Ballet Quad Cities Announces Auditions for 

The Nutcracker

Ballet Quad Cities ~ 613 17th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201 ~ 309-786-3779

 Ages 7-10

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

4:30-5:15

Preregistration is required

Possible Call Backs TBA

Ages 11 and Above

(*BQCSD levels 5, 6 & 7 dancers attend this audition)

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

5:30-6:30

Preregistration is required

Possible Call Backs TBA

Before auditioning make sure to read all the information below:

PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Preregister by filling out the Nutcracker audition registration form at the bottom of this page. All students and guardians must sign the form prior to auditioning to indicate that you have read and understand the commitments of participating in The Nutcracker.

CASTING:

Ballet Quad Cities’ The Nutcracker is a professional production. Casting is determined by costume availability, dancer’s height, skill level, and stage presence. Casting will be posted at the BQC studios at 4:00pm on September 8.  All dancers must initial the cast list in person by Friday, September 15 and pick up their Nutcracker Packet.

NUTCRACKER PACKET:

Each dancer needs to pick up a Nutcracker Packet by September 15. This packet contains the rehearsal schedule, costume fees, volunteer sign up forms, shoe and tight requirements for each role, Nutcracker Cast T-Shirt order forms, and performance make-up and hair styles for each role. Each family is responsible for filling a minimum of two theater volunteer shifts or tasks both at Cedar Rapids and Davenport.

REHEARSAL COMMITMENT:

Attending all rehearsals for a role is necessary to the success of the overall production. Do not audition if you are unable able to commit to all rehearsals and performances.  Absences may result in loss of role.

All dancers need to arrive 15 minutes before rehearsal begins.

Spacing rehearsals in the theater, dress rehearsals, and all performances are mandatory. 

Rehearsals begin Saturday October 21. Rehearsal timeslots are Tuesday evenings, Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons for the younger children’s roles: Party Children, Small Mice, Soldiers, Angels, Candy. These roles will be rehearsed one to two times a week, with an increase in rehearsals in the two weeks prior to the performances. Other roles such as Fritz, Large Rats, Chinese and Russian may be called to some rehearsals during the weekdays beginning November 6 from 3:00-4:15 as the school day allows. BQCSD dancers are expected to maintain excellent attendance in their technique classes. Missing classes leads a drop in technique that may affect casting. List rehearsal conflicts, school release times, early outs, or days off school on the audition registration form.

COMMUNICATION:

We use [email protected] to communicate regarding The Nutcracker. Make sure your email account recognizes this address to avoid messages being marked as spam.  In an emergency, use BQC’s phone number 309-786-3779. We also utilize Remind to send text messages to each family. Use the Nutcracker audition registration form to list all phone number and emails you want to receive texts and emails.

PERFORMANCES:

Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids, IA  

Spacing and Technical rehearsal Thursday evening November 30th - time TBA, Dress Rehearsal Friday evening December 1st- time TBA

Public Performances December 2nd- 2:00 and 7:30

Adler Theater, Davenport, IA

Spacing and technical rehearsals Thursday evening December 7th- time TBA, School Matinee Performance Friday December 8th 10:00am,

Public performances Saturday December 9th 2:00 & 7:00, Sunday December 10th 2:00

Important dates to mark on your calendar:

September 8 - The Nutcracker cast list posted at the studio by 4:00pm.

September 15- All dancers accepting roles need to initial the cast list and pick up Nutcracker Packet by the 15th.

November 24 - No rehearsals on Friday after Thanksgiving (Happy Thanksgiving!)

November 25- MANDATORY Nutcracker rehearsals!

November 30 - Spacing and technical rehearsals Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids, IA- Time TBA

December 1 - Dress Rehearsal Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids, IA- Time TBA

December 2- Public performances at Paramount Theatre Saturday 2:00, Saturday 7:30

December 7 - Evening spacing and technical rehearsals Adler Theater Davenport IA-Time TBA

December 8 -School Matinee Performance- 10:00am

December 9 & 10 - Public performances at Adler Theater- Saturday 2:00, Saturday 7:00, Sunday 2:00