Nutcracker… Studio Run Throughs & Theatre Week!

Hello Lovely Nutcracker Families, Dancers, and Artists!

It’s such an exciting time as we approach our inaugural production of The Nutcracker! We’re looking forward to bringing our entire cast together as we prepare to share this beautiful production with our community.

Below are our Full Cast Studio Run-Through and Theater Week Schedules. Please review them carefully and plan ahead, as these rehearsals are essential to the success of our production. (As usual, if something seems amiss – please do not hesitate to reach out! We appreciate your support and feedback.)

FULL CAST STUDIO RUN-THROUGHS

Saturday, November 21 — With Props
Saturday, November 28 — With Props, Costumes & Quick Changes

Location: Nevada Union High School Dance Studio
11761 Ridge Road, Grass Valley, CA 95945

The larger studio will allow us to rehearse with our full cast, integrate scenes and transitions, and prepare for our move into the theater.

YOUNGEST DANCERS — SPECIAL CALL TIMES (NOVEMBER 21 & 28)

The following schedule applies to both Saturdays:

Party Scene Children: Arrive by 10:55 AM for notes at 11:00 AM
Baby Mice: 12:00–1:30 PM
Snow Flurries: Remain until 2:00 PM
Marzipan Baby Sheep: 2:45–3:30 PM
Finale Sheep: Remain until 4:00 PM
Baby Garlands: Remain until 4:00 PM

If your dancer participates in multiple scenes, please plan accordingly. Bring water, snacks, and comfortable warm clothing. Families of our youngest dancers should remain available during breaks and at pickup, allowing time for meals and rest between rehearsals.

Studio Space & Parent Volunteers: To accommodate our full cast, we cannot have all parents in the studio. We will have designated parent volunteers assisting our youngest dancers.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21

Full Cast Run-Through with Props

10:00–11:00 AM — Warm-Up Class (Levels 3–6, Adult/Teen)

11:00–11:30 AM — Rehearsal notes, bathroom break, set props

11:30 AM–2:00 PM — ACT I

Block and integrate Act I scenes
Run Act I

2:00–2:30 PM — BREAK

2:30–4:00 PM — ACT II

Block and integrate Act II scenes
Run Act II

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28

Full Cast Run-Through with Props, Costumes & Quick Changes

10-11 AM — Warm-Up Class (Levels 3–6, Adult/Teen)

11-11:30 AM — Act 1 Rehearsal Notes (All in Act 1)

11:30 AM — Bathroom break, set props, get into Act I costumes

12 AM–2:00 PM — ACT I

Block Act I scenes as needed
Run Act I, including costume changes
Notes Act I (All in Act 1)

2:00–2:30 PM — BREAK

2:30–4:00 PM — ACT II

Block Act II scenes as needed
Run Act II, including costume changes
Notes Act II

These first full-cast rehearsals may require some adjustments as we work through staging and transitions. We appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility!

THEATER WEEK

December 5–10 | Don Baggett Theater, Nevada Union High School

We will begin integrating our choreography with the stage, scenery, lighting, props, and costumes. Please plan to attend all rehearsals for which you are called.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5

(A separate schedule for the theatre production team coming!)

9:00–10:00 AM — Warm-Up Class on Stage (Levels 3–6, Adult/Teen)

10:00 AM — Arrival for Party Scene Children & Parents not participating in the morning warm-up

10:15–11:15 AM — Block/Run Party Scene & Transition

11:15–11:45 AM — Block/Run Battle Scene & Transition

11:45 AM–12:15 PM — Block/Run Snow

12:15–12:45 PM — Get into Costumes

12:45–1:45 PM — Act I Run-Through

1:45–2:30 PM — LUNCH BREAK FOR ALL

2:30–4:30 PM — Block/Run Act II Divertissements (excluding Prologue, Sheep, and Finale)

4:30–5:30 PM — Block Act II Prologue, Marzipan with Sheep, and Finale

5:30–6:00 PM — Check props, quick-change stations, and get into costumes

6:00 PM — Act II Run-Through in Costumes

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6

10:00–10:30 AM — Rehearsal Notes on Stage

10:30–11:30 AM — Warm-Up Class on Stage

11:30 AM–12:15 PM — Block/Run Party Scene

12:15–12:45 PM — Block/Run Transition & Battle Scene

12:45–1:15 PM — Block/Run Transition & Snow

1:15–1:45 PM — Get into Costumes

1:45–2:45 PM — Act I Run-Through

2:45–3:30 PM — LUNCH BREAK

3:30–4:45 PM — Block/Run Act II in Show Order: Prologue, Spanish, Arabian, Chinese, Marzipan, Flowers, Finale, and Apotheosis

4:45–5:15 PM — Block Grand Pas / Costume Preparation

5:15 PM — Act II Run-Through in Costumes

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

DAY OFF — REST!

Please use this day to rest, nourish yourselves, and recharge before our final rehearsals and performances!

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8 & 9

4:00–8:00 PM — Warm-Up Class & Full Dress Rehearsals on Stage

More specific call times for our youngest dancers will be provided.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10

Tentative Schedule — To Be Confirmed

2:15–3:00 PM — Warm-Up Class at NUHS Dance Studio

3:30–6:00 PM — Dress Rehearsal on Stage

We will confirm this schedule by the end of the week.

PERFORMANCE DAYS!

Friday, December 11 — 10:00 AM Student Matinee & 7:00 PM

Saturday, December 12 — 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Don Baggett Theater, Nevada Union High School

Detailed performance-day call times, warm-ups, and backstage information will be shared as we get closer.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Attendance & Punctuality: These final rehearsals are essential for the safety and success of our production. Please arrive on time, prepared, and ready to work. Every dancer plays an important role!

Hair & Makeup for Dress Rehearsals and Performances:

Each role will have specific hair and makeup requirements. Please arrive with your hair (or your young dancer’s hair) already secured and ready for performance.

Unless otherwise instructed, dancers with long hair should wear a high ballet bun.

Clara: Hair half down in curls (Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlxK52Fk0Lg)
Party Scene Girls & Boys: High ballet bun
Party Boys: Wigs will be worn over their ballet buns

For a visual demonstration, please see this High Ballet Bun Tutorial.

Additional hair and makeup instructions will be sent soon!

Food, Water & Rest: These will be long days, particularly for dancers in multiple scenes. Please bring nourishing meals, snacks, and plenty of water. Take advantage of breaks and prioritize rest.

Schedule Adjustments: All schedules are subject to change as we begin working in the theater. We will communicate any significant updates as promptly as possible.

THANK YOU!

We are so proud of the dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work everyone has brought to this production. Creating a full-length ballet is an extraordinary undertaking, and it truly takes a community of dancers, families, faculty, artists, and volunteers to bring it to life.

Thank you for your commitment and support as we enter this exciting final stage of preparation. We can’t wait to share what we’ve created together!

Please help us spread the word! Invite your friends, family, and neighbors, and let’s fill those seats for our inaugural Nutcracker!

For Tickets & Information: www.nudanceco.org

With gratitude and excitement,

Tsal’gyur & Lauren
Nevada Union Dance Community

***Nevada Union High School, 11761 Ridge Rd, Grass Valley, CA 95945