Thursday, August 8th at 4S Dance Academy. See the listed times above by level to determine when to audition.

Yes! The audition is a fun and exciting process. Students learn different roles and the story of the Nutcracker. The audition is invaluable for us and students alike. We need to see students before casting roles and students gain audition experience in a safe, familiar environment. As dancers grow, they will likely audition for roles in various productions, summer programs, college programs, companies and more!

If your student cannot make the audition, please contact the studio (info@4sdanceacademy.com, 858-385-1999)

Yes! All students who audition will be cast!

Yes! Our Nutcracker production is for our 4SDA students!

No! We have created roles for dancers who do not do ballet. They may not be as featured as our ballet students, but it is still fun and exciting for students to participate.

Rehearsals will always be held on Saturdays between 1:30 – 6:30 PM. Younger children with less demanding roles typically rehearse for a shorter period of time (approx. an hour). They may not be called in for the first few rehearsals, but after their 1st rehearsal, they will be called into rehearse every weekend with the rest of the cast. Older students with more elaborate roles will rehearse more frequently (Saturdays for multiple hours and potentially week day rehearsals). Updated rehearsal schedules will be posted in the studio on the bulletin board, and online a week or more in advance.

Yes! Rehearsals are mandatory! It is incredibly difficult to choreograph and set group pieces with students missing. Students are allowed one absence. Students with (2) absences may have their roles reduced. Students with (2+) absences will have their roles reduced or may lose their role(s) entirely and may be dropped from the production.

Refunds and account credit is not given for students with reduced rolls, or who are dropped from the production.

Participating in Nutcracker requires a commitment from students and their parents. We do not recommend that students try to juggle Nutcracker and another activity. From years of experience, we’ve seen the stress that it causes the student, their families, our faculty and other students who count on them to be present at rehearsals. Nutcracker is required to be the priority over other activities as missing (2+) rehearsals will result in reduced rolls, losing their roll(s) or being dropped from the production.

Students do not need to participate in Nut Prep Week, though we highly encourage it for students Division 1 and up! Being back in the studio will build their confidence for the audition and will get them excited for Nutcracker!

Eleve / Company students are expected to attend Nutcracker Prep Week.

November 20 – 24, 2024 at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. We anticipate we will do 2 – 3 performances, so please keep the entire week open for extra rehearsals and theatre time.

Students LOVE performing and we LOVE having them perform as much as possible. Students are required to perform in all Nutcracker shows. If you know that your student will miss a show, then please do not sign them up for Nutcracker this year.

Yes. The one-time Production Fee covers the extensive production costs of theatre rental fees, music fees, production crew, technical crew, costuming, equipment, props, set needs, rehearsal space, rehearsal staff, administrative time, insurance, and countless odds and ends.

Registration and payment is required in advance as all students who audition will be cast in a part. Rehearsals for many of the roles will start soon after the audition.

No, the cost to use 4SDA’s Nutcrackers costumes is included in the Production Fee. Nutcracker costumes are stored, handled, altered, cleaned and cared for by 4SDA. There will be fittings and all of the associated costs are included in the production fee.

All Nutcracker fees are non-refundable. Please review your schedule through Thanksgiving before registering. Talk through the commitment with your dancer, before they audition to help them prepare!