Student Handbook
Parents and participants are asked to read this handbook in its entirety, and to keep it for the duration of the Nutcracker Season. It is expected that parents and participants understand and agree to abide by all details listed within this handbook.
AUDITION INFORMATION
UPON ARRIVAL
ELIGIBILITY
AUDITION ATTIRE
POSTING OF AUDITION RESULTS
Audition results will be posted within 2 weeks of the auditions. We will email the results, or call the dancers personally.
NUTCRACKER MEMBER FEES
The Sunshine Coast Nutcracker has a non-refundable membership fee of $25, which must be paid by cash or check. If more than one member of an immediate family is cast in the Nutcracker, the fee is $50/family. Fees are paid directly to the Sunshine Coast Youth Dance Association. Please make cheques payable to: SCYDA
There are no other fees associated with participating in the Sunshine Coast Nutcracker. All rehearsals, training, costumes, etc are provided by The Sunshine Coast Nutcracker (SCN). The costumes supplied will remain the property of SCN. You will be expected to pay for your child's tights, shoes, make-up, hair products and other personal items.
PAPERWORK: Terms and Conditions, Letter of Agreement
A signed letter of agreement, including terms and conditions, and the release letter, are required for all cast members and must be turned in by the first rehearsal. The letter of agreement is included in this packet. Dancers 19 years of age and older must sign this letter. A parent or guardian must sign for each cast member younger than 19 years of age
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
The majority of rehearsals will take place between September & December 2021. Saturdays & Sundays will be the primary scheduled days. Rehearsals will take place in both Gibsons and Sechelt. Schedules will be posted in 3 week intervals over the rehearsal season and will vary in timing based on the needs of the choreographers and progress of the dancers.
PERFORMANCE DATES & DRESS REHEARSALS
The Sunshine Coast Nutcracker 2021 production is scheduled to be performed December 16 - 20th, 2021. The majority of dancers will be divided between 2 casts. Cast A & Cast B. Each cast of younger children will dance an evening show but not necessarily dance in all performances. Olders dancers may be assigned to dance in all performances.
The scheduled performance dates at the Heritage Playhouse Theatre are as follows:
COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS
Rehearsals
We will have a rehearsal schedule emailed to each dancer & posted on our private Facebook page. On the registration form there is a prior commitment section. We will work around the other dance commitments in the community, and do our best to work around other schedules, if possible. (i.e. soccer!)
All rehearsals, including dress rehearsals, are considered “closed rehearsals,” meaning only participants (no parents) are allowed to be inside of rehearsal space.
Dancers will participate in scheduled rehearsals which are mandatory without prior permission. Dress rehearsals held during the performance week will include the entire cast. Dancers are expected to arrive and be ready to rehearse by their call time (arrival time). Dancers should arrive with hair and makeup done (based on specific guidelines given for each participant’s role), and be ready to dress in their costume (with leotard, tights, and shoes on). If a participant has multiple roles/costumes, please arrive ready for the first role rehearsed.
COMMUNICATION
Communication will be through email. Please make sure you provide us with your current address.
UNDERSTUDIES
Several roles are cast with an understudy to fulfill the role in case a need arises. Understudies are expected to attend all rehearsals for any role they are cast as an understudy. Understudies are valuable roles and integral to the efficiency of a production.
COSTUMES
Costumes are provided by the Sunshine Coast Nutcracker. These costumes are not for dancers to keep or bring home. Female dancers are required to wear light pink tights and pink ballet shoes (pointe and character shoes dependent upon role, if required), provided by the participant. It is also recommended that all dancers supply for themselves and wear nude bodysuits under their costumes. Shoes and tights must be clean and without rips or stains. Tights are the responsibility of the participant. It is highly recommended to send dancers with an extra pair of tights on the performance day, and to plan ahead by purchasing extra tights during the month of November.
Make up is required for all roles. The purpose of make-up is for the audience to be able to see facial expressions clearly. Hair/makeup specifications will be given to each role along with costume specifications.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
Rehearsal scheduling is at the discretion of the artistic staff, and attendance is MANDATORY. No unexcused absences will be permitted. Due to the limited time available to produce the Sunshine Coast Nutcracker for the December production dates, no more than 2 excused absences will be permitted. There is simply not enough time to make up missed material.
Excused absences include: illness, injury, family emergencies, previously arranged conflicting activity. Excused absences must be communicated with the directors or choreographers, prior to the event if possible.
Unexcused absences include: failure to arrange rides, shopping trips to Vancouver, birthday parties, and extra curricular activities not previously arranged with the Sunshine Coast Nutcracker rehearsal staff (ie. track meets, other sports related events, music events, etc)
ALTHOUGH EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO ADHERE TO THIS SCHEDULE, WE ASK THAT YOU CHECK YOUR EMAIL FREQUENTLY IN CASE OF NECESSARY CHANGES.
BEHAVIOUR POLICY
Self-discipline and a respectful attitude is required. Each participant must:
.
SELF PRACTICE REQUIREMENT
Each dancer is expected to practice on their own between rehearsals. We schedule a minimum of rehearsal time for each dance in order not to monopolize your spare time. This is especially important for solos and small ensemble pieces. Even though you are awarded a specific role, it is important that you work to maintain the level of technical execution required to fulfill the role through to performance. Choreography for some roles can be adjusted according to the dancers who are doing those roles ~ other roles have specific requirements and more technically demanding ~ only dancers with these skills will be given those roles
VOLUNTEER REEQUIREMENTS
The Coasting Along Theatre Society is supported ENTIRELY by volunteers. The opportunity for your dancer, and the community, to experience the Nutcracker Ballet is only possible because of these great volunteers!
Volunteers are the key to a successful production. We have over 100 volunteer positions ranging from set and costume preparation to ticket booth sales and backstage chaperones. Volunteer positions are posted on our website. It is expected that ALL Nutcracker participant families fill at least one volunteer shift during the Nutcracker season.
Only parents who are designated as backstage volunteers (chaperones, runners) will be allowed past the security table during rehearsal and performance days. If you think your child may want you with them, please sign up for chaperone duty.
give his/her full attention/effort to participate in "Nutcracker". No one should begin rehearsals only to drop out when something else becomes available.
COMMITTEES
Parents are required to help with some aspect of "Nutcracker". Committees are:
1. SETS ~ Repair or repaint existing sets - NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
2. PROPS ~ Repair, refurbish or replace existing props (AT HOME PROJECT)
3. MAKEUP ~ a one Performance or Dress Rehearsal commitment
4. HAIR ~ curling, fixing, making sure all heads are coiffed beautifully
5. DRESSERS ~ a one Performance or Dress Rehearsal commitment
6. PACKING ~ Several people are needed to help pack all costumes, hats, props, etc.
7. LOAD IN/OUT ~ Man or woman-power needed to move everything to the theatre during production week. It requires several people to load the truck and unpack it at the theatre. Also need help to tear down after the final Performance. This is not so much muscle as it is lots of hands to gather everything together.
8. PUBLICITY ~ IMPORTANT COMMITTEE! We prepare flyers and necessary information for you to give to your church bulletins, civic organizations, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church groups, nursing homes, public service
announcements for local radio stations. It’s more than simply hanging posters. WITHOUT PUBLICITY WE HAVE NO AUDIENCE.
9. COSTUMES ~ Make alterations, sew-on buttons, etc. (take-home projects), press costumes. Help is also needed to gather costumes after the finalPerformance.
10. STAGE CREW ~ Need 10 people (male or female). Must have the same group for all performances and rehearsals as duties must be assigned. MEN VERY HELPFUL - NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.
11. FUNDRAISING ~ ad selling, letter writing, helping to find additional sponsors, even organizing a Nutcracker Ball! The possibilities are endless.
12. BOX OFFICE ~ Ticket Sales – Scotiabank during business hours, and man Box Office phone. Tickets will go on sale in November.
Parents and participants are asked to read this handbook in its entirety, and to keep it for the duration of the Nutcracker Season. It is expected that parents and participants understand and agree to abide by all details listed within this handbook.
AUDITION INFORMATION
UPON ARRIVAL
- Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled audition time to sign in and complete registration
- Each dancer will be given an audition number upon arrival
- Each participant must pay a $25 membership fee. There are no other associated fees associated with participating in theSunshine Coast Nutcracker.
- Parents must complete and sign associated paperwork
- Dancers should arrive in dance attire with hair tied back in a bun for girls and kept neat for boys. (See Dance Attire for further information)
ELIGIBILITY
- Dancers must be committed to attending all rehearsals and performances.
- Dancers must be at least 7 years of age by December 31, 2021, with a minimum of 1-year dance experience.
- Dancers must remain enrolled in a minimum 1 class per week in each style they wish to perform in for the 2021-2022 dance season (ie. Ballet, Acro, Contemporary, etc) This can be done at any of the local dance studios. Ballet is recommended as the primary class of choice.
- Dancers participating in more advanced ballet roles are expected to maintain a higher level of weekly training at their studio.
AUDITION ATTIRE
- GIRLS: Ballet Attire preferred: Leotard, ballet tights (convertible tights recommended) & ballet slippers. Hair in a neat ballet bun or pinned back for shorter hair styles.
- Pointe Shoes for those that it applies to
- BOYS: Dance pants & shirt. Black ballet slippers or barefoot. Hair neat and kept off face.
- Tap shoes are required for those auditioning for the Tap roles.
POSTING OF AUDITION RESULTS
Audition results will be posted within 2 weeks of the auditions. We will email the results, or call the dancers personally.
NUTCRACKER MEMBER FEES
The Sunshine Coast Nutcracker has a non-refundable membership fee of $25, which must be paid by cash or check. If more than one member of an immediate family is cast in the Nutcracker, the fee is $50/family. Fees are paid directly to the Sunshine Coast Youth Dance Association. Please make cheques payable to: SCYDA
There are no other fees associated with participating in the Sunshine Coast Nutcracker. All rehearsals, training, costumes, etc are provided by The Sunshine Coast Nutcracker (SCN). The costumes supplied will remain the property of SCN. You will be expected to pay for your child's tights, shoes, make-up, hair products and other personal items.
PAPERWORK: Terms and Conditions, Letter of Agreement
A signed letter of agreement, including terms and conditions, and the release letter, are required for all cast members and must be turned in by the first rehearsal. The letter of agreement is included in this packet. Dancers 19 years of age and older must sign this letter. A parent or guardian must sign for each cast member younger than 19 years of age
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
The majority of rehearsals will take place between September & December 2021. Saturdays & Sundays will be the primary scheduled days. Rehearsals will take place in both Gibsons and Sechelt. Schedules will be posted in 3 week intervals over the rehearsal season and will vary in timing based on the needs of the choreographers and progress of the dancers.
PERFORMANCE DATES & DRESS REHEARSALS
The Sunshine Coast Nutcracker 2021 production is scheduled to be performed December 16 - 20th, 2021. The majority of dancers will be divided between 2 casts. Cast A & Cast B. Each cast of younger children will dance an evening show but not necessarily dance in all performances. Olders dancers may be assigned to dance in all performances.
The scheduled performance dates at the Heritage Playhouse Theatre are as follows:
- Thursday, December 16th (evening)
- Friday, December 17th (evening)
- Saturday, December 18th (matinee and evening)
- Sunday, December 19th (matinee & evening)
- Monday, December 20th (matinee & evening)
- Saturday, December 11th
- Sunday, December 12th
COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS
Rehearsals
We will have a rehearsal schedule emailed to each dancer & posted on our private Facebook page. On the registration form there is a prior commitment section. We will work around the other dance commitments in the community, and do our best to work around other schedules, if possible. (i.e. soccer!)
All rehearsals, including dress rehearsals, are considered “closed rehearsals,” meaning only participants (no parents) are allowed to be inside of rehearsal space.
Dancers will participate in scheduled rehearsals which are mandatory without prior permission. Dress rehearsals held during the performance week will include the entire cast. Dancers are expected to arrive and be ready to rehearse by their call time (arrival time). Dancers should arrive with hair and makeup done (based on specific guidelines given for each participant’s role), and be ready to dress in their costume (with leotard, tights, and shoes on). If a participant has multiple roles/costumes, please arrive ready for the first role rehearsed.
COMMUNICATION
Communication will be through email. Please make sure you provide us with your current address.
UNDERSTUDIES
Several roles are cast with an understudy to fulfill the role in case a need arises. Understudies are expected to attend all rehearsals for any role they are cast as an understudy. Understudies are valuable roles and integral to the efficiency of a production.
COSTUMES
Costumes are provided by the Sunshine Coast Nutcracker. These costumes are not for dancers to keep or bring home. Female dancers are required to wear light pink tights and pink ballet shoes (pointe and character shoes dependent upon role, if required), provided by the participant. It is also recommended that all dancers supply for themselves and wear nude bodysuits under their costumes. Shoes and tights must be clean and without rips or stains. Tights are the responsibility of the participant. It is highly recommended to send dancers with an extra pair of tights on the performance day, and to plan ahead by purchasing extra tights during the month of November.
Make up is required for all roles. The purpose of make-up is for the audience to be able to see facial expressions clearly. Hair/makeup specifications will be given to each role along with costume specifications.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
Rehearsal scheduling is at the discretion of the artistic staff, and attendance is MANDATORY. No unexcused absences will be permitted. Due to the limited time available to produce the Sunshine Coast Nutcracker for the December production dates, no more than 2 excused absences will be permitted. There is simply not enough time to make up missed material.
Excused absences include: illness, injury, family emergencies, previously arranged conflicting activity. Excused absences must be communicated with the directors or choreographers, prior to the event if possible.
Unexcused absences include: failure to arrange rides, shopping trips to Vancouver, birthday parties, and extra curricular activities not previously arranged with the Sunshine Coast Nutcracker rehearsal staff (ie. track meets, other sports related events, music events, etc)
ALTHOUGH EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO ADHERE TO THIS SCHEDULE, WE ASK THAT YOU CHECK YOUR EMAIL FREQUENTLY IN CASE OF NECESSARY CHANGES.
BEHAVIOUR POLICY
Self-discipline and a respectful attitude is required. Each participant must:
.
- Pay attention and not climb or swing on barres or other equipment in the rehearsal
- Arrive on time & in proper dance attire (See Audition Attire Requirements for reference).
- Be ready to learn and maintain focus throughout rehearsals.
- Be respectful to all staff and other participants.
- Refrain from loud talking and respect the personal space of others.
- Take all rehearsals seriously and respect the privilege of participating in a professional
- Have a positive attitude and be inclusive to all. The Sunshine Coast Nutcracker is one
SELF PRACTICE REQUIREMENT
Each dancer is expected to practice on their own between rehearsals. We schedule a minimum of rehearsal time for each dance in order not to monopolize your spare time. This is especially important for solos and small ensemble pieces. Even though you are awarded a specific role, it is important that you work to maintain the level of technical execution required to fulfill the role through to performance. Choreography for some roles can be adjusted according to the dancers who are doing those roles ~ other roles have specific requirements and more technically demanding ~ only dancers with these skills will be given those roles
VOLUNTEER REEQUIREMENTS
The Coasting Along Theatre Society is supported ENTIRELY by volunteers. The opportunity for your dancer, and the community, to experience the Nutcracker Ballet is only possible because of these great volunteers!
Volunteers are the key to a successful production. We have over 100 volunteer positions ranging from set and costume preparation to ticket booth sales and backstage chaperones. Volunteer positions are posted on our website. It is expected that ALL Nutcracker participant families fill at least one volunteer shift during the Nutcracker season.
Only parents who are designated as backstage volunteers (chaperones, runners) will be allowed past the security table during rehearsal and performance days. If you think your child may want you with them, please sign up for chaperone duty.
give his/her full attention/effort to participate in "Nutcracker". No one should begin rehearsals only to drop out when something else becomes available.
COMMITTEES
Parents are required to help with some aspect of "Nutcracker". Committees are:
1. SETS ~ Repair or repaint existing sets - NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
2. PROPS ~ Repair, refurbish or replace existing props (AT HOME PROJECT)
3. MAKEUP ~ a one Performance or Dress Rehearsal commitment
4. HAIR ~ curling, fixing, making sure all heads are coiffed beautifully
5. DRESSERS ~ a one Performance or Dress Rehearsal commitment
6. PACKING ~ Several people are needed to help pack all costumes, hats, props, etc.
7. LOAD IN/OUT ~ Man or woman-power needed to move everything to the theatre during production week. It requires several people to load the truck and unpack it at the theatre. Also need help to tear down after the final Performance. This is not so much muscle as it is lots of hands to gather everything together.
8. PUBLICITY ~ IMPORTANT COMMITTEE! We prepare flyers and necessary information for you to give to your church bulletins, civic organizations, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church groups, nursing homes, public service
announcements for local radio stations. It’s more than simply hanging posters. WITHOUT PUBLICITY WE HAVE NO AUDIENCE.
9. COSTUMES ~ Make alterations, sew-on buttons, etc. (take-home projects), press costumes. Help is also needed to gather costumes after the finalPerformance.
10. STAGE CREW ~ Need 10 people (male or female). Must have the same group for all performances and rehearsals as duties must be assigned. MEN VERY HELPFUL - NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.
11. FUNDRAISING ~ ad selling, letter writing, helping to find additional sponsors, even organizing a Nutcracker Ball! The possibilities are endless.
12. BOX OFFICE ~ Ticket Sales – Scotiabank during business hours, and man Box Office phone. Tickets will go on sale in November.