PDM Productions, Inc. is a non-profit organization created and founded by Tristi and Norvell Robinson, former principal dancers of Richmond Ballet. PDM’s mission is to provide educational experiences in the performing and fine arts to children and adults in every community, regardless of age, skill, experience, or financial ability. Although we offer workshops and scholarships, our flagship production is our annual performance called “The Nutcracker Sweet”. Our cast and stage crew members begin at age 4 and after that there’s no age limit. They have a variety of skill levels and backgrounds. All a person needs is the desire to be involved. Participants represent the areas of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Louisa, Petersburg, Powhatan, Prince George and the City of Richmond.
All performances are set for Friday, December 4 – Sunday, December 6, at Manchester High School, 12601 Bailey Bridge Rd, Midlothian.
Yes, take a look at this year’s Calendar on the following link: Events Calendar
Vibe Dance Complex, 5000 Commonwealth Centre Pkwy, Midlothian.
Saturday, September 12
3:00-4:00 PM – Ages 4-7 yrs old
4:15-5:30 PM – Ages 8-11 yrs old
5:45-7:00 PM – Ages 12 yrs to adult
Sunday, September 13
1:00-2:15 PM – Ages 8-11 yrs old
2:30-3:45 PM – Ages 12 yrs to adult
4:00-5:15 PM – CALL BACKS, BY INVITATION ONLY
Unlike most Nutcracker productions, “The Nutcracker Sweet” participants do not need to be affiliated with a dance school to perform. In 2025, PDM Productions welcomed performers from 14 Richmond area studios. These auditions are open to anyone who has ever had a desire or dream to perform in a production such as “The Nutcracker Sweet”. The auditions are for dancers, non-dancers, actors, non-actors … the experienced and the novice. Everyone within the ages of 4 to adult are welcomed. Auditioners are not auditioning for a “specific role.” Auditioners will be cast for role(s) according to the following: age group, skill, and experience.
Please note, auditioners should arrive 30 minutes prior to their audition time, wearing proper dance or movement attire. NO JEWELRY, earring studs are OK.
Female dancers:Hair should be pulled back away from the face into a bun. Wear black/ dark blue leotard and pink tights. Bring pink ballet shoes and tap shoes. If you are a 3rd year pointe student or classified as a “strong dancer “ on pointe by your teacher(s), please bring pointe shoes. Those who have less training, please bring your pointe shoes as well, as you may be asked to show some things during the audition.
Male dancers: Wear white t-shirt and black tights or shorts. Bring ballet(or jazz) slippers and tap shoes.
Non-dancers, actors, novices: Wear comfortable attire that allows movement and stretching. No jeans. “Dance shoes” are preferred, otherwise socks or bare feet.
Results will be posted on the website on Wednesday, September 16, by midnight. These results and other communications will arrive via email as well. Auditioners will then be asked to accept or decline their role(s) by completing the online form by Friday, September 18, by 6pm.
The fee to participate in this production is $410 per performer (cash/check). This fee helps cover all production costs, costume and accessory creations, updates & cleaning, volunteer background checks, insurance, studio space & storage rentals, venue rental, lighting/ sound techs, and performance recordings for each performer for #4 shows, etc. This fee is non-refundable. (Note: If paying online please include the 2.5% transaction fee. $420.25 per performer.)
For families who have more than one performer participating in the production, discounts are available. The first performer’s fee is $410.00 (cash/check). Each additional sibling will receive a 10% discount, making the participation fee $369.00 for each participating sibling. (Online = $420.25 and $378. 22)
Performers will receive an invoice for their participation fees. All payments must be received no later than Friday, September 25th, whether by USPS or online, unless a payment plan has been preapproved. Cash/Check payments may be submitted at the Mandatory Welcome Information Meeting on Saturday, September 19th or mailed to PDM PRODUCTIONS * 2255 Poates Dr. * Henrico, Va. 23228
Yes, payment plans are available. Please contact us for details.
No. We will provide costumes and any costume accessories (excluding undergarments and shoes) for this production. Please note, costumes must be returned in the original condition or a $500.00 fee will be charged. All performers are responsible for providing his/her own dance shoes. Depending on the role, the performer may need specific undergarments and shoes. Details will be provided at the meeting on September 19th at Tomahawk Baptist Church.
Yes. Both opportunities are available. To apply for financial aid, please request a form by contacting us, pdmproductionsinc@gmail.com, and bringing it with you to the audition. The maximum amount of this aid is 50% of the participation fee. Consideration for “Need” scholarship, which covers 100% of the participation fee, will be made.
All rehearsals will take place at Vibe Dance Complex on Saturdays and Sundays, and possibly limited Fridays. Rehearsal schedules vary each week depending on roles, meaning that the performer may have rehearsals on one or both days. Our window of possible rehearsal times falls on Saturdays, between 4:00-8:00 pm and/or Sundays, between 10:00-7:00pm. Costume Fittings and some rehearsals may be scheduled on Friday evenings, between 4:00 – 8:00pm. Photo Shoot Weekend schedule is TBD. The weekly schedules will be emailed on the Wednesday (by midnight) before each weekend. Schedules will vary week to week.
During weekend rehearsals, performers will be dropped off and picked up in front of the studio, unless you receive notice of a change. During each rehearsal and performance, each performer will be required to sign in and out. Adult volunteers will be available to monitor the check-in, at the studio (for younger performers) and at the theater. During Theater Week, performers MUST be escorted to/from the Sign-In/Sign-Out table. Once performers leave the studio or theater building, PDM PRODUCTIONS is no longer responsible for her/him. More information will be discussed at the Mandatory Welcome Informational Meeting on Saturday, September 19th, 2:00-4:00 pm, at Tomahawk Baptist Church, Hull St Rd.
Only those who are assisting as volunteers will be permitted into the building for the auditions. During rehearsals, parents will be allowed to wait in the lobby area, but not in front of the studio doorways and hallway areas. During the Photo Shoot, parents will not be allowed in the dressing room or the shoot room. Only those who have signed up to volunteer will be permitted in the dressing room.
Yes. It is an expectation of parents/ guardians of participating performers to volunteer throughout this production. Our volunteers are the backbone of “The Nutcracker Sweet”. It’s only with our volunteers that we can produce amazing performances of this size and caliber. It is required that a parent (or family member) share time, skills, and effort. While we prefer to have your time and talents, if you are unable to volunteer, then you will be required to pay the Volunteer Fee of $300.00.
Yes. It is an expectation that parents/ guardians of participating performers participate in fundraising events throughout this production. Along with tuition, fundraising helps PDM produce amazing performances of this size and caliber and helps to support the variety of scholarships and outreach that we offer. It is required that each family participate in these efforts in small and large ways.
If a performer, volunteer, or staff member has any type of illness, other than “the common cold”, we ask that you stay home. Let us know of the illness, but do not come. This applies to the audition, rehearsals, and performances. Performers, volunteers, and staff will be asked to sanitize their hands upon entering and exiting the buildings, as well as at any other times as needed. This protocol is subject to change at any time. If your performer is ill and will be absent, reach out to (804)-924-6220, (804)-615-5778, and (804)-397-5033 to leave a message. Call or text each of these 3 numbers. These numbers are for EMERGENCY ONLY situations.
You may contact us at any time with other questions by emailing us.
will take place at
Manchester High School
(12601 Bailey Bridge Rd, Midlothian, VA)
