A Philadelphia Nutcracker

December 19th, 20th, and 21st, 2025

Participation in a PDT production is both an honor and a responsibility. Each dancer plays an essential role in bringing our performances to life, and success depends on every individual’s commitment, preparation, and professionalism.

This agreement outlines the expectations for dancers and their families regarding rehearsals, attendance, costumes, volunteer responsibilities, fundraising, and overall conduct. By signing, you acknowledge that you understand and accept the commitment required and agree to uphold PDT’s standards of discipline, respect, and artistry.

The purpose of this agreement is not only to set clear guidelines but also to help ensure that each dancer and the production as a whole has the best possible experience. Your dedication, reliability, and teamwork allow PDT to continue creating high-quality performances for our audiences.

Senior Company Agreement: Open to Levels 5x & 6 

You are committing to a full season of dancing including Nutcracker, Spring Concert, outreach events, and the RDA Festival. You will attend the minimum number of hours of ballet class per week for your level. It is expected you will take your training seriously by spending at least 60 hours in summer study. You are required to purchase the company leotards and tights. Parents must agree to volunteer and support.

Apprentice Company Agreement: Open to Levels 4, 4x, 5, 5x, 6
This commitment is for younger dancers working towards Senior Company membership. You are committing to participate in shows as needed by the artistic staff.  You will attend the minimum number of hours of ballet class as appropriate to your level per week and it is highly encouraged you study Jazz and /or Modern. It is expected you will take your training seriously, spend at least 40 hours in summer study.  It is highly encouraged that you attend the RDA Festival with the Senior Company. You are required to purchase the company leotards and tights. Parents must agree to volunteer and support.

Junior Company Agreement: Levels Pre Ballet 3*, Ballet 1/1x, Ballet 2/2x, Ballet 3/3x

This agreement is for dancers in levels Pre Ballet 1 – 3x. You are committing to participate in shows as needed by the artistic staff, you will attend the minimum numbers of ballet class as appropriate to your level. It is expected you will take the training seriously. You are required to purchase the company leotards and tights. Parents must agree to volunteer and support.

*Pre Ballet 3 dancers must be 6 years old and have completed at least one year of training at PDT to participate.

Fees

Participation in each PDT production has an associated membership fee. Company fees are as follows:

• Pre Ballet 3 - $200.00
• Levels 1/1x, 2/2x - $250.00 
• Levels 3-3x - $300.00
• Levels 4/4x,5/5x,6 -$350.00  

Terms and Conditions

• A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 per dancer is due at registration. Deposit is deducted from your performance fee.
• Full paymaent of the remaining Participation Fee is due by November 1st, 2025.
• Families with multiple participating dancers will pay the full fee of the highest level dancer, and the following siblings will each be discounted $100.00 from their level fee.
• Fees include link to performance recording, t-shirt, and all rehearsals, and rental of costume
• This fee covers only a small percentage of the costs incurred for these productions. We rely on fundraising and contributions to offset the balance of production costs.

Additional Fees & Contributions

• Personal supplies: Students must provide their own shoes, tights, undergarments, makeup, and hair supplies. A complete list of required dancer-provided costume items will be sent out ASAP.
• Performance tickets: Families must purchase their own tickets. Performer comp tickets are not available.
• Volunteer requirement:
  • Each family must complete 4 hours of volunteer time toward the production.
  • A volunteer sign-up sheet will be distributed.
  • Some tasks may be completed before Tech Week, but most take place during Tech Week and performance days.
  • Families who cannot volunteer may opt out by paying a $100 volunteer fee.
• Weekly Bake Sales:
  • Participating families are asked to contribute to weekly bake sales held each Saturday throughout the rehearsal process.
  • Families will be assigned a weekend, though you may volunteer for a different weekend if necessary. A sign-up sheet will be sent out in advance.
  • All proceeds go toward supporting the cost of the production.
  • Bake sales also help promote the PDT community and provide fuel for our dancers during busy rehearsal days.
• Meals at the theater (optional): Families may purchase lunch for their dancer to be delivered to the theater between performances. Order forms will be sent out later in the season.
• Flower fundraiser (optional): PDT offers a flower sale during performances. Families may pre-purchase bouquets to pick up at the theater and gift to their dancer. Order forms will be sent out later in the season.

Company Handbook

Prior to commiting to participating in any PDT Productions, all Dancers and their families must read through the PDT Handbook, available here

• It is imperative that all dancers are present for rehearsals.
• Absences can delay the rehearsal process, affect progress, and impact the entire cast. 
• If a dancer misses more than two rehearsals, Philadelphia Dance Theatre reserves the right to make casting changes for the good of the production.

We recognize that some scheduling conflicts cannot be avoided. All known conflicts must be listed below before rehearsals begin.

Rehearsal Schedule

• Dancers can expect rehearsals every Saturday from October through December
• Dancers in levels 3/3x and higher should also be prepared for evening rehearsals during the school week.
• All rehearsals will be posted on the PDT Rehearsal Calendar , as well as on the PDT mobile app.

Important Rehearsals

If an absence will occur during a studio dress rehearsal or tech week, you must request permission from the Artistic Director before rehearsals begin. Absence from these rehearsals is only permitted with prior approval and for serious reasons.

All absence requests for studio dress rehearsal or tech week must be directed to:
Artistic Director Joy Delaney-Capponi - joy@philadancetheatre.org

If permission is granted, the dancer must:

• Email the school again during performance week to confirm the absence.
• Communicate with any company dancers they share choreography with, ensuring adequate arrangements are made to cover their roles during tech rehearsal.

As a dancer with Philadelphia Dance Theatre, I understand that my participation in productions is both a privilege and a responsibility. By signing below, I agree to the following expectations:

1. Class Requirements
I agree to attend the minimum number of ballet technique hours weekly according to my level:

• Pre Ballet 3: 45 min. per week

• Ballet 1: 1.0 hr. per week

• Ballet 1x/2: 2.0 hrs. per week

• Ballet 2x: 3.0 hrs. per week

• Ballet 3: 5 hrs. per week 

• Ballet 3x: 5.0 hrs. per week

• Ballet 4: 6.0 hrs. per week

• Ballet 4x: 7.5 hrs. per week  

• Ballet 5: 8 hrs. per week

• Ballet 5x - 9 hrs. per week

• Ballet 6 - 9 hrs. per week

2. Rehearsal Attendance
I agree to attend all rehearsals to which I am called, arriving on time, warmed up, and prepared to dance.

3. Absences
I understand that I may not miss more than two rehearsals for each production. Any known conflicts must be submitted in writing in advance, and I will remind faculty of absences in the days prior.

I agree to learn all material I missed during my absence before my next rehearsal.

4. Casting
I agree to accept all casting decisions made by PDT faculty and artistic staff. If I am cast as an understudy, I will attend all rehearsals and learn the choreography for that role fully.

5. Commitment to Schoolwork
I will maintain my school grades at the level agreed upon with my family.

6. Company Participation
I will attend and participate in all company activities related to fundraising, outreach, and group functions as I am needed.

7. Conduct
I will uphold respectful and professional behavior both on and off PDT premises. I will maintain proper class and rehearsal etiquette at all times.

8. Substance Use
I will not use drugs or alcohol.

Agreement

This agreement is written in good faith between the dancer and Philadelphia Dance Theatre. By signing, I affirm that I have read and understand PDT’s Handbook and agree to uphold all policies and responsibilities outlined above. I understand that failure to meet these expectations may result in removal from the cast of Philadelphia Dance Theatre productions.

Support of Commitment – I am aware of my child’s commitment and responsibility to the company, classes, and rehearsals. I will fully support this commitment by ensuring my child has the proper attire, transportation, and preparation for all classes, rehearsals, and performances.

Communication & Rehearsal Calendar – I agree to stay informed by reading all PDT communications and checking the rehearsal calendar regularly on the website and app. I understand that schedules may change based on progress, absences, guest artist availability, or other production needs, and it is my responsibility to know when my dancer is called.

Respect for Casting – I agree to respect and support the casting decisions made by the PDT Artistic Staff, understanding that casting is determined with the best interests of the production and dancers in mind.

Financial Responsibility – I agree to pay all fees outlined in this agreement on time and in full.

Promotion of Performances – I agree to help promote ticket sales by distributing postcards and posters, sharing on social media, and personally inviting family, friends, and community members to attend PDT performances.

Fundraising – I agree to actively participate in all PDT fundraisers as required, understanding that these efforts are essential to the success of the productions and the sustainability of the program.

Volunteer requirement:

• Each family must complete 4 hours of volunteer time toward the production.
• A volunteer sign-up sheet will be distributed.
• Some tasks may be completed before Tech Week, but most take place during Tech Week and performance days.
• Families who cannot volunteer may opt out by paying a $100 volunteer fee.

This agreement is written in good faith between the Parent/Guardian and Philadelphia Dance Theatre. By signing this agreement, you are agreeing to uphold all the policies stated in the Philadelphia Dance Theatre Handbook as well as the list of agreements above. The policies stated in this agreement are binding and any individual who is not abiding this agreement may be removed from the production.

I agree to the terms of this agreement and I have read and understand PDT’s Handbook.