The Nutcracker Youth Participant Programs
The Nutcracker – Touring Participant Program
The Nutcracker Youth Touring Participant Program gives young dancers aged 12 and up the opportunity to travel and perform with a professional dance company! They interact and dance with professional dancers, professional dance and theatre coaches and gain invaluable performance experience as they dance and tour Ballet Jörgen’s The Nutcracker, a Canadian Tradition. This program is unique with its full integration and integral inclusion of the participants roles in the show coupled with the fact that participants are immersed in the real lifestyle and expectations of being a member of a professional dance Company.
Audition & Rehearsal Schedule 2023
Location: Ballet Jörgen Studios - Toronto
Audition (option 1) - Tuesday, August 15 - 5:30-6:30pm
Audition (option 2) - Tuesday, August 22 - 2:00-3:00pm
*Interested dancers must attend one of the first two auditions. Selected dancers will be invited to attend the callback audition on August 22.
Callback Audition - Tuesday, August 22 - 3:30-5:45pm
*Selected dancers from the callback audition will be invited to attend the callback rehearsal on August 26.
Callback Rehearsal - Saturday, August 26 - 10:15-1:00pm
*Following this rehearsal, dancers will be notified if they have a spot in the 2023 touring cast. Please note that specific role assignments will not be finalized until October, and performance casting will not be laid out until November.
Rehearsal - Thursday, September 7 - 3:00-6:00pm
This rehearsal schedule is subject to change. This is a lengthy audition process, meant to give dancers the chance to get to know the program and process so they can determine if this is a commitment they want to make, and for Ballet Jörgen to get to know the dancers and cast.
Remaining rehearsal dates are still to be confirmed.
General Requirements
Aged 12 – 17 years
Dance training required, ballet is a definite asset
How To Register
Students interested in auditioning must register for a specific audition by filling out our online registration. Participants auditioning for the Touring Cast must audition in Toronto and be 12 years of age or older.
How the Program Works
- After completing your online registration, you will be contacted individually to confirm your audition time within one week of the selected audition date.
- The first audition is approximately 40-60 minutes, during which time excerpts of the Nutcracker, a Canadian Tradition choreography are taught by the Ballet Jörgen repetiteur. The students are assessed for their musicality, technique, poise, ability to learn choreography, characterization and performance quality. Selected dancers from the first audition will be invited to the callback audition.
- Following the callback audition, selected dancers will be invited to attend a longer callback rehearsal. Following the callback rehearsal, dancers will be notified if they have a spot in the touring cast. Please note that specific role assignments will not be finalized until October, and performance casting until November.
- The rehearsals for the touring cast will be extensive. Dancers must be fully available for Callback Audition (August 22), Callback Rehearsal (August 26), and Rehearsal (September 7). Rehearsals will continue throughout the fall, taking place in Toronto on weekends and weeknights. The Cast will have studio dress rehearsals and may be required to view performances. Rehearsals with the Full Company will take place in Toronto from September to December and will require attendance during some week-day school hours.
- The Tour performances will be divided amongst the cast members, no cast member will be expected to dance for the whole duration of the tour. Some locations incur overnight stays, others do not. When there are overnight stays, the Company provides transportation from Toronto and back. All food and lodging expenses are covered by the Company. When on tour, a chaperone is assigned to the youth touring cast.
*Touring Cast members are aged 12+ and perform in 10-12 shows each between Nov 22-Dec 31 2023. All touring cast members rehearse in Toronto.
| Performance City | Performance Date(s) | Performance Venue | Number of Performances |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Bay, ON | November 22 2023 | The Capitol Centre | 1 |
| Orillia, ON | November 24 & 25 2023 | Orillia Opera House | 2 |
| Peterborough, ON | November 29 2023 | Showplace Performance Centre | 1 |
| Hamilton, ON | December 2 2023 | Hamilton Place | 1 |
| Brantford, ON | December 3 2023 | Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts | 1 |
| Ottawa, ON | December 9 & 10 2023 | Centrepointe Theatre | 3 |
| Brampton, ON | December 13 2023 | The Rose Theatre | 2 |
| Sault Ste. Marie, ON | December 16 2023 | Sault Community Theatre Centre | 1 |
| Guelph, ON | December 21 & 22 2023 | River Run Centre | 2 |
| London, ON | December 23 2023 | Centennial Hall | 1 |
| Kitchener-Waterloo, ON | December 28 2023 | Centre in the Square | 2 |
| Markham, ON | December 30 & 31 2023 | Flato Markham Theatre | 3 |
Roles – Touring cast members
# to be cast – 12-14
Approximate Heights – 4’11″ – 5’7″
Approximate Ages – 12-17yrs
Breakdown of Youth Tour Cast Members by Role
| Role | # To Be Cast | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| Klara | 2 - 3 | Female |
| Family Child & Nutcracker Prince | 2 - 3 | Male or Female |
| Family Children | 8 - 10 | Male or Female |
Other roles danced by those cast as Family Children include:
| Role | # To Be Cast | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| Sock Bunny | 2 - 3 | Male or Female |
| Rats | 5 - 6 | Male or Female |
| Dragonfly | 2 - 3 | Male or Female |
| Beaver | 2 - 3 | Male or Female |
| White-Tailed Deer | 5 - 6 | Male or Female |
When the Company travels on tour, six cast members will travel with the Company. When the Company is closer to home, often there are additional cast members in each performance. No cast member is expected to dance in all performances but we ask that all cast members be available for at least 70% of the tour. Availability may affect role casting.
Touring Youth Cast Role Descriptions in the Nutcracker, a Canadian Tradition
Klara – Klara is the lead youth female character in the ballet and dances throughout the show, starting at the beginning in the School House Scene, right until the end, asleep after her dream.
Family Child/Nutcracker Prince – The family child /Nutcracker Prince is the lead youth male character in the ballet and dances throughout the show, starting as a member of the Farm Family at the beginning of the ballet in the School House Scene, and as the Nutcracker Prince beginning in the Battle Scene.
Family Children – The Family Children are the children of the town’s families and dance at the beginning of the ballet in the School House Scene.
Sock Bunny – The Sock Bunny fights against the Owl, Bat, Wolf, and Fox along with the Nutcracker Prince, Klara, the Mounties and Skipping Rope Handles. The battle is the second scene in the first act.
Rats – The rats skulk in the School House after dark when Klara wakes all alone after a nap.
Dragonflies (sometimes danced by the touring cast) – The Dragonflies are from the Summer Land, in the second act, and they perform with the Dragonfly dancer from the Company.
Beavers – The Beaver pushes Klara and the Nutcracker Prince in the canoe. They take them from the Kingdom of Snow to the Summer Land in the Second Act.
White-tailed Deer – The Deer push Klara and the Nutcracker Prince’s sleigh. They transport them after the battle to the Kingdom of Snow and then back again to the School House at the very end of the show.
What is provided?
Accommodation for the cast members while performing on tour is provided, along with all meals. Cast members are chaperoned at all times. Transportation for touring performances is provided from Toronto (and direct vicinity) and back to Toronto. Cast members travel in the Company mini-vans driven by either Clea Iveson, Education Manager or Bengt Jörgen, Artistic Director. On theatre days, when there isn’t an overnight stay meals are provided as needed. Detailed itineraries with all travel, accommodation, venue and logistic details are provided to each cast member as well as a copy for the family.
Are there forms to sign?
Yes, we will ask for a consent form and a health form to be completed and signed prior to any cast member travelling with the Company on tour. This is in addition to the regular participation and permission form.
Am I expected at every rehearsal?
Yes, at every rehearsal you are called to be at. If a rehearsal is missed, cast members must be prepared for changes to be made in casting or performing. All casting is subject to change and is based from the progress at rehearsals and on stage. Rehearsal schedules are subject to change but you will always be notified.
Am I expected at every show?
No, we will ask your availability early on but we do expect you to be available for a minimum of 50% of the performances. You must attend every onstage rehearsal at any venue in which you are scheduled to perform. Failure to attend a spacing or notes and corrections rehearsal on stage will mean that you will not perform in that venue at all.
When will I know my performance schedule & show casting?
We will provide a basic touring schedule by early October, the detailed itinerary will come about 1 week or more prior to departure on tour. The Show casting will be published in early November and will always be subject to change.
What do I need to bring on tour?
When packing to go on tour, bring what you would bring if you were going on a trip. Just remember that you must be able to carry your bag and it has to fit in the van!
You should pack the following:
- Comfortable, warm casual clothing for travelling, including boots, hats, mitts
- Dance clothes, to wear during rehearsals
- Sweat pants/warm-up pants, sweaters to wear at the theatre over your dance clothes
- Your wardrobe for the show, including tights, body suits
- One nice pair of pants and shirt (in case of a reception following the show)
- Make-up, hair brushes, toothbrushes, etc
- Books/quiet games
- Homework
- Important Phone Numbers (your parents, other relatives)
- Your Itinerary (you must have this with you at all times)
- Tupperware (to store left-overs and snacks)
- Anything else that will make you feel comfortable while on tour
During tour, it is helpful to have 3 bags – a suitcase, a backpack and a dance bag.
A Dance Bag, referred to on tour and on your itinerary as ‘Bee Bags’
This bag should contain everything you need while in the theatre. After every show, the Bee Bags are packed up and put on the truck and unloaded into the theatre before the show. You will not have access to these bags between shows.
A Backpack
Pack in your backpack things you would like to keep with you at the theatre, and as you travel in the van, such as books, homework, your itinerary, tupperware, toothbrush, hairbrush, make-up.
A Suitcase
Your suitcase will stay in the van when travelling and live at the hotel, so you will not have access to it in the theatre. Just pack everything else you need in here, such as pyjamas and extra clothes.
It is a good idea to have two sets of toiletries, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrush etc to pack in your suitcase in the hotel, and one in a bag at the theatre, so you will never forget anything important.
If you have any medications you need to take while away, please let the chaperone know. The chaperone is available to answer any questions and deal with any problems that may come up.
What You Need for the Audition
There is no need to prepare a dance piece nor bring a portfolio or bio to the audition. Students should wear the dance clothes normally worn at their local dance classes. You will be asked to dance choreography that we teach you.
What You Need for the Tour
Costumes and shoes for the show are provided by Canada’s Ballet Jörgen but participants will need their own undergarments, equipment students already own for their regular dance classes. Upon cast member registration each participant will have the opportunity to order a keepsake Nutcracker Tour Shirt. A Company and Youth Cast photo will be taken at each performance and be made available to Cast members at the end of the Nutcracker performance season.
What to Bring on Tour
When packing to go on tour, bring what you would bring if you were going on a trip. Just remember that you must be able to carry your bag and it has to fit in the van!
You should pack the following:
- Comfortable, warm casual clothing for travelling, including boots, hats, mitts
Dance clothes, to wear during rehearsals - Sweat pants/warm-up pants, sweaters to wear at the theatre over your dance clothes
- Your wardrobe for the show, including tights, body suits
- One nice pair of pants and shirt (in case of a reception following the show)
- Make-up, hair brushes, toothbrushes, etc
- Books/quiet games
- Homework
- Important Phone Numbers (your parents, other relatives)
- Your Itinerary (you must have this with you at all times)
- Tupperware (to store left-overs and snacks)
- Anything else that will make you feel comfortable while on tour
During tour, it is helpful to have 3 bags – a suitcase, a backpack and a dance bag.
A Dance Bag, referred to on tour and on your itinerary as ‘Bee Bags’
This bag should contain everything you need while in the theatre. After every show, the Bee Bags are packed up and put on the truck and unloaded into the theatre before the show. You will not have access to these bags between shows.
A Backpack
Pack in your backpack things you would like to keep with you at the theatre, and as you travel in the van, such as books, homework, your itinerary, tupperware, toothbrush, hairbrush, make-up.
A Suitcase
Your suitcase will stay in the van when travelling and live at the hotel, so you will not have access to it in the theatre. Just pack everything else you need in here, such as pyjamas and extra clothes.
It is a good idea to have two sets of toiletries, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrush etc to pack in your suitcase in the hotel, and one in a bag at the theatre, so you will never forget anything important.
If you have any medications you need to take while away, please let the chaperone know. The chaperone is available to answer any questions and deal with any problems that may come up.
These items are to be worn under costumes during the show. See the attached sheet for the items for the part(s) you will be playing. Please write your initials inside your tights and body suits, as they will be put in the laundry after the show. Make-up and hair requirements are also included on the attached sheet. You are required to do your own hair and make-up while on tour.
| Klara | *Pink tights *Black ballet slippers (provided by CBJ) *Light coloured spaghetti strap (or short sleeve) body suit *Hair: braided |
| Child & Prince | *Black shoes *Black socks *Underwear, undershirt and dance belt *Tights are provided by the company |
| Family Children | *Pink tights *Light coloured spaghetti strap (or short sleeve or tank) body suit *Black ballet slippers (provided by CBJ) *Hair: individualized and looking good with a bow in it |
| Dragonfly | *Black footed tights *Black ballet slippers (provided by CBJ) *Light coloured spaghetti strap (or short sleeve or tank) body suit *Hair: tucked into hood so it will stay |
| Deer | *Pink tights *Light coloured spaghetti strap (or short sleeve or tank) body suit *Black ballet slippers (provided by CBJ) *Hair: tucked into hood so that it stays hidden |
| Sock Bunny | *Pink tights *Light coloured spaghetti strap (or short sleeve or tank) body suit *Black ballet slippers (provided by CBJ) *Hair: tucked into hood so that it stays hidden |
| Beaver | *Pink Tights *Pink ballet slippers *Black ballet slippers (provided by CBJ) *Light coloured spaghetti strap (or short sleeve) body suit *Hair: tucked into hood so that it stays hidden |
Please view the document below
The Nutcracker – Local Participant Program
The Nutcracker Local Participant Program gives young dancers the opportunity to perform with a professional dance company! They interact with professional dancers and gain invaluable performance experience as they dance roles in Ballet Jörgen’s The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition.
General Requirements
- Aged 8 – 17 years
- Dance training required, ballet is an asset
How to Register
Students interested in auditioning must register for a specific audition by filling out our online registration form. You can register for more than one audition but one form must be submitted for each city. You will hear back from us to confirm your exact audition time. Registrants are organized into time slots based on age groups.
How the Audition Works
There is no need to prepare a dance piece nor bring a portfolio or bio to the audition. Students should wear the dance clothes normally worn at their local dance classes. You will be asked to dance choreography that we teach you. The Ballet Jörgen audition leader will be looking at each dancer’s ability to learn the choreography and deliver it with the desired technique, musicality and performance quality. Preliminary selections will be made from each age group and asked to return for the “Selected Audition”. The Selected Audition directly follows the last age group audition on the audition day. Dancers will be asked to repeat certain choreography and possibly learn some new choreography while being further assessed on their ability to perform and apply corrections. The final cast will be selected from this group and roles will be assigned on the day. Parents/Guardians will be given a participant permission form to fill out. After this point, cast members are expected at all scheduled rehearsals based on the roles they have been assigned, any absences will have consequences that can lead to being removed from the cast. Final show casting will be determined about 3-5 weeks prior to the performance and is based on the work delivered by each cast member at the weekly rehearsals. All casting is always subject to change.
Important Information
Participants who are selected to perform are required to attend any further rehearsals scheduled over the entire Audition Weekend, as well as mandatory weekly rehearsals from that weekend forwards.
All cast members must be available for every performance, final show casting will determine exactly who is required to dance in each performance in that community. DO NOT purchase your tickets to the performance(s) until final show casting has been determined, this way you can be assured to buy tickets to the show that your dancer is appearing in. Provisions cannot be made for exchanging any tickets purchased prior to this casting.
Local Cast Audition Dates
The list of communities for The Nutcracker 2023 Local Participant programs:
| Performance City | Audition Registrations Close | Audition Date | Audition Time | Audition Location | Performance Date(s) | Performance Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touring Cast (option 1) | REGISTRATION CLOSED | Tuesday, August 15, 2023 | 5:30-6:30pm | Canada's Ballet Jörgen Studios in George Brown College, Casa Loma Campus, 160 Kendal Ave. Bldg. C, Rm. 126, Toronto, ON M5R 1M3 | Nov 22-Dec 31, 2023 | Across Ontario |
| Touring Cast (option 2) | REGISTRATION CLOSED | Tuesday, August 22, 2023 | 2:00-3:00pm | Canada's Ballet Jörgen Studios in George Brown College, Casa Loma Campus, 160 Kendal Ave. Bldg. C, Rm. 126, Toronto, ON M5R 1M3 | Nov 22-Dec 31, 2023 | Across Ontario |
| North Bay ON | REGISTRATION CLOSED | Saturday, September 9, 2023 | 9:00-12:45pm | The Capitol Centre - 150 Main St E, North Bay, ON P1B 1A8 | November 22, 2023 | The Capitol Centre |
| Orillia ON | REGISTRATION CLOSED | Saturday, September 16, 2023 | 9:30-1:15pm | Orillia Opera House - 20 Mississaga St W, Orillia, ON L3V 3A6 | November 25, 2023 | Orillia Opera House |
| Peterborough ON | REGISTRATION CLOSED | Saturday, September 9, 2023 | 9:00-12:45pm | 7 Attitudes School of Arts - 184 Marina Blvd, Peterborough, ON K9H 6M9 | November 29, 2023 | Showplace Performance Centre |
| Hamilton ON | REGISTRATION CLOSED | Sunday, September 24th 2023 | 9:30-1:15pm | Theatre Aquarius - 191 King William St, Hamilton, ON L8R 1A8 | December 2, 2023 | FirstOntario Concert Hall |
| Brantford ON | REGISTRATION CLOSED | Saturday, September 16, 2023 | 9:30-1:15pm | Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts, 88 Dalhousie St, Brantford | December 3, 2023 | Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts |
| Ottawa ON | REGISTRATION CLOSED | Saturday, October 14, 2023 | 9:00-12:45pm | Nepean Creative Arts Centre - 35 Stafford Rd, Nepean, ON K2H 8V8 | December 9 & 10, 2023 | Centrepointe Theatre |
| Brampton ON | REGISTRATION CLOSED | Sunday, October 15th 2023 | 9:30-1:15pm | Civic Centre (Dance Studio 117) - 150 Central Park Drive | December 13, 2023 | The Rose Theatre |
| Sault Ste. Marie ON | REGISTRATION CLOSED | Saturday, October 21st 2023 | 9:30-1:15pm | Studio Dance Arts - 610 Queen St. E, Sault Ste. Marie, P6A 2A4 | December 16, 2023 | Sault Community Theatre Centre |
| Guelph ON | REGISTRATION CLOSED | Saturday, September 9, 2023 | 9:15-1:15pm | Guelph Youth Music Centre | December 20 & 21, 2023 | River Run Centre |
| London | REGISTRATION CLOSED | Saturday, September 30, 2023 | 9:15-12:45pm | Lester B Pearson School for the Arts | December 23, 2023 | Centennial Hall |
| Kitchener-Waterloo - Local Cast | REGISTRATION CLOSED | Sunday, October 22nd 2023 | 10:00-2:00pm | Carousel Dance Centre | December 28, 2023 | Centre in the Square |
| Markham | REGISTRATION CLOSED | Sunday, October 1st, 2023 | 9:30-1:15pm | Flato Markham Theatre | December 30 & 31, 2023 | Flato Markham Theatre |
- All participants are selected at an audition which takes place in our Nutcracker performance season communities in the early autumn of every year. Students register in advance to audition in their own local community.
- Auditions and first rehearsals typically take place over the course of one weekend in early autumn in each participating community. After completing your online registration, you will be contacted individually with an exact audition time based on the student’s age within one week of your audition date.
- Once the cast is selected at the audition, specific roles are assigned and choreography rehearsals ensue. For auditions taking place on a Saturday morning, final selections are usually completed by noontime, leaving the remaining weekend time for choreography rehearsals. In some locations, choreography rehearsals takes place over the coming weeks. During these mandatory rehearsals, all the show choreography is taught by the CBJ repetiteur.
- A Local Rehearsal Master will then hold mandatory weekly rehearsals until the performance date(s). Based on this rehearsal process and in consultation with the CBJ repetiteur, final show casting will be determined 2-3 weeks prior to the first performance. It is recommended that parents, friends and family do not purchase their tickets until this final show casting has been announced which will ensure that they have tickets to the show that their participant is actually dancing in.
- The Cast will have on stage rehearsals with the full company the day prior and/or the day of the first performance. Local Cast members must attend all rehearsals and be available for all performances.
- Once in the Theatre with Canada’s Ballet Jörgen, the Cast is fitted for their costumes, rehearsed on stage with the lights, sets, props, costumes and Company Dancers and then released for a dinner break before the show. Pre-ordered T-shirts are handed out. A cast photo is taken by the Company after every performance. This photo will be emailed to all participants by no later than middle of January.
Local roles to be cast at each audition:
| Roles | # to be Cast | Approximate Heights | Approximate Ages in the Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frog | 2 | 4’ – 4’10” | 8 - 11 yrs |
| Bear Cub | 1 | 4’3” – 4’11” | 8 - 11 yrs |
| Chipmunk | 4 | 4’5” – 5’3" | 10 - 13 yrs |
| Squirrel | 4 | 5’2” -5’6” | 12 - 16 yrs |
| Dragonfly | 2 | 5’3” + | 14 -17 yrs |
| Beaver | 1 | 4’5” – 5’3” | One of the Chipmunks |
| White-Tailed Deer | 1 | 5’3” + | One of the Dragonflies |
The number to be cast in each role will vary with the # of performances in each venue, what is shown is the minimum # of roles to be cast. Please note that cast members may dance more than one role and the role of Dragonfly may not be cast at all – this makes the minimum total local cast – 9 local youth. And generally, the maximum local youth cast does not exceed 20.
Our Rehearsal Directors
TBA
Rehearsal Schedules
Please note that all rehearsal schedules are subject to change.
For the Audition:
- Please dress like you would for your regular ballet class or dance class – dancewear, shoes and hair-up.
- Please bring snacks and water for breaks, this keeps the positive energy up for all dancers.
- Come prepared to learn choreography, to enjoy dancing and to have a great experience with us.
For the Rehearsal(s):
- Please dress like you would for your regular ballet class or dance class – dancewear, shoes and hair-up.
- Please bring snacks and water for breaks in rehearsal, this keeps the positive energy up for all dancers.
- Frogs will need to bring an umbrella to every rehearsal.
- Squirrels will need to bring an empty backpack to every rehearsal.
For the Performance(s):
- Costumes for the show are provided by Ballet Jörgen but participants will need their own undergarments and shoes, equipment students already own for their regular dance classes (Touring Cast participants will be supplied with performance shoes).
- Upon cast member registration each participant will have the opportunity to order a keepsake Nutcracker Tour Shirt.
- A Company and Youth Cast photo will be taken at each performance and be made available to Cast members at the end of the Nutcracker performance season.
Note: Please do not eat in or drink in costume – water is allowed.
| Chipmunks and Squirrels | *Ballet slippers: pink ballet slippers (white for boys) *Body Suit and Tights: pink ballet tights (white for boys); any colour, any shape body suit *Hair: Single Braid, extra bobby pins for the hood |
| Frogs | *Ballet Slippers: pink ballet slippers (white for boys) *Body Suit and Tights: pink ballet tights (white for boys); light colour, tank/strap body suit *Hair: Single Braid, extra bobby pins (large) for the head piece |
| Dragonflies | *Ballet Slippers: black ballet slippers (we can provide them if you don’t have any) *Body Suit and Tights: footed black tights; tank or spaghetti strap body suit – any colour *Hair: French braid for under hood |
| Deer and Beavers | *Ballet Slippers: black ballet slippers if you have them, otherwise pink is fine *Body Suit and Tights: pink ballet tights, any colour, any shape body suit *Hair: Single braid |
| Bear Cub | *Ballet Slippers: black ballet or jazz shoe if you have it, otherwise pink or white ballet slipper *Body Suit and Tights: pink or white ballet tights, any colour, any shape body suit (must be low cut) & black socks *Hair: Low/mid flat bun for under hat |
NOTE: For male dancers, alternative wardrobe requirements are available, please check with the Education Coordinator for role options.
Please view the document below