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

The Joffrey Ballet will hold open auditions for the Children's Cast of Christopher Wheeldon’s “The Nutcracker” Sept. 6 and 8, at its downtown studios in Joffrey Tower, 10 E. Randolph St., Chicago, with a video submission audition for a specific role that closes at 9 p.m. on Sept. 7. All students in Chicagoland 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 Christopher Wheeldon’s “The Nutcracker,” whether they have participated in the Joffrey’s “Nutcracker” in the past or not. The audition will be directed by artistic staff from The Joffrey Ballet. For full audition details, visit joffrey.org.

Audition Times Based on Dancer Criteria

General Audition 1: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6

• Audition for dancers of all genders age 8 or older on audition day

• Maximum height 4-foot-7-inches (no minimum height)

• Dancers may be asked to return to audition from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8

General Audition 2: 10:30-11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 8

• Auditions for male-identifying dancers ages 10-18 on audition day

• Minimum height 4-foot-7-inches, maximum height 5-foot-8-inches

General Audition 3: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8

• Auditions for female and non-binary-identifying dancers ages 10-18 on audition day

• Minimum height 4-foot-7-inches, maximum height 5-foot-6-inches

• Dancers may be released before 4:30 p.m.

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

Video audition: Anytime through 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7

Diverse movers 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. 7.

• Ages 12-18 on audition day.

• Dancers of all genders.

• No minimum or maximum height requirements.

Registration

Space is limited and preregistration is required at least one day in advance of your audition. In-person forms will not be available. Registration Form can be found at joffrey.org.

For information about registration, email nccadmin@joffrey.org.

In Joffrey’s production of Wheeldon’s “The Nutcracker,” audiences 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 and takes place at the Lyric Opera House from Dec. 6-28.

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