Making The Nutcracker Magical
VOLUNTEER SIGN UP—click on the links below
Contact flavia.chi@westchesterballet.org with any questions
Message to Parents:
At Westchester Ballet Company, we’re more than just putting on a show—we’re building a community. Your involvement in The Nutcracker is essential to creating the magic that makes this production so special. Each hour you volunteer helps ensure everything runs smoothly, while also making unforgettable memories for your children and our entire community. By working together, we’re inspiring and nurturing the next generation of dancers. Your dedication and support truly make all the difference, and you are the heart of this production!
Assist with sewing tasks and Costume Fittings for October
Check-in/Check-out Teams at Lehman Center
Dressing Rooms (Leads & Helpers)
Dressing Room Volunteer Guide
Volunteer Commitment:
We’re so excited to have you join us in creating the magic of The Nutcracker! Each parent is asked to contribute at least eight hours of volunteer time during the Nutcracker season. If your dancer is 12 or younger, you’ll also help in a dressing room for one of the weekend performances. It’s a great way to be part of the magic behind the scenes!
Whether you’re new or experienced, we’ll make sure you know what to expect, what’s needed, and how important your help is to making this production truly special.
Dressing Room Volunteer: The Heart of Backstage Support
Being a Dressing Room Helper or Lead means you get a front-row seat to the excitement of performance day. You’re there to make sure everything backstage is running smoothly, and you’ll have the chance to support the dancers while they prepare for their big moments! It is ideal for volunteers to sign up for both a dress rehearsal shift AND a performance shift, so they can apply the knowledge gained during the rehearsal to the performance.
Dressing Room Helper:
- What You’ll Do:
- Help the dancers get ready for the stage by assisting with costumes and making sure everything is just right.
- Keep the dressing room organized and calm—it makes a huge difference for the dancers, especially when pre-performance jitters hit.
- You’ll also assist with bathroom breaks and help the dancers stay focused and in the right mindset.
- Caring for Our Youngest Dancers:
- Our youngest stars, like the Mice group, will need extra attention. Things like putting on tights or headpieces can be tricky for them, and they might feel shy or overwhelmed. Be patient, offer gentle support, and help them feel confident and comfortable.
- Keep an eye out to make sure they stay safe and don’t wander into restricted areas like the stairs or stage equipment. Your presence keeps everything under control.
- Don’t forget to make sure they’re lined up on the correct side of the stage for their big entrance!
- Post-Performance Help:
- After the show, make sure costumes and accessories are stored properly. Everything needs to be ready for the next performance!
- If you notice any damage or missing pieces, let the wardrobe team know right away.
- A Few Important Notes for Helpers:
- If your dancer is 12 or younger, you’ll need to volunteer for at least one performance.
- We’d love for you to sign up for both a dress rehearsal and a performance shift—it helps everything run smoother when you’ve seen how things work.
- This role is typically reserved for mothers or female family members/caregivers.
- You’ll be working closely with the Dressing Room Lead, so teamwork is key!
Dressing Room Lead:
If you’re stepping into the role of Dressing Room Lead, you’re helping to ensure that everything runs smoothly backstage, and you’ll be guiding both the dancers and Helpers in your room.
- What You’ll Do:
- Oversee the dressing room by checking in dancers, making sure they’re dressed and ready on time, and keeping everything organized.
- You’ll be the go-to person for any questions or concerns from both the Helpers and production staff.
- Stay in close communication with the stage manager and production team to address any costume emergencies, timing issues, or logistical needs (like bathroom breaks).
- Experience Needed:
- You’ll need at least one year of dressing room volunteer experience with WBC or prior dressing room experience during this Nutcracker season at Lehman Center.
- Keep the Space Tidy and Stress-Free:
- Ensure costumes and accessories are stored neatly, and the dressing room stays organized and clutter-free.
- Help create a calm, supportive atmosphere so the dancers can focus on their performance.
- Be Ready to Solve Problems:
- Whether it’s a missing costume or a timing issue, be ready to step in and keep things moving smoothly.
- Work with Helpers and the production team to handle any challenges that come up.
What We Expect from All Dressing Room Volunteers:
- Create a Positive Vibe:
- The atmosphere you help create backstage sets the tone for the dancers. Be encouraging, supportive, and calm, especially for the younger dancers who might need a little extra reassurance.
- Be Punctual and Engaged:
- Show up on time, stay focused, and be proactive. The smoother things run backstage, the more relaxed and ready the dancers will be for their big moment.
- Care for Costumes:
- Handle costumes with care to avoid damage, and make sure everything is put away properly after each performance.
- Respect Privacy:
- Help the dancers feel comfortable while changing, and be mindful of their privacy at all times.
Thank you for helping make this year’s Nutcracker production truly magical! Your involvement ensures that everything backstage runs smoothly and that the dancers can shine on stage. We couldn’t do this without you, and we’re so grateful to have you as part of the team. Let’s make this season unforgettable!