Auditioning for The Nutcracker: Information for Parents

**Registration deadline for The Nutcracker Audition is Sunday, September 22**

When Boston Ballet productions have roles for children, only students of Boston Ballet School are given the opportunity to audition. This is an exclusive benefit of studying at Boston Ballet School – the Official School of Boston Ballet.

There are many ways parents can help make the audition a positive educational experience for their child, starting with understanding the following information about the process:

• Only students enrolled in the Classical Ballet or the Pre-Professional program are eligible to audition.
• You must register for the audition in person by Sunday, September 22. If you need registration information and an audition guide, please ask a Studio Administrator.
• The audition process and the production itself are led by Boston Ballet’s Artistic Staff – not their School teachers. It is a professional production.
• Students are evaluated based on what the Artistic Team sees on the audition day only.
• There are many factors that impact casting decisions, which are out of the control of the student. For example:
  • Height requirements for each role (i.e. for uniformity)
  • Artistic consideration specific to each scene
  • Overall artistic vision and needs of the production
• Casting decisions are based on the combined opinions and expertise of the Artistic Staff and are at their sole discretion.
• Neither the audition results nor the performing in the production affect a student’s progress and evaluation in the School. It does not impact placement, advancement or work in the Studio.
• Please prepare your child for the fact that the number of students auditioning for The Nutcracker is always greater than the number of available parts.
• Performing in The Nutcracker is a big commitment of time and energy for both the student and their family. Please make sure you are able to fulfill the requirements should your child be cast.
• Students who audition must be prepared to accept the role and cast to which they are assigned. Please do not audition if you are not ready to accept the offer of a role.
• Most importantly, please encourage your child to enjoy the audition. It is a unique experience and a valuable educational opportunity available only to Boston Ballet School students.