Audition Information
The audition date, September 16, for Verona Youth Ballet's 2023 Nutcracker performance is just a few weeks away. We hope that you will join us for this educational and fun experience.
Participation Requirements
We are excited that you/your child would like to participate in this year’s production of the VYB Nutcracker. Please make sure that you’re available for all the dates listed below.
Please complete our pre-registration form now. This will help us plan our audition.
Then download, print and complete our longer REGISTRATION FORM and don't forget to bring it with your participation payment (cash or check) to the audition on September 16. We will have extra copies of the form at the audition. Please arrive early enough to complete it onsite if necessary.
2023 Participation Fees: $100 (Ages 9+), or $75 (Ages 5-8) - Adult Prologue Dancers $60
Fees help cover rehearsal time, teaching staff, choreographers, costume rental.
The audition will take place at Ballet U, 411 Prairie Heights Drive, Verona.
Audition Times
Ages 13+: 1:00-2:30 pm
Includes pointe for dancers with at least 2 years of pointe experience; pointe work is NOT required.
Ages 9-12: 2:30-3:15 pm
Ages 5-6: 3:30-4:00 pm
Ages 7-8: 4:00-4:45 pm
Adults wishing to participate in the Adult Prologue Dance should attend the info meeting/audition on Sunday, 8/27, 1 pm.
Contact us for more information about this opportunity for dancers in Ballet U's Adult Ballet classes.
All dancers MUST be enrolled in at least one weekly ballet class and be available for ALL of the following:
- Weekly rehearsals, Saturdays for about 30-60 minutes between 1:00 and 5:00 pm at Ballet U.
- Sept. 23-Nov. 18. (approx. ages 9+) or Oct.14–Nov. 18 (approx. ages 5-8). No rehearsal November 25.
- Full cast rehearsal at Ballet U, Saturday, December 2, 2-5 pm (required)
- Full cast rehearsal at Ballet U, December 9, 2-5 pm (required)
- Tech rehearsal at the MSPAC ( Badger Ridge Middle School), Thursday, December 14, 5-9 pm (required)
- Dress Rehearsal at MSPAC, Friday, December 15, 5-9 pm (required)
- Performances at MSPAC, Saturday, December 16, 1:30 and 4:00 pm
Possible additional performance this year (shortened performance):
Friday, Dec. 15 - School Performance in the morning (time TBD)
*Only one excused absence from regular rehearsals is allowed. For illness/emergency, call or text 608-620-5598. If absence is preplanned, then notify VYB via email to [email protected] in advance of the date of absence, dancer’s name and reason for absence. No exceptions, please.
Dancers are expected to arrive 15 minutes early for every rehearsal to dress and warm up.
Wear ballet class uniform with hair up and back from face.
Yes! I want to participate!
Great! Here is what you should do:
This will help us plan our audition day.
Bring this form with you on the day of the audition. Don't forget to sign it and include your participation fee.
What to expect at VYB's Nutcracker audition
Dancers auditioning for Verona Youth Ballet’s Nutcracker are expected to be currently studying ballet so that they will be familiar with the steps used in this classical ballet’s choreography. Some need-based partial scholarships for classes at Ballet U are available by application.
Dancers participating in VYB’s Nutcracker audition will be viewed by age groups and placed according to the roles/costumes available. Choreographers will show a few steps from the appropriate dance(s) for each age group, and then have dancers show the steps in small groups. A panel of professionally experienced dancers/teachers will rate the dancers on technical, musical and artistic sensibilities. Every effort is made to place EVERYONE who is attending the audition in a role suited to their age and abilities.
No prepared work is needed for the audition, but a professional appearance (ballet class attire, hair neatly pulled back), attention to detail, pointed feet, good posture, an interested smile and focused behavior will enhance the experience and the dancer’s placement.
Parents often ask
"Is my child old enough to dance in the Nutcracker?"
Dancers must be at least 5 years old (by Oct. 15) and need to display a certain amount of maturity and independence. 5 year olds should be enrolled in a 45-60 min weekly ballet class (at Ballet U or another area dance studio). Parents of very young dancers should make sure that they and their child will be OK with regular Saturday rehearsals, that they are able to follow instructions and listen well. Participating in our Nutcracker is lots of fun and very rewarding but dancers and families need to understand that they will be committing a considerable amount of family time (parents of young children often end up back stage as volunteers).
