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Nutcracker 2025 – Join the Cast
Nutcracker auditions have officially concluded, but there is still an opportunity to be part of this beloved holiday tradition!
How to Participate
Minnesota Ballet Theatre welcomes dancers from the community — children, teens, adults, and professional dancers — to join The Nutcracker.
- Ages 3–4: Little Snowflakes — no audition required, registration only
- Ages 5–7: Pre-Ballet
- Ages 8–12: Ballet 1–3
- Ages 12–18: Ballet 4–6
- Adults & Professionals: Adult/Professional Casting Class
After registering, we will confirm a day for you to attend the appropriate casting class.
Spots are limited, so register today and don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic!
Performances
Performances of The Nutcracker 2025 will take place:
- Dates: December 12, 13, and 14, 2025
- Location: Eden Prairie High School Performing Arts Center
- Performance Schedule:
- Friday, December 12 – 6:00 PM
- Saturday, December 13 – 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM
- Sunday, December 14 – 1:00 PM
- Stage Dress Rehearsals: Wednesday, December 10 and Thursday, December 11
Nutcracker 2025 – Rehearsal Commitment & Parent Information
Rehearsal Commitment
Participation in The Nutcracker is a wonderful opportunity that requires dedication and consistent attendance. To ensure the success of the production, dancers should make Nutcracker rehearsals and performances a priority.
Rehearsals will begin in September 29, with frequency and timing dependent on casting. Most rehearsals will take place:
- Little Snowflakes (Ages 3–5): Rehearsals will begin Sunday, November 2, in the afternoon (approximately 2:00 PM).
- Pre-Ballet Levels (Ages 5–7): Rehearsals will also take place on Sundays.
- Ballet 1-6 (ages 8-19): Rehearsals will be scheduled after regular weekday classes, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays, according to casting assignments.
- In-Studio Run-Throughs: Sunday, November 23 and Sunday, December 7
A full rehearsal schedule, including two mandatory dress rehearsals, will be displayed on the studio TV and on the Rehearsal Schedule page of our website.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact
Kirill Bak-Stepanoff at:
- Phone: (612) 501-9208
- Email: minnesotaballetschool.com
Rehearsal Attire
- MBS students: Please wear your designated class uniform (leotard and tights).
- Non-MBS dancers: Any ballet-appropriate attire is welcome (leotard and tights, fitted top and leggings, or other suitable dancewear).
- Hair: Neatly secured away from the face.
Please note: All rehearsal dates and times are subject to change. Families are responsible for checking the most current schedule on the studio TV and the Rehearsal Schedule page of our website regularly.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
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.
Yes. Participation in all scheduled rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances is required. Conflicts with other activities must be managed to ensure full commitment.
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.
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.
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.
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
- 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.
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.
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