Making The Nutcracker Magical with Your Help
PLEASE SIGN UP NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 31, 2025.
VOLUNTEER SIGN UP QUESTIONS?
Contact:
flavia.chi@westchesterballet.org with any questions.
Once you have reviewed the volunteer opportunities and determined what works best for you and your family, please sign up via the button on this page.
We recommend that parents sign up for their volunteer role(s) prior to purchasing tickets to the performances.
Message to Parents:
At Westchester Ballet Company, we are more than just presenting a performance—we are building a community. Your involvement in The Nutcracker is essential to creating the magic that makes this production so extraordinary. Every hour you volunteer not only ensures the production runs smoothly but also creates lasting memories for your children and strengthens our community. Together, we are inspiring and nurturing the next generation of dancers.
To support the production, each family is asked to participate in at least one volunteer activity during the Nutcracker season. If your dancer is cast in the Spring Ballet, an additional volunteer activity will also be required in the spring.
Families who are unable to volunteer may choose to opt out by paying a $500 fee for the 2025–26 season. To choose this option, please contact info@westchesterballet.org.
Volunteering Can Give You Special Access!
Volunteers (with the exception of those working in the dressing rooms) on Thurs., Dec. 11 (Dress Rehearsals) and Fri., Dec. 12 (School Performance) will also be able to watch the performances those days at Lehman Center.
Your dedication and support make all the difference—you are truly the heart of this production!
If this is your first time volunteering with us, don’t worry, we will be here to support and guide you with all of the information you need.
Once you have reviewed the volunteer opportunities and determined what works best for you and your family, please sign up via the button on the rehearsals page of the WBC website. PLEASE SIGN UP NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 31, 2025.
Volunteer Opportunities:
FLOWERS
Flower sales are an important fundraiser for WBC.
Flower Sales Manager – Oversee purchases, message cards, and sales organization.
Getting Flowers Ready – Fri., Dec. 12, 2:00–5:00 PM (6 volunteers needed).
Flower Sales – Sat., Dec. 13, 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM performances (3 volunteers per performance).
Flower Sales – Sun., Dec. 14, 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM performances (3 volunteers per performance).
BOUTIQUE
Managed by Joann Daniel-Onativia and Rochelle Harrison. Boutique volunteers interact with the audience while supporting WBC financially. Arrival times align with your dancer’s schedule.
6 volunteers needed per performance.
Location: Lobby of the Lehman Center
Dates:
Thurs., Dec. 11 – Open Dress Rehearsals (10:30 AM & 2:00 PM)
Fri., Dec. 12 – School Performance (10:30 AM)
Sat., Dec. 13 – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM
Sun., Dec. 14 – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM
Bonus: Boutique shifts align with performances. Easy to volunteer AND see the performances!
GREETERS
Greeters welcome audience members to
The Nutcracker and hand out playbills at the entrance of Lehman Center. Bonus: Greeters can arrive at the venue at the same time as their dancer(s).
2 volunteers needed per performance.
Dates:
Thurs., Dec. 11 – Open Dress Rehearsals (10:30 AM & 2:00 PM)
Fri., Dec. 12 – School Performance (10:30 AM)
Sat., Dec. 13 – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM
Sun., Dec. 14 – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM
CHECK IN / CHECK OUT
Help ensure dancer safety by supervising arrivals and departures at rehearsals and performances. Bonus: Check-in/out shifts align with the dancers’ schedules.
4 volunteers needed per rehearsal or performance.
Volunteers arrive before dancers and remain until dismissal.
Dates:
Monday, Nov. 17 – Setting Rehearsal
(2:00–8:30 PM)Monday, Dec. 8 – Tech Rehearsal Act I
(3:30–8:30 PM)Tuesday, Dec. 9 – Tech Rehearsal Act II
(3:30–8:45 PM)Wednesday, Dec. 10 – Full Cast Dress Rehearsal (3:30–8:30 PM)
Thurs., Dec. 11 – Open Dress Rehearsals
(Arrive 8:00 AM–Depart 5:00 PM)Fri., Dec. 12 – School Performance
(Arrive 8:00 AM–Depart 12:30 PM)Sat., Dec. 13 – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM
(Arrive 9:30 AM– Depart 6:00 PM)Sun., Dec. 14 – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM
(Arrive 9:30 AM– Depart 6:00 PM)
COSTUME PACKING
Assist in packing costumes for transport to Lehman Center and back to WBC. Costumes will be sorted and organized by dressing room assignments, as directed by a WBC board member.
Sat., Dec. 6 – Costume Packing at WBC, 2:30–5:00 PM (6 volunteers needed).
Sun., Dec. 14 – Post-Performance Costume Packing at Lehman Center (immediately after the final performance) (6 volunteers needed).
LOAD IN / LOAD OUT (SETS & PROPS)
Help move and set up scenery and props. This is a vital role in preparing and wrapping up the production.
Sun., Dec. 7 – Load In at WBC, 12:30–5:00 PM (6 volunteers needed).
Monday, Dec. 15 – Post-Performance Load Out at WBC - Time TBD (6 volunteers needed).
WARDROBE (SEWING)
Assist with sewing and ongoing costume needs.
Coordinated by Margaret Yawman.
6 volunteers with sewing experience needed.
Hours vary depending on demand, but we will do our best to coordinate volunteer times with your dancer’s rehearsals at WBC.
DRESSING ROOMS
Parent supervision in the dressing rooms is critical to dancer safety and smooth backstage operations. Volunteers monitor dancers, help them stay organized, and ensure they are ready when called to stage.
9 female volunteers needed per rehearsal/performance.
Recommended: Sign up for both a dress rehearsal shift and a performance shift. We also encourage parents to volunteer for both performances on the same day (Saturday or Sunday whenever possible). Volunteer on Saturday, see the shows on Sunday, and vice versa.
Schedule:
Thurs., Dec. 11 – Open Dress Rehearsals (Volunteers 8:00 AM–4:30 PM)
Fri., Dec. 12 – School Performance (Volunteers 8:00 AM–12:30 PM)
Sat., Dec. 13 – 12:00 PM Performance (Volunteers 9:30 AM–2:00 PM)
Sat., Dec. 13 – 4:00 PM Performance (Volunteers 2:00–6:30 PM)
Sun., Dec. 14 – 12:00 PM Performance (Volunteers 9:30 AM–2:00 PM)
Sun., Dec. 14 – 4:00 PM Performance (Volunteers 2:00–6:30 PM)
Quick Summary for Parents
Each family must sign up for at least one volunteer role.
Parents of dancers age 12 and under are highly encouraged to volunteer in the dressing rooms for at least one performance.
Families may opt out by paying the $500 volunteer fee.
DRESSING ROOM VOLUNTEER GUIDE
Dressing Room Volunteer: The Heart of Backstage Support
As a Dressing Room Helper, you’ll enjoy a front-row seat to all the excitement of performance day! Your role is to help keep everything backstage running smoothly while supporting dancers as they prepare for their big moments.
To get the most out of the experience, we encourage volunteers to sign up for both a dress rehearsal shift and a performance shift. This way, the knowledge gained during rehearsal can be put to use on performance day.
You’ll be part of a dedicated team, working alongside experienced professionals who will be present in the dressing room area throughout the entire production week.
Parents of dancers age 12 and under are highly encouraged to volunteer in the dressing rooms for at least one 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.
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 dancers 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 dancers lined up on the correct side of the stage for their big entrance!
POST-PERFORMANCE HELP:
After the show, ensure 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:
This role is typically reserved for mothers or female family members/caregivers.
We highly recommend that dressing room volunteers sign up for a dress rehearsal AND a performance shift—it helps everything run smoother when you’ve seen how things work.
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.
KEEP THE DRESSING ROOMS TIDY & 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.
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 & 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 magical! Your support keeps everything backstage running smoothly so the dancers can shine. We’re so grateful to have you on the team.