Drop-Off and Pickup at Merrill Auditorium (20 Myrtle St., Portland) for Rehearsals and Performances
The stage door is located on Myrtle Street, closer to Cumberland Ave., and is marked “Rehearsal Hall.” All performers must enter backstage through this entrance.
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Drop-Off/Pickup: Please limit drop-off and pickup to one adult per family. Enter the stage door, go to your assigned dressing area, and sign in.
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Sign-In Requirement: Angels, Reindeer, Cherubs, Little Pages, Soldiers, Little Drummer, and Little Ribbon Candies must be signed in and out by an adult.
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Older Dancers: At each family’s discretion, older dancers may be dropped off/picked up without an adult entering the building. Dancers should remain inside until their ride arrives.
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Backstage Access: To reduce crowding, family members should not remain backstage during rehearsals or performances. Exceptions: Reindeer, Little Pages, Little Drummer, and Cherubs may have one adult remain backstage during their first theater rehearsal only.
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Parking
Several fee-based lots and some street parking are available nearby. Please note that the eight spaces directly in front of the Stage Door on Myrtle St. are reserved for full-time staff—do not park there.
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Arrival Times
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Rehearsals: The times on the schedule are “on-stage” times. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early, dressed in proper dance attire and shoes, ready to go.
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Performances & Dress Rehearsals:
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Act I performers: arrive and sign in 1 hour before curtain.
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Act II performers: arrive and sign in 30 minutes before curtain.
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Watching the Show
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Act I: Reindeer, Cherubs, and Little Pages may watch Act I in the audience with a purchased ticket. They must:
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Sign in backstage at least 30 minutes before show time.
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Immediately return backstage at intermission by exiting through the front lobby, walking down Myrtle Street, and re-entering through the stage door.
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Act II: Soldiers and Little Drummer may watch Act II in the audience with a purchased ticket.
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Backstage Guidelines
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Food & Water: Food should be stored away during performances. Bring spill-proof water bottles. For allergy safety, please avoid nut snacks.
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Photos/Videos: Photography and video recording during performances are prohibited due to copyright restrictions.
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Flowers: Flowers are available for purchase in the lobby, with backstage delivery available for performers.
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Meet & Greet: Family and friends are not permitted backstage after performances. If meeting people outside, dancers must change out of costumes first.
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Costumes, Hair, and Makeup
All costumes are owned by Maine State Ballet. Some roles may require additional items—please see the role descriptions for details. A limited supply of tights, leotards, trunks, and makeup is available at the Maine State Ballet Boutique.
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Role-Specific Details
Please refer to the role description links below for hair, makeup, and costume requirements.