AUDITIONS
Auditions for Beauty & the Beast are being held on Saturday, January, 4, 2014. Children aged 4.5 – 12 are invited to audition and play a role. No dance experience necessary. Advanced dancers (12+ years old and en pointe) should contact the studio for audition information.
A moving ballet based on the fairy tale by the Brothers’ Grimm, Beauty & The Beast follows the story of a young woman who discovers the true meaning of love in an unexpected place. Full of whimsy and magic, the original choreography is created by Pioneer Valley Ballet’s Artistic Directors, Maryanne Kodzis and Thomas Vacanti.
WHEN
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Boys & Girls ages 4.5-7
10:30 am Registration
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Auditions
Boys & Girls ages 8-12
(not on pointe)
12:30 pm Registration
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Auditions
WHERE
PVB Studio, 116 Pleasant Ste, Ste 155, Easthampton, MA 01027
CASTING
Children who are at least 4.5 by the day of the audition will receive their role the day of the audition. We cast children based on their experience, age, and aptitude during the audition. We set children up for success by casting them in roles that are developmentally appropriate for their age, creating a positive audition, rehearsal, and performance environment, and supporting their love of dance.
REGISTRATION
We encourage you to register your child in advance although it is not required.
Registration forms are available online and in PVB’s studio.
FEES
Non-refundable $25 registration fee and $20 costume fee per child.
FAQs
My child missed the audition. Can she or he still participate?
We may still have a few roles available. Please contact Noelle to discuss opportunities for you child.
My child has no dance experience. Can she or he still participate?
Yes. Every child can participate. We have developmentally and age appropriate roles for all skill levels.
What roles do the children play?
Roles vary depending on the performance but here are a few examples: reindeer and candy canes (The Nutcracker), pearls and sea horses (The Little Mermaid).
What is the rehearsal schedule?
Most dancers rehearse on Saturdays for 45-60 minutes, depending upon the role. Some groups of dancers rehearse for a little longer, and occasionally on a week night. Our advanced dancers (on pointe) rehearse all day Saturday in addition to Friday evenings. During the final week of rehearsals, all dancers attend a mandatory orientation at the Academy of Music and most dancers also participate in one or more dress rehearsals on a week night. Specific rehearsal schedules will be handed out at the auditions.
How do I get tickets to the performance?
Tickets will be available for purchase in the studio before being sold online and at the Academy of Music. We do not offer complimentary tickets to our community dancers.
How much does it cost to participate?
Registration Fee, $25
Costume Fee, $20
Children will need to provide their own leotards, tights, and ballet slippers to be worn under their costumes for dress rehearsals and performances. Specific color requirements will be made available shortly after rehearsals begin.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, please call or email our Executive Director to discuss special arrangements for your child.
What happens on the day of auditions?
After registration, your child will be given an audition number to pin to his or her shirt or leotard. You will all be asked to wait in line, in order of your number for your turn to audition. Children are brought into the audition hall in groups where they are led through basic dance stretches, are measured for their costumes, and learn choreography to perform. They audition for Artistic Directors Maryanne Kodzis and Thomas Vacanti. While your child is auditioning, parents attend a mandatory orientation where they review important information about participating in the performance.
What should my child wear to the auditions and rehearsals?
Wear comfortable clothes he or she can move in. Tights and leotard are not required, but many dancers prefer to wear them. Ballet slippers are recommended but not required during studio rehearsals. If your child does not yet own ballet slippers, we suggest waiting until you know the color required for their costume before purchasing. Children without ballet slippers should wear socks for rehearsal. No bare feet.
Do we get to keep the costumes?
Pioneer Valley Ballet has an extensive collection of costumes that we use every year for our productions. Your costume fee helps off-set the cost of upkeep, cleaning, alterations, and replacements. Dancers do not keep their costumes.
