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AUDITIONS
The Nutcracker 2026 Auditions
Join the magic of The Nutcracker! Minnesota Ballet Theatre invites children, students, adult dancers, and professional artists to become part of our 25th Anniversary production of this beloved holiday classic.
Experience the excitement of a fully staged theatrical production — beautiful costumes, music, stage lights, and the unforgettable opportunity to perform alongside fellow dancers and professional artists.
Performance Dates: December 11–13, 2026
Venue: Eden Prairie Performing Arts Center
Casting Opportunities
Ages 3–5 | Little Snowflakes
No audition required • No previous dance experience required
Ages 5–8 | Pre-Ballet
Audition required
Ages 8–12 | Ballet 1–3
Audition required
Ages 12–18 | Ballet 4–6
Audition required • Pointe experience required for applicable roles
Adults & Professional Dancers | Ages 18+
Registration and casting review
Participation is open to dancers from throughout the community. You do not need to be a Minnesota Ballet School student to participate.
Every child who auditions will be cast in The Nutcracker. Auditions are used to determine the most appropriate role for each dancer based on age, level, experience, and individual strengths.
Registration is open. Space is limited.
Join the Cast of The Nutcracker 2026!
Children’s Auditions | Ages 8–18
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Location:
Minnesota Ballet School
14675 Martin Drive, Suite 400
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Proper ballet class attire is required. Dancers on pointe should bring pointe shoes.
Audition Schedule
10:45–11:30 AM | Ballet Levels 1–3 | Ages 8–12
Participation is open to all dancers ages 8–12. Every dancer who auditions will be cast in The Nutcracker.
Please arrive 30 minutes early for check-in and to prepare for the audition.
Audition Fee: $37
Possible Nutcracker casting opportunities include:
- Soldiers
- Rats
- Party Girls
- Party Boys
- Chinese Dance
- Russian Dance
- Waltz of the Flowers
12:00–1:00 PM | Ballet Levels 4–6 | Ages 12–18
Participation is open to all dancers ages 12–18 who meet the training requirements. Every dancer who auditions will be cast in The Nutcracker.
Please arrive 30 minutes early for check-in and individual warm-up. Dancers should be fully warmed up and ready to begin the audition at 12:00 PM.
Audition Fee: $45
Possible Nutcracker casting opportunities include:
- Rats
- Snowflakes
- Arabian
- Pas de Trois
- Waltz of the Flowers
Requirements:
Minimum 2 years of ballet training. Female dancers auditioning for pointe roles should have at least 1 year of pointe experience.
Performance Information
Every dancer who auditions will be cast in The Nutcracker. Auditions are used to determine the most appropriate role for each dancer based on age, level, experience, and individual strengths.
All dancers will have the opportunity to perform in all four performances:
December 11–13, 2026
Friday Evening • Saturday Matinee • Saturday Evening • Sunday Matinee
Venue: Eden Prairie Performing Arts Center
Questions?
📧 minnesotaballetschool@gmail.com
Nutcracker Participation | Ages 5–8
Audition Required • Every Child Will Be Cast
Children ages 5–8 are invited to become part of Minnesota Ballet Theatre’s 25th Anniversary production of The Nutcracker and experience the excitement of performing in a full theatrical production.
Participation is open to all children ages 5–8. Every child who auditions will be cast in The Nutcracker.
Auditions are used to determine the most appropriate role for each child based on age, level, experience, and individual strengths.
Possible casting opportunities include:
Angels • Mice • Theatre Puppets • Clowns
Audition Information
Sunday, September 20, 2026
10:30–11:00 AM | Ages 5–8
Location:
Minnesota Ballet School
14675 Martin Drive, Suite 400
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Audition Fee: $30
Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. Children should wear standard ballet class attire and be prepared to participate in age-appropriate movement and ballet exercises.
Performance Information
All dancers will have the opportunity to perform in all four performances of Minnesota Ballet Theatre’s 25th Anniversary production of The Nutcracker.
December 11–13, 2026
Friday Evening • Saturday Matinee • Saturday Evening • Sunday Matinee
Venue: Eden Prairie Performing Arts Center
Performing in The Nutcracker gives young dancers the opportunity to experience the excitement of a professional theatrical environment — from rehearsals and costumes to stage lights, music, and performing alongside older dancers and professional artists.
Advance audition registration is required.
Questions?
📧 minnesotaballetschool@gmail.com
Little Snowflakes | Ages 3–5
No Audition Required
Our youngest performers can be part of the magic of The Nutcracker, too! Children ages 3–5 are invited to join the cast as Little Snowflakes and experience the excitement of performing on a real theater stage.
Participation is open to all children ages 3–5. No previous dance experience or audition is required.
Little Snowflakes will experience the music, beautiful costumes, stage lights, and excitement of being part of a full theatrical production alongside older dancers and professional artists — creating a special memory for the whole family.
Space is limited, and advance registration is required.
Performance Dates: December 11–13, 2026
Venue: Eden Prairie Performing Arts Center
Registration is open.
Questions?
📧 minnesotaballetschool@gmail.com
Adults & Professional Dancers | Ages 18+
Registration Open • No Audition Fee
Adult and professional dancers ages 18+ are invited to become part of Minnesota Ballet Theatre’s 25th Anniversary production of The Nutcracker.
Participation is open to adults with a variety of dance backgrounds and experience levels. Performance opportunities are available for both recreational adult dancers and experienced or professional dancers.
After registration, our Artistic Directors will review your dance experience and contact you regarding the next step in the casting process. Depending on experience and technical level, dancers may be invited to attend a class or provide additional information.
Possible casting opportunities may include:
Party Scene • Character Roles • Corps de Ballet • Featured and Principal Roles
Casting will be determined individually based on each dancer’s training, experience, technical level, and the needs of the production.
Registration is free.
Performance Dates: December 11–13, 2026
Venue: Eden Prairie Performing Arts Center
Questions?
📧 minnesotaballetschool@gmail.com
NEW TO BALLET?
There’s Still Time to Join!
Our 2026–27 season begins September 8. Classes are available for children, teens, and adults — from first-time beginners to advanced dancers.