VDT is a non-profit dance company based in Clark County, WA, dedicated to the encouragement and appreciation of the dance arts in the local community. It is not affiliated with any school district or dance studio, and all dancers from the Vancouver/Portland metro area are welcome.
Dancers between the ages of 5 and 18, and their families, are encouraged to join to experience the fun and excitement of participating in the Nutcracker. Our hope is to supplement and enhance local programs by offering dancers a chance to perform in a variety of ways.
1. Be a member of VDT: $35 annual family membership fee.
2. Meet age requirements: Must be 5 years old by August 31st (prior to auditions). Dancers are aged 5-18 and must be school age, kindergarten - twelfth grade.
3. Have at least one year of previous ballet training.
4. Currently registered and studying with a ballet teacher. Dancers must continue weekly ballet class attendance in addition to participating in Nutcracker rehearsals and production.
Auditions are publicized in advance via email to former dancers, information sent to local studios and dance teachers, posters displayed throughout the community, VDT social media posts, and on the website www.vancouverdancetheatre.com. All audition information and forms can be found on the website.
A picture will be taken of your dancer for the Artistic Director(s) to use as reference, and measurements will be taken for costuming purposes. Dancers are grouped by age and experience level, perform stretches and warm ups, then dance through given moves and combinations. Some dancers may be asked to stay for the following round of auditioning. Auditioning is necessary for ALL dancers due to quantity and varied ability.
Once casting is complete, dancers and families will be notified via email, and a cast list will be posted on the VDT website. Casting is typically sorted into two casts, A and B, where each dancer is given one dance role, often two. As dancers grow in skill and ability, they may take on more complex roles or additional parts. Casting decisions are based on size/age, ability, experience, and safety. Party scene dancers (party girl/boy) will likely only receive that one role and not a role in Act II. Decisions are based on the needs of the overall production and at the sole discretion of the Artistic Director each year.
It is important for each dancer to strive to do their best and accept the assigned part in the spirit of enhancing the production. Occasionally changes may be necessary after rehearsals have begun and are made at the discretion of the Artistic Director(s). Any questions, comments, or concerns must be made directly to a VDT board member instead of addressing the Artistic Director(s).
Rehearsals are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, starting the first weekend following auditions. Dancers can typically expect one day of practice per weekend, although there may be times when rehearsals are on both days. Rehearsals fall between approximately 12:30-6:30pm Saturdays and 1-6pm Sundays, lasting 15 to 90 minutes depending on the role.
By Wednesday of each week, upcoming weekend rehearsal schedules are emailed to dancers and their families and posted on the website www.vancouverdancetheatre.com.
Director(s) often hold rehearsals at least one day (sometimes both days) of the Thanksgiving weekend. Please plan accordingly if your family will be out of town and need to take it as one of your two allowable absences.
Costume fittings will be scheduled on some weekends along with rehearsals. Every attempt is made to coincide fittings with rehearsals, but this is not always possible. Costumes often need more than one fitting. Fitting schedules will be emailed and posted along with rehearsal schedules. Dancers are fit to costumes depending on their role and availability of sizes. Costumes may not be in their completed state during fittings.
Please encourage your dancer to display a positive and optimistic outlook regarding their assigned costume(s) and remember that each piece is in consideration of the whole production. The goal is to ensure every dancer looks their best in compilation with the whole cast.
Participating in the Nutcracker is a supplemental dance activity. Dancers must be enrolled in and attend ballet classes a minimum of once a week. Older dancers en pointe must be in class a minimum of 3 days a week. Enrollment will be verified at the start of the season and halfway through. If VDT finds a dancer has not been attending, they may be recast or asked to leave the production.
Dancers are expected to arrive ten (10) minutes before and stay for the full length of each scheduled rehearsal. Each season has only nine or ten weeks of rehearsals. Each dancer can miss a total of two (2) rehearsal days, including sick time or pre-scheduled absences. Any two of the following count as a single (1) absence: arriving late (tardy), leaving early, or missing a rehearsal for one part if they have multiple roles. To maintain the integrity of the show, any dancer with more than two absences may forfeit their right to perform, at the discretion of the VDT Board of Directors.
Please refer to the Illness Policy. An absence due to illness will not count against a dancer if proper communication is made with VDT.
Yes, it is mandatory that every dancer’s family participate in at least TWO pre-production jobs and THREE production jobs. VDT is a non-profit, and most involved, including the Board of Directors, work on a volunteer basis. The only paid contractors are the Artistic Director(s), male lead dancer, and Costume Mistress.
Pre-production (during rehearsal season) includes studio attendance, ornaments, props, silent auction procurement, etc. Production (performance week) includes dressing room chaperones, backstage help, front house sales, ticket/door, auditorium attendant, steamers, etc.
Pre-production and production committee sign ups will be sent electronically via email. If a family does not sign up by the due date, the Board of Directors will assign jobs and notify the family via email.
• $35 Annual Family Membership Fee (per household; due Audition Day).
• $55 per dancer Production Fee (due first rehearsal weekend).
• Fundraising: $150 for one dancer, $75 for each additional dancer in family; OR $90.00 per dancer fundraising buyout (due first rehearsal weekend).
• Dancers must provide their own dance shoes, tights, and “nudies” or skin-colored leotard for under costumes (for performance week).
If you fundraise, the amount to participate is $90. If you choose the buyout, it is $180. All fees & fundraising are due no later than posted due dates for participation. All mandatory fees are non-refundable.
All mandatory fees are non-refundable. VDT has ongoing annual costs, including bills and service fees. Mandatory fees cover these even if the season or performance is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.
VDT accepts cash and check at the studio. For credit card, use CheddarUp links on the VDT website.
• Nutcracker apparel.
• Ornaments: Available for paid pre-order for two weeks after casting.
Everyone is expected to read all information provided, including this handbook, fundraising materials, and weekly emails. It is advised to print out this handbook and VDT calendar for reference. Every dancer and their guardians are responsible for the information here.
Refer to this handbook or the website www.vancouverdancetheatre.com prior to emailing VDT. If you cannot find the answer, email VDT using one of the provided emails.
VDT Board members send weekly emails regarding casting decisions, rehearsal and costume fitting schedules, pre and production jobs and committees, fundraising and fee due dates, and more. Ensure VDT has the correct email for family members and dancers who need notifications. Read each and every email.
• [email protected] (General questions & scheduling)
• [email protected] (Financial obligations)
• [email protected] (Backstage/Props Committee)
• [email protected] (Ornaments & Pre/Production Signups)
• [email protected] (Publicity)
• [email protected] (Silent Auction)
If you receive a communication from an email not listed, do not open it and notify VDT. Add VDT emails to your safe list or check junk email often.
Dress Rehearsals: Wednesday, December 3 (late afternoon & evening) and Thursday, December 4 (late afternoon & evening).
Performances: Friday, December 5 (evening), Saturday, December 6 (afternoon and evening), Sunday, December 7 (afternoon).
VDT uses an online ticketing system for ticket sales. More information available in October. Buy tickets for any show you plan to attend in the audience. The performance is our product and raises money to replenish costumes, sets, and rent space.
All costumes are provided by and are the property of VDT. Dancers are responsible for their own practice clothes, tights, ballet slippers, pointe shoes, and “nudies”. Costumes are made and maintained by Board and parent volunteers under a Costume Mistress.
Yes, dress rehearsals are mandatory and held at Fort Vancouver High School. Younger dancers may need to stay late, so inform their teacher. Schedules emailed weekly. Arrive on time with FULL hair and makeup completed as for performances.
There will be an area set aside for eating, as no food or drink is allowed in dressing rooms at any time.
Performances will be videotaped of both Casts A and B. Parents receive a link in January (cost included in membership fee). Parents may take pictures during dress rehearsals. A professional photographer may take candid photos during dress rehearsals, shared in January (included in membership fee). As part of VDT, photographs/videos may be taken by designated personnel during rehearsals/performances for promotional purposes and posted on the VDT website or social media.
A cast party for all dancers and volunteers working one or both Saturday shows is usually held in the school’s cafeteria between the Saturday performances.
• Dancers must be on time for all performances, with hair done and make-up applied.
• Dancers are expected to listen and follow all directions given by room parents and backstage directors.
• Bring books or games for quiet activities in the dressing room.
• Dressing rooms must be kept clean. Dancers are not permitted to touch any classroom items.
• Dancers are not allowed to eat or drink in costumes, but may bring water bottles.
• No food or drink is allowed in the auditorium or dressing rooms.
• Dancers must stay in the dressing rooms during performances.
• Only dancers and assigned parent volunteers are allowed in dressing rooms and backstage.
• Wear shirts and sweaters that button or zip to keep hair and make-up neat.
• Dancers choose to participate with VDT to learn and perform to the best of their abilities.
• Dancers will be on time (10 minutes early) to participate fully in rehearsals and performances.
• Dancers must continue to attend regular technique classes in addition to VDT rehearsals.
• Dancers will wear appropriate attire (leotard, tights, and shoes).
• Dancers will not chew gum or eat food while in rehearsal or performance spaces.
• Dancers will not use cell phones (calls, texts, emails, or games) while in rehearsal.
• Dancers will utilize proper etiquette and refrain from unnecessary behavior in the studio.
• Dancers will practice and be held responsible for memorization of their choreography.
• Dancers will be dropped off and picked up on time. There is limited supervision for dancers not in rehearsals.
• Dancers are responsible for taking care of costumes. If damaged, replacement charges will be billed.
• Parents/Guardians will maintain a positive attitude and give uplifting feedback to dancers.
• Parents/Guardians will be polite and courteous to all VDT members and Board.
• Parents/Guardians will read handouts and emails regularly to stay informed, and respond within 48 hours.
• Parents/Guardians will attend all required meetings.
• All fees & fundraising are due no later than posted due dates for participation. All mandatory fees are non-refundable.
• In order to audition for the next production, all members must remain in good standing including behavior, communication, and financial obligations.
There are many ways to help during the season and year-round. Fundraising and publicity are critical. Ideas include:
• Wear VDT and Nutcracker apparel with pride. Tell everyone you are a member and invite fellow dancers to join.
• Put performance posters up at your school, parent’s workplace, or community business (posters available at rehearsals).
• Invite grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors, and teachers to watch.
• Find and follow us on social media. Share posts on your accounts: Facebook @vancouverdancetheatre, Instagram vancouverdancetheatre.
• Select VDT as your non-profit on your Fred Meyer account (update annually). Community partner donations help with off-season expenses.
• Read & print out Handbook BEFORE Auditions (Due before 9/20).
• Fill out Audition Form online BEFORE Auditions (Due between 9/1-9/20).
• Read & sign waiver online BEFORE Auditions (Due between 9/1-9/20).
• Sign Conduct & Handbook Agreement online BEFORE Auditions (Due 9/1-9/20).
• Pay Membership fee online or by check or cash in studio (Due 9/20 at Auditions).
• Print out or incorporate VDT Calendar into your planner/phone calendar.
• Read VDT emails and schedules WEEKLY.
• Sign up for pre-production and production jobs.
• Purchase shoes, tights, leotards, nudies for season/performance if needed.
• Pay Production fee (Due rehearsal weekend 9/27-28).
• Pay Fundraising Buyout *if NOT fundraising (Due rehearsal weekend 9/27-28).
• Order & Pay for Ornaments (Due between 9/27 - 10/12).
• All fundraising completed (Due rehearsal weekend 11/8-9).
VDT's goal is to keep dancers, families, volunteers, patrons, and the community safe and healthy. The policy considers information from the Washington State health department, hospitals, and local public schools. VDT will not necessarily follow individual dance studio rules and reserves the right to modify the policy at any time.
Dancers with symptoms of illness should stay home and rest. Do not attend if they have had a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea within 24 hours. For cold or flu symptoms, stay home for at least the first several days of onset and return once symptoms improve.
VDT will strive to provide recorded rehearsals for dancers unable to attend due to illness. Follow Washington State guidelines for exposures, quarantine, testing, and returning. Contact VDT immediately if sick for accommodations. An absence due to illness will not count if communicated properly.
Families can watch through the large outdoor window. During auditions, a family member may enter for payments and parent meeting.