Ballet Idaho’s The Nutcracker: In a Nutshell! Ballet Idaho, in partnership with Caldwell Fine Arts, will be holding auditions on Saturday, September 14 to cast over 50 local children in their production of The Nutcracker: In a Nutshell. This is a time-honored tradition for the aspiring young dancer! Dancers from ALL studios will be considered.

What time are auditions?
All Auditions will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14th at the Jewett Auditorium.  Please see below for times.

10-11:30am – Angels
Boys and girls age 13 and up, height between 62″- 70″, minimum 3 years classical ballet experience

11:30am-12:45pm – Battle Mice, Soldiers, Party Kids*
Boys and girls age 9 and up, height 47″ – 67″, minimum 2 years classical ballet experience
*Students cast as Party Kids will have mandatory staging rehearsal from 1-2:15pm on September 14th.

2:15-3:15pm – Lambs, Mini Mice
Boys and girls age 6 and up, height 43″ – 50″, minimum 1 year classical ballet experience

 NOTE: Height guidelines are strictly followed for costuming purposes.

FAQS
What should be worn for auditions? 
As this is a professional audition, dancers need to follow traditional dance audition attire guidelines:
Girls: black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, hair pulled up in a secure bun. No skirts/shorts.
Boys: black pants/tights, white t-shirt, black ballet shoes.

Does it cost to audition?
A non-refundable $25 audition fee, per student, applies. Online audition registration is open now thru 5pm, Sept 13. Pre-registration is encouraged as audition registration is capped. If audition space allows, day of audition registration will be accepted for $35, but not guaranteed. Registration can be completed by visiting: https://form.jotform.com/242131875538157 or clicking HERE.

Students who are cast will have an additional $25 non-refundable participation fee due at the time of casting (audition day) – this fee covers costume use/cleaning and all rehearsals.

What happens at auditions?
Upon arrival, students will check in and an audition number will be assigned, this should be pinned on the front of the leotard/shirt. Children will be escorted to the audition area and taught a short audition piece. A representative from Ballet Idaho will determine who makes the cut. Students who do not make the audition cut may be released to their parents before the audition time is up. Please do not leave the audition location! Students who make the cut will be set in formations and taught show choreography for the duration of the audition time.

Do you have any tips for my dancer?
SMILE, have a great attitude, don’t be shy, answer questions vocally, respect the learning environment, show up on time and above all SMILE!

When should we arrive?
Dancers need to arrive at auditions at least 15 minutes prior to their specific audition time to allow for check-in.

Can I watch my dancer audition?
Auditions are closed, but please stay onsite during your child’s audition time as some dancers may be released early.

I can only perform in one show, can I still participate?
All students are cast for the entire show run. Ballet Idaho determines the cast and it can not be changed. Each part has an understudy cast, if you are not able to make all of the performances (or rehearsals) your dancer will forfeit their spot and the performance opportunity will be given to the understudy. Please only audition if you are willing and able to participate in all performances (and rehearsals). Please note, we have a Sunday performance this year.

Does my child have to miss school?
We will have theater rehearsals and tech leading up to the shows on Nov 19, 20, 21, 22 – we do our best to schedule these rehearsals outside of school hours; Nov 19 and 20 will be after school hours, Nov 21 and 22 will be during school hours. Performance dates are Nov 22, 23, 24 . Call time will be during school hours for the Friday rehearsals/performances.

Do you know what times the rehearsals will be?
We will have the tentative rehearsal schedule available at auditions. Since we do not know how many students will audition and how many parts will be cast we can not confirm the tentative schedule until AFTER auditions. A final schedule will be made available by Sept 16. Please refer to the commitment dates listed above.

All rehearsals/shows/fittings are mandatory and exceptions will not be made for dancers who are not able to commit to ALL dates. Commitment dates may include Sept 20, Oct 4, 5, 12, 18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 16. Tech and dress will be held Nov 19, 20, 21, 22. Performance dates are Fri, Sat, Sun – Nov 22, 23, 24. Times for each date are TBD. Rehearsals take place at Idaho Dance Academy in Star and Ballet Idaho Academy in Boise. Shows/tech/dress take place at Jewett Auditorium in Caldwell.

If you need additional information please email your questions to nutcrackerauditioninfo@gmail.com.