That’s why we’re asking dancers and their parents/guardians to confirm they understand the following expectations for the Nutcracker and commit to fulfilling their responsibilities for the production.

Participation Fees

All participation fees are due/payable at auditions. Credit cards will be accepted at auditions in person only, and a 4% credit card service fee will be added to the total. Fees: $250 per dancer, $125 for Little Angels & Little Mice in the Party Scene. There is a family maximum of $450.  Checks should be made payable to NEWDO. Note: Participation fees will be waived for currently enrolled full-time college students. Please contact the Artistic Director (newdoartisticdirector@gmail.com) for details.

Mandatory Orientation

On Saturday, September 10, from noon to 1pm at the Green Bay School of Dance Studio, 129 S. Washington St., Green Bay, there will be a mandatory orientation for all dancers and at least one parent. The roles for all dancers will be given out along with a complete rehearsal schedule. Rehearsal policies, volunteer hours/requirements, ticket sales requirements, apparel sales and playbill advertisement options will be reviewed. 

Scheduled Rehearsals

A detailed rehearsal schedule will be provided at Nutcracker orientation on September 10. Rehearsals will be held every Saturday and Sunday, starting Sunday, September 11. Not every cast member will be required to attend every rehearsal. The schedule may be adjusted if the Artistic Director determines a piece requires more or less rehearsal time.

A dancer may miss a rehearsal only  if the absence is excused in advance – please provide any dates you will not be available for rehearsal in the appropriate area of your registration form. Note: Please realize that by asking for time off, you may impact the role(s) you receive and/or time onstage.

We understand that there are situations when an unplanned absence will be requested. Acceptable unplanned absences include: illness, injury or family emergency (e.g., funeral). If an emergency arises and a dancer must miss a rehearsal or part of a rehearsal, the parent/guardian should email the Artistic Director (newdoartisticdirector@gmail.com) ahead of time.

Tech/Dress Rehearsals and Performances

We will move into the Weidner Center for Performing Arts on Sunday, November 20.

These evening dress rehearsals are mandatory and may only be missed for illness or injury. Dancers may not come late to or leave early from these rehearsals.

• Monday, November 21

• Tuesday, November 22

• Wednesday, November 23

All performances also are mandatory:

• Friday, November 25 (7:30pm)

• Saturday, November 26 (2pm)

• Sunday, November 27 (2pm)

Costume Fittings and Care

Costume fittings will be announced via email. Please attend and be on time for all relevant costume fittings.

Dancers assume the responsibility of care for all assigned costumes. Once issued, costumes must be hung up and properly cared for – no eating, chewing gum or drinking anything but water is allowed when a dancer is in costume.

Annual Fund Drive

Each family will receive 5 envelopes, annual fund letters and donor cards that should be addressed to family or friends and signed by the participant. These envelopes should be returned to the studio for mailing by Sunday, September 18.

Volunteer Hours

Mounting a production of this scope requires support beyond our dancers and staff.  Each dancer's family is required to provide 8 hours total of volunteer participation, 3 hours of which must be during the final production week at the Weidner Center.  If you do not wish to serve volunteer hours, you may choose the buy-out option at $125. These funds will be used to hire workers during production week. Following orientation, families will be required to commit to volunteering or to paying the $125 buy-out fee.

Ticket Sales Requirements

Ticket sales are an important indicator of success in our partnership with the Weidner Center. Dancers must sell 16 tickets each; families with two or more dancers are required to sell 20 tickets total.  All ticket orders need to be placed through the Weidner Center Box Office.

Practicing Good Behavior

Each member of The Nutcracker cast is expected to act in a respectful and kind manner. Dancers are expected to give 100% of their talents and energy at every rehearsal and also must be willing to do whatever is necessary for the success of the production, including remaining in good health, eating nutritious meals, getting enough rest, etc.

The Artistic Director reserves the right to dismiss anyone from the cast for reasons of insubordination, lack of cooperation with other dancers or crew, and any disrespect he or she may show to anyone involved in the production. 

f you have any questions or concerns on the above please contact us at  newdoartisticdirector@gmail.com