire for the audition.
  • Please have the appropriate footwear (pointe shoes or flats) on before entering the studio for the audition, and leave all belongings in a cubby in the hallway.
  • Only Dancers will be allowed at Rising Star during auditions; parents, please drop your child off at the lobby.

Audition Date/Times:

September 9, 2023
10:30-11:30 am Clara Auditions
11:15-11:30 am Fritz Auditions
12:00-1:00 pm Ages 5-10
1:15-2:45 pm Ages 11 and up
3:00-4:30 pm Ages 11 and up on pointe only

Audition results will be announced by September 12th.  Please check the Dance Studio Pro parent portal for results and accept or decline your roles by September 14th, 2023.  To accept, please enroll your child in “The Nutcracker.”  To decline, please email either dodie@rstd.net or rebecca@rstd.net

Rehearsals:

The majority of rehearsals will be held on Friday evenings and Saturdays, with some select rehearsals on Sunday afternoons. Most dancers will average 2-3 hours of rehearsal time each weekend. Please note any potential conflicts or days you will be out of town on the audition form.  Dancers who miss more than three rehearsals or a mandatory rehearsal may be asked to relinquish their role.  Rehearsals will begin on September 15th, and run until the performance week.  


Mandatory Rehearsal Dates:
December 9, 2023
December 15, 2023
December 16, 2023

Fees:
Audition Fee: $25

This fee is non-refundable but will go towards the performance fee when the student accepts their role in The Nutcracker.

Performance Fee: $225- for two roles. If additional roles are offered over two roles an additional fee may apply. 

Includes:

  • Costume fees for all roles (with the exception of shoes, tights, and base leos if required)
  • All scheduled rehearsal time (if a student wishes for extra coaching on their role outside of regularly scheduled rehearsals, they must pay the teacher they work with their regular private lesson fees).

Every student that auditions for The Nutcracker is guaranteed a minimum of two roles in the production.  While we believe that every student is special, and we would love to give every student a leading role in the production, this is simply not possible.  We will do our best to ensure that each student is placed in a role that suits their abilities and will make the production the highest quality possible.  Factors that are considered when casting include not only technical ballet skill and quality of audition, but also acting experience, costume sizes available, height, and past record of attendance and behavior in classes and rehearsals (if known).