PROGRAM

Leaders or volunteers at Recreation facilities tell participants the story of The Nutcracker Ballet. Participants then create a doll to look like their concept of one of the characters in the story. Leaders provide materials with which to make the dolls and offer advice regarding construction. The actual work is to be done exclusively by the participant.  Work not done at a Recreation Facility is not eligible for this contest.

Outstanding dolls in five age categories will be selected at a District level contest. District winners are limited to fourteen dolls per district. These dolls will go on to the citywide competition. Creators of the winning district dolls will each receive two tickets to see The Nutcracker Ballet and a certificate. Dolls, which win on the district level, will be displayed at the Children's Section of the Free Library at 20th and Vine Streets. The ten winning dolls (city level) will be displayed at the Academy of Music.  The Creators of these dolls will receive two tickets to see the Nutcracker Ballet, an award certificate and they will have a photo of themselves with their winning doll sent to their neighborhood newspaper.  There will be an awards ceremony at a date and time to be announced; at the Pennsylvania Ballet, Broad Street and Washington Avenue

AGE GROUPS

Work will be judged in five age groups. The proposed grouping is as follows:

4 to 6, 7 to 9, 10 to 12, 13 to 18, and Special Population.

PARTICIPATION

Every district is encouraged to participate. Each District is asked to make every effort to have at at least Five Dolls in the Contest.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Any type of construction material may be used. Soft sculpture, found object creations, fired clay and hand sewn, stapled or glued fabric creations are all acceptable. Dolls are not required to have moving parts. Doll should not be over three feet tall. Machine sewing is not acceptable; sewing must be done by hand. Store bought dolls are not acceptable. Store bought doll parts are not acceptable. Mold ceramics are not permitted. All masking tape must be painted.

Entries must be sturdy enough to withstand transportation and survive display. Please do not use plasticine or white school paste, as these are not permanent. Do not use Play Doh. Do not use glue guns – the glue does not hold. Flimsy construction will be disqualified at the District level.

Dolls must have features on the face. No blank-faced dolls will be accepted.