Nutcracker 2026 Auditions
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Welcome to the 2026 Nutcracker Auditions! Auditions will take place on Sunday, August 30, 2026. Registration should take about 10 minutes to complete. Information about auditions and callbacks is below.
Auditions: Time Age Group
9AM-11AM 14+
11:30AM-1PM 10-13
1:15PM-3PM 7-9
What we assess: technique, skill level, ability How we assess it: a technical ballet class where dancers work on barre exercises, center practice, and combinations en diagonale.
Callbacks will be organized according to perceived role fit assessed during auditions instead of by age. Please be sure to have dancers listen for their callback group at the end of auditions. Notice will be given to the staff in the lobby if dancers forget. Not all dancers will be invited to callbacks; if you are dismissed from the audition without having a callback, this does not necessarily mean you are not cast.
Callbacks: Time Callback
3:15PM-4:30PM C
4:45PM-6PM B
6:15PM-7:30PM A*
What we assess: technique, skill level, ability, talent, showmanship How we assess it: learn and perform choreography sections from The Nutcracker
*There will be an optional workshop for Group A callbacks to preview and practice assessed choreography from 3:15-4:30, prior to callbacks.
Eligibility Requirements:
In order to be considered for an audition, dancers must meet the following criteria:
- Age 7+ by Labor Day
- Able to attend ALL of Production Week (November 21-November 29, 2026)
- Dancers aged 10+ must be currently enrolled in a ballet class at a dance studio
Pre-Registration for auditions will close on Thursday, August 26, 2026. After that point, please register upon arrival at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts.
Additional information about audition and the production can be found in the Audition Packet on our website. We urge all dancers and families auditioning to read the packet to get a fuller understanding of the audition and rehearsal/performance process.