Time to celebrate all the hard work put into the 2019 OBT Nutcracker! Nutcracker Cast & Crew Party Sun 1/19 6 pm - ? All OBT dancers, crew members, volunteers and families welcome! Please sign up at the link below to give us a headcount and sign up for a dish to bring to share! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D44ADAE2EA13-2019 Party location: The Dellinger Residence 2423 Westminster Drive, Olney, MD 20832 Please follow request not to park on the grass. DVD Sales extended through Sun 1/19! Order at the OBT website - click on DVD https://www.olneyballet.org/obt-nutcracker-dvd-close DVD orders will be available for pickup at BDC by the end of January. Professional photos available from David Wheeler at: https://davewheeler.smugmug.com/Dance/OBT-Nutcracker-2019 All the downloads are FREE and prints and other merchandise are offered at cost, but in lieu of download fees, please make a donation to the wonderful charity selected by David Wheeler, The EVAN Foundation.  Suggested donation is $5 per image, up to $100 per family, but it's really up to you.  Donations can be made on their site at http://www.theevanfoundation.org/ Lost and Found items Please take a quick look at the OBT table in the hallway at BDC to claim any items found at the theatre after the Nutcracker run that belong to you. Any items not claimed by Jan 31 will be donated to charity.

2019 Nutcracker DVDs are on sale now! Final Week to order and relive the magic of this season! Order at the OBT website - click on DVD https://www.olneyballet.org/obt-nutcracker-dvd-close Or use paper order form for mail-in orders. Cost: $40 for one DVD / $35 each for 2 or more Deadline for Orders: January 11, 2020 ​ DVD Performance Dates: Saturday, December 21st at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, December 21st at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 22nd at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 24th at 1:00 p.m. ​ DVDs will be available for pickup at Berrend Dance Centre after January 26, 2020. Paper order form for mail-in orders.

First, a HUGE thank you to all the families who contributed their time and efforts to make this another successful run!  Now it's time to party!  Thanks so much to the Dellinger family for hosting our All Cast party again this year - ALL dancers and their families are welcome - from Angels to Pros! Let's celebrate a very successful 2019 Nutcracker run! Sunday, January 19, 2020 6:00 PM until... The Dellinger Residence 2423 Westminster Drive Olney, MD 20832 Please see the sign up genius link below for more information and to sign up to bring a dish to share! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D44ADAE2EA13-2019

There will be someone at the Starbucks on Georgia Ave (near Roots) tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec 31 to sign SSL hour sheets from 9:30-11:30 and 12:00-2:00. Marie will also be available at BDC on Thursday 1/2 from 6:00-8:00 PM. Guidelines: Each Nutcracker performance has an Act 1 and an Act 2. Each act your dancer performs, he or she can earn 1.5 hour per act.  It is your dancer's responsibility to keep track of hours/number of acts he/she performs. (No log needed.) The max # of SSL hours a dancer can claim = (1.5 hr per Act) x (# of Acts) + hours for Tea. Each dancer can only claim the hours they performed. If your dancer fills in for another dancer, the hours should be adjusted. If your dancer has to miss a scheduled Act or performance, please do not claim those hours. The members of the OBT board will have the max # of SSL hours for each dancer to compare with the hours he/she claims on the MCPS form.T his number will be calculated from the schedule of performances sent out by the studio.

Hello MoCo students, Please find attached the form for filling out your SSL hours. There will be at least two sessions next week where someone will be available to sign your forms. Times/dates TBA, but we wanted you to have access to the form now, so you can fill it out this weekend.

Thanks to those that were able to help strike the stage today. Due to the smaller than usual turnout, there will be an additional chance to earn volunteer hours tomorrow to finish the job. Please meet at the Olney Theatre at 11:30 if you're able to help. Any questions, contact Sonny! smongkol06@gmail.com Thank you all so much!

Greetings Nutcracker Families! We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and are enjoying Boxing Day. Volunteers are busy striking the stage today, and load out will take place tomorrow from 9:00 - 1:00. If you still need volunteer hours, this is a great final way to earn them! We particularly need anyone with larger vehicles - then we can all make fewer trips with the costumes and gear. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b084ba9a829a20-load Hope to see you there!

Reminder that the show is at 1:00 so call time is 11:30 for all (except mice and angels who are 12:30). One last show to go! If you still need volunteer hours there is still stage break down and load-out on the 26th. Sign up link is available on the volunteer page.

Four more shows everyone! Thanks so much for all of your hard work and commitment so far. There are still plenty of volunteer slots available - check the sign-ups and lets get through these last few shows together. A few things we are really in need of: Food for the pros (tonight is needed!) Don't forget that providing a meal counts as 2 hours of volunteer time. Lunch and dinner for tomorrow are also needed. WATER FOR THE DANCERS! Cases of water can be dropped off at concessions and we will take them back to the dancers or green room as needed.

10:30-11:45 Class on stage 11:45 - 12:15 Canes Corps (ALL CASTS) for spacing and Gigogne finale (today’s cast) **11:30 Call Time** all others (noon for mice and angels)

Hi All, Reminder - The following shows start at 1:00 instead of 1:30 so please note that call times are also 30 minutes earlier 11:30 call for all (except angels and mice call time noon) TOMORROW Sunday (12/22) Christmas Eve - Tuesday (12/24)

11:00-12:15 - Class on stage 12:15-12:45 - Snow - Brenda and Martin with flurries, pas, corps 12:00 - Call time for matinee for those not at theatre (12:30 for mice and angels). 6:00 - Call time for PM show (6:30 for mice and angels).

4:00-5:15 PM Class on stage 5:15 - 6:30 PM Snow for Flurries, Pas and Corps. Spanish, Flutes, Flowers - tonight's cast 6:00 PM Call time for everyone else not at the theatre (Mice and Angels call time 6:30) 7:30 PM Evening Performance

If your son is in the party scene tonight, please try to arrive early if you are able (boys can arrive as early as 5:30 tonight). We are short volunteers and Ms Jessica is leaving at 6:15 tonight so we need to try and get as many party boys hair and makeup done before she goes. Thanks so much, Stephanie

Dear OBT Parents, Please consider volunteering for Specialty Make-up for our last remaining shows. We need at least 3 volunteers per show to get our 8 Soldiers, China Doll and Teddy Bear ready. To date, not all the shows are covered. Most of these dancers are too young to do the full make-up themselves. We really need your help, especially this Saturday evening. Please consider volunteering. To sign-up, go to Sign-Up Genius:   https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10c044ba8aa2da0fa7-2019 Thank you in advance! Mia (Samantha’s Mom)

FOOD DONATIONS for Pro Dancers: Please contribute any food items that you can. URGENT: lunch for Saturday and dinner items for Sunday and Monday. It is very easy to drop off whatever you can at the Dellinger’s house 5 minutes away from the theatre. See the sign-up for more information. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b084ba9a829a20-food2 If you have just an item or two to give, a donation box & cooler will be placed in the lobby behind the Box Office table for items you can drop off: Non-perishables: Energy bars, Pastries, Sandwich bread, Rolls, Bananas/apples/pears/whole melons, juice Cooler items: Lunchmeat, Sliced cheese, Lettuce, Eggs, Cut fruit, Cut veggies, Green salad, Pasta dishes, Main dishes, Side dishes, Breakfast sandwiches PHOTOGRAPHY: We will have a professional photographer at the following performances: 12/14 1:30 12/15 1:30 12/22 1:30 A cast photo will be taken at the end of each of these performances. Those interested can stay on the stage immediately after bows. Photos were also taken at our first dress rehearsal on Wednesday. A link to view and purchase photos will be sent to members later. VIDEOGRAPHY: Our shows will be professionally videotaped on the following performances: Sat 12/21 1:30 pm Sat 12/21 7:30 pm Sun 12/22 1:00 pm Tues 12/24 1:00 pm We will begin to take orders for DVDs of these shows soon, and orders will be due by early January.

In case you haven't seen the emails, tonight's rehearsal schedule is as follows: Please arrive 30 minutes before your rehearsal or your usual call time. We need to make sure everyone can get their makeup done and their rehearsals in before the show! 3:15 PM-4:15 PM Class 4:15 PM-4:30 PM Brenda/Michael rehearse 4:30 PM-5:00 PM Snow Complete 5:00 PM-5:45 PM ACT 2 Complete (RUNNING ALL OF ACT 2 WITH TONIGHT'S CAST): Angels (tonight's only), Spanish, Arabian, Chinese, Canes, Flues, Gigogne, Flowers, Pas (if they want), Finale 6:00 PM-6:45 PM Battle Scene Complete : ALL CASTS (no Clara, China Doll or Teddy Bear) 7:30 PM-9:30 PM DRESS #2: SCOUT PERFORMANCE

Please check the rehearsal schedule for tomorrow Monday and Tuesday, as it has already changed from what was posted earlier tonight based on the rehearsals that were completed today. In particular, there WILL be a little mouse rehearsal. MONDAY, Dec 9th from 6:45-7:45 - Transition Scene: Little Mice, Stars, Claras, Teddy Bear, China Doll and Battle Complete: Soldiers, Big Mice, Rat King, Nutcracker, Clara, Teddy Bear and China Doll Full Monday Schedule 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM . Class on stage 4:45 PM - 5:15 PM . Flower soloist spacing: Emanuel and Lulu 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM . Flowers complete 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM . Flurries & Snow with Emanuel (solo) 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM Flutes: Complete: Emanuel and Lulu, Max (if possible) and Xochi + Finale 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM . Spanish: Emanuel & Max-- Maya & Carissa, Xochi & Lulu 6:45 PM - 7:45 PM . CHANGE: Transition Scene: Little Mice, Stars, Claras, Teddy Bear, China Doll and Battle Complete: Soldiers, Big Mice, Rat King, Nutcracker, Clara, Teddy Bear and China Doll 7:45 PM - 8:30 PM . Canes with Finale **Tuesdays schedule is still subject to change based on what happens tomorrow.**

Due to an event at the theatre that will take place in the historic theatre lobby (our theatre), dancer pick up tonight will be in the GREEN ROOM (second floor of the main theatre). Sign in/out sheets will he outside the door. **We are currently running about 15 minutes behind - please wait for your dancer in the green room.**

TECH WEEK is soon upon us!  Tech week starts this Monday Dec 9th **Please be aware that only dancers and assigned parents will be admitted inside the theatre during tech rehearsals. THIS IS A CLOSED SET** Please read "What is Tech Week?"  https://www.olneyballet.org/tech-week On Monday, and Tuesday of tech week, you will go to Olney Theatre Centre Historic Stage for rehearsals. Parents must wait in the lobby until their dancer's rehearsal is over. There will be a sign-in sheet in the lobby to sign-in/out your dancer. Parents of young children must stay with their children in the lobby until it is time for their rehearsal and must pick their children up immediately at its conclusion. Wednesday & Thursday (dress rehearsal) of tech week are run like a typical show. You only need to come on those days if you are scheduled.  For dress rehearsals and performances, parents must escort their dancer up to the Green Room directly and sign-in with the Door Monitor Volunteer. Only parent volunteers who sign up for the Green Room will be allowed to stay.  Do not drop off your dancer until their call time.  Volunteer parents for each role do not arrive until the call time for that role. Call times are listed on the Attire, Hair and Makeup Doc: https://f867296a-4f30-4863-b047-85d12def39b7.filesusr.com/ugd/17be10_cd7e664dabda41dd9f68e7c8d82f868b.pdf You are expected to pick-up and sign out your dancer in the Green Room at the end of their performance on the stage.  Volunteer parents for each role leave after their assigned dancers exit the stage and change their clothes.  They do not stay for the duration of the entire show. PARKING AT THE THEATRE – All parents must park at Good Counsel High School and walk their dancers to the theatre.  Parents CANNOT park in the theatre parking lot during rehearsals AND performances.  During the performances, there will be crossing guards on duty to assist. REVIEW OUR SICK/ABSENCE POLICIES Sickness Policy o If your dancer gets sick, please notify casting@olneyballettheatre.org, Alice Welch and chair@olneyballettheatre.org Marie Jones at 240/ 342-6063 or 301/ 807-8436 as soon as possible. o Please follow general school guidelines for sicknesses. If your child has a fever, is vomiting or started an antibiotic less than 24 hours ago, keep your child at home. Keep the other dancers healthy and let us know as soon as possible so that OBT can find a replacement. Absence Policy o 100% ATTENDANCE at ALL rehearsals and performances IS REQUIRED to participate in the Nutcracker.  Excused absences based solely on necessity MAY be considered in advance by the Director, but they must have been requested on the Audition Registration Form.  Any unexcused absences will result in a $40 charge per occurrence. o For emergency absences, dancer must notify Marie Jones 240/342-6063 or 301-807-8436 and email Alice Welch at casting@olneyballettheatre.org and Marie Jones at chair@olneyballettheatre.org. You must speak to someone so they have as much time as possible so that OBT can find a replacement for you. The performance absence fee may be waived in emergency cases. PLEASE REVIEW OUR PERFORMANCE POLICIES Performance Drop-off Policy o For each performance, you will need to sign your dancer in and out.  Sign-in sheets will be on the front table of the green room. o Volunteer parents for each role do not arrive until the call time for that role.  Do not drop off your dancer until their call time. o Please inform the volunteer lead for that performance if your child is going home with another parent/grandparent/friend. Performance Pick-up Policy o You are expected to pick-up and sign out your dancer in the Green Room at the end of their performance on the stage.  Volunteer parents for each role leave after their assigned dancers exit the stage and change their clothes.  They do not stay for the duration of the entire show. Green Room Policy o The taking of PICTURES AND VIDEOS is strictly PROHIBITED in the Green Room o Only dancers and scheduled volunteers with badges are admitted into the green room o All dancers and volunteers must sign in & out o For pick up, parents will wait outside and a volunteer will bring your child to you o Volunteers cannot bring other children with them during their volunteer shift.  You will need to volunteer another night. o If you have time to stay and help, ask the door monitor where there are open volunteer slots Inclement Weather Policy OBT does not cancel performances due to weather except in the most severe of conditions. Unless otherwise noted on our website, the show will go on and dancers are expected to perform. Stay Healthy! Unfortunately, it is cold and flu season too. Here are some tips to keep everyone happy and cheerful for the rest of the performances (and holidays): Unfortunately, it is cold and flu season too. Here are some tips to keep everyone happy and cheerful for the rest of the performances (and holidays): 1) If you are sick (e.g., fever, bad cold, stomach ache) - STAY HOME! Let's spread love and kindness, not germs. 2) Drink plenty of water and don't share bottles of waters with others. (This goes along with the do not share germs motto...) 3) Eat healthy foods. Avoid junk food and foods with lots of sugar. An apple a day (and/or other fruits and vegetable) keeps the doctor away. 4) Get plenty of sleep. Make sure you are well rested and ready for the performances. 5) WASH YOUR HANDS! This is one of the best defense against germs. If you can't wash your hands right away before eating, use hand sanitizer.