Casting for The Nutcracker is determined by the Artistic Director and is not open to appeal.

Will my dancer repeat a role? Dancers may be assigned roles they have performed in previous years. If a dancer is not willing to repeat a role, we ask that they do not audition. 

How many roles will my dancer have? Some dancers may be cast in multiple roles and/or as understudies. 

What is an Understudy? An understudy is a dancer assigned to learn a role in which they are not cast. Understudies attend all related rehearsals, learn the choreography, and may step in at any time if a cast member is absent. Understudies are essential to ensure the production can continue smoothly, even in the event of illness or injury. 

1. Pink ballet slippers and/or pointe shoes

2. Tights
   Mesh Tights
   Seamed Mesh Tights
   Each dancer will need clean pink tights without runs or holes for Dress Rehearsal and the Performances.

3. Nude Leotard*
   Child Sizes
   Adult Sizes 
   Each dancer will need a nude camisole leotard to wear under their costume for Dress Rehearsal and Performances only. This leotard should be treated as an undergarment and is not worn for regular rehearsals. 
   *Please note the leotard runs small. Sizers are available at the studio. 

4. Briefs (Snow & Flowers only)
   Ballet Pink Briefs
   Instead of the Nude Leotard, dancers in Snow and Flowers must wear briefs underneath their costume.

What to Wear 
Dancers should wear their uniform (or plain black) leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, and hair should be worn in a ballet bun.
Please ensure that your dancer wears a cover up when entering and leaving the studio. 

Drop Off & Pick Up 
Parents must come inside the studio to sign their dancer in and out of rehearsal. Only parents or the assigned pick-up person may sign out a dancer.
Due to space constraints, we ask parents not to wait in the lobby during rehearsals. 

Rehearsal Schedule 
Rehearsals are held every week, except Monday through the following Sunday of Thanksgiving Break.
The Rehearsal Schedule will be posted on the Nutcracker Parent Resource Page on MFB’s website.
All updates to the schedule will be posted on the Nutcracker Parent Resources page, and an email sent out.

Attendance Policy 
Consistent attendance at rehearsals is important because each rehearsal helps build the teamwork, discipline, and confidence necessary for a great performance. When a dancer misses rehearsal, they miss new choreography or changes, and it makes it harder for the group to practice and improve together.

• Known absences must be communicated in writing before the first rehearsal to  info@midlandfestivalballet.org.  

• If your dancer will be absent due to illness, please email info@midlandfestivalballet.org as soon as possible.  

• More than two missed rehearsals may result in removal from the cast. 

Midland Festival Ballet is a 501(c)(3) organization that relies on dedicated volunteers to support its productions. Volunteers help keep everything running smoothly backstage and create a positive environment for dancers. It can also be a great way to share the experience with your dancer, see what all goes into a production like The Nutcracker, and gain a deeper appreciation for the art form. 

Nutcracker Volunteers 
A link to sign-up to volunteer can be found on the Nutcracker Parent Resource Page. Some opportunities include: 

• Wardrobe (if you can sew a button- we can use your help!) 

• Load In and Load Out 

• Dressing Room Chaperones 

• Nutcracker Boutique 

• Cast Party 

• Hospitality 

Volunteer Guild 
The Volunteer Guild is a group of other parents and ballet enthusiasts that volunteer with Midland Festival Ballet year-round. Interested? Sign up here!

Volunteer Contact 
If you have any questions regarding volunteering, please contact Jessica Gray at jessica@midlandfestivalballet.org. 

What is Tech Week? “Tech Week” (short for technical week) is the week leading up to performances when everything comes together on stage. During this time, dancers rehearse with the guest artists, lighting, sets, stage crew, and finally the costumes and symphony during Dress Rehearsal, the Friday before the performances.

Up until this point, rehearsals focus mainly on learning and cleaning choreography. Tech Week is when the full production is put together so dancers can practice exactly how the performance will run.

This week often includes longer rehearsals and schedule changes, but it is an exciting and important step in bringing The Nutcracker to life.

When Is Tech Week? Saturday, Dec 6 – Thursday, Dec 10, 2026

What to Expect:
Dancers should expect to have rehearsal each day.
Rehearsals will be held at MFB Studios and at the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center (WNPAC). Rehearsal location will be indicated on the Rehearsal Schedule. Please read carefully.

When is Dress Rehearsal: Friday, Dec 12, 2026 at the WNPAC

Dancers should arrive to Dress Rehearsal:

• with their hair and makeup done

• wearing their nude leotards (under a cover up)

• clean pink tights with no holes or runs

• no nail polish or jewelry

Drop Off Procedures 

• Parents must park in the east side parking lot. Parking in the rear lot if not allowed. 

• Walk your dancer to and enter through the rear stage door, located on the south side of the building next to the loading dock. Only one parent inside per dancer please, as space is limited. 

• Proceed to the check-in desk. Parents will receive a colored card with a number for pick up. 

Parents are not allowed backstage. 

Scheduled volunteers should sign in and get a badge. 

Pick Up Procedures 

• Pick up will occur at the set of doors in the east side parking lot. Signage will be on the doors. Parents should wait in the parking lot until prompted. 

• Dancers will be released by part. Check out will begin only when all dancers from that part are ready. 

• Return your number card and ask for your dancer by name. 

It is Midland Festival Ballet’s policy to maintain a positive and productive learning environment for all students. All participants that engage with Midland Festival Ballet, defined here as students, parents, siblings, faculty/staff, guest artists, board members, and visitors, are expected to behave with respect and integrity, and are to follow all rules and policies established by Midland Festival Ballet. 

We value our relationship with students and families and encourage communication about any questions or concerns. The sooner we know about a concern, the sooner we can work towards a resolution. 

• Participants must be respectful of faculty, staff, students, and peers. Inappropriate language, bullying, harassment, or any other disrespectful behavior or language will not be tolerated. 

• Do not record or photograph anything without permission. Photographing and filming is prohibited in changing/dressing rooms or bathrooms. 

• The use, consumption, possession, purchase, or sale of alcohol, tobacco products, or drugs by participants at the MFB studios and backstage areas of the performance is prohibited. 

• Participants should show respect for the MFB studios, property, and event venues by keeping the lobby, studios, restrooms, and parking lot clean and free of trash. 

• Participants are expected to set a positive example within the studios and on the premises of Midland Festival Ballet, as well as while representing MFB in the community. 

• As part of their training, students are expected to show their respect for their instructors, fellow dancers, the studio, and themselves, by following appropriate class etiquette: 

• Attend all regularly scheduled classes, rehearsals, and performances. Illness or injuries must be communicated to MFB as soon as possible. Repeated excused or unexcused absences may be grounds for dismissal or recasting. 

• Arrive with adequate time to prepare and be on time for class. 

• When entering and leaving the studio, students must wear appropriate clothing over their uniform. For security reasons, students must remain inside the building when waiting for pick up. 

• Follow the class dress code which enables you and your instructor to see your form to offer corrections. 

• If you are late to class, wait at the door of your studio until your teacher acknowledges you and permits you to enter. 

• If you need to leave class early for any reason, notify your teacher before class begins. 

• Talk with friends before or after class, not during. Use quite voices in the lobby area to be respectful of other classes. 

• Phones or other electronic devices are not permitted in the studio during classes. 

• Do not eat, drink, or chew gum in the studios. 

• Listen and do not talk while the teacher is talking. 

• Do not sit, lean, climb, or hang on the barre. 

• Be attentive at all times, especially waiting for your turn. 

• Raise your hand and wait to be acknowledged if you have a question. 

• Promptly implement corrections from your instructor. 

• Learn from each other by being mindful of your classmate’s corrections as well as your own. 

• Refrain from correcting others. 

• Respect the personal space of others. 

• Never wear dance shoes outside the studio and never wear street shoes inside the studio. 

• Have a positive attitude, try your best, don’t give up, and encourage your fellow dancers. 

Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may lead to disciplinary measures by Midland Festival Ballet, at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Such measure may include the removal of the participant and/or their family from the program.