Friendly Reminder: All rehearsals after Thanksgiving weekend and all performances are mandatory for all cast members. Thank you for blocking out Dec 6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15 for Nutcracker. The Tech Week schedule is posted.
Alert: Please see Tech Week schedule for all remaining rehearsals — thank you!
Reminder – Finale dancers are the following:
Lillian, Margot, Keeley (Trepak)
Skye, Delilah, Kaitlyn (Shepherdesses)
Ruby, Carmen (Butterflies)
Lindley, Rhea (Flower Demis)
Mark and Betty (Dolls)
Layla (Moonflower)
Hazel (Tea)
Ellette (Chocolate)
Ashley (Nightingale)
Wynn (Snow)
Maggie (Rose)
Prince and Clara
Note: Here is the season’s rehearsal “template” which shows when each variation or scene will typically be scheduled. We do our best to follow this template, but appreciate your patience as many moving parts will sometimes dictate changes that can’t be helped.
It is your responsibility to carefully check the schedule each Wednesday (or later). Additional rehearsals are often called as we get closer to performances. Costume fittings are required, and will be noted on the schedule. Be sure to check both studios every weekend for your specific role(s).
Understudies: Please attend all scheduled rehearsals for your understudy role(s) as you are able. If you miss an understudy rehearsal, it will not count as an absence. Thank you all for taking on these critical extra assignments!
Covid: It’s going around. Please follow these guidelines.
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 just so important to attend your rehearsals.
Send email notice to:
director@gardencityballet.org (this will reach Marie and Michele)
caroline@gardencityballet.org (Caroline)
Attendance Policy – Part A:
Any cast member may be replaced for missing (2) or more rehearsals for any reason (including pre-arranged absence, sudden illness, or emergency) during the production season. This will be at the discretion of the Artistic Director.
Attendance Policy – Part B – Only for roles with assigned understudies:
If the primary dancer misses more than (2) scheduled rehearsals (per role) for any reason (including pre-arranged absence, sudden illness, or emergency) during the production season, the understudy will be given (1) performance opportunity. Absences beyond that will be discussed between the Artistic Director, Choreographer, and dancer.
Attendance Policy – Part C – Mandatory rehearsals – Only for roles with assigned understudies:
If the primary dancer misses a mandatory rehearsal for any reason except sudden illness or major emergency, the understudy will be given (1) performance opportunity. It will be at the discretion of the Artistic Director to decide what constitutes a major emergency (i.e. death in the family).
2024 Tech Week Schedule (updated with MADE Fair on Sunday, not Saturday) — Please ask if you have any questions!
Please clear your schedule of all conflicts. All rehearsals after Thanksgiving weekend, all of Tech Week rehearsals, 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.
(Subject to Change)
Act One:
Opening Scene:
Delivery Boy, Mistletoe Vendors, Carolers, Ice Skaters, Drosselmeyer, Drosselmeyer’s Assistant, Party Scene Families (tbd)
Party Scene (approx. 30 min):
Drosselmeyer, Drosselmeyer’s Assistant/Nutcracker Prince, Clara, Fritz, Mother, Father, Butler, Maid, Dolls, Governess, Grandmothers, 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, Nutcracker Prince, Rose Queen, Waltz of the Flower Demis, Chocolate soloist, Tea soloist, Trepak from Russia
Order of Variations:
Chocolate from Spain
Marzipan from Denmark (Shepherdesses and Sheep)
Tea from China
Nightingale
Mother Ginger and Gingersnaps
Trepak from Russia
Waltz of the Flowers:
Rose Queen, Demi-soloists, Flower Corps, Rosebuds
Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier
Finale:
Clara, Nutcracker Prince, Rose Queen, Nightingale soloist, Chocolate soloist, Tea soloist, Ballerina Doll, Butterflies, Moonflower Fairy, Shepherdesses, Russian
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.