Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to audition for The Nutcracker?

• No. There is no fee to audition for The Nutcracker.

Is there a fee to participate in The Nutcracker?

• Yes. There is a one time fee of $110 due on: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 for dancers who will perform in The Nutcracker.

Will I need to purchase a costume for The Nutcracker?

• No. Costumes will be provided by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's Costume Shop.

How do I know if my child is eligible to audition for The Nutcracker?

• All students in Student & Pre-Professional Division Levels 1-6 are eligible to audition. 

All Children's Division, and Student Division Preparatory dancers are not eligible to audition.

Do I need to register for the Audition?

• Yes. Eligible students will receive a link to register for the audition through the Jackrabbit Family Portal. There is no fee to attend the Nutcracker audition. The Intent to Perform Agreement is the audition registration.

When is the 2024 Nutcracker Audition?

• The 2024 Nutcracker Audition will take place on Saturday, September 21 from 1-3 p.m.

How early should I arrive to the Audition?

• Students should plan to arrive at PBT 10-15 minutes before the audition to ensure they have time to use the restroom, put on their shoes, and warm-up.

What to Wear:

• Students should wear their normal dress code leotard, tights, and shoes.

• Hair should be pulled back and secured away from the face as they would wear for class. Hair should not be a distraction.

Do I need to prepare a dance for the audition?

• Students should not prepare any material for the audition. PBT School Faculty will teach Nutcracker Repertoire as part of the audition.

How will I find the Rehearsal Schedule?

• The rehearsal schedule for ALL Nutcracker rehearsals is listed under the "Rehearsal Schedule" tab. Please follow the rehearsal schedule according to your dancers' casting.

Do I need to text the Hotline if I will be late or miss a rehearsal?

• YES! It is mandatory that you text the hotline and inform us of any extenuating circumstances that would cause your dancer to be late or absent ASAP!

• We are counting on your dancer to perform in the PBT Nutcracker, and each rehearsal is very important to ensure every dancer is prepared for the performance. In every part of the ballet, dancers from our youngest dancers in Level 1 all the way up to the Professional Company, Staff & Production Team work together to create the magic that is The Nutcracker, and it is a team effort by all.

Should I call the Front Desk or email the School Inbox with rehearsal absences?

• NO! The front desk and school inbox should not be utilized for notifying us of absences.

What to Wear to Rehearsals at PBT:

• Students should wear their dress code leotard, tights, and shoes. Dancers should arrive already dressed and prepared to dance.

• Hair should be pulled back and secured away from the face as they would wear for class, preferably in a high bun. Hair should not be a distraction. Dancers should arrive with their hair done and ready to dance.

How early should I arrive to rehearsal?

• Students should plan to arrive at PBT 10-15 minutes before their rehearsal time to ensure they have time to use the restroom, put on their shoes, and warm-up.

How will I find the Performance Schedule?

• The rehearsal schedule for ALL Nutcracker performances is listed under the "Performance Schedule" tab.

Do I need to text the Hotline if I will be late or miss a performance?

• YES! It is MANDATORY that you text the hotline and inform us of any extenuating circumstances that will make you late, or will prevent you from attending the performance IMMEDIATELY! We are counting on your dancer to perform in the PBT Nutcracker, and will need to make alternate arrangements if you will be late or unable to perform.

  • Student Division Hotline: 412-758-8394 (Levels 1-5)

  • Pre-Professional Division Hotline: 412-432-8631 (Levels 6-Graduates)

Should I call the Front Desk or email the School Inbox with performance absences?

• NO! The front desk and school inbox should not be utilized for notifying us of absences.

Do I need to be available for every performance, even though my child is only in one cast?

• YES! You must be available for every performance, as there are occasions where your child's "opposite" (same role in the other cast) is sick, injured, or needs to be replaced in the performance. 

• We will make every effort to contact you if as soon as possible if we need your child to perform on a day they were not scheduled to perform. In the past, there have been instances where we contact a family on the day of the performance due to an emergency in the other cast.

• We understand that the holidays are a difficult time to keep open availability, and we are very appreciative of every families commitment to Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. We could not accomplish the magic of The Nutcracker without all of you!

How early should I arrive at the theater?

• Students should plan to arrive within 5-10 minutes before their call time. 

• Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes early. The staff are not available until the dancers call time. Dancers dropped off before their call time will not be supervised by PBT staff or volunteers.

• If you are more than 5 minutes late for your call time, we will be calling or texting you to ask about the ETA of your dancer. It is extremely important that your dancer is at the theatre at their call time. The staff have a tight timeline to get all of the dancers ready for the performance, and it is vital that all students are accounted for at their call time to ensure the success of the performance.

What to Wear to the Benedum:

• Attire: Students should wear their dress code flesh toned leotard and tights. 

• Shoes: Depending on the role, shoes may be provided by PBT, or your dancer will be instructed to bring their own shoes.

• Hair: Hair should be styled according to the Hair & Makeup Guidelines for your dancers role. 

If my child is only in Act 1, can I pick them up to watch the second half of the performance?

• YES! If your child is only in Act 1 (Battle Scene or Party Scene), and you are attending the performance, you can pick them up at Intermission at the Artists Entrance and proceed to the public entrance of The Benedum to enjoy the rest of the performance. Your dancer must have a ticket to watch the rest of the performance!

What is the pick-up procedure at the end of the performance?

• At the end of the performance, students will exit the Benedum from the Stage Door.  An adult MUST pick up your dancer at the Artists Entrance.

• Students are NOT permitted to leave the Benedum until the Check-Out Volunteer has verified that you are present to pick up your dancer. 

• Students are NOT permitted to exit the Benedum alone or with other minors. You must physically check out your dancer with the volunteer.

• Students are NOT permitted to wait outside the Benedum Artists Entrance. Students MUST wait inside until their parent/guardian is there in person to pick them up.

• If your student is leaving with another family, a TEXT TO THE HOTLINE must be presented to the Check-Out Volunteer. 

  • PLEASE NOTE: Liberty Avenue is typically very busy at the end of performances, and it is likely there will be a significant amount of foot and vehicle traffic.