Nutcracker Local Participant Program 2021
Canada’s Ballet Jörgen is thrilled to be running the Nutcracker Local Participant program in select Ontario communities! Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s programs will look a little different. While participation in this program is still through audition and will include weekly rehearsals, the format in each performance city will be slightly different. Please review the information for your performance city in detail, below.
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 Canada’s Ballet Jörgen’s The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition.
Audition Information
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 will hear back from us to confirm your exact audition time and Zoom login details. Registrants are organized into time slots based on age groups.
How the Virtual 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. We ask that you please have enough space to do a pique arabesque and jumping jacks in a circle. You will be asked to dance choreography that we teach you. The CBJ 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” later that same day. 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 availability of home dance schools to support the rehearsal process will also be considered in the selection process. The final cast will be selected from this group. Parents/Guardians will be sent 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.
Important Information
Participants who are selected to perform are required to attend all mandatory weekly rehearsals.
How the Program Works
Please note that program details are specific to each city. Please check your City for further information.
- All participants are selected at an audition which takes place via Zoom. Students must register in advance to audition.
- After completing your online registration, you will be contacted individually with an exact audition time based on the student’s age.
- Once the cast is selected at the audition, specific roles are assigned and choreography rehearsals ensue. All the show choreography is taught by the CBJ repetiteur.
- All rehearsals throughout the rehearsal process are mandatory.
Virtual Youth Cast Roles in The Nutcracker, a Canadian Tradition
In order to keep this program as safe as possible and to reduce the number of contacts that each participant has, we will be working with home studio cohorts. Casting selections will be made with a view to creating home studio cohorts according to role, such that selected Frogs would come from the same home studio, Dragonflies from another studio, etc. There can be up to four cohorts in each city – Frogs, Chipmunks, Squirrels, and Dragonflies.
Roles to be cast at the audition:
| Roles | # to be Cast | Approximate Heights | Approximate Ages in the Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frog | 2-4 | 4’ – 4’10” | 8 - 11 yrs |
| Chipmunk | 4-8 | 4’5” – 5’3" | 10 - 13 yrs |
| Squirrel | 4-8 | 5’2” -5’6” | 12 - 16 yrs |
| Dragonfly | 2-4 | 5’3” + | 14 -17 yrs |
| School House Children | 4-8 | 4’5” – 5’6” | 12-17 yrs |
Testimonials
My daughter was in the production here in Charlottetown, but even if she was not chosen to be in it, it was still a wonderful show. I must also thank you for including local talent in your show. I can speak for the other parents and their children and say that the experience they had being a part of your show was just amazing. The girls all had a great time rehearsing and a very good experience the day of the show. Thank you very much for giving them the opportunity to be part of something very special. We hope to see you again on our Island.
Heather Ross
Charlottetown, PEI
I just wanted to tell you how much [my daughter] enjoyed being a part of your Nutcracker production and how much we enjoyed watching it. I was really impressed with the beauty of the show; at times my breath was literally taken away. I was proud that my daughter was a part of such a high calibre production. The way you let the local children have a good amount of stage time and their own special bow was very much appreciated.
Jane Wheeler,
Fredricton, NB
My daughter was very fortunate to be chosen to play one of the frogs in the ballet. She loved having the opportunity to gain more experience in dance. Thanks once again.
The Woollacott Family
Peterborough, ON
I have been dancing since I was three years old and the opportunity to be a small part of the Nutcracker is the highlight of all my years of taking ballet. It was fantastic watching such great dancers up close and this will be an experience I will never forget.
Local Cast Member
CBJ’s Appropriate Physical Contact in Dance Policy
Please view the document below for the policy
Local Participant Program – Guelph, ON
Circumstances have changed in Guelph and we will no longer be proceeding with auditions for an in-person local cast. Should you have any questions, please reach out to elise@balletjorgen.ca.
Local Participant Program – Hamilton, ON
Performance Date: Saturday, December 4, 2021
Audition Date: Monday, September 27, 2021
Audition Time: 5:00-8:30pm
Audition Location: Zoom – the zoom link will be sent by email with your audition time following registration
The Hamilton Local Participant Program is running in a hybrid format. Please read ALL INFORMATION BELOW to understand how the program will run in Hamilton.
All COVID-19 protocols will be followed at each location we are working in. For further details, please contact Elise Tigges – elise@balletjorgen.ca
Important Dates – Hamilton 2021
Nutcracker auditions 2021 will be held virtually using the Zoom platform. Audition selections will create cohorts of dancers in an effort to reduce contacts in the early stages of the program. In these cohorts, dancers will rehearse with those with whom they already have regular contact in their home studios. The rehearsal process will be in three phases – Early, Middle, and Late Stage Rehearsals. For Middle & Late Stage rehearsals, dancers will need support from their studios, therefore students registering to audition in Hamilton MUST have conversations with their home studio to ensure that they have access to studio space for Middle & Late Stage rehearsals. We will be in touch with studios prior to the audition and casting to double check that studio space will be available.
Please see below (Middle Phase & Late Phase Rehearsals) for more information about rehearsals in home studios.
Auditions:
Auditions will be conducted virtually via Zoom. Dancers will audition from their own locations. We ask that you please have enough space to do a pique arabesque and jumping jacks in a circle. You will be asked to dance choreography that we teach you. The CBJ 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. Some dancers will be asked to return for the Selected Audition later that same evening. The final cast will be selected from this group. 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, as well as studio cohort availability. Please click the Roles Tab above for more details about the different roles to understand which roles you may be eligible for based on age and height.
Early Phase Rehearsals – Initial Rehearsals/Learning Choreography:
For the first few rehearsals, choreography will be taught virtually by CBJ rehearsal directors using the Zoom platform with dancers in their own spaces. We ask that you please have enough space to do a pique arabesque and jumping jacks in a circle. These virtual rehearsals are scheduled for Sundays, and will run in the morning or afternoon based on the home dance studio cohort availability needed during middle and late phase rehearsals. The length of time needed for these early rehearsals in home studios will depend on the role– some roles needing 1 ¼ hours rehearsal, while others will need ½ hour time slot.
Middle Phase Rehearsals
Consistent with public health directives at the time and with the participation of home studios, in-person cohort rehearsals begin mid-October until the performance date. Each cohort of Frogs/Chipmunks/Squirrels/Dragonflies will rehearse in-person at their home studio with the rehearsal being led virtually by the CBJ rehearsal directors. Please note, students registering to audition MUST have conversations with their home studio to ensure that they have access to studio space for these rehearsals.
These cohort rehearsals are scheduled for Sundays with some flexibility for home studios to select Sunday morning or Sunday afternoon time slots. The length of time needed for cohort rehearsals in home studios will depend on the cohort role –some roles needing 1 ¼ hours rehearsal, while others will need ½ hour time slot.
Late Phase Rehearsals (including Mandatory Cleaning Rehearsal – November 14)
Consistent with public health directives at the time and with the participation of home studios, late Phase rehearsals will continue in much the same format as the Middle Phase Rehearsals, except for the Cleaning Rehearsal and pre-show rehearsals with the Company at the theatre. Dancers must be available all day for the Cleaning Rehearsal on Sunday, November 14, as well as for the pre-show rehearsals and performance dates at the theatre on Friday, December 3 & Sunday, December 4. Please note, students registering to audition MUST have conversations with their home studio to ensure that they have access to studio space for rehearsals.
Pre-Performance Rehearsals & Performance
Dancers will need to be available throughout the day on Friday, December 3 for costume fittings and in person rehearsal, and rehearsal and performance on Saturday, December 4 with the Company at FirstOntario Concert Hall.
Local Participant Program – Huntsville, ON
Performance Date: Saturday, November 20, 2021
Audition Date: Saturday, September 25, 2021
Audition Time: 1:30-5:00pm
Audition Location: Zoom – the zoom link will be sent by email with your audition time following registration
The Huntsville Local Participant Program is running in a hybrid format. Please read ALL INFORMATION BELOW to understand how the program will run in Huntsville.
All COVID-19 protocols will be followed at each location we are working in. For further details, please contact Elise Tigges – elise@balletjorgen.ca
Important Dates – Huntsville 2021
Nutcracker auditions 2021 will be held virtually using the Zoom platform. Audition selections will create cohorts of dancers in an effort to reduce contacts in the early stages of the program. In these cohorts, dancers will rehearse with those with whom they already have regular contact in their home studios. The rehearsal process will be in three phases – Early, Middle, and Late Stage Rehearsals. For Middle & Late Stage rehearsals, dancers will need support from their studios, therefore students registering to audition in Huntsville MUST have conversations with their home studio to ensure that they have access to studio space for Middle & Late Stage rehearsals. We will be in touch with studios prior to the audition and casting to double check that studio space will be available.
Please see below (Middle Phase & Late Phase Rehearsals) for more information about rehearsals in home studios.
Auditions:
Auditions will be conducted virtually via Zoom. Dancers will audition from their own locations. We ask that you please have enough space to do a pique arabesque and jumping jacks in a circle. You will be asked to dance choreography that we teach you. The CBJ 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. Some dancers will be asked to return for the Selected Audition later that same afternoon. The final cast will be selected from this group. 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, as well as studio cohort availability. Please click the Roles Tab above for more details about the different roles to understand which roles you may be eligible for based on age and height.
Early Phase Rehearsals – Initial Rehearsals/Learning Choreography:
For the first few rehearsals, choreography will be taught virtually by CBJ rehearsal directors using the Zoom platform with dancers in their own spaces. We ask that you please have enough space to do a pique arabesque and jumping jacks in a circle. These virtual rehearsals are scheduled for Sundays, and will run in the morning or afternoon based on the home dance studio cohort availability needed during middle and late phase rehearsals. The length of time needed for these early rehearsals in home studios will depend on the role– some roles needing 1 ¼ hours rehearsal, while others will need ½ hour time slot.
Middle Phase Rehearsals
Consistent with public health directives at the time and with the participation of home studios, in-person cohort rehearsals begin mid-October until the performance date. Each cohort of Frogs/Chipmunks/Squirrels/Dragonflies will rehearse in-person at their home studio with the rehearsal being led virtually by the CBJ rehearsal directors. Please note, students registering to audition MUST have conversations with their home studio to ensure that they have access to studio space for these rehearsals.
These cohort rehearsals are scheduled for Sundays with some flexibility for home studios to select Sunday morning or Sunday afternoon time slots. The length of time needed for cohort rehearsals in home studios will depend on the cohort role –some roles needing 1 ¼ hours rehearsal, while others will need ½ hour time slot.
Late Phase Rehearsals (including mandatory Cleaning Rehearsal on November 7)
Consistent with public health directives at the time and with the participation of home studios, late Phase rehearsals will continue in much the same format as the Middle Phase Rehearsals, except for the Cleaning Rehearsal and pre-show rehearsals with the Company at the theatre. Dancers must be available all day for the Cleaning Rehearsal on Sunday, November 7, as well as for the pre-show rehearsals and performance dates at the theatre on Friday, November 19 & Sunday, November 20. Please note, students registering to audition MUST have conversations with their home studio to ensure that they have access to studio space for rehearsals.
Pre-Performance Rehearsals & Performance
Dancers will need to be available throughout the day for pre-show rehearsals and performance dates at the theatre on Friday, November 19 & Sunday, November 20 with the Company at the Algonquin Theatre.
Local Participant Program – Kitchener-Waterloo, ON
Performance Date: Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Audition Date: Sunday, October 17, 2021
Audition Time: 1:30-5:00pm
Audition Location: Zoom – the zoom link will be sent by email with your audition time following registration
The Kitchener-Waterloo Local Participant Program is running in a hybrid format. Please read ALL INFORMATION BELOW to understand how the program will run in Kitchener-Waterloo.
All COVID-19 protocols will be followed at each location we are working in. For further details, please contact Elise Tigges – elise@balletjorgen.ca
Nutcracker auditions 2021 will be held virtually using the Zoom platform. Audition selections will create cohorts of dancers in an effort to reduce contacts in the early stages of the program. In these cohorts, dancers will rehearse with those with whom they already have regular contact in their home studios. The rehearsal process will be in three phases – Early, Middle, and Late Stage Rehearsals. For Middle & Late Stage rehearsals, dancers will need support from their studios, therefore students registering to audition in Kitchener-Waterloo MUST have conversations with their home studio to ensure that they have access to studio space for Middle & Late Stage rehearsals. We will be in touch with studios prior to the audition and casting to double check that studio space will be available.
Please see below (Middle Phase & Late Phase Rehearsals) for more information about rehearsals in home studios.
Auditions:
Auditions will be conducted virtually via Zoom. Dancers will audition from their own locations. We ask that you please have enough space to do a pique arabesque and jumping jacks in a circle. You will be asked to dance choreography that we teach you. The CBJ 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. Some dancers will be asked to return for the Selected Audition later that same afternoon. The final cast will be selected from this group. 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, as well as studio cohort availability. Please click the Roles Tab above for more details about the different roles to understand which roles you may be eligible for based on age and height.
Early Phase Rehearsals – Initial Rehearsals/Learning Choreography:
For the first few rehearsals, choreography will be taught virtually by CBJ rehearsal directors using the Zoom platform with dancers in their own spaces. We ask that you please have enough space to do a pique arabesque and jumping jacks in a circle. These virtual rehearsals are scheduled for Sundays, and will run in the morning or afternoon based on the home dance studio cohort availability needed during middle and late phase rehearsals. The length of time needed for these early rehearsals in home studios will depend on the role– some roles needing 1 ¼ hours rehearsal, while others will need ½ hour time slot.
Middle Phase Rehearsals:
Consistent with public health directives at the time and with the participation of home studios, in-person cohort rehearsals begin mid-October until the performance date. Each cohort of Frogs/Chipmunks/Squirrels/Dragonflies will rehearse in-person at their home studio with the rehearsal being led virtually by the CBJ rehearsal directors. Please note, students registering to audition MUST have conversations with their home studio to ensure that they have access to studio space for these rehearsals.
These cohort rehearsals are scheduled for Sundays with some flexibility for home studios to select Sunday morning or Sunday afternoon time slots. The length of time needed for cohort rehearsals in home studios will depend on the cohort role –some roles needing 1 ¼ hours rehearsal, while others will need ½ hour time slot.
Late Phase Rehearsals (including Mandatory Cleaning Rehearsal – December 5):
Consistent with public health directives at the time and with the participation of home studios, late Phase rehearsals will continue in much the same format as the Middle Phase Rehearsals, except for the Cleaning Rehearsal and pre-show rehearsals with the Company at the theatre. Dancers must be available all day for the Cleaning Rehearsal on Sunday, December 5, as well as for the pre-show rehearsals and performance dates at the theatre on Monday, December 27 & Tuesday, December 28. Please note, students registering to audition MUST have conversations with their home studio to ensure that they have access to studio space for rehearsals.
Pre-Performance Rehearsals & Performance:
Dancers will need to be available throughout the day on Monday, December 27 for costume fittings and in person rehearsal, and rehearsal and performance on Tuesday, December 28 with the Company at The Centre in the Square.
Local Participant Program – London, ON
Circumstances have changed in London and we will no longer be proceeding with auditions for an in-person local cast. Should you have any questions, please reach out to elise@balletjorgen.ca.
Local Participant Program – North Bay, ON
Performance Date: Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Audition Date: Sunday, September 26, 2021
Audition Time: 1:30-5:00pm
Audition Location: Zoom – the zoom link will be sent by email with your audition time following registration
The North Bay Local Participant Program is running in a hybrid format. Please read ALL INFORMATION BELOW to understand how the program will run in North Bay.
All COVID-19 protocols will be followed at each location we are working in. For further details, please contact Elise Tigges – elise@balletjorgen.ca
Important Dates – North Bay 2021
Nutcracker auditions 2021 will be held virtually using the Zoom platform. Audition selections will create cohorts of dancers in an effort to reduce contacts in the early stages of the program. In these cohorts, dancers will rehearse with those with whom they already have regular contact in their home studios. The rehearsal process will be in three phases – Early, Middle, and Late Stage Rehearsals. For Middle & Late Stage rehearsals, dancers will need support from their studios, therefore students registering to audition in North Bay MUST have conversations with their home studio to ensure that they have access to studio space for Middle & Late Stage rehearsals. We will be in touch with studios prior to the audition and casting to double check that studio space will be available.
Please see below (Middle Phase & Late Phase Rehearsals) for more information about rehearsals in home studios.
Auditions:
Auditions will be conducted virtually via Zoom. Dancers will audition from their own locations. We ask that you please have enough space to do a pique arabesque and jumping jacks in a circle. You will be asked to dance choreography that we teach you. The CBJ 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. Some dancers will be asked to return for the Selected Audition later that same afternoon. The final cast will be selected from this group. 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, as well as studio cohort availability. Please click the Roles Tab above for more details about the different roles to understand which roles you may be eligible for based on age and height.
Early Phase Rehearsals – Initial Rehearsals/Learning Choreography:
For the first few rehearsals, choreography will be taught virtually by CBJ rehearsal directors using the Zoom platform with dancers in their own spaces. We ask that you please have enough space to do a pique arabesque and jumping jacks in a circle. These virtual rehearsals are scheduled for Sundays, and will run in the morning or afternoon based on the home dance studio cohort availability needed during middle and late phase rehearsals. The length of time needed for these early rehearsals in home studios will depend on the role– some roles needing 1 ¼ hours rehearsal, while others will need ½ hour time slot.
Middle Phase Rehearsals
Consistent with public health directives at the time and with the participation of home studios, in-person cohort rehearsals begin mid-October until the performance date. Each cohort of Frogs/Chipmunks/Squirrels/Dragonflies will rehearse in-person at their home studio with the rehearsal being led virtually by the CBJ rehearsal directors. Please note, students registering to audition MUST have conversations with their home studio to ensure that they have access to studio space for these rehearsals.
These cohort rehearsals are scheduled for Sundays with some flexibility for home studios to select Sunday morning or Sunday afternoon time slots. The length of time needed for cohort rehearsals in home studios will depend on the cohort role –some roles needing 1 ¼ hours rehearsal, while others will need a ½ hour time slot.
Late Phase Rehearsals (including Mandatory Cleaning Weekend – October 30 & 31)
Consistent with public health directives at the time and with the participation of home studios, late Phase rehearsals will continue in much the same format as the Middle Phase Rehearsals, except for the Cleaning Weekend and pre-show rehearsals with the Company at the theatre. Dancers must be fully available for the Cleaning Weekend on Saturday, October 30 and Sunday, October 31, as well as for the pre-show rehearsals and performance dates at the theatre on Tuesday, November 16. Please note, students registering to audition MUST have conversations with their home studio to ensure that they have access to studio space for rehearsals.
Pre-Performance Rehearsals & Performance
Dancers will need to be available throughout the day of the performance, Tuesday, November 16, for costume fittings, in person rehearsal, and the performance at the Capitol Theatre.
Local Participant Program – Orillia, ON
Performance Date: Saturday, November 27, 2021
Audition Date: Sunday, September 26, 2021
Audition Time: 9:00am-12:30pm EDT
Audition Location: Zoom – the zoom link will be sent with your audition time following registration
The Orillia Local Participant Program is open to dancers in the Simcoe-Muskoka District and will run in a hybrid format. Please read ALL INFORMATION BELOW to understand how the program will run in Orillia.
All COVID-19 protocols will be followed at each location we are working in. For further details, please contact Elise Tigges – elise@balletjorgen.ca
Important Dates – Orillia 2021
Nutcracker auditions 2021 will be held virtually using the Zoom platform. Audition selections will create cohorts of dancers in an effort to reduce contacts in the early stages of the program. In these cohorts, dancers will rehearse with those with whom they already have regular contact in their home studios. The rehearsal process will be in three phases – Early, Middle, and Late Stage Rehearsals. For Middle & Late Stage rehearsals, dancers will need support from their studios, therefore students registering to audition in Orillia MUST have conversations with their home studio to ensure that they have access to studio space for Middle & Late Stage rehearsals. We will be in touch with studios prior to the audition and casting to double check that studio space will be available.
Please see below (Middle Phase & Late Phase Rehearsals) for more information about rehearsals in home studios.
Auditions:
Auditions will be conducted virtually via Zoom. Dancers will audition from their own locations. We ask that you please have enough space to do a pique arabesque and jumping jacks in a circle. You will be asked to dance choreography that we teach you. The CBJ 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. Some dancers will be asked to return for the Selected Audition later that same morning. The final cast will be selected from this group. 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, as well as studio cohort availability. Please click the Roles Tab above for more details about the different roles to understand which roles you may be eligible for based on age and height.
Early Phase Rehearsals – Initial Rehearsals/Learning Choreography:
For the first few rehearsals, choreography will be taught virtually by CBJ rehearsal directors using the Zoom platform with dancers in their own spaces. We ask that you please have enough space to do a pique arabesque and jumping jacks in a circle. These virtual rehearsals are scheduled for Sundays, and will run in the morning or afternoon based on the home dance studio cohort availability needed during middle and late phase rehearsals. The length of time needed for these early rehearsals in home studios will depend on the role– some roles needing 1 ¼ hours rehearsal, while others will need ½ hour time slot.
Middle Phase Rehearsals
Consistent with public health directives at the time and with the participation of home studios, in-person cohort rehearsals begin mid-October until the performance date. Each cohort of Frogs/Chipmunks/Squirrels/Dragonflies will rehearse in-person at their home studio with the rehearsal being led virtually by the CBJ rehearsal directors. Please note, students registering to audition MUST have conversations with their home studio to ensure that they have access to studio space for these rehearsals.
These cohort rehearsals are scheduled for Sundays with some flexibility for home studios to select Sunday morning or Sunday afternoon time slots. The length of time needed for cohort rehearsals in home studios will depend on the cohort role –some roles needing 1 ¼ hours rehearsal, while others will need ½ hour time slot.
Late Phase Rehearsals (including mandatory Cleaning Rehearsal – November 6)
Consistent with public health directives at the time and with the participation of home studios, late Phase rehearsals will continue in much the same format as the Middle Phase Rehearsals, except for the Cleaning Rehearsal and pre-show rehearsals with the Company at the theatre. Dancers must be available all day for the Cleaning Rehearsal on Saturday, November 6, as well as for the pre-show rehearsals and performance dates at the theatre on Friday, November 26 & Saturday, November 27. Please note, students registering to audition MUST have conversations with their home studio to ensure that they have access to studio space for rehearsals.
Pre-Performance Rehearsals & Performance
Dancers will need to be available throughout the day of pre-show rehearsals on Friday, November 26 and performances at the theatre on Saturday, November 27 with the Company at the Orillia Opera House.
Local Participant Program – St. Catharines, ON
Performance Date: Tuesday, December 14 & Wednesday, December 15
Audition Date: Saturday, October 23
Audition Time: 1:30-5:00pm
Audition Location: Zoom – the zoom link will be sent with your audition time following registration
ALL PARTICIPANTS AGES 12+ IN THE ST. CATHARINES CAST MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED TO PARTICIPATE.
Please read ALL INFORMATION BELOW to understand how the program will run in St. Catharines.
All COVID-19 protocols will be followed at each location we are working in. For further details, please contact Elise Tigges – elise@balletjorgen.ca
Important Dates – St. Catharines 2021
Nutcracker auditions 2021 will be held virtually using the Zoom platform. Audition selections will create cohorts of dancers in an effort to reduce contacts in the early stages of the program. In these cohorts, dancers will rehearse with those with whom they already have regular contact in their home studios. The rehearsal process will be in three phases – Early, Middle, and Late Stage Rehearsals. For Middle & Late Stage rehearsals, dancers will need support from their studios, therefore students registering to audition in St. Catharines MUST have conversations with their home studio to ensure that they have access to studio space for Middle & Late Stage rehearsals. We will be in touch with studios prior to the audition and casting to double check that studio space will be available.
Please see below (Middle Phase & Late Phase Rehearsals) for more information about rehearsals in home studios.
Auditions:
Auditions will be conducted virtually via Zoom. Dancers will audition from their own locations. We ask that you please have enough space to do a pique arabesque and jumping jacks in a circle. You will be asked to dance choreography that we teach you. The CBJ 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. Some dancers will be asked to return for the Selected Audition later that same morning. The final cast will be selected from this group. 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, as well as studio cohort availability. Please click the Roles Tab above for more details about the different roles to understand which roles you may be eligible for based on age and height.
Early Phase Rehearsals – Initial Rehearsals/Learning Choreography:
For the first few rehearsals, choreography will be taught virtually by CBJ rehearsal directors using the Zoom platform with dancers in their own spaces. We ask that you please have enough space to do a pique arabesque and jumping jacks in a circle. These virtual rehearsals are scheduled for Sundays, and will run in the morning or afternoon based on the home dance studio cohort availability needed during middle and late phase rehearsals. The length of time needed for these early rehearsals in home studios will depend on the role– some roles needing 1 ¼ hours rehearsal, while others will need ½ hour time slot.
Middle Phase Rehearsals
Consistent with public health directives at the time and with the participation of home studios, in-person cohort rehearsals begin mid-October until the performance date. Each cohort of Frogs/Chipmunks/Squirrels/Dragonflies will rehearse in-person at their home studio with the rehearsal being led virtually by the CBJ rehearsal directors. Please note, students registering to audition MUST have conversations with their home studio to ensure that they have access to studio space for these rehearsals.
These cohort rehearsals are scheduled for Sundays with some flexibility for home studios to select Sunday morning or Sunday afternoon time slots. The length of time needed for cohort rehearsals in home studios will depend on the cohort role –some roles needing 1 ¼ hours rehearsal, while others will need ½ hour time slot.
Late Phase Rehearsals (including mandatory Cleaning Rehearsals – November 27 & 28)
Consistent with public health directives at the time and with the participation of home studios, late Phase rehearsals will continue in much the same format as the Middle Phase Rehearsals, except for the Cleaning Rehearsal and pre-show rehearsals with the Company at the theatre. Dancers must be available all day for the Cleaning Rehearsals on Saturday, November 27 and Sunday, November 28, as well as for the pre-show rehearsals and performance dates at the theatre on Tuesday, December 14 and Wednesday, December 15. Please note, students registering to audition MUST have conversations with their home studio to ensure that they have access to studio space for rehearsals.
Pre-Performance Rehearsals & Performance
Dancers will need to be available throughout the day of pre-show rehearsals and performances on Tuesday, December 14 and Wednesday, December 15 with the Company at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.
Nutcracker Touring Cast
Performance Dates: November 16-December 28
Audition Date: Monday, October 18
Audition Time: 4:00-5:15pm
Audition Location: Zoom – the zoom link will be sent with your audition time following registration
ALL PARTICIPANTS AGES 12+ IN THE TOURING CAST MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED TO PARTICIPATE.
Please read ALL INFORMATION BELOW to understand how the program will run.
All COVID-19 protocols will be followed at each location we are working in. For further details, please contact Clea Iveson – education@balletjorgen.ca
Touring Cast Rehearsal Schedule
Auditions:
Nutcracker auditions 2021 will be held virtually using the Zoom platform. Dancers will audition from their own locations. We ask that you please have enough space to do a pique arabesque and jumping jacks in a circle. You will be asked to dance choreography that we teach you. The CBJ 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. Audition results will be sent by email on Tuesday, October 19.
Rehearsals:
Rehearsals will take place at CBJ studios at George Brown College unless notified otherwise. Participants must be fully vaccinated to enter the college as of November 1st. Masks must be worn at all times. Additionally shields/glasses also available. Snacks to be consumed in designated area only, must be physically distanced.
Attendance at all rehearsals is required. However, should you have a conflict, an accommodation may be possible.
We ask that participants be available for all performances.
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For program information, please contact Clea Iveson
education@balletjorgen.ca or 416-415-5000 x 4928