About Company Performances with Students

General Information 

The Nutcracker is a TWB company production. Although the school is very involved, the TWB artistic team is in charge of casting and production decisions.  

Roles – Roles are decided by numerous company and faculty members. Decisions are based on ability for specific choreography and size appropriate to the role and costume. Roles are not given based on class level.  

Act One Roles, pick up at Intermission approx. 45 min after start of show:
Party Children including Fritz, Mice, Soldiers, Dolls, Bunnies, Equestrian and Snow Angels 

Act Two Roles with pick up at one hour 15 min after start of show:
Mushrooms, Bees, Flower Pages, Butterflies 

Act Two Roles included in Finale pick up at end of the show:
Flower Pages, Umbrella Girls, Fish Tail, Fisher Boy, Frontier and Clowns 

Casts – This year, there are 34 shows. There are multiple casts, named for jewels, and each of these casts are assigned to show dates. Each cast has several “alternates”. When a child is sick in one cast, their alternate in another cast is called to replace the sick child. Casting for 2025 will be announced by Nov. 4 (subject to change). Only the artistic team may replace an alternate, parents may not contact other alternates to perform in place of their child.  

Purchasing Tickets: Do not purchase tickets until you know your child’s specific performance dates. 

Our ticketing department will reserve seats from the general public to be released after we announce final casting. They will also create a discount code for our families which you can share. Ticket questions: tickets@washingtonballet.org 

Siblings – our staff will try their best to overlap casts for siblings.

Where do I register for the audition? Link coming soon!

Where do I see audition results: You will be emailed audition results via your ACTIVE account email 

Audition results will be announced on DATE TBD by 11:59 pm. Please do not call or email if you have not received a placement before this time has passed. There will be a new process for which audition results will be posted this year. Casting will be posted as a Cast List on the Nutcracker Student Cast portal. This portal is password protected and only accessible to students who are cast in the production. 

Accepted students will receive an email letting them know that they are cast in the production. The email will include the link and password to the Nutcracker Student Cast portal. This portal will be the main information hub for all Nutcracker students. Links to their schedules, show dates, wardrobe information, and rehearsals will all be posted on this page.  

 

The casting list will be a pdf. You can scroll through the cast list to find your students’ role. Once reviewed, all students MUST accept their role via Active. The link to do this will be posted on the portal. The deadline to accept your role is the day before the first rehearsal.  

 

If your student is unable to be cast in this years’ production, you will receive a call directly from the artistic team prior to the casting list being posted.  

How do I prepare my child for the audition and results – Whatever role they receive, you can help your child by being excited about it. Each role is special and important. If your child is not cast, let them know that this is not a reflection of their training or their potential. They gave it their best shot and they will have other opportunities to perform during their school year.  

Rehearsals – Please note that you can help your student process the rehearsals by asking them about the rehearsals, demonstrating what they learning. Rehearsals for professional productions can be tedious for a child. Please encourage your child to always pay attention especially when their alternate is rehearsing; this perspective is so helpful.  

What we can and cannot do – We are unable to take carpool requests and we cannot change casts to accommodate friend groups. We will do our best to accommodate siblings, but please keep in mind that casting and productions are complicated and not every schedule may align. You can help your student by reminding them that they will make new friends and these rehearsals and shows are a really special opportunity for your student to make connections and have a truly amazing experience on stage.  

Volunteers- At each performance we will have about 110 students on stage. We need 12-15 volunteers per performance. If you are interested in being a volunteer for one of your child’s shows please attend the Volunteer Meeting in October (date/time will be posted on our website).  

Rules and Participation Agreement 2025 –  

• Each student and guardian must sign the Nutcracker Agreement Contract prior to auditioning.
• All rehearsals, both in the studio and at the theater, are mandatory. We cannot accommodate vacation requests. There are a few rehearsals that require your student to be released early from school on specific dates. We will get that information to you as soon as we can.  

• Dismissal for absences or tardiness 

• Roles and casts are not able to be altered. You may not “switch” roles or request an alternate for any assigned dates.  

• Please find additional information via the link above. Read carefully! 

 

Open Q&A from Participants 

How many casts do we have? 3-6 casts depending on how many children audition and the needs of the production.  

What levels may be considered for each role –  

PB3- Mushroom and Bee 

1A- Bee, Snow Angel, Party, Mouse 

1B- Snow Angel, Mouse, Party, Flower Page, Little Fishtail, Fisher Boy 

2- Doll (that come out of the tree), Soldier, Flower Page, Party, Little Fishtail, Fisher Boy 

3-Soldier, Party, Doll, Flower Page, Clown, Fritz  

4a-Soldier, Valley Forge Bunny (with Soldiers), Clown 

4b- Valley Forge Bunny, Clown, Little Butterfly 

5- Valley Forge Bunny, Little Butterfly, Frontier Girl 

6- Little Butterfly, Frontier Girl, Equestrian (horse in battle scene) 

7-Frontier Girl, Equestrian (horse in battle scene) 

8- Frontier, Umbrella Girl, Clara’s Girl Friend 

What are auditions like?  Students will be dropped off at the entrance to the main building at 3515 Wisconsin Ave and picked up at the same entrance. Our staff will greet you and direct the students to the studio immediately inside the entrance where they will check in and receive an audition number. Older students will assist younger students as we move from the check-in room to the audition room on the first floor. Our team is super friendly and will teach choreography to the students first and then audition groups of about 4 at a time. Older students will go to a warmup class first where choreography will be introduced. They will then move to the audition studio and be ready to go.  

Audition results will be posted by 11pm on the Wednesday following auditions. If your child has received a role you will then be able to click on the rehearsal schedule that will show you the specific day and times for the given role.  

Do parents wait outside during auditions – Yes, we’ll have older students and faculty to help inside. They will be dismissed at the front door.  

What if we’ve already made vacation plans? – Being a part of this production is an amazing experience, but it does require a full commitment. If you already have travel plans for this year, please choose another year to participate when your child can fully commit. Last year we had a family leave after Christmas which left the alternates to pick up those shows in addition to their own schedule. This is not fair to all the families who do fully commit. Alternates should only be called in case of emergency such as illness.  

Rehearsal times – Our staff has attempted to schedule rehearsals at times that do not conflict with regular classes but with multiple levels within a role this is almost an impossible task. If your child is called to a rehearsal that conflicts with class time you may choose to decline the role this year. You may also ask your campus’ admin team if make-up classes can be arranged.  NW: school@washingtonballet.org SE twsbse@washingtonballet.org

When are we called to the theater? – Call Time is one hour prior to show time. If your child’s performance is at 7pm, Student Call Time is at 6pm. Students should all be signed in at the theatre within 5 minutes of Call Time. Students who are only in Act One will be released at Intermission, approx.. 45 min after the start of the show. Students in the opening of Act Two will be released about 1.25 hours after the start of the show. Students in the Finale scene will be released at the end of the performance.  

Do schools usually let the children out early for early call-times? Yes 

Rehearsals – both Saturdays and Sundays. 1-2 hours per day. Once roles are cast, you will be ablet to see your role’s rehearsal schedule in the Nutcracker Student Portal.

What if my child is sick – If your child is sick, please let us know immediately. Unfortunately, if a child is unable to participate in multiple rehearsals, they will be unable to catch up with the choreography and may be released from the show. We do not have the ability to “make up” rehearsals.  

What happens if we are watching the show, do we have to get a ticket for our child to see Act Two if we pick up at Intermission- Parents who are in the audience may leave their child backstage for the entire show and pick up immediately at the end of the show (young children become anxious if parents are late for pick-up). Please discuss your plans with your child at drop off prior to the show. Make sure you are clear that you are picking up at the end of the show and not at the usual pick-up time. If you have a child who is released at intermission and would like to see Act Two you must purchase a seat. Our ticketing department will reserve seats from the general public to be released after we announce final casting. They will also create a discount code for our families which you can share.  

More questions: email mgarland@washingtonballet.org

 

The Nutcracker Tea date to be announced soon!

This special event is held at the Waldorf Astoria and directly benefits The Washington School of Ballet’s Tuition Assistance and Scholarship initiative. Find out more about what you can enjoy here:

General Audition Information

Auditions are open to students in good standing* who are enrolled in 2025.26 School Year programs at our NW and SE campuses.

The children’s cast have specific height and level requirements. Please read requirements carefully before registering. Note that there are a limited number of roles. Not every auditioning student will be cast.

Casting is determined by both the repetiteurs and the artistic team. Depending on the cast size or other changes to the production, not every auditioning student may be cast.

Auditions are level-specific and cannot be rescheduled. If a student is unable to participate in the audition, they will not be cast. Students who are cast must be present at ALL the following rehearsal weekends and all scheduled tech and dress rehearsals, and all performance dates.

*Good Standing qualifies as being up to date on all payments, and students must maintain a minimum of 80% attendance rate in classes.

Important Registration Dates

Registration will open on Friday, December 19th at 12:00 am and close on Thursday, January 8th at 11:59 pm. Registration will be through our ACTIVE system. Registration is required to audition. There is no additional cost to audition. 

Link Coming Soon

Spring Performance Conflict for Students: Information coming soon!

Audition Date and Location

Saturday, January 10th at the Main Building (3515 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016).

Audition Times, Levels, and *Height Requirements

*Due to costume sizing, students must meet the height ranges in addition to the level requirements to audition.

Eligibility: Levels 4A through Junior Trainee (male and female dancers)

Audition time: TBD

Height Requirements: Female students 5’7″ and below. Male students have no height requirements.

Rehearsal & Performance Dates

Mandatory Rehearsals

Location: Main Building – 3515 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington DC

*dates are tentative and subject to change.

• Saturday, January 17th  

• Saturday, January 24th  

• Saturday, January 31st  

• Sunday, February 8th  

• Sunday, February 15th  

• Wednesday, February 18th – 2:30 pm 
• Thursday, February 19th – 2:30 pm 

Performances

Sidney Harmon Hall – 610 F St NW, Washington, DC

Tech Dates: 

• Tuesday, February 24th  

• Wednesday, February 25th  

• Thursday, February 26th  

• Wednesday, March 4th  

Performance Dates 

• Friday, February 27th – 7:30 pm 

• Saturday, February 28th – 7:30 pm 

• Sunday, March 1st – 2 pm 

• Thursday, March 5th – 7:30 pm 

• Friday, March 6th – 7:30 pm 

• Saturday, March 7th – 2 pm 

• Saturday, March 7th – 7:30 pm 

• Sunday, March 8th – 2 pm 

We aim to release ticket & performance information when casting is released

• Parent Information Session: INFO TBA
• Casting Decisions: Casting is determined by the repetiteurs and the artistic team. Roles are limited, and not all auditioning students will be cast. Casting will be sent out by TBA
• Rehearsals & Performances: Attendance is mandatory for all scheduled rehearsal weekends, technical and dress rehearsals, and performance dates.  
  • If a student is unable to audition or participate in the required dates, they cannot be cast. 
• Spring Performance Conflict for Students: INFO TBA
• Tickets: We aim to have student performance dates and ticket information when casting is released. 
• Good Standing: Students must maintain a minimum of 80% class attendance and be up to date on all payments. 

General Audition Information

Auditions are open to students in good standing* who are enrolled in 2025.26 School Year programs at our NW and SE campuses.

The children’s cast have specific height and level requirements. Please read requirements carefully before registering. Note that there are a limited number of roles. Not every auditioning student will be cast.

Casting is determined by both the repetiteurs and the artistic team. Depending on the cast size or other changes to the production, not every auditioning student may be cast.

Auditions are level-specific and cannot be rescheduled. If a student is unable to participate in the audition, they will not be cast. Students who are cast must be present at ALL the following rehearsal weekends and all scheduled tech and dress rehearsals, and all performance dates.

*Good Standing qualifies as being up to date on all payments, and students must maintain a minimum of 80% attendance rate in classes.

Important Registration Dates

Registration will open on Friday, January 23rd at 12:00 am and close on Thursday, February 23rd at 11:59 pm. Registration will be through our ACTIVE system. Registration is required to audition. There is no additional cost to audition. 

Link Coming Soon

Spring Performance Conflict for Students: Information coming soon!

Audition Date and Location

Saturday, February 7th, at the Main Building (3515 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016).

Audition Times, Levels, and *Height Requirements

*Due to costume sizing, students must meet the height ranges in addition to the level requirements to audition.

Audition Times: TBD

Eligibility: Level 1A – Junior Trainees

Height Requirements:

Levels	Height Max
Level 1A-3	4’9″
Level 4A-5	5’3″
Level 6-Junior Trainee	5’7″

Note: Due to costume sizing, students must meet the specified height and level requirements to audition. Details about overlapping height and level ranges coming soon.

Rehearsal & Performance Dates

Mandatory Rehearsals

Location: Main Building – 3515 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington DC

*dates are tentative and subject to change.

• Saturday, March 14 

• Saturday, March 21st 

• Saturday, March 28th 

• Saturday, April 4th 

• Saturday, April 11th  

• No rehearsals over TWSB Spring Break  

• Saturday, April 25th  

• Sunday, April 26th – Company Put Together – Tentative 
• Sunday, May 3rd – Company Put Together  

Tech Dates

Location: Kennedy Center – 2700 F St NW, Washington DC

• Tuesday, May 12th  

• Wednesday, May 13th  

Performances

Location: Kennedy Center – 2700 F St NW, Washington DC

• Thursday, May 14th – 8 pm 

• Friday, May 15th – 8 pm 

• Saturday, May 16th – 2pm 

• Saturday, May 16th – 8 pm 

• Sunday, May 17th – 2 pm 

We aim to release ticket & performance information when casting is released

• Parent Information Session: INFO TBA
• Casting Decisions: Casting is determined by the repetiteurs and the artistic team. Roles are limited, and not all auditioning students will be cast. Casting will be sent out by TBA
• Rehearsals & Performances: Attendance is mandatory for all scheduled rehearsal weekends, technical and dress rehearsals, and performance dates.  
  • If a student is unable to audition or participate in the required dates, they cannot be cast. 
• Spring Performance Conflict for Students: INFO TBA
• Tickets: We aim to have student performance dates and ticket information when casting is released. 
• Good Standing: Students must maintain a minimum of 80% class attendance and be up to date on all payments.