Audition Form &
Performance Paperwork
Hair, Makeup & Costume Information for all Cast Members (click here)
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR A SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE
If you have any additional questions, please contact our Parent Volunteer Coordinator at info@mpballettheatre.org.
Our third production of The Nutcracker has gotten off to a fantastic start. We appreciate all your patience as we continue to grow and develop our program.
As a fellow parent who’s had the benefit of having both of my children (Macy and Cecilia) in the Nutcracker as well as other performances, I thought I’d share a few extra details that might make things easier for some of our newer performers and their parents:
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Please refer to the “Nutcracker Hair/Makeup Costume Details” and purchase your performance pieces no less than two weeks before performance to be sure you’ll get what is required.
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Two pairs (or more) of tights are highly recommended as the children will be wearing them for multiple performances and this will guard against accidental holes appearing on stage, as well as greatly reduce the number of laundry loads for the week!! They can be purchased at Metronome Dancewear.
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If your child is to wear a bun, all hair should be gelled straight back (no part) and stubborn wisps tamed with bobby pins and then sprayed! Most children have more than one hair accessory so hair should be well in place to reduce movement when we change out accessories. Buns should be covered with a hairnet. Bun-makers are great aides for shorter-haired children as well as for those of us that are bun-challenged! Bun-makers and nets can be purchased at Metronome Dancewear, H&M and Claire’s.
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I highly recommend the Bunhead Bunpins – they’re “industrial” strength and come in various lengths. You’ll find these at Metronome Dancewear, Discount Dance or Amazon.
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Please send your child to the theatre in a button up shirt or zippered sweatshirt – nothing that will have to be removed by pulling over the wonderful hairstyle you worked so hard on!
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A zippered garment bag with your child’s name written clearly on front and back will help your little one identify his/her costumes and keep organized in the dressing room. Garment bags can be purchased at Metronome Dancewear or on line.
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Please make sure that ALL costume pieces and personal items are labeled with your dancer’s name. If your costume accidentally came home without a label, we ask that you write your dancer’s name on a small piece of masking tape and secure it to the inside neck of the costume. Again, every piece should be labeled as there are multiple pieces.
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A small zip-lock bag with a bunch of extra bobby pins and their lipstick (all make-up should be applied at home except lipstick which will be put on after they dress into costume) is very helpful for all dancers to have on hand!
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Please leave all necklaces, bracelets, and earrings at home (unless ears have very recently been pierced). In addition to jewelry being a safety issue, we’d like to avoid any possible loss of precious items! Also, no nail polish (or toe polish for those dancing barefoot).
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Consider taking your child’s photo in costume before dress rehearsal – once the costumes arrive at the theatre, they will not be going home again.
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Please take a few minutes to chat with your child about keeping all their costume items in their bag (my rule is if it’s not on your body, it’s in your bag!) to reduce missing pieces and hectic searches. Also, positive dressing room etiquette is encouraged – help your fellow dancer, do not share make-up, be respectful when they or someone else is changing, and soft voices are greatly appreciated!
I think that about covers it for my “mom” tips! Please feel free to reach out to me, Vera McCarthy or Sarah Norbraten or Cindy Munday. We’ve all had the privilege of having our children in a production of the Nutcracker so we’re happy to help and one of us will be present at all tech week rehearsals as well as performances.
Happy dancing!
Joan Yu
Proud Parent of a MPBT Dancer
Please see the links below for pre-performance paperwork. Please be sure to submit all of the forms below:
2022 Parent Information Packet - fee schedule here
(ESSENTIAL TO READ FOR ALL INFORMATION REGARDING PARTICIPATION)
2022 MPBT Nutcracker Audition Form (due by 8/19 @10am for audition purposes)
2022 MPBT Minor Participation Agreement (due by 9/1/22 for participation)
2022 MPBT Participant Costume Understanding (due by 9/1 for participation)
2022 MPBT Participant Medical Waiver (due by 9/1 for participation)
2022 MPBT Liability Waiver (due by 9/1 for participation)
Audition Times:
We ask for you to arrive 30 min early to make sure your dancer can be measured, audition fee paid, and processed properly for auditions to begin on time.
2:00-2:30 pm
Ages 5 - Beginning Level Ballet/Jazz/Lyrical (please note dancers could be asked to stay for the following audition time slot)
2:30-3:00 pm
Ballet 1-1/2/ Lyrical 1-2 / Jazz 1-2 (please note dancers could be asked to stay for the following audition time slot)
3:10-4:00 pm
Ballet 2-3 (please note dancers could be asked to stay for the following audition time slot)
5:00-7:30 pm
Ballet 4 above (non pointe) or pointe 1 and above (Once audition paperwork is received, each dancer will receive a time slot for audition 5-6:30 or 6-7:30.) Please bring Ballet and Pointe Shoes.
We very much look forward to seeing you at auditions. We ask for you to arrive 30 min early to make sure your dancer can be measured, audition fee paid, and processed properly for auditions to begin on time. We ask all dancers come in a black leotard, pink tights, and ballet shoes for female dancers / white t-shirt, black jazz pants, and black ballet or jazz shoes for male dancers.
If you are a tap 1 or above dancer (not for ages 5- beginning level) and could possibly be interested in a tap role (if we cast this; please be sure to notate on your audition form). Please bring your tap shoes but note we may or may not ask you to display your tap skills, depending on the responses.
Thank you in advance for your time and participation. We look forward to an amazing Nutcracker 2022 Season!
Much love and more appreciation,
Tia
Founder / Artistic Director