All Nutcracker 2024 cast members age 9 and below are automatically pre-accepted for The Little Mermaid casting! Simply register for the class called "Little Mermaid Pre-Acceptance". No audition necessary. They will be cast by our team in a role which will showcase their abilities. Automatic acceptance for the spring show is for age 9 and below. Age 10+ or those wanting to be considered for a different type of role from Nutcracker (actor, vocalist, gymnast, musician) should still register for auditions Feb 1.

These times are a guide. Depending on registration numbers, the timing may be adjusted slightly closer to the event. Registered participants should check their email the week of the event for any updates.

Vocalists Age 8+: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM *preparation details in registration portal

Musicians Age 8+: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM *preparation details in registration portal

Actors & Narrators Age 8+: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM *preparation details in registration portal

Special Needs Audition: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Dancers Male & Female Ages 3-4: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Dancers Male & Female Ages 5-6: 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM

Gymnasts Age 6+: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Dancers Male & Female Ages 7-8 Ballet/Jazz/Contemp/Hip-hop: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Dancers Male Age 9-12  Ballet/Jazz/Contemp/Hip-hop: 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Dancers Male & Female Ages 7-8 & 13+ Tap: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Dancers Female Ages 9-10  (Ballet/Jazz/Contemp/Hip-hop): 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Dancers Female Ages 11-12 (Ballet/Jazz/Contemp/Hip-hop): 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Dancers Male & Female Ages 13+ Ballet/Jazz/Contemp/Hip-hop: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Dancers Male & Female Ages 9-12 Tap: 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Girls: black spaghetti-strap tank top or black sleeveless leotard, leggings or bottoms that allow them to move comfortably

Boys: white shirt and black shorts or clothing that allows them to move comfortably. Girls should wear their hair in a bun (required for dancers) or ponytail. 

Audition is free. One group role is guaranteed for casting. The performance fee is estimated at $225 with additional fees if accepting additional roles, including lead roles. Payment plans available with a fee. Performance fee can be paid in installments. Performance fee is waived for special needs artists.

Requirements
CBSA is not a training organization. We are a performance organization looking for artists who demonstrate proficiency in their desired discipline. Artists offered a role are required to be actively training in their discipline during the production season at a facility of their choice.

Costume is loaned to the cast and specific costume undergarments, tights and shoes must be purchased by the artist. This is to achieve an excellent, uniformed look on stage. We choose high-quality products which are certain to last for many productions to come!

Rehearsals
Little Mermaid rehearsals will be held every Saturday between 12:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. for about 1 hour at DCSA studios, starting with the Saturday after casting is released. Lead roles may rehearse during the week at our studio sponsor, DCSA. Note: while we try to provide Rehearsal schedules in advance, they are confirmed via cast email on a weekly basis at the beginning of each week.

Attendance
It takes a strong commitment to the rehearsal process in order to produce the high-quality shows CBSA is known for. Rehearsal attendance is mandatory; absences are handled on a case-by-case basis. More than 1 absence needs to be evaluated at the discretion of the Director. Excessive absences, over 2, may incur a $50 fee for each absence. Those with conflicts who still want to participate should email the Program Manager to discuss options: lisa@childrensballetofsanantonio.org.

Most of those younger than 7 years old, will start rehearsals after choreography has been set for the older dancers they may share the stage with. For Little Mermaid, this may be as late as after Easter break. We have several breaks built into the rehearsal schedule (Spring break, Easter break). Dr notes or excuses are accepted for illness. If your artist is ill, please do not send them. If you have concerns or questions, please email Lisa Dunne (lisa@childrensballetofsanantonio.org)

We have several options for make-up auditions. Please contact our Program Manager Lisa Dunne (lisa@childrensballetofsanantonio.org) to learn about options.