This year’s All Parent Meeting will take place TODAY immediately following rehearsals. It will be recorded, and participants can also join via Zoom:

All Parent Meeting

Sunday, October 13, 2024

Berrend Dance Centre

4:45 - 6 (We will try to get through everything as quickly as possible)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89545265380

Meeting ID: 895 4526 5380

+13017158592,,89545265380# US (Washington DC)

+13052241968,,89545265380# US

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kb8jzbz7CP

Be a part of our magical cast!

Olney Ballet Theatre's production of The Nutcracker offers a magical and transformative opportunity for young and emerging dancers and aspiring performers in our community.

As a part of this iconic and beloved holiday tradition, participants are given the opportunity to perform alongside professional dancers, gain stage experience, enhance technical skills and build confidence, and create lasting memories and friendships.

This extraordinary experience goes beyond dance, fostering personal growth and opening doors to future opportunities in theater and the world of ballet.

OBT's The Nutcracker will return in 2024 to Our Lady of Good Counsel Performing Arts Center in Olney

Olney_Ballet_Nutcracker_December_22_2022_Act_1-7962.jpg

Auditions Begin September 28 & 29, 2024

at Berrend Dance Centre in

Gaithersburg

Pre-Register for Open Auditions Today!

This year, all dancers must register online, and pay* the $25 per dancer registration fee in order to participate in the OPEN audition. We encourage pre-registration to avoid lines and delays when arriving for auditions.

OPEN Auditions are for several youth roles including Angels, Little Mice, Big Mice, Soldiers, and Party Scene. Some dance experience is preferred, but not required. For more information about the open roles and their individual specifications, as well as participation requirements, please see below.

Note: ALL Rehearsals (prior to December 18) will take place at Berrend Dance Center, 9264 Gaither Road, Gaithersburg

*Audition Registration Payments can be made via PayPal (button below), or check (made payable to "Olney Ballet Theatre")

Role Specs & Audition Schedule

Audition Registration Form

Dancer Expectations and Additional Considerations

All participating dancers are required to:

Attend all rehearsals and be available for all show dates
Submit any known schedule conflicts by Sun., Oct. 13 for approval:
- Maximum of 2 requests per dancer allowed
- Conflicts must be approved by the Artistic Director

When participating in The Nutcracker, please be aware of the following:

Performance Participation Fee: Required for all participants
Personal Supplies: Dancers may need to purchase specific items, including a professional stage make-up set. We also ask families to donate some green room supplies to support show operations.
Rehearsal Schedule: Subject to change (detailed schedule to be provided)
Volunteer Hours: All families are required to volunteer for a minimum of 30 hours (15 for angels only). Half of your volunteer hours should be completed during performance week.
Additional Show Tickets: Each dancer receives 50% off 2 tickets to any show as part of their performance fee

For more detail, see the below links:

Rehearsal Schedule

Parent Volunteering

Dancer Needs & Prep List

Absence Request Form

While it is expected that dancers are required to attend ALL rehearsals and be available for ALL shows, dancers must submit known schedule conflicts to OBT by Sunday, Oct. 13th for approval by the Artistic Director. Please note that no more than 2 absences requests per dancer are allowed.

Absence Request Form

Cast Participation Contracts & Membership Fees

After auditions, dancers joining our cast will be required to sign a dancer agreement and pay Membership Fees. 2024 fees include: studio time, downloads of show recordings* and photos*, 1 cast shirt per dancer, and costumes.

(*a minimum of 3 shows will be recorded and photographed)

2024 Total Membership Fees

(without audition registration fee applied):

Angel Only: $250

Individual Dancer: $350
(or Dancer #1 of a family)

Additional Dancers: $50 per dancer
(Dancer(s)#2++ of a family)

Olney Ballet Theatre is a 501c3 organization. Audition registration fees, and a portion of membership fees are tax deductible:

Audition Registration Fee ($25 per dancer), Angel Only ($150), Individual Dancer ($250), Additional Dancer(s) ($25)

Help Us Spread the Word!

Please help us in spreading the word about this year's run!

Print and share our show poster, and share the link to this page (olneyballet.com) with anyone who might be interested in buying tickets, sponsoring, or donating to OBT. The more, the merrier!