Ballet Quad Cities Announces Community Cast Auditions for 

The Nutcracker

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

Ages 7-10

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

4:30-5:15

Pre-registration is required

Possible Call Backs TBA

Ages 11 and Older

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

5:30-6:30

Pre-registration is required

Possible Call Backs TBA

Before auditioning make sure to read all the information below:

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED 

Pre-register 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 with an annual audience of over 8,000. Casting is determined by costume availability, dancer’s height, skill level, and stage presence. Casting will be posted in the lobby at the BQC studios at 4:00pm on September 6.  All dancers must initial the cast list in person by Friday, September 13 and pick up their Nutcracker Packet.

NUTCRACKER PACKET:

Each dancer needs to pick up a Nutcracker Packet by September 13. This packet contains the start of 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 in Davenport, and one theater volunteer shift or task in Cedar Rapids.

REHEARSAL COMMITMENT:

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

2 or more absences will 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 for some roles will begin as early as Saturday, October 5. Rehearsal time slots are Tuesday evenings, Friday evenings, and Saturday afternoons for the younger children’s roles: Party Children, Small Mice, Soldiers, Angels, and Cookies. 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 Clara, Fritz, Large Rats, Chinese and Ukrainian will be called to some rehearsals during the weekdays beginning November 4 from 3:00-4:15 as the school day allows. All students are expected to maintain excellent attendance in their technique classes. Missing classes leads to 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:

Note: we will use [email protected] to communicate regarding The Nutcracker.  THIS IS A NEW EMAIL different from previous years.  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. Make sure on The Nutcracker audition registration form to list all phone numbers and emails you want to receive texts and emails. 

There will be a mandatory costume fitting on October 26, times TBA.  Missing this will result in loss of role.

Important dates to mark on your calendar:

September 6 - The Nutcracker cast list posted at the studio by 4:00pm.

September 13 - All dancers accepting roles need to initial the cast list and pick up Nutcracker Packet by Friday, September 13.

October 26 - MANDATORY costume fitting.

November 29 - No rehearsals on Friday after Thanksgiving (Happy Thanksgiving!)

November 30 - MANDATORY Nutcracker rehearsals!

December 5 - Evening spacing and technical rehearsals Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids, IA- Time TBA

December 6 - Evening dress rehearsal Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids, IA- Time TBA

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

December 12 - Evening spacing and technical rehearsals Adler Theatre Davenport IA-Time TBA

December 13 - School Matinee Performance- times TBA

December 14 & 15 - Public performances at Adler Theatre- Saturday 2:00, Saturday 7:00, Sunday 2:00