THE NUTCRACKER AUDITIONS 2025

Join the Magic of The Nutcracker!
Minnesota Ballet Theatre is excited to offer young dancers the opportunity to perform in our full-length production of the timeless holiday classic — The Nutcracker.

Auditions are open to dancers ages 5–19, and we welcome both Minnesota Ballet School students and non-MBS dancers with age-appropriate ballet training. This is a unique chance to take part in a beloved tradition and perform on a professional stage as part of a fully staged production.

Experience the joy of storytelling through classical ballet and become part of the magic!
Performances will take place December 12–14, 2025, at the Eden Prairie Performing Arts Center.

Audition for MBS and non-MBS students aged 5-8

Audition Details

Date: Sunday, September 14, 2025

Location: Minnesota Ballet School

14675 Martin Drive, Suite 400

Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Registration: Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. Dancers should wear ballet class attire and be prepared to participate in movement exercises appropriate to their level.

Audition Schedule:

10:30–11:00 AM

Pre-Ballet Level (Ages 5–8)

Open to MBS and non-MBS dancers

Audition Fee: $25

Casting for:

– Angels

– Mice

– Theatre Puppets

– Clowns

Performance Casting:

Depending on the number of selected dancers, two performance casts may be formed. Each cast will perform in two of the four scheduled performances taking place December 12–14, 2025.

For questions, please contact:

minnesotaballetschool@gmail.com

Nutcracker Audition & Participation

Audition for MBS and non- MBS students aged 8-19

Audition Details

Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025

Location: Minnesota Ballet School

14675 Martin Drive, Suite 400

Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Registration: Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. Proper ballet class attire is required. Dancers en pointe should bring pointe shoes and be prepared to dance in them.

Audition Schedule :

10:45–11:30 AM

For Ballet Levels 1–3 (Ages 8–12)

Open to the public: MBS and non-MBS dancers welcome

Audition Fee: $31

Casting for:

– Soldiers

– Rats (Act II – no prior dance experience required)

– Party Girls

– Party Boys

– Chinese Dance

– Russian Dance

– Waltz of the Flowers

12:00–1:00 PM

For Ballet Levels 4–6 (Ages 12–19)

Open to the public: MBS and non-MBS dancers welcome

Audition Fee: $37

Casting for:

– Rats

– Snowflakes

– Arabian

– Pas de Trois

– Waltz of the Flowers

Requirements: Minimum 2 years of ballet training and at least 1 year of pointe experience

All accepted dancers will perform in four shows:

Friday evening, Saturday matinee, Saturday evening, and Sunday matinee.

For questions, please contact:

minnesotaballetschool@gmail.com

Nutcracker Audition & Participation

Nutcracker 2025 – Rehearsal Commitment & Parent Information

Rehearsal Commitment

Participation in The Nutcracker requires dedication, punctuality, and consistent attendance from all cast members. Dancers must prioritize Nutcracker rehearsals and performances over other extracurricular activities to ensure the success of the production.

Rehearsals will begin in September 29, with frequency and timing dependent on casting. Most rehearsals will take place:

After regular weekday classes
On Saturdays
And for younger dancers, once a week on Sunday afternoons

A full schedule—including two mandatory dress rehearsals—will be posted on the bulletin board in the MBS lobby and on the Rehearsal Schedule page of our website.
For any urgent or last-minute updates, please contact Kirill Bak at (612) 501-9208.

Rehearsal Attire

All dancers must arrive dressed in their designated class-level leotard and pink ballet tights. Hair must be styled in a neat bun, securely fastened away from the face.

Mandatory Parent Meetings

We require that at least one parent or guardian per household attend a brief informational meeting at the studio:

Levels 1–6: Sunday, September 7, from 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Pre-Ballet: Sunday, September 14, from 11:00 – 11:15 AM

These meetings will cover:

Safety protocols during rehearsals and performances
Assigned responsibilities for backstage safety and supervision
Volunteer opportunities and sign-up (e.g., dressing room assistants, backstage helpers, concessions, setup/cleanup teams, and more)

Parent volunteers play a vital role in making The Nutcracker a magical and well-organized production—and we warmly encourage parents, family members, and friends to participate in these meaningful roles.

The Nutcracker 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at minnesotaballetschool@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Who is eligible to audition?

Dancers ages 5–19 are invited to audition. Auditions are open to both current Minnesota Ballet School (MBS) students and non-MBS dancers with age-appropriate ballet training. All roles require commitment to rehearsals and performances.

When and where are auditions held?

Pre-Ballet (ages 5–8)
Sunday, September 14

10:30–11:00 AM
MBS Studio: 14675 Martin Dr. Suite 400, Eden Prairie, MN

Ballet Levels 1–3 (ages 8–12)
Sunday, September 7
10:45–11:30 AM

Ballet Levels 4–6 (ages 12–19)
Sunday, September 7
12:00–1:00 PM

Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in.

What parts are available?

Pre-Ballet (Ages 5–8): Angels, Mice, Theater Puppets, Clowns
Ballet Levels 1–3: Soldiers, Rats Act II (no dance experience required), Party Scene roles, Chinese, Russian, Waltz of the Flower
Ballet Levels 4–6: Rats, Snowflakes, Arabian, Pas de Trois, Waltz of the Flowers
Casting will depend on audition results and total number of participants.

Dancers may be placed in one of two rotating casts.

When are rehearsals?

Rehearsals begin in September 29 and may be scheduled:

On the dancer’s class days (after regular classes)
Saturday and Sunday afternoons
Younger dancers (Pre-Ballet) will typically rehearse once a week on Sunday afternoons.

Is attendance mandatory?

Yes. Participation in all scheduled rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances is required. Conflicts with other activities must be managed to ensure full commitment.

When and where are the shows?

Performances will be held December 12–14, 2025 at the Eden Prairie Performing Arts Center. There will be four performances, with each cast participating in two.

What is the fee and what does it include?

The participation fee is $300 per dancer and includes:

Costume rental
Digital video recordings of both casts
Theater & Studio rental
Rehearsal and production staff time
Printed programs and promotions
This is a flat fee, regardless of dancer’s age or number of roles.

How do I pay?

Registration for Nutcracker auditions and participation will be available through our GoMotion platform. We welcome all participants. Payment details and deadlines will be provided at the time of registration. Please note: all payments are non-refundable after the due date.

Is there a required parent meeting?

Yes. At least one parent or guardian must attend:

Levels 1–6: Sunday, September 7 from 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Pre-Ballet: Sunday, September 14 from 11:00 – 11:15 AM

What should dancers wear to rehearsals?

MBS students: Wear your class-appropriate leotard, pink tights, and ballet slippers.
Hair must be in a neat bun.
Non-MBS dancers: Please wear proper ballet attire.

Can parents help backstage?

Yes! We rely on parent volunteers for roles such as dressing room monitors, backstage helpers, set-up/tear-down crew, and more. Sign-up forms will be distributed at the parent meetings.