Participating in a PDT production requires a great deal of time and commitment from both the dancer and family. This is why we ask all families to read through the Company Handbook and their Dancer Agreement together. Dancers and families are asked to commit only to what they can truly manage.

Dancers wishing to participate in PDT's production of A Philadelphia Nutcracker, are required to complete the following THREE steps by the time of their audition.

1. All families must read through theCompany Handbook

2. Complete your Dancer Agreement

3. Register through Dance Studio Pro

   • Log in to your StudioPro Account.

   • Click register > Classes > select Nutcracker tab

   • Select the correct level and click submit!

All dancers in levels Pre-Ballet 3* through Ballet 6 are eligible to participate in A Philadelphia Nutcracker.

• Pre-Ballet 3: Dancers must be at least 6 years old and have a recommendation from PDT Faculty. Pre-Ballet 3 dancers do not need to audition but do need to register by 9/27/25.

• Ballet 1–6: Dancers must attend the audition. Every dancer who auditions will be cast in a role, provided they meet their class and rehearsal obligations.

Requirements for All Participants

• Dancers must be enrolled in the minimum weekly ballet class hours appropriate for their level. If you are not currently meeting these requirements, additional classes must be added to your schedule.

• Returning PDT dancers must have also completed their required summer study hours appropriate to their level.

Required hours of ballet class per week:

• Pre Ballet 3: 45 min. per week

• Ballet 1: 1.0 hr. per week

• Ballet 1x/2: 2.0 hrs. per week

• Ballet 2x: 3.0 hrs. per week

• Ballet 3: 5 hrs. per week 

• Ballet 3x: 5.0 hrs. per week

• Ballet 4: 6.0 hrs. per week

• Ballet 4x: 7.5 hrs. per week  

• Ballet 5: 8 hrs. per week

• Ballet 5x - 9 hrs. per week

• Ballet 6 - 9 hrs. per week

Required Summer Study Hours:

Mandatory:

• Ballet 5, 5x, 6: 60 hours

• Ballet 4, 4x: 40 hours

• Ballet 3, 3x: 30 hours

Recommended:

• Ballet 2, 2x: 20 hours 

• Ballet 1, 1x: 10 hours

Nutcracker Fees

• Pre-Ballet 3: $200.00

• Levels 1–2x: $250.00

• Levels 3/3x: $300.00

• Levels 4/4x/5/5x/6: $350.00

Payment Schedule

• A $50.00 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration.

• The remaining balance is due by November 1, 2025.

Sibling Discount

• Families with multiple dancers pay the full fee for the highest-level dancer.

• Each additional sibling receives a $100.00 discount from their level fee.

Fee Includes

• All rehearsal time.

• Costumes fitted and provided by PDT.

• Souvenir Nutcracker t-shirt.

• Access to professional performance photographs.

• Professional recording of the performance.

Additional Fees & Responsibilities

• Personal supplies: Students must provide their own shoes, tights, undergarments, makeup, and hair supplies. A complete list of required dancer-provided costume items will be sent out ASAP.

• Performance tickets: Families must purchase their own tickets. Comp tickets are not available. The Box Office is run by MCCC and PDT has no control over tickets and pricing.

• Volunteer requirement:

• Each family must complete 4 hours of volunteer time toward the production.

  • A volunteer sign-up sheet will be distributed ASAP.

  • Some tasks may be completed before Tech Week, but most take place during Tech Week and performance days.

  • Families who cannot volunteer may opt out by paying a $100.00 volunteer fee.

• Weekly Bake Sales

  • Participating families are asked to contribute to weekly bake sales held each Saturday throughout the rehearsal process.

  • Families will be assigned a weekend, though you may volunteer for a different weekend if necessary. A sign-up sheet will be sent out in advance.

  • All proceeds go toward supporting the cost of the production.

  • Bake sales also help promote the PDT community and provide fuel for our dancers during busy rehearsal days.

• Meals at the theater (optional): Families may purchase lunch for their dancer to be delivered to the theater between performances. Order forms will be sent out later in the season.

• Flower fundraiser(optional): PDT offers a flower sale during performances. Families may pre-purchase bouquets to pick up at the theater and gift to their dancer. Order forms will be sent out later in the season.

Please review the expectations below and ensure you do not have any scheduling conflicts before committing to participate in A Philadelphia Nutcracker.

Weekly Rehearsals: All Nutcracker rehearsals take place outside of class time. Dancers should be prepared for rehearsals every Saturday beginning in early October. Dancers in level 3 and up will have additional weeknight rehearsals.

Scheduling: We do our best to schedule rehearsals around dancers’ class times; however, this is not always possible due to limited studio space. Families should be prepared for long breaks between rehearsals on some Saturdays.

All rehearsals are aimed to be scheduled in advance; however, schedules may need to change if absences impact the amount of progress we are able to make. Additionally, rehearsal planning depends on how much progress is made in each session, as certain cast members or roles sometimes require more time than others. Rehearsal times will vary week to week.

Scheduling is dependent on many variables, including studio availability, dancer class schedules, and guest artist availability.

Staggered Start: Not all roles will begin rehearsing immediately. Individual roles and sections are set first, and then combined into full scenes. This process helps us use studio space efficiently and build the production step by step.

Calendar & Communication: Rehearsal schedules are posted on the PDT Rehearsal Calendar and in the Mobile App as they are scheduled. Families must check the calendar frequently, as all rehearsals are subject to change. Families must also commit to reading all emails sent out including updates and important performance information.

Family Responsibility:

• Families should stay informed and flexible about volunteer needs, scheduling changes, and special projects.

• Checking emails, the rehearsal calendar, and the PDT Mobile App regularly ensures you can respond quickly and stay informed.

Attendance:

• Regular attendance at all called rehearsals is required.

• Anticipated absences should be listed on your Company Agreement at the start of the season.

• Sudden absences (illness, emergency) must be reported to school immediately.

• Please note these also count towards your 2 absences unless there are special circumstances.

• Dancers are responsible for learning missed choreography from a fellow cast member before their next rehearsal.

• Limit of 2 absences: More than 2 absences may result in removal from the cast. Absences such as vacations or other outside commitments must be pre-approved at the start of the season.

Your commitment to rehearsal attendance ensures that every dancer, and the production as a whole, can succeed.

Please remember: Participating in A Philadelphia Nutcracker is a significant commitment for the entire family. Before deciding to participate, carefully consider the expectations, the performance dates, as well as school exams and other end-of-semester commitments.

KEY DATES

• Saturday, Sept. 20th - 4:00-6:00 | Family Social

• Saturday, Sept. 27th - 1:00-1:30 pm | Level 1/1x Audition + Registration Deadline

• Saturday, Sept. 27th - 1:30-2:15 pm | Level 2/2x Audition + Registration Deadline

• Saturday, Sept. 27th - 2:15-3:15 pm | Level 3/3x Audition + Registration Deadline

• Saturday, Sept. 27th | Registration Deadline for Pre Ballet 3

  • (There is no audition for Pre Ballet 3)

• Saturday, Oct. 4th - 1:00-4:00 pm | Level 4/4x,5/5x, 6 Audition + Registration Deadline

• Saturday, Nov. 29th Nutcracker Tea Performance

  • Regina Coeli School

  • Primarily for dancers in levels 3-6

• Saturday, Dec. 6th | Chestnut Hill Holiday Parade

  • We are awaiting the date of the Ambler Parade to decide if we will be participating again this year.

• Monday, Dec. 8th - In Studio Dress Rehearsal at PDT

  • Act II Only

• Saturday, Dec. 13th | In Studio Dress Rehearsal at PDT

  • Act I Only

• Dec. 15-19th - Tech Rehearsals at MCCC

• Dec. 19th, 20th, 21st | Nutcracker Performances

• DANCER AGREEMENT

• COMPANY HANDBOOK

• Registration Email

• Roles by act/scene

• Rehearsal Calendar

All rehearsals will be posted on the PDT Rehearsal Calendar available on our website and on the PDT Mobile App

Families are responsible for checking the rehearsal calendar frequently.

REHEARSAL CALENDAR

As specified in your PDT company contract, each parent/guardian must commit to a minimum of four hours or two volunteer shifts per production. There are a multitude of tasks that need your time, talent, and attention throughout the weeks leading up to our performance weekend.

Any questions regarding volunteering should be directed to Sarah McClure, our volunteer organizer at volunteers@philadancetheatre.org