Schaumburg Dance Ensemble to hold auditions for 'The Nutcracker'

The Schaumburg Dance Ensemble announces open auditions for its 26th annual production of The Nutcracker.

Child and adult roles are available, along with roles for professional dancers. The production is directed and choreographed by Lisa Sheppard. Alberto Arias is co-director and choreographer; Amy Rose is ballet mistress.

The program returns after a yearlong hiatus due to COVID-19. Sheppard, who has been with the ensemble for 10 years as the program's assistant director, succeeds founding ensemble director Michele Holzman, who retired earlier this year.

"Alberto, Lisa, and I made a fantastic team. We exchanged ideas and supported each other's artistic visions," says Holzman. "I am sure Lisa will guide the production to many more years of success."

Auditions will be held at two locations, with a third location reserved for professional dancers.

General Auditions

Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg:

Saturday, Aug. 21

• 9 to 11:15 a.m. Ages 8-10. Minimum one year classical ballet training.

• 11:15-11:45 a.m. Parent meeting for all parents of students auditioning.

• 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m. Ages 11-13. Minimum two years classical ballet training.

• 2-2:45 p.m. Boys 7-13. No dance training necessary.

Saturday, Aug. 28

• 10-10:30 a.m. Parent meeting for parents of all students auditioning.

• 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Ages 13-adult. Intermediate/advanced. Bring pointe, character, jazz and ballet shoes.

Sunday, Aug. 29

• 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Callbacks by invitation.

Auditions at the Dance Academy of Libertyville, 746 E Park Ave., Libertyville:

Friday, Aug. 20

• 5-6:30 p.m. Ages 8-10. Minimum one year classical ballet training.

• 6:30-7 p.m. Parent meeting for all parents of students auditioning.

• 6:30-8:30 p.m. Ages 11-13. Minimum two years classical ballet training.

• 6:30-8:30 p.m. Ages 13-adult.

Sunday, Aug. 29

• 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Callbacks by invitation only at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg.

Dancers are asked to register online at least 24 hours prior to auditions at www.schaumburgdance.com.

Dancers must arrive at least 20 minutes prior to auditions and are requested to bring a photo. A parent or guardian must attend a meeting at the start of the audition. Cast member participation fee (for those selected) is $175 for performers cast in a single role and $225 for performers cast in multiple roles.

Auditions for salaried roles will be held by appointment at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25. Professional dancers are requested to call (224) 246-5776 to schedule an audition.

More information is available at www.schaumburgdance.com or by calling (224) 246-5776.

The Schaumburg Dance Ensemble is a program of the village of Schaumburg.