What is the time commitment?

Nutcracker is a twelve-week commitment. Your child will attend a 1hr rehearsal for ten Saturdays, rehearsals every night of the week the week prior to the show at the theater, plus the actual performances.  This is the minimum commitment. If you child is in more than one part more rehearsal time will be added.

Should my child take classes as well as participate in classes?

Yes. Those children enrolled in our program receive additional and more advanced roles.

How do we pay?

CDWM accepts checks and cash only. Please make all checks payable to CDWM. Please write what payment is for on the check. Our front desk handles all accounts. Please turn all payments in to Jillian Duffy or Kevin Duffy. You can inquire about fees due at the front desk.

Is there rehearsal on Halloween or Thanksgiving? Are rehearsals always at ARD?

There are NO rehearsals on Halloween (Oct.31) unless otherwise notified. All Saturday rehearsals will be held at our Auburn Recreation Department location.

How will we be contacted about our part and rehearsals?

You will be contacted via email. Please reference the rehearsal schedule for rehearsal times. Each routine will also have a phone tree in which parents can contact one another.

What if we have not been contacted?

You will be notified about your part and rehearsal time by Friday August 28th. If you have not been contacted by this date please send us an e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call us at 530.885.8461 ext.11 . We may have incorrect contact information.

When are my payments due and how much are they? In what methods can we pay?

Nutcracker registration is $185.00. This is due on the first rehearsal (Sept. 5th) The fee of $185.00 covers your child’s “main” part, any additional parts are at the digression of the parent and is by invitation only. The additional part fee is $25.00 plus a costume fee if an additional costume is needed. Additional part fees must be paid in full.

The costume fee is $65.00 and must be paid in full. This is due the third week of rehearsal
(Sept. 19th).

CDWM accepts checks and cash only. If a check is bounced that fee will be billed in addition to the original amount due. In an effort to keep costs low we do not accept credit cards, which charge a service fee.

Can I break my payments down?

Registration payments may be paid in three installments. Please see Kevin Duffy at the front desk to devise a payment schedule. All additional part fees and costume fees must be paid in full prior to costumes being ordered.

How much is the costume going to be?

The costume fee is $65.00 (unless otherwise noted). If borrowing a costume from CDWM’s costume closet there is a $35.00 rental/dry-cleaning fee. You get to keep the costume, however accessories borrowed from CDWM must be returned. All costume fees must be paid in full the third week of rehearsal (Sept. 19th)

What if the costume doesn’t fit?

CDWM orders the costumes in the size parents submit. If you are questioning your child’s size please order the costume a size larger than they might need and have it altered. If a costume is too small we may not be able to re-order a costume in time.

Who is responsible for bringing the costume to the show?

It is the parent’s responsibility to transport their child’s costume to and from the theater for each performance. Accessories borrowed from CDWM remain at the theater overnight. If a child is missing a costume piece (i.e. a bow, glove, headpiece etc.) they may not be allowed to participate in their routine at that given performance.

Are there going to be any extra things that we are expected to buy?

Additional supplies such as ballet slippers, tights, and leotards are the responsibility of the parent. Hairpieces must be purchased if in “Party Scene”.

CDWM does sell merchandise and flowers alongside an outside vendor who will be selling DVD’s. These products are offered, but you are not obligated to purchase them.

What color tights do we need? How much do they cost and where can I buy them?

Every female dancer must have pink tights. Capezio ballet pink tights #1815. Pink  Capezio brand ballet slippers. Black for males.

EXCEPTION:*Snowflakes: White tights and white ballet slippers. Irish Creme: Tan tights and black lace up tap shoes.

You can purchase them at:
Capezio Dancewear                                     Dancewear Etc.
4800 Granite Dr.                                         8445 Sierra College Blvd.
Rocklin, Ca                                                  Roseville, Ca
916.630.1448                                             916.797.0757

Or online at:

http://www.Discountdance.com

How do you want my child's hair to be? Do I need to buy curls?

If your female child is in “Party Scene” a fake curl hairpiece must be purchased. Otherwise hair is to be in a bun for all routines.

What is an “Additional Part”?

An additional part is anything other than their “main” part. This is by invitation only and you will be notified. This is reserved for our seasoned dancers. Additional parts are accompanied by the additional part fee.

Ex.  Main part: “Bon Bon”  ($185.00) Additional part: “Party Scene” ($25.00)

Do I get to keep the costume after the show?

Yes, unless borrowed it from the CDWM costume closet.

How often is rehearsal?

Each part has a 1hr rehearsal per week. Rehearsals take place on Saturdays at our Auburn Location. Please reference the rehearsal schedule for specific dates and locations.

When do we start having extra practices?

Extra practices are at the digression of Miss. Paula and routine instructors. You will be notified via email or by phone.

Why are we practicing every day at the theater the week before the show? And does my child have to be there for all the practices at the theater?

Rehearsals the week before the show are called “Tech Week”. This is where we run through the show and our children, backstage parents, and technical staff becomes acquainted with the theater. These rehearsals are MANDATORY.

If my child is going to miss a practice whom do I tell and how many missed practices are acceptable?

Your child is allowed to miss two rehearsals. If more than two rehearsals are missed your child may not be able to continue in the program, however only Miss. Paula has the authority to decide this on a case by case basis.

Who do I go to if I have a concern?

Only Miss. Paula makes the decisions! If she does not know about a problem she cannot fix it. Feel free to contact us via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or our voicemail system at 530.885.8461 ext.11.

What should my child wear to rehearsal?

Ballet attire: (Girls) pink tights, leather ballet slippers, black leotard, hair away from face and no jewelry. (Boys) Black pants or shorts, white t-shirt, leather ballet slippers or dance shoes.

How much are tickets to the show? Do we get a discount for having my child in the show?

Tickets are $12.00 (Adult) and $12.00 (Child) You do not get a discount if your child is in the show.

Why are Adult and Children tickets the same price?

In the past we have had issues with parents purchasing child priced tickets and using them for adult admission.

If my child gets sick the day of a rehearsal or show date what should I do? Who should I call?

If your child is sick the day of a rehearsal please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . All technical rehearsals are MANDATORY. If your child misses a show please call 530.885.8461 ext.11 and know that they may not appear in the DVD if that particular night is filmed.

How much are DVD’s?  How do we order them?

This year DVD’s will be produced by an outside vendor. 521 productions will no longer be offering this service. Paula Duffy and CDWM are not responsible for lost or damaged DVD’s or DVD’s that have not been received. Please contact the vendor directly. DVD’s can be purchased during intermission of the shows. More information will be available “Tech Week”.

Why am I helping backstage? Do I get a break in payment if I do help backstage?

It takes a lot of people to make a show run smoothly. Parents are partners with CDWM in ensuring our children have a successful performance. You do not get a discount if you are a backstage parent.

What are my duties as a backstage parent?

A backstage parent is basically a chaperone that is in charge of those children in their assigned routine group. Your duties are to supervise the children in the dressing room, as well as get them dressed and ready to go on stage. You escort the group backstage and wait in the wings while they perform, then escort them back to their room and undress them and put away their costumes. You must stay for the entire show and escort them thru the finale the evening you are a backstage parent.

Can I leave early if my child is in the first act? 

If your child is in the first act and you do not wish for them to take a bow in the finale you may take them home after their routine. Please notify the backstage parent and instructor in charge of the routine before you do so.

What time do I need to have my child at the theater?

Children are to arrive one hour prior to curtain (the start of the show). Even if your child is in the second half of the performance please have them there 1hr before curtain. Our show typically begins at 7pm.

Do I need to buy a ticket for every show or can I drop my child off and come back after the show and pick my child up?

You may drop your child off; however know that they will be in the care of the assigned backstage mother. 

Are dads allowed in the backstage area with the girls?

Dads are not allowed in the backstage areas, other than the wings and loading areas. We appreciate your understanding in this sensitive matter.

How do I contact CDWM?

Phone: 530.885.8461 ext. 11 (Message System)
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Can I take pictures or video at the show?

Photography and Video taping are prohibited during performances. You will be asked to leave as it is a distraction to our performers.