The Mikko Nissinen’s

PERFORMANCE GUIDE for parents & students TABLE OF CONTENTS PERFORMING AT THE BOSTON OPERA HOUSE

Welcome to The Nutcracker 2

Performance Schedule 2

Important Phone Numbers 3

Parent Meeting 3

Boston Ballet School Student Accounts 3

Performing at the Boston Opera House 4

Arrival Times 5

Pick-up Times 6

Costumes/ Garments / Makeup / 6–8

Student Supervision 9

Student Etiquette 9

Purchasing Tickets / Parking / Public Transportation 10

Performers: Seeing the Show 11

Volunteering at The Nutcracker 11

Press, Photography, and Social Media 12

2 The Nutcracker WELCOME TO THE NUTCRACKER 2017

Congratulations and welcome to The Nutcracker 2017! We are very excited for this year’s production and hope you are too. Performing in The Nutcracker is fun and rewarding, but it is also a big responsibility. As a cast member, you will be held to the same high standards as the professional company dancers and as expected by our audiences. This guide was created as a resource for you to ensure a smooth and successful rehearsal and performance experience.

All students cast in The Nutcracker must be available to rehearse and perform in any cast for all rehearsals and performances. No exceptions will be made for students who are unable to commit to the full rehearsal and performance schedule. This includes vacations, holiday plans and school activities. Two or more unexcused absences may result in dismissal from the cast and may jeopardize a student’s eligibility to audition for future Boston Ballet productions.

Students are expected to regularly attend their ballet classes during The Nutcracker rehearsal and performance period. All absences from Boston Ballet School classes due to rehearsal or performance commitments are considered excused absences. Once rehearsal and performance schedules are made available, students should report any upcoming absences to the Studio Administrator.

2017 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE M T W TH F SAT SUN 20 21 22 23 NOV 24 25 26 1:30 & 1:30 & 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 6 pm 27 28 29 30 DEC 1 2 3 1:30 & 1:30 & 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 6 pm 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1:30 & 1:30 & 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 6 pm 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 1:30 & 1:30 & 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 6 pm 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1:30 & 11 am & 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 3 pm 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1:30 & 1:30 & 1:30 & 1:30 & 1:30 & 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 7 pm

New this year! Boston Ballet has altered its matinee and Sunday evening performance times. Matinees are now at 1:30 pm, and Sunday evenings begin at 6 pm. After the first few weeks of rehearsals are under way, students will be notified regarding which of the three rotating casts they are in as well as exactly when each cast will be performing.

3 The Nutcracker IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

Our primary form of communication is email. Please be sure we have an updated email address on file. We also post information on studio bulletin boards when necessary.

Children’s Theatre Manager: 617.456.6215 All concerns, questions or, requests not related to the day’s performances (see below) should be directed to Sean Watkins, the Children’s Theatre Manager. He can also be reached at [email protected].

Day-of-Performance Emergency Hotline: 617.456.6280 Emergencies affecting the day’s performance(s) should be directed to the Day-of- Performance Emergency Hotline. This line will be monitored at all times throughout the performance day. This line should only be used if you are running late for a call or if you will be unable to perform in the day’s performance(s) as scheduled.

Weather Emergency Hotline: 617.456.6230 Boston Ballet rarely, if ever, cancels a performance. In the event of inclement weather, please call for recorded updated information. If weather prevents your travel into the city of Boston, please call the Day-of-Performance Hotline to let the Children’s Theatre Manager know.

PARENT MEETING

Mark your calendars! We would like to invite all parents and guardians of our student performers to a Parent Meeting on Tuesday, November 7 at 6:00pm at the Boston Opera House (location subject to change). Representatives from the Box Office, Retail, Wardrobe, and Production departments will be in attendance to speak to parents and answer questions about performing at the Opera House, opportunities to get involved, and ticket information. We also offer the chance to tour backstage and allow you to better understand where your child will be when performing.

BOSTON BALLET STUDENT ACCOUNTS

Boston Ballet School accounts must be in good standing or your student may not be eligible to participate in The Nutcracker. If you need to bring your account up to date please contact Boston Ballet’s Student Services Manager at 617.456.6267

4 The Nutcracker PERFORMING AT THE BOSTON OPERA HOUSE

STUDENTS’ STAGE DOOR: The stage door of the Boston Opera House is located on Mason Street, which lies off of Avery Street, parallel between Tremont and Washington Streets, in the Downtown Crossing neighborhood of Boston. It is staffed by Opera House security to ensure the safety of all who work and perform backstage. Our student performers have their own dedicated entrance, located kitty-corner from the main stage door. The Boston Opera House stations an additional security officer at this door for all rehearsals and performances in which students are involved. Inside, students will be greeted by a Boston Ballet Child Supervisor, who will also be present for daily check-out. When picking up your student, please continue to use this entryway. Due to space restrictions, we are unable to accommodate parents, family, or friends of our student performers backstage. To ease congestion at the students’ stage door itself, we ask that only one family member enter the stage door to pick up their performer.

Stage Door Opera House THE BOSTON OPERA HOUSE In the Theatre District 539 Washington Street Boston, MA 02111

MASON STREET RESTRICTIONS: Out of respect for the Boston Opera House, its staff, and its neighbors, driving down, idling, and/or parking on Mason Street is strictly prohibited. Mason Street is accessible only to adjacent condominium residents and emergency vehicles, and it must be kept clear in the event of an emergency. It is recommended that students carpool with more than one adult, when possible, so that they can be escorted to the students’ stage door if parking is difficult. The Opera House security officer does endeavor to make him/herself visible to students and parents approaching the stage door from Avery Street.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURE: Comprehensive emergency procedure guidelines have been established for all Boston Ballet studio locations as well as the Boston Opera House. Students will be informed of the emergency policy and procedures for the Boston Opera House during their first rehearsals at the theatre.

While at the Boston Opera House, students are supervised at all times and are directed to follow the instructions of their supervisor. In the event of an emergency evacuation, all students will be safely and immediately escorted away from the building and assembled under the care of the Children’s Theatre Manager or Lead Supervisor. Should re-entry to the theatre be prohibited, students will be escorted to the AMC/Loews Boston Common Theatre at 175 Tremont Street and will be released to their parent or guardian from the lobby per standard protocol.

5 The Nutcracker ARRIVAL TIMES

We ask that you adhere as closely to these arrival times as reasonable. Dropping your student off too early can create a very long day for the student and/or may leave the child unsupervised.

Performance Time 1:30 PM 6:00 PM 7:30 PM Clara 12:00 PM 4:30 PM 6:00 PM Fritz 12:00 PM 4:30 PM 6:00 PM Party Children 12:00 PM 4:30 PM 6:00 PM Urchins 12:30 PM 5:00 PM 6:30 PM Flower Seller 12:30 PM 5:00 PM 6:30 PM Big Mice 12:45 PM 5:15 PM 6:45 PM Baby Mouse/Mice 12:45 PM 5:15 PM 6:45 PM Gingerbread 12:45 PM 5:15 PM 6:45 PM Soldiers/Musicians 12:45 PM 5:15 PM 6:45 PM Lead Reindeer/Reindeer 12:45 PM 5:15 PM 6:45 PM Sugar Plum Attendants 1:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:00 PM Shepherdesses 1:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:00 PM Pages 1:15 PM 5:45 PM 7:15 PM Lantern Bearers 1:15 PM 5:45 PM 7:15 PM Lambs 1:15 PM 5:45 PM 7:15 PM Polichinelles 1:15 PM 5:45 PM 7:15 PM Tea 1:15 PM 5:45 PM 7:15 PM

When preparing for a show and arriving at the Opera House, Boston Ballet asks the following of all students: • BE ON TIME FOR THEATRE CALLS. Remember to allow for extra travel time due to traffic and weather. If you are running late, please call the Day-of-Performance Emergency Hotline (page 2) to avoid substitution. • If a student has not arrived on time, then a replacement will be called. Should your student arrive after his or her replacement, the replacement maintains the privilege to perform. • Arrive with your performance ready and wearing appropriate underdressing. This includes tights, leotards, and/or camisoles as indicated on page 8 of this guide. • Do not wear any jewelry other than that provided by Boston Ballet as part of your costume. Personal jewelry is best left at home. • Remove any nail polish on fingernails before arriving at the Opera House. • Arrive and depart the theatre as members of the general public. Make-up (for those who need it, as indicated on page 8) should be done after arriving at the theatre. Leaving the theatre, make-up should be removed and dance attire should not be visible.

6 The Nutcracker PICK UP TIMES Following each performance, a Child Supervisor will stay at the students’ stage door until all students are picked-up. All students MUST BE MET at the stage door by a parent or person(s) designated on their Stage Door Release, unless otherwise notified in advance. Students are expected to be picked up promptly and no later than 10 minutes following the conclusion of the performance. Parents who are chronically late in picking up their student may place their student’s participation in jeopardy for future productions.

Performance Time 1:30 PM 6:00 PM 7:30 PM Urchins 2:00 PM 6:30 PM 8:00 PM Flower Girl 2:00 PM 6:30 PM 8:00 PM Fritz 2:15 PM 6:45 PM 8:15 PM Party Children 2:15 PM 6:45 PM 8:15 PM Big Mice 2:15 PM 6:45 PM 8:15 PM Baby Mouse/Mice 2:15 PM 6:45 PM 8:15 PM Gingerbread 2:15 PM 6:45 PM 8:15 PM Soldiers/Musicians 2:15 PM 6:45 PM 8:15 PM Lead Reindeer/Reindeer 2:30 PM 7:00 PM 8:30 PM Lantern bearers 3:10 PM 7:40 PM 9:10 PM Lambs 3:15 PM 7:45 PM 9:15 PM Shepherdesses 3:15 PM 7:45 PM 9:15 PM Polichinelles 3:15 PM 7:45 PM 9:15 PM Sugar Plum Attendants 3:30 PM 8:00 PM 9:30 PM Tea 3:30 PM 8:00 PM 9:30 PM Clara 3:30 PM 8:00 PM 9:30 PM Pages 3:45 PM 8:15 PM 9:45 PM

STAGE DOOR RELEASE FORM: Once students are assigned to their performance cast, all students are issued a Stage Door Release Form, whereby parents and guardians list the person(s) with whom the student may leave the theatre or indicate that the student is permitted to leave unescorted. For their safety, students will not be released to anyone who is not listed on their Stage Door Release Form. If someone is going to pick up your student who is not listed on your form, please email the Children’s Theatre Manager in advance, or send a written note with your student to detail your arrangements. Please note that all students performing in The Nutcracker, regardless of age, must return a Stage Door Release Form filled out by their parent or guardian. The deadline to return this form will be Sunday, November 12. Please note that parents or guardians may be asked to show identification when picking up their student. Our concern will always be your student’s safety.

COSTUMES On page 7 of this guide, you will find a detailed breakdown of all garments that students must provide and bring to the Opera House on their own. Please make certain that

7 The Nutcracker your child has all needed costume pieces when they arrive at the theatre. For each performance, students should wear freshly laundered leotards, tights, and/or socks. Note that Boston Ballet’s costume shop does not stock extra children’s leotards, tights, or shoes.

At the theatre, professional dressers will be provided for all students. In accordance with union procedures, all costuming must be done by the dressers. This means that students may get into their costumes themselves, but must be hooked, pinned, and/or zipped by the dressers.

In order to protect and prolong the life of our costumes, please instruct your student to follow the steps listed below:

GARMENT LIST–ITEMS TO BE PROVIDED BY STUDENT

Role Leotard Tights Shoes Elastics Socks Baby Mouse/Mice Black n/a White canvas White n/a Big Mice BB provided BB provided BB provided n/a n/a Black Lambs Nude camisole n/a Black canvas Black Black Clara Nude camisole Crème White leather Crème n/a Flower Seller Nude short sleeve Ballet pink BB provided n/a n/a Fritz White n/a Black leather White White Gingerbread Any class uniform BB provided White canvas White White Lantern bearers Any class uniform BB provided White canvas White n/a Lead Reindeer Nude camisole Pink Pointe shoes n/a n/a Musicians White White Black leather White n/a Pages Any class uniform Crème BB provided n/a n/a Party Boys/Siblings White n/a Black leather White White Party Girls/Siblings Nude short sleeve Crème White leather Crème n/a Polichinelle Boys Nude short sleeve Crème Black canvas Crème n/a Polichinelle Girls Nude short sleeve Crème White canvas Crème n/a Reindeer Nude short sleeve White White canvas White n/a Shepherdess Pink trunks Ballet pink Pointe shoes n/a n/a Soldiers White n/a Black leather White White Sugar Plum Attendants Pink trunks Pink Pointe shoes n/a n/a Tea Nude short sleeve Pink Pink leather Pink n/a Urchin Boys Any class uniform n/a BB provided n/a n/a Urchin Girls Nude short sleeve Ballet pink BB provided n/a n/a White Lambs Nude camisole n/a Black canvas White White

• "Nude" leotards and camisoles should be the color that best matches your child's skin tone.

• Crème tights and all shoes, except pointe shoes, must be ordered online through the Boston Ballet Shop.

• All socks must be calf or knee length. Low-cut "sports" socks and short crew styles are not acceptable.

8 The Nutcracker ORDERING SHOES AND TIGHTS If the table on the previous page indicates that you must order a costume piece through the Boston Ballet costume shop, you can do so online. Please visit http://shop. bostonballet.org/bb-school/nutcracker-cast to place your order. Orders must be placed by Sunday, October 15. Please note that only one pair of shoes should be ordered per role. Shoes and tights will not be available for purchase during the run of show, so it is recommended that students have additional pairs of tights to rotate throughout the performance run. For questions on ordering shoes and tights please contact Sean Watkins, [email protected].

MAKE-UP Fritz and Clara are the only roles for which make-up will be applied by professional staff. Lambs have their noses painted by wardrobe staff once they are dressed. Tea, Shepherdesses and Sugar Plum Attendants apply their own make-up, and will be instructed on how to do so upon arriving at the Opera House. No other roles require make-up.

HAIRSTYLES Students should arrive at the theatre with their hair done as indicated in the chart below. They should also bring supplies to repair their if necessary, including an individual hairbrush, bobby pins and hairspray or gel. Performance-ready hair means no wisps; hairspray or gel should be utilized.

Role Hairstyle Role Hairstyle

Baby/ Little Mice Low Party Girls Softly pulled high Big Mice Clean, smooth hair or braided Polichinelle Boys Very flat bun at top of head at base of neck for longer hair Polichinelle Girls Bun at top of head Clara Softly pulled high bun Poli-Mice (Mice & Poli) High braid Flower Seller Softly pulled low bun Reindeer Very low bun Fritz Clean, boyish cut, not slicked Shepherdesses Gingerbread Clean, smooth hair or low braid Soldier High bun Lambs Braid at base of neck Sugar Plum Attendants French twist Lantern bearers Low bun Tea Low bun Lead Reindeer French twist Urchins Natural hair, as noted by Pages High bun wardrobe at fitting Party Boys Clean, neat hair, not slicked Wigged as needed

All: Please remember that students should not share hairbrushes or combs. Girls: Please do not have your hair cut between the time of the audition and the end of your performances. Boys: Traditional haircuts only. Boys will have to wear wigs if their haircut is incongruent to the production or if their head is shaved.

9 The Nutcracker BACKSTAGE STUDENT SUPERVISION At the Boston Opera House, students are supervised by staff members hired specifically for this purpose by Boston Ballet. The Children’s Theatre Manager along with a Lead Supervisor will oversee and manage a team of Child Supervisors. The Child Supervisors’ responsibilities include: • Checking students in and ensuring that all students have arrived at the theatre on time. • Accompanying each group of performers to wigs, wardrobe, and/or the stage at the appropriate times, remaining with them in the , and escorting them back to the dressing room. • Supervising students’ safety and educating them on Evacuation Procedures in the event of an emergency. • Ensuring that all students are signed-out of the theatre and released to an individual designated on their Stage Door Release Form.

STUDENT ETIQUETTE Professional behavior is expected of every performer at all times. Students must conduct themselves in a responsible and courteous manner during all rehearsals, costume fittings, and performances. The following behavior should be observed by all backstage: • No unauthorized cast changes • No photography backstage nor during rehearsals • No running, pushing, shoving, nor abusive language • No eating, drinking (anything other than water) nor sitting in costume • No chewing gum at any time • No theft, vandalism, nor graffiti • No sitting on counters or tables • No touching props or scenery unless otherwise directed • No smoking, drinking alcohol, nor using illegal substances at any time

Students are expected to be respectful towards ballet staff, supervisors, stage crew, dressers, company dancers, and fellow students. Failure to comply with these rules may result in dismissal from the cast and jeopardize a student’s eligibility for future Boston Ballet productions.

At the theatre students are expected to clean up after themselves in the restrooms and dressing rooms and keep track of their personal belongings. All designated student rooms should be left in the same condition as how they are found. Please remember to leave valuables at home. Boston Ballet and Boston Ballet’s staff will not be held responsible for any items that are lost or stolen.

SECRET SANTA: Boston Ballet does not arrange for students to participate in Secret Santa. We discourage any Secret Santa, or similar gift swaps, at the theatre in an effort to maintain a focused and professional atmosphere.

10 The Nutcracker PURCHASING TICKETS The Boston Ballet Box Office is able to help you with all ticket purchasing needs. For your convenience, tickets may be purchased online, by phone, or in person. Visit bostonballet. org– 24 hours a day, 7 days a week –for ticket purchases, directions, and public transportation information.

Boston Ballet Box Office, 617.695.6955 19 Clarendon Street, Boston Monday–Friday from 9:30am to 5 pm Saturday–Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm (performance days only) Boston Opera House Box Office 539 Washington Street, Boston Tuesday–Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm (until 6 pm during The Nutcracker)

Please note, if you plan on purchasing Boston Ballet tickets at the Boston Opera House, you may only do so on days when there is a Boston Ballet performance.

When purchasing tickets, keep in mind: • Prices are subject to change based upon demand. Order early for the best seats at the best prices. • Neither Boston Ballet nor the Opera House offer a special ticket price for families of the students performing. We offer Group discounts and the opportunity to see the performance for free when you volunteer at the retail shop. • Everyone who enters the theatre must have a ticket; lap-sitting is not permitted. • Persons under two years of age are not permitted in the theatre. • All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. • Groups of 10 or more are eligible for significant savings (up to 40% off!) and exclusive add-ons, like personalized tours of the historic Boston Opera House. Call Group Sales at 617.456.6343 to find out more!

PARKING & PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION In the theatre district, the following parking options are available: • Lafayette Parking Garage at the Hyatt Regency - 1 Avenue de Lafayette, 617.357.1987 • Millennium Place Garage at the Ritz Carlton - Boston Common • Self Park - 47 Boylston Street, 617.574.7252 • Valet Park - Avery Street main entrance, 617.574.7100 • The Boston Common Parking Garage - Zero Charles Street, 617.954.2098

The nearest T stops to the Boston Opera House are: • Orange line: Chinatown or Downtown Crossing • Green Line: Boylston Street or Park Street • Red Line: Park Street • Blue Line: State • The Silver Line bus runs down Washington Street, directly in front of the main entrance to the Opera House. For more information about Downtown Crossing, please visit www.downtowncrossing.org.

11 The Nutcracker PERFORMERS: SEEING THE SHOW Only Act I performers will be permitted to join their family in the theatre for Act II. Please note that these students must have a ticket to that performance. At intermission, students must be met by a family member at the designated pick-up area (house right, pass door) and escorted to his/her seat. If the student is old enough to not be escorted, he/she must show his/her ticket to the door person in order to enter the house during intermission. No one is allowed into the house with costume or make-up, and no one is allowed to take a seat in the house without a ticket.

If your student will be entering the house during intermission and will therefore not be picked up following regular procedures, the Children’s Theatre Manager must be sent an email about this the day before the performance in question or the student must provide a written note to a Child Supervisor upon their checking in for that day’s performance.

VOLUNTEER AND YOU COULD SEE THE SHOW FOR FREE The Boston Ballet Shop invites you to become part of our selling team during The Nutcracker. Volunteers will receive a free ticket* to view the performance they are working and a 10% discount on shop merchandise when they work. Your responsibilities would require that you report to the shop in the Boston Opera House front lobby one hour and thirty minutes before curtain and provide customer service before the show, during intermission, and after the performance.

Arrangements can be made to have your child escorted to the shop to meet you at the end of your shift. If this is the case, please make sure to either email the Children’s Theatre Manager the day before the performance in question or have your student provide a written note to a Child Supervisor upon check-in for that day’s performance.

Become part of the magic of The Nutcracker and sign up early! Online sign up for volunteer shifts will be sent out in early November. For more information regarding shop volunteer opportunities and to be added to the volunteer list, please contact us at [email protected].

*On rare occasions during a sellout, tickets may not be available. If this is the case, you will receive a ticket to view a different performance.

12 The Nutcracker PRESS, PHOTOGRAPHY AND SOCIAL MEDIA Boston Ballet’s Public Relations office does extensive outreach to media surrounding The Nutcracker. Media outlets are often interested in featuring the student performers. Opportunities may arise in advance for which Boston Ballet’s PR office will contact you. These requests are wonderful opportunities for your student and for Boston Ballet but are always strictly voluntary.

PRESS: Most local newspapers and radio stations are very interested in hearing from you about your student’s appearance in Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Boston Ballet’s PR office will be sending a press release template (via email) for you to send out to your local media about your student’s participation. We ask that you complete the release with your student’s information, include a photograph, and submit a copy to your local newspaper, radio, and cable stations via email (please do not return the completed form to Boston Ballet). It is always best to follow-up with a phone call. Local newspapers, radio, and cable stations are very receptive to hearing about the lives of the residents in their communities. Please note that if your student is asked to do an interview or photo session with the media, Boston Ballet’s PR office cannot guarantee that the material will be used in the final published piece.

If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Gledhill, Assistant Public Relations Manager, at 617.456.6264 or [email protected].

PHOTOGRAPHY: Photography during performances is not permissible due to artistic licenses and union restrictions. In recognition of this, Boston Ballet arranges for a professional photographer to capture your student in costume, both individually and in group photographs. Our annual Nutcracker photo session will be Sunday, November 12 at the 19 Clarendon studios. Personnel from the wardrobe department will be on site to handle all costumes. A day-of schedule, order forms, and a price list will be made available as we approach the day of the shoot.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Boston Ballet promotes The Nutcracker on social media, and we welcome your engagement. To protect their privacy, we do not disclose the names of the students.

With parental permission, we encourage students to ‘like’ and ‘tag’ themselves in the photos.

Please follow @bostonballet #BBNutcracker.

13 The Nutcracker BOSTON BALLET

19 CLARENDON STREET, BOSTON, MA 02116

TEL 617.695.6950 FAX 617.695.6995

bostonballet.org

Front cover: Students of Boston Ballet School in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker by Liza Voll Photography.