The Nutcracker Auditions

Saturday, September 6th, 2025

 

General Information

Before deciding to audition please read the following, this is a short version of what will be in our digital information packet

 

Participation Requirements
  • Dancers must be currently taking ballet and must be 5 years or older.
  • All dancers will get at least two parts in the show. The older and more advanced the dancer,
    the more likely she will be coming multiple times over the weekend. The younger the dancer,
    the more we try to keep them to just one afternoon per weekend.
  • Auditioning does not mean you are required to participate: If you are not sure participating is
    right for you, our suggestion is to come to the auditions. After auditions are over and cast,
    you will get to see the general rehearsal schedule and all the details, then you can decide if
    you would like to participate.
  • The Performance Fee is $380 (can be split in two payments). This covers: all 10 studio
    rehearsals, the dress rehearsal at the theater, a free T shirt, the digital videos of all 3 shows, on
    stage pictures for all 3 shows, and all costume fittings and costumes.
    Tickets, professional pictures, additional dvd’s, dancewear, shoes and tights are extra.
Rehearsal Schedule
  • We have 10 weekends to rehearse and we rehearse Sat/Sun afternoons.
  • Weekend #1 is October 4th & 5th (Sunday, Sept 28th for Waltz of the Flowers). We will not rehearse the weekend of second weekend of Fall Break (we do have rehearsals Oct 11/11 but NOT Oct 18,19) or Thanksgiving Weekend (Nov 29/30).
  • Professional Pictures will be taken the weekend of December 7th.
  • Photo Day: Sunday, Dec 14th
Show Schedule
  • There are 3 performances. Students must be in attendance at all shows to participate.
    Performances Dates: Friday, December 19th at 7pm & Saturday, December 20th at 2pm, (Dec 20th 6:30pm Tentative)
  • In Studio Dress Rehearsal at Parker Dance: Saturday, Dec 13th.
  • Theatre Dress Rehearsal at Ponderosa High School: Thursday, Dec 18th

Audition Information

The Audition:
  • Registration 15-30 min. before audition time
  • $15 audition fee via card on file, or check.
  • Online audition form AND audition registration must be submitted prior to the auditions. Students will check in, and receive an audition number.
  • The digital information packet will be released with audition results.
  • Acceptance forms are requested back by Wednesday, Sept 23rd
How to Audition:
  1. Sign up for the Audition Class
    Sign up on StudioPro
  2. Fill out thee online audition form
    Ages 5-11
    Ages 12+
  3. Attend the audition Saturday, September 6th
Audition Protocols:
  • If you plan to audition, do not forget to register and fill out your online audition form BEFORE auditions start
  • Please arrive 15-30mins before your scheduled audition time to check in. All check ins will happen outside in the green studio doors.
  • During check in you will receive your number and confirm payment of your audition fee.
  • Only dancers will be allowed in the studios.
  • All students should come with dance shoes in hand, you will be asked to put your ballet shoes on before you enter the audition. Dancers will leave their dance bags in the green studio and can only bring water bottles (and pointe shoe bags if applicable) into the yellow studio with them.
Audition Attire:
  • Students should wear their weekly practice ballet attire and hair in a neat clean bun (choice of
    French twist for pointe level dancers is also welcome).
  • For our older students auditioning please remember that a clean face, a little make up and a
    high French twist or bun can go a long way!

Audition Schedule

10:30am-12:00pm: All Pointe level dancers

Registration begins at 10:00am. A ballet barre on flat will be included in this audition. Students should plan to arrive by 9:30am at the latest to begin warming themselves up in the Green Studio prior to the start of auditions. For pointe dances and soloist roles. Snow Queen and Soloists, Dew Drop, Dolls, Maids, Mouse Queen, Pointe Soldier Soloists, Snow Corps, Pointe Angels, Spanish, Marzipan, Russian, Arabian, Chinese, Pointe Bakers, and Flowers.

12:00-12:30pm: Sugar Plum Fairy

Sugar Plum is open to dancers 13+. You must know the variation at the audition and be prepared to perform it for us. Dancers auditioning for Sugar Plum must attend the 10:30-12pm audition as well.  Sugar Plum auditions will happen alphabetically and potentially in pairs.
Variation to Learn

1:00-2:00pm: Age 5 -8

Registration begins at 1:00pm. Please arrive no later than 12:30pm. Little/Big/Mama Mice, Gingerbreads, Chefs, Bakers, Baby Divertissements, Little Angels, Crystals, Icicles, Chinese, Baskets/Scarves (Arabian), and Flower Buds.

2:00-3:00pm: 9 and older (including all dancers not on pointe yet)

Registration begins at 1:30pm. There will be no formal warm up during this audition time, and we will be looking at flexibility, so please arrive at the studio no later than 1:15pm to prepare and warm up in the Green Studio. Party girls/boys, Fritz, Soldiers, Clara’s Friends, Spanish, Marzipan, Russian, Chinese, Arabian Demis/Scarves (Arabian), Flower Garlands, Flower Buds, and Icicles.

3:15-4:30pm: Clara

Must be 10 or older and must also be trying out for other parts and it’s preferred but not requried to have been in at least one previous Nutcracker. Please learn the little solo Clara does with her Nutcracker doll during the party scene(the pas de polka). If you are on pointe, please wear your pointe shoes.
Hair: We would like to see you with your hair down in a half pony if possible but not required.
Students auditioning for Clara will keep their same number as the earlier audition and do not need to re- register or re-pay. During the break between auditions students are welcome to stay and utilize the pink studio to have a snack, change their hair, and practice before the audition starts.
Clara Pas de Polka at 20:08 – Clara’s Friends at 11:26 to 11:56