2014 nutcracker - Midwest Performing Arts

2014
NUTCRACKER
INFORMATIONAL PACKET
Nutcracker Frequently Asked Questions
• What are the requirements to participate?
Any dancer ages 5 through adult can participate. You must attend the audition Sunday, September 14th,
2014 to be cast in a role. You will have to sign a “contract” agreeing to be on time and in attendance of all
rehearsals and performances.
• Do you have to be a student at Midwest Performing Arts to participate?
NO!!! We encourage all the students from our school to audition and we welcome any dancer in the
community to audition. The only requirement is that you are enrolled in a dance class at a dance school for the
school year session.
• How many dancers will you accept?
We will try to cast as many dancers as we have costumes for! This is still a work in progress. If you are not cast
this year, try again next year and ask us how you can prepare. We will try to help you meet your goals.
• Do we have to pre-register to audition?
Pre-registration is not required, but it will speed up the check in process if you fill out the Nutcracker Audition
Form ahead of time and bring it with you to the audition. This form is available online and at the MPA office.
You can also be pre-measured, please see Dana at the MPA office to do so the week of Nutcracker Prep
classes August 25-29. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your audition time to check in.
• What should I wear to auditions?
Girls- Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes and hair secured in a bun. Younger dancers from the PreDance Division may wear their pink leotards. Boys- white t-shirt, black pants/ capris/ tights, black ballet shoes
• Are the auditions open to be watched?
No, this is a “closed” audition. We want to take the pressure off our brave dancers!
• How much does it cost to participate?
There is a $15 per individual or $25 per family audition fee and a $55 participation fee. This covers the
maintenance and tailoring of the costumes and teacher/choreographer expenses. We try to make this an
affordable option for all families.
• How will we be notified after auditions?
You will be notified by an email to the address you put on your audition form. This message will be sent no later
than Wednesday, Sept. 17th. It will include your schedule and participant contract. Please contact the studio if
you do not receive an email by Thursday morning or if you have any questions about the schedule.
• When is my contract and participation fee due?
The deadline to turn in your contract, including participation fee is 4:30 PM on Friday, September 19th. If we
have not received your contract by September 19th, we will assume you have decided not to participate.
• When will I be given my “role?”
At your first scheduled rehearsal. This is to encourage dancers to accept and perform any part or parts they
have been awarded.
• What if I don’t get the “part” I was hoping for?
All the roles in our ballet are “good parts” and essential to the magic of the production. There are many
different factors we must consider when casting roles: age, ability, the size of the costume, and the style of
choreography best suited for a dancer. If you had your heart set on a part, remember that there will be future
opportunities. Please trust our casting, we know you will have a great time onstage!
• Are rehearsals mandatory?
Yes! Absolutely! Each group has a limited number of rehearsals before we begin to run the entire show, so be
sure you can commit to all rehearsals before turning in your contract, this includes the Tech Rehearsal on stage
on November 30th and Dress Rehearsal on stage on December 5th. If you have conflicts with rehearsals this
2 year, try out next year, we plan to make this an annual production!
• What if I know that I am unavailable to rehearse during a certain time-frame on Saturdays or Sundays?
Rehearsals take place on Saturdays or Sundays from 12-6pm. Each part will rehearse for 30-60 minutes. Please
indicate on your audition form if there is a time within this that you are unavailable to rehearse. Any missed
rehearsals must be indicated on the audition form and then approved ahead of time by the Artistic Director.
• What do I wear?
To all rehearsals, dress rehearsals, costume fittings, etc. you should wear pink tights, solid color leotard, ballet
shoes, and your hair in a neat, secure bun. Boys need to wear white t-shirts, black tights, black shoes.
• Do I get to keep my costume?
No. The cost of the elaborate Nutcracker costumes is far too much to ask parents to purchase costumes year
after year. Instead, we are assembling a set of high quality costumes that will be carefully cleaned and stored
for the following year. Each dancer is responsible for providing their tights, shoes and undergarments that their
role requires.
• Where will the shows be held?
The 2014 performance of The Nutcracker is scheduled for December 6th at the Middleton High School
Performing Arts Center.
• How many shows will there be?
There will be two shows: 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm on Saturday, December 6, 2014.
• What about volunteering?
We require that each family commit to at least one volunteer position. We have made available opportunities
that require time but not money, commitments that can be done far before the show, commitments that
require time during the show, and opportunities that definitely put your talents to work! We’re sure everyone will
find a way to help us put on such a massive production in a way that is fun and comfortable.
• How will tickets be sold?
Tickets will be online and will be available for purchase for cast members on October 25th. It is required that all
participating families purchase at least 4 tickets at this time and all families can purchase up to 8 tickets per
show at this time. Ticket sales will open up to the public and cast members can purchase additional tickets
beginning on November 1st. All tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis. The seating will be assigned
seating and seating choices will also be given on a first come first serve basis. The sooner you buy your tickets
the more choice you will have in location of your seat!
• Will any professional photographs be available?
A professional videographer will be taping at the performances and DVDs will be available for you to purchase.
For the safety of the dancers and comfort of other patrons, absolutely no photography or videotaping is
allowed, with or without flash. We will also have professional photography taking in studio pictures. Picture
schedule TBD. Order forms for both photos and DVD’s are available on the final pages of the Nutcracker
Packet.
• Will Nutcracker T-shirts be offered?
Yes. T-shirts and sweat pants will be available to order showing this year’s Nutcracker logo. You will be notified
when to place your order.
• Will we be having a cast party?
Yes. The cast party will be held on the Saturday immediately after the Nutcracker performance. Please save
the date! The cost of this party is $10 per person. This fee helps cover food and beverage as well as the facility
rental and janitorial services.
• I know someone who likes to donate to the Arts. Do you accept donations?
Absolutely! The Nutcracker is a huge production with tremendous expenses. We will gladly accept any
donations to help offset the costs of costuming and production. All donors will be recognized in our program.
Please contact the director with your questions: mpanutcracker@gmail.com
3 Nutcracker 2014- Dress Rehearsal and Performance Details
We have been getting so many great questions about what to expect the day of the Nutcracker show. So,
here are ALL the details! Please read carefully!
Tech Rehearsals: Sunday, November 30th
Please be on time! Allow for traffic, parking etc. If you are late, we start late and the dancers have to stay
late!!! Please plan accordingly!
• All Act 1; Scene 1 and 2 dancers and parents need to meet in the auditorium at 11:00 for an important
meeting detailing the rehearsal and the shows
• After the meeting they will be dismissed to dressing rooms .
• 11:15 am- 2:00 pm Stage rehearsal of ACT 1 Scene 1 and 2: Party Scene-Party Girls, Fritz, Clara, Parents,
Dolls, Soldiers, Drosselmeyer/Battle Scene-Soldiers, Mice, Nutcracker, Clara, Drosselmeyer.
• 2:00-2:45 pm- Stage rehearsal of Snow Scene.
• 3:15-4:15 pm- Stage rehearsal of ACT 2 OPENING SCENE: Angels, Sugar Fairies/ Spanish/
Marzipan/Chinese/ Bon Bons/Russian/Clara/Drosselmeyer/Nutcracker.
• 4:15-5:15 pm- Stage Rehearsal of ACT 2 FINALE; Angels, Sugar Fairies/ Spanish/ Marzipan/Chinese/Bon
Bons/Russian/Clara/Drosselmeyer/Nutcracker.
• 5:15-7:00 pm- Stage rehearsal of ACT 2: Spanish/ Marzipan/Chinese/ Bon/ Bons and Mother Ginger/
Russian /Clara /Drosselmeyer/Nutcracker.
Dress Rehearsal: Friday December 5th
*Please be on time! Allow for traffic, parking etc. If you are late, we start late and the dancers have to stay
late!!! Please plan accordingly!
*All dancers must come with hair and make-up completed.
• 3:30 pm Call to theater
• 3:30-4:30 pm- Proceed to dressing rooms for hair/ make-up/ costumes.
• 4:30-6:00 pm- Full run through of show top to bottom and notes. All dancers are to remain in dressing
rooms just as if it were the real show.
• 6:00 -8:00 pm- All dancers/all casts to stage for notes and final bow rehearsal. All dancers both first and
second act are involved in the final bow.
• 8:00-9:00 Rehearsal of anything needing extra attention. Please be prepared to stay, this might involve
you.
Show Day:
Arrival times:
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12:30 Call for Waltz, Party Girls, Chinese, Marzipan, Clara, Russian, Maids, Snow, Spanish, Nutcracker,
and professionals. Please arrive with hair and make-up done.
1:00-2:00 Advanced dancers warm-up onstage (Waltz, Party Girls, Chinese, Marzipan, Clara, Russian/
Maids, Snow, Spanish, Nutcracker, professionals)
2:00 pm- Call for all other dancers to theater. Please arrive with hair and make-up done.
All dancers are to arrive with hair and make-up ready to go.
Proceed to assigned dressing rooms- Helpers- Hair/ make-up/costumes
Select parts may be pulled onstage to practice.
Only dancers, staff and parent volunteers are allowed in dressing room areas. Younger dancers may
be escorted by a parent once they have signed in.
4 3:00pm Show:
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Show will start promptly at 3:00 pm- please tell friends and family not to be late!
There will be no exiting/ entering the theatre until intermission
2:30 House opens
1st Act will be approximately 45 mins
Intermission 3:45-4:00pm
2nd Act will be approximately 45mins
All dancers are to stay in costume in the backstage area until the final bow.
Dancers return backstage immediately after the show – HANG COSTUMES UP PLEASE! No costumes are
allowed in the lobby areas. You must change before you go to greet friends and family.
5:00-6:00pm-Dinner break:
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Dancers are required to stay at the theatre in between shows.
Pack dinner/ snacks, or have something brought to your dancer (food is only allowed in the Student
Center area and no eating in costume).
Friends and family are welcome to visit with dancers in the Student Center during the dinner break.
7:00pm Show:
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6:00pm- Dancer call to backstage; Hair and make-up touch ups, stretch, costumes
6:00-6:30- stage is open for for older dancers self warm-up.
6:30 pm- House opens
1st Act will be approximately 45 mins
Intermission 7:45-8:00pm
2nd Act will be approximately 45mins
All dancers are to stay in costume in the backstage area until the final bow.
Dancers return backstage immediately after the show – HANG COSTUMES UP PLEASE! No costumes are
allowed in the lobby areas. You must change before you go to greet friends and family.
Cast Party!!!
9:00-10:00 pm Pizza, refreshments and dance party in the Performing Arts Center lobby! Friends and
family are welcome as well. See your invitation for details.
We are looking forward to a wonderful day of performances! Thanks again for everyone’s participation.
-Meghan McDermott and the MPA Nutcracker Staff
5 MPA 2013 Nutcracker Costume/Shoes/Hair/Make-up
Role
tights/leo
shoes
hair
make-up
Clara
pink tights/ nude leo ballet slippers, 2 pairs of pointe shoes rag curls
#1
Clara/Party Girlspink tights/ nude leo pink ballet slippers
rag curls
#2
Fritz and Friend under shirts
Black jazz or ballet shoes with white tights
geled back
N/A
Maids
nude tights/ nude leotan1-2 inch character shoes
low bun
#1
Clara's Mom
Black tights
high heel shoe
hair done
#1
Clara's Dad
under shirt
Black dress shoe with black socks
gelled back
N/A
Drosselmeyer under shirt
Black dress shoe with black socks
gelled back
N/A
Soldiers
pink tights/ nude leo pink ballet slippers
top of head bun#2 with red felt cheeks
Mice
pink tights/ MPA Leo pink ballet slippers
high bun
#2
Mouse King
TBD
TBD
N/A
N/A
Nutcracker
TBD
TBD
N/A
N/A
Angels
pink tights/ nude leo pink ballet slippers
low bun
#2
Sugar Fairies
pink tights, no udies! pink ballet slippers
low bun
#2
Sugar Plum
pink tights
pink pointe shoes
low bun
#1
Spanish
pink tights/ nude leo pink pointe shoes
low bun
#1
Arabian
none
bare feet
low bun
#1
Marzipan
pink tights
pink pointe shoes
low bun
#1
Bon Bons
pink tights/nude leo pink ballet slippers
rag curls
#2
Russians
pink tights
black jazz shoe with long black sock low bun
#1
Waltzing Flowerspink tights
pink ballet slippers
low bun
#1
Roses
pink tights
pink pointe shoes
low bun
#1
Snowflakes
pink tights
pink pointe shoes
low bun
#1
Chinese
pink tights/nude leo pink ballet slippers
low bun
#1
6 NUTCRACKER HAIR GUIDELINES
How to make a low Ballet bun with a side part:
Things you will need:
• Water
• Hair spray or hair gel
• Bobby pins/Hair pins to match color of hair.
• Hair tie to match color of hair.
• Hair net to match color of hair.
Instructions
1. Wet hair and part on side of choice about ¾ the way to back of head.
2. Slick back smoothly into a ponytail lined up around the top edge of the ears. Gel and hairspray to help get
smooth look and secure any “fly aways.”
3. Twist hair and start to wrap it around the ponytail securing with bobby pins and hair pins as you go around.
Note: be sure to get a little bit of hair from head and a little from the twisted pony into the pin together. This will
help secure. Note: for really thick hair it is helpful to separate hair into two twists, doing one wrap at a time.
4. Take hair net and wrap it around bun to tie in any loose hairs and then bobby pin in the hairnet.
5. Give whole head one final spray.
Note: if securing a head piece use bobby pins to help secure and make sure to send your dancer with extras
just in case.
Here is a link to a helpful video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLuVaEWEq-E&feature=youtu.be
How to make rag curls or order wigs:
Please practice with them. Do not wait until the day of the show to start trying.
Start with hair half up leaving the remainder of the hair hanging long.
1. If your child’s hair is natural curly, you can use a curling iron.
2. You can use the pink sponge curlers if your child has shorter hair. Be sure hair is wet when you roll them
and use a styling gel.
3. Use actual rags – demo to follow. Cut your rags nice and thick and long for longer hair. I use about 20”
long by 8” wide from a single knit t-shirt type fabric. Be sure hair is damp when you roll them and use a
styling gel. Demonstration to be held on Sunday, October 5th at 1:00 PM.
4. Go to a beauty salon and have them done.
5. To purchase a hairpiece: Wigs Too - 6713 Odana Road,
Madison, WI 53719 (608) 827-5846. Take your child to
match hair color. Order must be placed by 10/7/14. Approx. cost $20.00. wigstoo.com
7 NUTCRACKER MAKE-UP GUIDELINES
Things You Will Need:
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Foundation
Concealer (optional)
White and brown eye shadows
Fluffy eye shadow brush
Black pencil eyeliner
White pencil eyeliner
Eyebrow pencil (color appropriate for your brows)
Q-tips
Eyelash curler
Mascara
Fluffy blush brush
Pink blush (one darker shade and one brighter)
Lip pencil (color corresponding to lipstick color)
Lipstick(darker pink or red)
Lip gloss (optional)
Instructions Apply primer. Dot primer on the forehead, cheeks and chin. Blend out so the entire face is covered
with a layer of primer. Allow primer to soak in. Primer creates a barrier that prolongs makeup and makes it
appear fresh longer.
Apply foundation. Dot foundation in the same areas as Step 1 and blend out. A tinted moisturizer or lightweight
foundation should do the trick for young girls as they seldom have flawed skin. If there are under-eye circles,
pat concealer on them for additional coverage.
Apply eye makeup. Eye makeup is one of the most crucial steps in applying stage makeup. The eyes should
pop dramatically so the audience can see a dancer's expression from afar. Dust brown shadow from the eyelid
up to the eye crease. Color below the eyebrow with white shadow. Line the upper lash line with a black pencil
eye liner. Create short strokes and then connect the "dots" for a pristine line. Use white pencil at outer crease of
the eye. Curl eyelashes with lash curler. Apply mascara to lashes.
If using faux lashes, you may have to cut lashes in half so they fit a young girl's eyes. Apply lash glue to the faux
lashes using a Q-tip and allow glue to reach a tacky consistency (which takes about 10 seconds). Gently apply
the faux lash to the lash line and press the lash down using the end of a small makeup brush (the end without
bristles).
Once lash glue has dried, go over faux and natural lashes with mascara to blend hairs together for a flawless
look.
Apply blush. Swirl the fluffy blush brush in a pink blush and tap onto the apples of the cheeks. Without picking
up additional product, buff blush to create a natural- looking flush without any harsh lines.
Apply lip products. Line and fill lips with a lip liner. Apply lipstick and blot with a tissue. Finish with lip gloss
Videos:
#1 Older dancers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE_o7766rKE
#2 Younger dancers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrRF5fb7nzg&featu
8 9 10 11 2014 DVD Order Form
The DVD includes the entire Nutcracker, divided into chapters, and is professionally edited. It
comes with a color printed DVD as well as a customized case. Shipping will take place in
approximately 4 weeks. The cost is $35 per DVD plus $5 for shipping.
DVD Options
Quantity
Midwest Performing Arts
2014 Nutcracker
DVD Order Form
Price
Sat. December 6, 2014 - 3PM Performance
$35.00
Sat. December 6, 2014 -6PM Performance
$35.00
Shipping to your address
$5.00
Shipping to Studio (where you can pick up)
FREE
Grand Total
2923 Emslie Drive
Waukesha, WI 53188
(262) 44-VIDEO
Parents Name!
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Notes...
Dancers Name
3 Digit CVV Number (Back of card)
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