Mandy Dray

Dear PNB Families,

As fall weather settles in and our studios fill with excited students, teachers, and the familiar music of ballet classes, our attention turns to PNB’s annual production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. The audition is right around the corner, so we wanted to reach out to our PNBS families with helpful information about casting, rehearsals, performances, roles, and the audition process.

We intend to use as many students as possible this year. We will continue to utilize “swing” roles and will communicate those in the initial casting process. Students considered for Party Kids and Polichinelles may be cast in a role that doesn’t match their gender identity (e.g., girls may be cast as Party Boys or Polichinelle Boys). This is consistent with past practices for PNB’s Nutcracker, and standard for Nutcracker productions all over the country. All students, including those cast in swing roles, will have performance dates. Casting decisions are based on height, performing ability, musicality, technique, presence, and behavior.

Students must be no taller than 5’2” at the audition time. Students injured on the audition date are not eligible to audition for The Nutcracker. All casting decisions are made by the Artistic Staff. While we encourage all eligible students to audition, we do not have roles for every student who auditions. Please discuss the possibility of disappointment with your child before the audition.

While participation in The Nutcracker is a rewarding experience for a young dancer, it does require a considerable commitment of time and energy from the entire family at a busy time of year. Please consider the following before your child auditions for The Nutcracker.

• Students are expected to be available for the entire rehearsal and performance period from October 6 through December 28, 2025. Please do not have your child audition if you anticipate any conflicts during that time.

• We cannot excuse students from rehearsals or performances for vacations, family events, school events, etc.; the only acceptable reasons for missing rehearsal or performances are illness, injury, and family emergencies.

• Auditioning for The Nutcracker is a commitment from the student and parent. Dropping out of the production for any reason, other than illness, injury, or family emergency (including dissatisfaction with casting), is a break in the child’s commitment. The student will not be able to participate the following year if the commitment is broken.

• All rehearsals and performances will be at the Phelps Center and McCaw Hall.

• Students are expected to attend regular PNB School classes whenever possible around their rehearsal and performance schedule.

Parents’ participation is essential to the success of The Nutcracker. All parent volunteers must complete a background check to be eligible for a volunteer position. Assignments will be made by Student Cast and Parent Volunteer Coordinator Lauren Kirchner.

In the event of a widespread health concern during rehearsals or performances, PNB reserves the right to implement safety protocols such as masking and/or testing. Masking is always an option for those who choose it. Please click here for detailed information on auditions and a general schedule, including rehearsals and performance dates and important meetings. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, September 28.

Sincerely,

Peter Boal & Artistic Staff

Artistic Director