Nutcracker Sweet FAQs
Who is PDM Productions Inc?
PDM Productions, Inc. is a non-profit organization created and founded by Tristi and Norvell Robinson, former principal dancers of Richmond Ballet. PDM’s mission is to provide educational experiences in the performing and fine arts to children and adults in every community, regardless of age, skill, experience or income level. Although we offer workshops and scholarships, our flagship production is our annual performance called “The Nutcracker Sweet”. Our cast and stage crew members have ranged from 4 to 60 years young and have a variety of skill levels and backgrounds. They represented the areas of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Louisa, Petersburg, Powhatan, Prince George and the City of Richmond.
When are the 2022 Performances?
All performances are happening Friday, December 2 - Sunday, December 4, at Manchester High School.
Is a 2022 Calendar of Events available?
Yes, take a look at this year's Events Calendar here.
When are auditions?
We're holding 3 open auditions this year at TWO locations: Chesterfield Dance Center (NEW!) and Prestige Dance Studio.
Sunday, September 11 at Chesterfield Dance Center
1:00-2:00PM - 8-11 yrs
2:14-3:45PM - 12 yrs to adult
Saturday, September 17 at Prestige Dance Studio
2:00-2:45PM - 4-7 yrs
3:00-4:00PM - 8-11 yrs
4:15-5:45PM - 12 yrs to adult
Sunday, September 18 at Chesterfield Dance Center
1:00-1:45PM - 4-7 yrs
2:00-3:00PM - 8-11 yrs
3:15-4:45PM - 12 yrs to adult
4:45-5:45PM - CALL BACKS! (BY INVITATION ONLY)
Who can audition?
Unlike most Nutcracker productions, “The Nutcracker Sweet” participants do not need to be affiliated with a dance school to perform. In 2021, PDM Productions welcomed dancers from 12 Richmond area dance studios. These auditions are open to anyone who has ever had a desire or dream to perform in a production such as “The Nutcracker Sweet”. The auditions are for dancers, non-dancers, actors, non-actors ... the experienced and the novice. Everyone within the ages of 4 to adult are welcome. Performers are not auditioning for a “specific role.” Performers will be cast for role(s) according to the following: age group, skill and experience.
What roles/ parts are available?
What's the process to audition?
Please note, dancers should arrive 30 minutes prior to their audition wearing proper dance or movement attire (i.e. black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes.) Hair should be pulled back away from the face (i.e. bun) and dancers should bring their pointe shoes if they have them.
When are audition results posted and how are we notified?
Results will be posted on the website on Wednesday, September 21, by midnight. These results and other communication will arrive via email as well. Dancers will then be asked to accept or decline their role(s) by completing the online form by Friday, September 23.
What fees are associated with this production?
The fee to participate in this production is $385 per dancer. This fee helps cover all production costs, costume and accessory rentals, volunteer background checks, insurance, studio space rentals, venue rental, lighting/ sound techs and more. This fee is non-refundable.
How can I pay fees?
Payments will only be accepted via Venmo @PDMProductions (no exceptions.)
Are discounts available for families?
For families who have more than one child participating in the production, discounts are available. The first dancer's dues will be $385, and all additional siblings will receive a 10% discount (for a total of $346.50).
Are there payment plans available?
Yes, payment plans are available. Please inquire for details.
Will I have to purchase a costume?
No. We will provide almost all costumes and accessories for this productions. Please note, costumes must be returned in the original condition or a $90.00 fee will be charged. That said, depending on the role, the performer is responsible for providing his/her dance shoes, tights, socks and undergarments.
Are financial aid or scholarships available?
Yes. Both opportunities are available. To apply for financial aid, please complete this form and bring it to the audition. The maximum amount of this aid is 50% of the participation fee. We also offer the opportunity to file for a “Need” scholarship, which covers 100% of the participation fee.
When do rehearsals happen for this production?
All rehearsals will take place at Chesterfield Dance Center on Saturdays and Sundays. Rehearsal schedules vary each week depending on roles, meaning that your child may have rehearsal on one or two days. Our window of possible rehearsal times falls between 11:30am-8:30pm on Saturdays, and 9am-8pm on Sundays. The weekly schedules will be released on the Wednesday (by midnight) prior to each weekend.
What COVID safety measures are in place?
Only performers, staff and volunteers (who are performing tasks) will be allowed in the buildings at all times (this includes during auditions). Performers, staff and volunteers will be asked to sanitize their hands when entering and exiting the buildings and at any other times as needed. This protocol is subject to change at any time.
What is the pick-up and drop-off procedure on weekends?
During weekend rehearsals, performers will be dropped off and picked up in front of the studio. Due to COVID safety measures, the studio lobby will be closed. Only performers, staff and volunteers (who are performing tasks) will be permitted in the studio. During Theater Week, performers MUST be escorted to/from the Sign-In/Sign-Out table. Further discussion in the parent/guardian informational meeting (date & time TBA.)
How will dancers be monitored while inside the building for rehearsals?
During each rehearsal and performance, each performer will be required to sign in and out. There will be adult volunteers in the studio. Once a performer leaves the building, PDM PRODUCTIONS is no longer responsible for him/her. More information about this in the parent/guardian meeting.
Are parents/ guardians permitted to watch auditions or rehearsals?
Only parents and others who are assisting as volunteers will be permitted into the audition. Due to COVID safety measures, the studio lobby will be closed. Volunteers (who are performing tasks) will be permitted in the studio.
Are parents required to volunteer for this production?
Yes. It is an expectation of parents/ guardians of participating dancers that they volunteer throughout this production. Our volunteers are the backbone of “The Nutcracker Sweet”. It’s only with our precious volunteers that we can produce amazing performances of this size and caliber. It is required that a parent (or family member) share time, skills and effort. If you are unable to volunteer, you have the option of paying our Volunteer Fee of $200.00, although we prefer to have your time and talents!
What if I have other questions?
You may contact us at any time with other questions here.
How can I sign up to audition?
You can register for an audition here.
PDM Productions, Inc. is a non-profit organization created and founded by Tristi and Norvell Robinson, former principal dancers of Richmond Ballet. PDM’s mission is to provide educational experiences in the performing and fine arts to children and adults in every community, regardless of age, skill, experience or income level. Although we offer workshops and scholarships, our flagship production is our annual performance called “The Nutcracker Sweet”. Our cast and stage crew members have ranged from 4 to 60 years young and have a variety of skill levels and backgrounds. They represented the areas of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Louisa, Petersburg, Powhatan, Prince George and the City of Richmond.
When are the 2022 Performances?
All performances are happening Friday, December 2 - Sunday, December 4, at Manchester High School.
Is a 2022 Calendar of Events available?
Yes, take a look at this year's Events Calendar here.
When are auditions?
We're holding 3 open auditions this year at TWO locations: Chesterfield Dance Center (NEW!) and Prestige Dance Studio.
Sunday, September 11 at Chesterfield Dance Center
1:00-2:00PM - 8-11 yrs
2:14-3:45PM - 12 yrs to adult
Saturday, September 17 at Prestige Dance Studio
2:00-2:45PM - 4-7 yrs
3:00-4:00PM - 8-11 yrs
4:15-5:45PM - 12 yrs to adult
Sunday, September 18 at Chesterfield Dance Center
1:00-1:45PM - 4-7 yrs
2:00-3:00PM - 8-11 yrs
3:15-4:45PM - 12 yrs to adult
4:45-5:45PM - CALL BACKS! (BY INVITATION ONLY)
Who can audition?
Unlike most Nutcracker productions, “The Nutcracker Sweet” participants do not need to be affiliated with a dance school to perform. In 2021, PDM Productions welcomed dancers from 12 Richmond area dance studios. These auditions are open to anyone who has ever had a desire or dream to perform in a production such as “The Nutcracker Sweet”. The auditions are for dancers, non-dancers, actors, non-actors ... the experienced and the novice. Everyone within the ages of 4 to adult are welcome. Performers are not auditioning for a “specific role.” Performers will be cast for role(s) according to the following: age group, skill and experience.
What roles/ parts are available?
- Possible Roles for Ages 4-10: Marie, Fritz, Party Children, Little Mice, Small Soldiers, Angels and Polichinelles
- Possible Roles for Ages 9-Adult: Clara, Fritz, Party Child, Party Parent, Maid, Harlequin Doll, Soldier, Ribbon Doll, Little Mouse, Big Mouse (or Rat), Rat Queen, The Nutcracker Prince, Snow Queen, Snow King, Angel, Angel Lead, Spanish, Spanish Lead, Arabian, Arabian Lead, Chinese, Russian, Russian Lead, Mirliton, Flower, Violet, Dew Drop, Polichinelle, Chef, Jester, Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier
- Possible Roles for Actors, Non-Dancers and The Novice for Ages 9-Adult: Party Child, Party Parent, Maid, Soldier, Mother, Father, Drosselmeyer, Mother Gigogne, and Chef.
What's the process to audition?
- Submit an audition application (1 per dancer)
- Submit $20 audition fee (per dancer)
- Attend the audition and bring a 4"x6" headshot.
Please note, dancers should arrive 30 minutes prior to their audition wearing proper dance or movement attire (i.e. black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes.) Hair should be pulled back away from the face (i.e. bun) and dancers should bring their pointe shoes if they have them.
When are audition results posted and how are we notified?
Results will be posted on the website on Wednesday, September 21, by midnight. These results and other communication will arrive via email as well. Dancers will then be asked to accept or decline their role(s) by completing the online form by Friday, September 23.
What fees are associated with this production?
The fee to participate in this production is $385 per dancer. This fee helps cover all production costs, costume and accessory rentals, volunteer background checks, insurance, studio space rentals, venue rental, lighting/ sound techs and more. This fee is non-refundable.
How can I pay fees?
Payments will only be accepted via Venmo @PDMProductions (no exceptions.)
Are discounts available for families?
For families who have more than one child participating in the production, discounts are available. The first dancer's dues will be $385, and all additional siblings will receive a 10% discount (for a total of $346.50).
Are there payment plans available?
Yes, payment plans are available. Please inquire for details.
Will I have to purchase a costume?
No. We will provide almost all costumes and accessories for this productions. Please note, costumes must be returned in the original condition or a $90.00 fee will be charged. That said, depending on the role, the performer is responsible for providing his/her dance shoes, tights, socks and undergarments.
Are financial aid or scholarships available?
Yes. Both opportunities are available. To apply for financial aid, please complete this form and bring it to the audition. The maximum amount of this aid is 50% of the participation fee. We also offer the opportunity to file for a “Need” scholarship, which covers 100% of the participation fee.
When do rehearsals happen for this production?
All rehearsals will take place at Chesterfield Dance Center on Saturdays and Sundays. Rehearsal schedules vary each week depending on roles, meaning that your child may have rehearsal on one or two days. Our window of possible rehearsal times falls between 11:30am-8:30pm on Saturdays, and 9am-8pm on Sundays. The weekly schedules will be released on the Wednesday (by midnight) prior to each weekend.
What COVID safety measures are in place?
Only performers, staff and volunteers (who are performing tasks) will be allowed in the buildings at all times (this includes during auditions). Performers, staff and volunteers will be asked to sanitize their hands when entering and exiting the buildings and at any other times as needed. This protocol is subject to change at any time.
What is the pick-up and drop-off procedure on weekends?
During weekend rehearsals, performers will be dropped off and picked up in front of the studio. Due to COVID safety measures, the studio lobby will be closed. Only performers, staff and volunteers (who are performing tasks) will be permitted in the studio. During Theater Week, performers MUST be escorted to/from the Sign-In/Sign-Out table. Further discussion in the parent/guardian informational meeting (date & time TBA.)
How will dancers be monitored while inside the building for rehearsals?
During each rehearsal and performance, each performer will be required to sign in and out. There will be adult volunteers in the studio. Once a performer leaves the building, PDM PRODUCTIONS is no longer responsible for him/her. More information about this in the parent/guardian meeting.
Are parents/ guardians permitted to watch auditions or rehearsals?
Only parents and others who are assisting as volunteers will be permitted into the audition. Due to COVID safety measures, the studio lobby will be closed. Volunteers (who are performing tasks) will be permitted in the studio.
Are parents required to volunteer for this production?
Yes. It is an expectation of parents/ guardians of participating dancers that they volunteer throughout this production. Our volunteers are the backbone of “The Nutcracker Sweet”. It’s only with our precious volunteers that we can produce amazing performances of this size and caliber. It is required that a parent (or family member) share time, skills and effort. If you are unable to volunteer, you have the option of paying our Volunteer Fee of $200.00, although we prefer to have your time and talents!
What if I have other questions?
You may contact us at any time with other questions here.
How can I sign up to audition?
You can register for an audition here.