2026 Nutcracker Volunteer Committees

The annual success of The Nutcracker is due in no small part to the hard work of our parent volunteers. Each family is asked to contribute 10 hours of volunteer time for each child in the performance, or pay the opt-out fee.

We ask that you indicate three different committee options, in order of preference, on the audition registration form, or select and pay the buyout fee. Every effort will be made to assign parent volunteers to their first preference, but some committees need more volunteers than others. We ask you to provide second and third preferences in case your first preference is filled.

Committee Descriptions


Technical Crew

Chairs: John Sciorra (john@sciorra.com) and Bob McGuire (bob.mcguire.jr@gmail.com)
Technical Crew jobs include a number of roles, with varying levels of commitment and skills required:
    • Running Crew: This role requires availability for multiple shows (preferably all), as well as dress rehearsals and dry tech. Must arrive one hour before curtain. You will run scenery and props for performances and make the magic happen. This role is great for high school students that have experience running shows. Please let us know if you have experience as a stage manager, props coordinator or fly operator.  Dates: December 11th-13th; Show times TBD. Dress rehearsal/dry tech will be the week leading up to the performances, with times TBD.
       
    • Pre-Performance Load-Out:  Load scenery, props, costumes, and equipment from the Coupé/RYDE Warehouse onto trucks for delivery to theatre. This will require heavy lifting, but is a great way to earn a lot of volunteer hours all at once.  Date: Friday, December 4th; Time TBD .
    • Load-In and Construction: Deliver and unload scenery, props, costumes, and equipment. Prepare the stage, build scenery, hang drops, lay the dance floor and organize props. This will require heavy lifting, but is a great way to earn a lot of volunteer hours all at once.   Date: Saturday, December 5th; Time TBD.
    • Strike, Venue Load-Out and Warehouse Load-In: Restore theatre to pre-performance condition. Break down, pack, and load all scenery, props, costumes, and dance floor on trucks. Transport to warehouse and store all equipment. This will require heavy lifting, but is a great way to earn a lot of volunteer hours all at once.  Date/Time: Strike begins immediately after the last performance ends on December 13th.

Backstage

Chair: Annie Hovis-Williams (emailanniewilliams@gmail.com)

Jobs include preparing costumes for load out, ironing and preparing costumes prior to dress rehearsal and again between shows, dressing performers for dress rehearsals and shows, help supervising and organizing dancers during shows, assistance with quick changes, laundry after shows.

Costume Collection

Wardrobe Mistress: Charlene Yan (rydenut22bs@gmail.com)

Jobs include inventory of costumes collection, laundry and sorting, pre and post season, hands on assistance during fittings, taking notes and light hand sewing. Advanced seamstress – costume construction and alterations.

Boutique

Chairs: Cari Perez (cmgersh@gmail.com) and Meaghan McGuire (meaghan.c.mcguire@gmail.com)

Jobs in this committee are divided into three subcommittees. A crew head is needed for Concessions subcommittee.

  • Flowers and Presentation Bouquets: Prepare or purchase the presentation bouquets for the principal dancers and flowers to be sold at shows.

  • Concessions: Arrange collection and restocking of concession snacks and drinks. Schedule concession volunteers and arrange for workers to pick up and drop off concession items.

  • Gifts and Souvenirs: Assist with picking up, delivering, stocking, arranging, and selling holiday and Nutcracker themed souvenirs and gift items.

Ushers, Safety Assistants and Rehearsal Assistants

Chairs: Kristen Macchio (KMACCHIO1025@yahoo.com) or danceushers@gmail.com  (preferred email) and Val Schmidt 
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  • Safety Assistants make sure all performers and families are following procedures. Rehearsal assistants help monitor the children and direct them according to the needs of the artistic and production staff both at the studio and during stage and dress rehearsals.
  • Ushers collect tickets, hand out programs, and guide and monitor patrons to their seats during performances. Usher families with high school seniors will be given priority for this job.

Fundraising

Chairs: Lisa Frenz (lisa.frenz@gmail.com)

Includes email/phone outreach to local businesses and individuals to secure donations or ads to help offset production costs. Emphasis on renewing support from past contributors. Sample language and materials provided. Primary work time frame is September to early November.