DARIEN SCHOOL OF DANCE – NUTCRACKER

December 13, 2026 – Darien High School

THIS PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE TO REGISTERED STUDENTS OF DARIEN SCHOOL OF DANCE.

Participation Fee: $300 includes: Sat rehearsals, parent photo opportunity at dress rehearsal in costume, performance opportunity (no multiple class discounts available) and digital download of performance. A Nutcracker Registration Form will need to be completed for each dancer.

Auditions: Unlike other schools we do not turn students away. We are a non competitive inclusive school that promotes teamwork, discipline and fun for all ages, levels and abilities. All Nutcracker participants must report to the studio for an informal and stress free audition on Sat, Oct 3rd at 1pm for ages 4-6 years; and 2pm for ages 7 and up. 4 -6 years olds must be comfortable with drop off and be able to follow directions.

Nutcracker roles will be assigned the following week along with Sat scheduling and students will start to learn their role at our first rehearsal on Sat, Oct 10th. Parents with any conflicts of timing and scheduling should make Mrs. Fulton aware as far in advance as possible.

Rehearsals: Sat afternoons starting October 10th at the YWCA. Exact rehearsal times still to be determined but will occur between 1pm – 4pm (or 5pm as we get closer to show date) and most probably be in 30 – 45 minute increments.

Mandatory Dress Rehearsal (no exceptions) will be on Sat, Dec 12 from 12-4pm at performance venue.

Costumes: Costumes do not need to be purchased but will be loaned out to students as part of their participation fee. Parents will have plenty of opportunity for photos in costume at dress rehearsal Sat, Dec 12th.

Tickets ($30) will go on sale 2 weeks prior to show day. Anyone (ages 2 and up) attending the performance will need to purchase a ticket. We do not encourage babies under the age of 2 to attend for the sake of fellow patrons and the performers. Ticket sales help offset the numerous costs of putting on a professional production: auditorium rental fee, fire warden, police presence, sound and light tech crew, set rentals, rehearsal space, teaching staff, etc.

Show Day: Sunday, December 13th. Dancers will arrive at performance venue at 1pm for a 2pm performance. We will be doing an abbreviated version of the Nutcracker and will be very child friendly. Performance time will be less than 1 hour. Tickets will be $35 day of show.

Parent Helper Committee: We very much rely on and appreciate any help that parents can give for this ambitious endeavor. Please email Mrs. Fulton if you would like to head up this committee and/or would like to sign up for helping with: costumes/sewing; supervision during rehearsals; program planning; set and stage design; dancer supervision showtime; front lobby check in; or any talents/skills that you would like to share.

We look forward to continuing a family friendly holiday tradition for all the families of Darien and surrounding towns!