The Nutcracker Ballet
Each Christmas season, Artisan Ballet Company proudly presents The Nutcracker Ballet
for Northwest Houston audiences at The Berry Center.
This year’s performances will be held on December 8 and December 9, 2018.
Artisan Ballet Company holds open auditions for roles in The Nutcracker Ballet each fall. Dancers do not need to be a student of Artisan School of Dance in order to audition.
Artisan Ballet Company is always looking for men and boys, as well as little ones, interested in participating in our yearly productions. Please contact us for more information.
Artisan Ballet Company
2018 The Nutcracker
Congratulations on your decision to participate in Artisan Ballet Company’s Nutcracker. Dancing in the Nutcracker is a great way to learn more about classical ballet and be a part of a fun production.
This information is intended to let you and your dancer know what to expect over the next few months. We have compiled this information based on frequently asked questions in the past. Feel free to ask questions if the answer is not included here.
ABC will present The Nutcracker four times with two casts on Saturday December 8th at 330pm and 7pm, Sunday, December 9th at 1pm and and 4pm at the Berry Center at 8877 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress 77433.
Cast A: Saturday 330pm/ Sunday 1pm Cast B: Saturday 7pm/ Sunday 4pm
A dress rehearsal will be held at the Berry Center the evening of Friday, December 7th. Times will be announced. The dress rehearsal is held to familiarize the dancers with the lighting, dancing in costume and the stage and wings to enter and exit the stage from. It is an important part of the performance preparation. All dancers are required to attend. As with any similar production, the week before is the most demanding. Most school administrations are supportive of our students participating in a community production if you communicate with them in advance and plan ahead for projects. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding.
Costumes will be fit on designated days prior to the performance. Please keep in mind that we use a set of costumes multiple years and they are not custom fit to each dancer. Adjustments may be made to fit each dancer. The most efficient means to fit the group of dancers is to line up all dancers by size and find the best size for each dancer while fitting the entire group. If a dancer is missing, we will make our best guess as to the costume assignment.
Costumes are rentals and remain the property of ABC. Costumes are not available to take home. They will be available at the performance for your dancer.
Accessories such as tights, shoes and hairpieces are not provided and are the responsibility of each dancer. Make up is the responsibility of each dancer. Details for make-up and accessories will be provided.
Artisan does not hold regular classes the week of Thanksgiving. Rehearsals will be held Monday, November 19th and Tuesday, November 20th . A schedule will be distributed. If needed, ABC MAY elect to have a rehearsal, Sunday, November 25th. This will be decided based on the progression of the rehearsals in November.
Rehearsals are held on Fridays or Saturdays starting September 15th for Company and September 22nd (all others). Additional rehearsal times may be announced later. Days/Times vary by role and by week. Schedules will be emailed. It is important to ensure that you provide a legible email address in order to receive important communications. If you are not receiving emails, Artisan has no way of knowing unless you tell us. Emails are sent out regularly. We do not distribute paper copies of schedules and other information.
Signs and other schedules are also posted at the studio. Please look for this information.
Rehearsals will include more than one group of dancers. Dancers will rotate rehearsing so your dancer will have multiple breaks during a rehearsal. Please send water labeled with your dancer’s name. Dancers are encouraged and expected to watch the other dancers.
Summary of Nutcracker Dates September 8th: Nutcracker Auditions for Company Only September 22nd: Nutcracker Auditions for all others September 29th: Saturday Rehearsals begin. Times will be distributed via email. October 2oth: Tickets go on sale. Artisanschoolofdance.com or Tix.com November 19th, 20tht: No regular classes, Rehearsals will be announced by group/ Act. November 21st, 22nd, 23rd, Thanksgiving Holidays (No Rehearsals) November 25th: Possible rehearsal in the afternoon. This will be decided at a later date. December 7th: Dress Rehearsal at Berry Center December 8th: Nutcracker 3:30pm and 7pm December 9th: Nutcracker Performance 1pm and 4pm* *times, number of shows, etc. subject to change.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My dancer is not a student of Artisan School of Dance. Why is his/ her production fee higher? A: the production fee for non-Artisan School of Dance students is greater as these dancers do not pay regular tuition to support Artisan.
Q: What impacts the number of roles my dancer is cast in? A: There are several considerations that impact the number of roles each dancer receives. Most significantly, the number of overall participants in the Nutcracker each year. Secondly, the number of participants in certain levels impacts casting. Another consideration is membership in Artisan Ballet Company. ABC members pay additional dues and receive additional instruction. There are certain roles that are only cast from ABC. Finally, if your dancer is a member of ABC and attended the summer intensive as required by the company contract, special consideration is given during casting. Q: What role can my dancer expect? A: Roles are typically assigned based on age, level, technique and may also be impacted by prior participation in Artisan’s Nutcracker and ability to follow instructions. Since there are a fixed number of roles, dancers may dance the same role more than one year. The role a level is assigned may change from year to year based on number of participants and changes to the choreography. Every role is important and rewarding. Please coach your dancer so their expectations are reasonable. This lessens potential disappointment. Q: Can I video the production? A: No. Video equipment obstructs the view of other patrons around you in the theater. DVDs will be made of the productions and available for pre-order. Extra DVDs are not ordered. The price varies based on the video company booked.
Artisan Ballet Company
2017 The Nutcracker
Q: Why does this video cost more than the spring production? A: Because there are multiple shows, the video company sells fewer videos per show and must spend more time on the filming and editing of each production.
Q: Can I request the shows my dancer performs in? A: ABC cannot promise that any dancer will be in a certain role or a certain show. If there is a conflict we will do our best to accommodate. Dancers must be available for their assigned show and cast. We will not mix dancers between casts as this creates confusion and adds additional rehearsal time and costs.
Q: How much do tickets cost? A: Tickets are $25 for reserved seating. There is no price difference for children or adult tickets. The proceeds from the ticket sales help cover production costs and to support Artisan Ballet Company. The Berry Center is a significant part of the production cost.
Q: Is there a group ticket rate? A: Yes, ABC sells tickets at a discounted rate of $20 for organized groups such as the Girl Scouts, NCL or senior living facilities (10 ticket minimum.) A family does not qualify as a group. Group tickets must be purchased from [email protected] to receive discount.
Q: Are any complimentary tickets included in the Nutcracker production and participation fees? A: No, the Nutcracker fees cover choreography, instruction, rehearsals and costume rentals.
Q: When do tickets go on sale? A: Tickets go on sale October 20th. We may be able to schedule parent “pre-sale” dates once casting is final. These will be announced by email. The cast is posted at the studio.
Q: When should I purchase my tickets? A: We suggest families purchase tickets in October and November, prior to Thanksgiving. Our production is quite popular with many returning patrons and new ones each year. Parents and other patrons are encouraged to purchase their tickets early for best selection. Tickets are sold at Artisan School of Dance on designated days and online via tix.com.
Q: Can I take my dancer to eat between shows? A: No. Dancers will need to bring a sack lunch for between shows. Dancers must remain on site to allow them to prepare for the second show.
Q: How can I help? A: Artisan Ballet Company is a not-for-profit organization and is always in need of volunteers. Each year, we need volunteers to assist in the dressing rooms and with other committees such as the gift boutique and props. Parents also provide contributions of items to be sold in the gift boutique. We also have parents contribute towards dance supplies and meals for our guest dancers.
Artisan appreciates any donations to help fund its production. There are numerous costs to produce the event. All donations are tax deductible and some employers offer matching contributions to organizations their employees support.
Q: What does my dancer wear to rehearsal? A: All dancers should wear a black leotard, pink tights and ballet slippers (and/ or pointe shoes if applicable) and have hair in a bun (girls) for all rehearsals. Company members wear their company uniforms. GIRLS–Please refrain from wearing additional t-shirts, shorts and other clothing. Boys should wear a white t-shirt, black shorts or tights and black ballet slippers (with or without socks.)
NOTE: This is a large complex production. Encourage your dancer to focus on their role and learning the steps, listen to the instructor and to have fun and learn from others.
We appreciate your understanding when rehearsals run longer than expected or end earlier than expected. Rehearsal end times are an estimate. Please endeavor to pick your dancer up in a timely manner. The organization is not-for-profit, but the instructors are paid for their time. Having an instructor wait for hours for dancers to be picked up is not an efficient use of resources. There is a phone available for use at the studio to call parents.
THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE TO STAY UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST INFORMATION IMPACTING YOUR DANCER IS TO READ YOUR EMAILS DAILY. Thank you for sharing your dancer with Artisan Ballet Company!
