Christopher Grainer - Nutcracker

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

Assistant stage manager

For my second tour with, Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet I assistant stage managed the eastern leg from the beginning of the rehearsal process through all seventy one shows during the two month tour. In addition to running the show, I was also responsible for loading in and maintaining the variety of props, assisting local dance companies in a variety of capacities, and hopping in backstage wherever I could be useful. The Eastern Leg hits cities such as New York, Boston, Detroit, Dallas, Tampa, and everywhere in between for mostly one-night stops. I was able to work with some of the most beautiful theatres in America and make great friends at every stop.

The Landmark Theatre, Syracuse

The Strathmore Theatre of Bethesda, Maryland

Me and the Rat King at the Palace Theatre, NYC

The Marquee of the Fox Theatre of Detroit

The Fox Theatre of Detroit

Props Pre-Show

Post Show!

Production Carpenter

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet is a national touring production divided into western and eastern legs. The show was a bus and truck ballet with a company of over 40 international ballerinas and featured local children's ballet companies on most stops. As Production Carpenter of the western leg, I was responsible for organizing and communicating with the flyrail, hanging and storing intricate, delicate drops, laying and taking up marley, ensuring all show-running elements are prepared, and planning the load-out. In this position, I was leading a mix of union and non-union local crews, and adjusted the the show as needed based on the wide varieties of venues we performed at. Due to some crew illness difficulties, at many times I stepped into a variety of roles, including stage management, props head, truck packing, wardrobe assistant, and more. The tour was so much fun, and being able to fall asleep on the bus and wake up in a new city with new opportunities to improve upon my skills was such a fun and unforgettable time.