Schedule

Sept 11-13, 2026 (pending)

It is your responsibility to carefully check the schedule (posted no later than every Wednesday). Additional rehearsals are often called as we get closer to performances. Be sure to check both studios every weekend for your specific role(s).

Costume fittings are required and will be noted on the schedule. Fittings take place at 800 Kensington, Lower Level #2. The door to our space is underneath the interior staircase landing. You can enter the building from the north or south and there are multiple glass doors to try (one should be unlocked!). Wear ballet attire with hair secured off face and neck.

Understudies should attend all scheduled rehearsals for understudy role(s) as the dancer is able. If you miss an understudy rehearsal, it will not count as an absence. Thank you all for taking on these critical extra assignments!

Missing a Rehearsal?
Send email notice to:
director@gardencityballet.org (this will reach Marie and Michele)
caroline@gardencityballet.org

Please let us know immediately if you have known absences from September-December (i.e. plane tickets booked, college trips scheduled, upcoming wedding).

Other absences (except sudden illness or emergency) must be communicated at least one full week in advance to the Artistic Director, Executive Director, and choreographer. Your absence may indicate cancelling a rehearsal (or costume fitting) for all dancers in the variation.

Please keep in mind that when one dancer is absent it negatively impacts all of the remaining dancers (as well as the choreographer). While the absent dancer may feel confident in knowing the choreography, this is only part of the larger picture. Choreography is often built on symmetry, with patterns that involve intricate spacing and exact timing. Absent dancers leave “holes” which can throw everyone else off. It is crucial to attend your rehearsals.

Theater Tech Week Schedule
Please familiarize yourselves with this beast. There may be some changes but this will give you the basic idea. (Please ask if you have any questions or would like to review together page by page.)

2025 Theater Tech Week Schedule —  (2026 pending)

Please clear your schedule of all conflicts. All rehearsals after Thanksgiving weekend, all of Tech Week, and all performances are required for the entire cast.

Dancers and Parents:  Please notify your dance studio teachers that you may be missing their classes or studio company rehearsals.

Reading the Schedule
We encourage parents to print a hard copy, review all days and both studios, then highlight each rehearsal time pertaining to their dancer. If you are unsure, feel free to ask for clarification!

(Subject to Change)

Act One:

Opening Scene:
Delivery Boy, Mistletoe Vendors, Ice Skaters, Carolers, Drosselmeyer, Drosselmeyer’s Assistant (Prince), and Specific Families

Party Scene (approx. 30 min):
Drosselmeyer, Drosselmeyer's Assistant/Nutcracker Prince, Clara, Fritz, Mother, Father, Butler, Maid, Dolls, Governess, Grandmother, Guests, Friends, Girls and Boys

The Magical Battle (aka Fight Scene, approx. 10 min, plus 5 min for Transformation):
Clara, Nutcracker Prince, Rat King, Hench Mice, Lead Mice, Little Mice, General, Captains, Soldiers, Ornaments, Drosselmeyer

Snow Scene (approx. 11 min):
Clara, Nutcracker Prince, Snow King and Queen, Demi-Soloists, Snowflakes (Corps)

Act Two:

Moonflower Fairy, Angels, Clara and Prince

Welcome Garden:
Butterflies, Royal Attendants, Bluebells, Violets,
Plus:  Clara, Prince, Chocolate, (2) Shepherdesses, Tea, Trepak, Coffee, Rose

Order of Variations:
Chocolate from Spain
Marzipan from Denmark
Tea from China
Coffee from Arabia
Mother Ginger and Gingersnaps
Trepak from Russia

Waltz of the Flowers:
Rose Queen, Demi-soloists, Flower Corps, Rosebuds

Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier

Finale: (TBA)

Want to Carpool?
Please use the GCB bulletin board to post your name, phone, general neighborhood and your "dancer's variation/role" then others can connect with you! We are happy to pass along your contact information to a specific parent as well.

ALERT:  Almost all communication takes place via email. If you are a Gmail user, check your Promotions folder for GCB emails. If you are not getting regular emails from GCB, please contact Caroline@gardencityballet.org to be added to the e-list.