Auditioning is a nerve-wracking process for any dancer, but not to worry, the “Nutcracker” himself is here to offer his support.
This weekend, the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre will host auditions for its upcoming production of “The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou,” on Dec. 19 and 20. These auditions place emphasis on the youth ballet program, filling the children’s production roles.
LSU alumnus Le’Brian Patrick will dance as the titular “Nutcracker” character in the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s upcoming production. Patrick experienced these auditions time and time again and said he empathizes with the young dancers and advises them to keep their heads up.
“The biggest advice I tell the dancers is to have fun and don’t be hurt if you don’t get the role that you want to get,” Patrick said.
“The Nutcracker” is one of BRBT’s premiere annual productions, so Patrick said if a dancer doesn’t get the coveted role, there is another chance next year. He advises dancers to attend classes even if their auditions don’t go well.
Patrick said getting roles is not about who the most popular dancer is, but who is the most dedicated to the craft of dancing and going to class is a large part.
Many dancers don’t get the roles they want, Patrick said — including him. However, even as an adult he still goes to class.
Patrick said as the Nutcracker character, he’ll work the most with young dancers who audition this weekend, as his scenes feature many children.
“It’s a lot of fun to be at rehearsals with the kids and getting to play with them,” Patrick said. “Especially the boys because we don’t have a lot of them, so they look up to the guys who are older that dance.”
Patrick said he helps prepare the young male dancers so they can one day take the Nutcracker role.
Because auditions at BRBT aren’t rooted in a harsh, competitive atmosphere, the process, while intimidating, is easier for the dancers, Patrick said.
“I think the company tries to create a stress-free zone,” Patrick said. “Technique is going to be there, we work on those sorts of things, but they want everyone to have fun during the audition process.”
History senior Katrina Cassiere already auditioned for and received her tentative role in the upcoming “Nutcracker” production. Cassiere will be dancing as the lead snowflake during the snow scene in the first act of “The Nutcracker.”
Like Patrick, Cassiere auditioned many times and said she also understands what the young dancers are going through.
Both Patrick and Cassiere said the audition process is typically more difficult mentally than physically.
“Auditioning is always a bit stressful,” Cassiere said. “Especially for younger dancers. If you’re new to the process it can be really daunting.”
Cassiere said it will be especially scary for the young female dancers auditioning this weekend because they’ll be going for the role of Clara, the lead character. Cassiere said it’s intimidating to audition for “The Nutcracker,” but at the same time, it’s an exciting experience.
“I remember auditioning the first few times when I was younger. I made a real big deal out of it,” Cassiere said. “Afterwards, I would go home and watch old “Nutcracker” videos and wonder what part I was going to get.”
Though it may not be as high pressure as ballet auditions at professional companies on the East Coast, Cassiere said that doesn’t make the experience any less significant.
During auditions and rehearsals, the BRBT makes the point to dancers that this production isn’t just for their families but the general population who are paying money to see a good show, Cassiere said.
“I feel like it has the same value as a professional company’s performance because we still care as much,” Cassiere said. “We probably care more because we’re not getting paid to do this.”