Especially for new Nutcracker families, the amount of detailed information during the season can be overwhelming. Please feel free to contact us with any questions — we are here to make your experience enjoyable and provide moral support in times of stress. Thank you for doing your part to stay informed!
Costume Fittings
Fittings will be noted on the weekly rehearsal schedule and are required for every cast member. Dancers should wear ballet attire with hair pulled back and off the neck. Understudies are not required to attend fittings for their understudy role(s).
All fittings (except tuxedos for Party Men) take place at 800 Kensington, Lower Level #2 — enter the building from the north or south; there are multiple glass doors and one should be unlocked; our office door is underneath the interior staircase landing.
It is extremely difficult to fit costumes when even one dancer is missing — please let us know if you will be absent, thank you!
Costume Requirements
Label everything with your name — seriously, do this — dancers are always losing their unlabeled stuff.
Every dancer’s hairstyle is considered part of the costume — these requirements are not optional. Please watch appropriate videos, buy the correct items, and practice making performance buns throughout the season — a ballet bun is expected for all rehearsals (but it does not need to be “performance” quality). Hair will be checked and must be done properly for dress rehearsals, photographs, and performances. GCB offers a bun-making workshop for new parents — with specific instructions, tips and tricks! If the bun is throwing you over the edge, we have resident experts who can do your child’s hair for you — just let us know. Dancers will need to have natural hair colors for performances (no primary colors).
Hot tip!
If you have a dancer that is challenging (i.e. can’t sit still, complains of being in pain, criticizes your efforts), grab a friend and switch your kids. It could be more fun for everyone!
Make-up Requirements
All performers, including boys and men, must wear stage make-up. Please do not share personal make-up with other dancers.
Here is a good tutorial that shows what eye liner should look like when done, though we personally favor a liner that is not liquid but more like a marker or pencil (and your personal technique for application may not be the same as demonstrated). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ytz6AbNXBZU
Venue - Montana Theater
New families are invited to take a tour of the Montana Theatre venue. If you can’t make it, here is a video:
Photos / Videos
GCB hires professionals to photograph and videotape during rehearsals and performances. Photos and videos are made available for purchase. While sales are not profitable, we hope to at least break even! GCB is committed to providing these services to families and maintaining historical records of our wonderful production. Visit our Gallery for years of memories!
Important!
Photographs are for personal use only and should not be shared on social media without permission of all visible dancers.
Cast Party
One of the highlights of Nutcracker is the cast party! GCB supplies pizza and families pitch in with snacks and treats to feed the crowd. Dancers wear whatever they feel like — from fancy dresses and high-heeled shoes to footed pajamas or comfortable sweats. It is a festive dance party celebration of the whole season and everyone’s hard work!
Save the Date – Monday, December 21, 2026 (6:00-8:00pm) – Zootown Arts Community Center (ZACC) Show Room, 216 W Main St
