Casting

Ah, casting… every year there will be tears of joy and tears of sorrow. This is inevitable and GCB encourages good sportsmanship from dancers and parents alike.

We recommend this short podcast — A Dancer’s Guide to Dealing with Casting Disappointment

Casting Committee
The Artistic Director, Assistant Artistic Director, choreographers, and independent adjudicator (whose job is to identify and rank order all soloists including Clara) form the committee. Ultimately, the Artistic Director has final authority. Auditions are closed to parents, board members, and staff.

Casting decisions will be made in order to produce the best show possible. Casting depends on many factors including the number and skill level of all dancers who audition, our costume inventory and organizational budget, and the types of roles offered by any given Artistic Director.

There is no guarantee that everyone who auditions will receive a part — at the same time, some dancers may be cast in more than one role. There is no automatic progression from one role to another (i.e. a Gingersnap does not always become a Mouse the following year). Seniors are not guaranteed a solo or a spot in the Snow Corps. Performers may be needed to dance the same role(s) year after year (i.e. Soldiers). The Artistic Director will consider prior roles of each dancer, but it is not always possible to give every dancer a “new” role.

The committee does not assign roles based on:
– whether a dancer is a high school senior
– prior roles or understudy roles
– family donations of money and/or volunteer service
– other scheduled activities or commitments that a dancer may have

Understudies
The role of an understudy is critical to the success of our show. Understudies learn essential parts of the ballet, knowing they may never perform these roles on stage. It is likely that many upper level dancers will be assigned an understudy role and we appreciate those who generously agree to contribute their hard work, time, and talent in this capacity. (We also understand that some dancers may not be able to add more to their schedules!)

  • Understudies should attend all rehearsals, as able, for their designated role(s).
  • If a dancer misses an Understudy rehearsal, it will not count as an absence.
  • Understudies should not expect to be cast in these roles the following year.
  • Understudies do not need to attend scheduled costume fittings (the costume you wear will be altered, as needed, if/when the time comes).
Declining a Role Due to Scheduling Conflict
If a dancer needs to decline a role (including an understudy role) due to a scheduling conflict, please follow these instructions:

Notify the Artistic Director (director@gardencityballet.org) and Executive Director (caroline@gardencityballet.org) by email stating:

“Thank you for casting me (or my dancer) in the role of _______________. Unfortunately, I am (or my dancer is) not able to accept this part due to the following scheduling conflict: (please describe)

Dropping Out
If a dancer wishes to drop out of the production due to casting disappointment, please weigh the few minutes of performing on stage against the months of being in rehearsals with fellow dancers, the excitement of Tech Week, and the camaraderie of being part of the entire production. The process of casting is complex and challenging. When dancers drop out, it takes significant work to fill vacant spots — this is a time-consuming process to complete before rehearsals begin. If you are disappointed in your originally assigned role(s), it is possible that additional opportunities will come up  — if you stick with the season, you may end up with an unexpected part… you never know!

If you have slept on it and are sure about your decision, please notify the Artistic Director (director@gardencityballet.org) by email stating: 

“I am (or my dancer is) disappointed in the outcome of casting and I have decided (or my dancer has decided) to withdraw from the cast.”

If a dancer and/or parent would like to share concerns with the Artistic Director, please add:

“I (or we) would like to share our concerns and will contact you to schedule a meeting at your convenience.”

Even though feelings can be hurt by casting, please keep in mind that if a dancer or parent sends a distressing or disrespectful email that criticizes casting decisions, it can be very damaging to our Artistic Director, Assistant Artistic Director, and choreographers — it also demonstrates unprofessional behavior. Dancers and parents are always welcome to have a conversation about casting at an appropriate time. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

Final Cast

Check the entire list very carefully so you don’t miss the first rehearsal for an assigned role — some dancers have multiple roles.

(The 2026 cast list will be posted here by Labor Day. Understudies will be posted after the dust settles.)