Young dancers and theatrical performers invited to audition for a role in the Joffrey Ballet's 'The Nutcracker'

On Thursday, Sept. 7 and Sunday, Sept. 10, The Joffrey Ballet will hold open auditions for the children's cast of Christopher Wheeldon's "The Nutcracker" at its downtown studios in Joffrey Tower, 10 E. Randolph St. in Chicago. A video submission audition for a specific role closes at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9.

All students in the Chicago area with dance experience that meet casting criteria are welcome to audition.

This annual audition is for all young dancers, from any studio or school, interested in auditioning for the Tony Award-winning choreographer re-imagined version of "The Nutcracker," whether they have participated in Joffrey's "Nutcracker" in the past or not. The audition will be directed by staff from The Joffrey Ballet.

For full audition details, visit joffrey.org.

The audition times are based on dancer criteria. The age and height parameters are strict and students who do not fall within the parameters will not be admitted into the audition.

• General Audition No. 1 will be Thursday, Sept. 7, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. It will bee auditions for dancers of all genders, age 8 or older on audition day, with a maximum height of 4 feet 7 inches (no minimum height). Dancers may be asked to return to audition on Sunday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• General Audition No. 2 will be Sunday, Sept. 10, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. It will be auditions for male-identifying dancers, ages 10 to 18 on audition day, with a minimum height of 4 feet 7 inches and maximum height of 5 feet 8 inches.

• General Audition No. 3 will be Sunday, Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It will be auditions for female and non-binary-identifying dancers, ages 10 to 18 on audition day, with a minimum height of 4 feet 7 inches, and maximum height of 5 feet 6 inches. Dancers may be released before 4:30 p.m.

• Diverse movers, ages 12-18 on audition day and of all genders, are encouraged to submit a video audition for the role of Worker Child, performed in a nonmotorized wheelchair specially crafted for "The Nutcracker." Dance training is not required. Dancers should be comfortable waiting for long periods of time and performing silently in a group setting on a stage with bright lights, loud music, and a large audience. Video submissions close at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9. There is no minimum or maximum height requirements.

Space is limited and preregistration is required at least one day in advance of your audition. In-person forms will not be available. Registration forms can be found at joffrey.org/nutcracker-childrens-cast/. If you have questions about preregistration, email nccadmin@joffrey.org.

Wheeldon's modern masterpiece will ring in the holidays. Follow young Marie and the Nutcracker Prince on a whirlwind journey through the 1893 World's Fair - a dazzling spectacle of sights, sounds and enchantment. This annual tradition celebrates the magic of the season and the rich cultural heritage of Chicago like no other.

Single tickets start at $36 and are available for purchase at Lyric Opera Box Office located at 20 N. Upper Wacker Drive and by telephone at (312) 386-8905 or online at joffrey.org.