Auditions for our annual performance of The Nutcracker are open to local dancers in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula turning 8 or older before December 31, with at least one year of ballet instruction. Dancers do not have to be a student at Etudes, but must be actively enrolled in ballet classes and provide verification of this. Etudes students under age 8 (Blue and Pink level ballet) will participate as a class with minimal outside rehearsal time. There are two roles available for tap dancers, age 8-10 (group) and 11+ (solo). Tap dancers do not need to take ballet, but must be actively enrolled in a tap class.
Reserve your place in the audition by filling out a simple contact form (below).
There are also roles for non-dancers, age 8 through teen/adult. Boys are especially encouraged. Performers who seek a non-dance role do not need to attend the audition. Email [email protected] for placement.
Rehearsals will take place on weekends from mid-August up to the performance date, November 22 2026. Participants will be asked to provide conflicting dates and obligations in order to help us build a workable schedule.
Reserve your place in the audition by filling out a simple contact form (below).
There are also roles for non-dancers, age 8 through teen/adult. Boys are especially encouraged. Performers who seek a non-dance role do not need to attend the audition. Email [email protected] for placement.
Rehearsals will take place on weekends from mid-August up to the performance date, November 22 2026. Participants will be asked to provide conflicting dates and obligations in order to help us build a workable schedule.
Nutcracker 2023
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Important Dates
May 1 - Audition Day
August (TBD) Start of rehearsal period
November 21 - Dress Rehearsal
November 22 - Show
August (TBD) Start of rehearsal period
November 21 - Dress Rehearsal
November 22 - Show
How can we get involved?
We can use plenty of help on the production side! It takes a village to put a show like this onstage. Many hands make light work, and none of these jobs is meant to be all-consuming for you (or Kara, if enough people help). Most can be completed within a day or two, or even just a few hours. Here are a few of the jobs it takes to get this off the ground:
Now through the weekend of the show:
Set building
We have most of what is needed, thanks to putting this production on for several years, but maintenance or repair work may need to be done, and if we have willing hands, there is always a wish list of set pieces that would make our show even more special.
Props construction
Againm, we have most of what is needed, thanks to putting this production on for several years, but maintenance or repair work may need to be done on props that have been used several times, and some props are due for an upgrade.
Costuming
Alterations and repairs may be required to make existing costumes fit this year's cast. Additional pieces may be needed, if there are more performers in a given part. All costumes must also be inspected and laundered following the performance.
Marketing
Help get the word out to the community! Sell program ads to local businesses. Participate in social media campaigns. Reach out to local news media. Assemble the program, arrange appearances around the community (libraries, schools, nursing homes, etc). Creative approaches are always welcome.
When we get to the stage:
Loading in
All set pieces, props, costumes, flooring, etc., needs to be packed from the studio and the storage unit, transported to the venue, and unloaded/installed. Any individual can volunteer to help load at the studio or unload at the venue. Or both (please!).
Hospitality
Ensure any guest artists are comfortable in their space and have everything they need.
Backstage help
Help is needed to move set pieces on and off for scene changes, supervise props and costumes, and supervise younger dancers.
Front of house help
Man the ticket table, the flower station, set up the photo banner, return to station at intermission.
Strike
Take everything down, pack everything up, transport back to the studio/storage, unload. Any individual can volunteer to help load at the venue or unload at the studio. Or both (please!).
Now through the weekend of the show:
Set building
We have most of what is needed, thanks to putting this production on for several years, but maintenance or repair work may need to be done, and if we have willing hands, there is always a wish list of set pieces that would make our show even more special.
Props construction
Againm, we have most of what is needed, thanks to putting this production on for several years, but maintenance or repair work may need to be done on props that have been used several times, and some props are due for an upgrade.
Costuming
Alterations and repairs may be required to make existing costumes fit this year's cast. Additional pieces may be needed, if there are more performers in a given part. All costumes must also be inspected and laundered following the performance.
Marketing
Help get the word out to the community! Sell program ads to local businesses. Participate in social media campaigns. Reach out to local news media. Assemble the program, arrange appearances around the community (libraries, schools, nursing homes, etc). Creative approaches are always welcome.
When we get to the stage:
Loading in
All set pieces, props, costumes, flooring, etc., needs to be packed from the studio and the storage unit, transported to the venue, and unloaded/installed. Any individual can volunteer to help load at the studio or unload at the venue. Or both (please!).
Hospitality
Ensure any guest artists are comfortable in their space and have everything they need.
Backstage help
Help is needed to move set pieces on and off for scene changes, supervise props and costumes, and supervise younger dancers.
Front of house help
Man the ticket table, the flower station, set up the photo banner, return to station at intermission.
Strike
Take everything down, pack everything up, transport back to the studio/storage, unload. Any individual can volunteer to help load at the venue or unload at the studio. Or both (please!).