A Much-loved Christmas Ballet

We are thrilled to announce our 2025 Nutcracker Open Audition! The audition is open to everyone in our community from ages 3 through adult. This magical holiday performance will enchant and amaze audiences as Clara and her Nutcracker embark on a marvelous adventure to the Land of Sweets.

Alma Dance Theater, NFP’s The Nutcracker features internationally acclaimed ballet stars and actors, alongside talented students from Alma Dance School and children from the local community.

Audition Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025

Ages 3 - 8

Audition Times: 1pm – 1:45pm
Zoom Mandatory Parent’s Meeting: 2pm – 2:20pm

Ages 9 & Up

Audition Times: 3pm – 4:15pm
Zoom Mandatory Parent’s Meeting: 4:30pm – 4:50pm

Adults & Actors

Audition Times: 5pm – 5:45pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Audition Attire:

Female dancers: Any color leotard, pink tights, and pink canvas ballet slippers. Dancers ages 11 and up with at least two years of pointe experience must bring their pointe shoes to the audition.

Hair: Hair must be pulled back neatly and secured in a ballet bun.

Male dancers: White T-shirt, black tights, white canvas ballet slippers and white socks (short).

Audition Place:

Alma Dance School & Alma Dance Theater, NFP

999 N Main St Suite 108 Glen Ellyn IL, 60137

Performance Dates:

Saturday, December 6 at 1:00 PM
Sunday, December 7 at 2:00 PM

Cast Participation Fee:

The cast member participation fee varies depending on each dancer’s age and the role(s) they are assigned within the production. To provide you with a more precise amount please send us an email at [email protected] to request your dancer’s cast member participation fee.

Is the audition open to all dancers despite school or experience?

Yes! We are holding open auditions, and dancers from all studios and backgrounds are welcome to participate. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together!

Children from different towns, training programs, and experience levels will come together to create something truly special. We welcome friends of current students—as well as those who are brand new to dance.

The Nutcracker is more than just a performance—it’s a magical and unforgettable experience your child will treasure.

What if my child dances at another studio?

Our audition is open to all students, those currently enrolled at Alma Dance School and non-Alma Dance School students alike.

Where are the performances?

Batavia Fine Arts Centre

When will rehearsal begin?

Rehearsals will begin on Saturday, September 13th. The rehearsal commitment will vary depending on the dancer’s age, the number of assigned roles, and how many rehearsals are assigned to each role. The cast list will be posted on Wednesday, September 10th, and all participants will receive a detailed schedule on that day, listing all rehearsal dates and times for each role.

Typically, our youngest dancers ages (3-6 yrs. old) are scheduled for rehearsals only a few Saturdays starting in October. The Studio rehearsals for dancers in this age group will occur on the Saturdays specified below, with timings ranging from 1:30 to 4:30pm, based on their assigned roles. Specific rehearsal times for each date and role within this age group will be announced alongside the cast list on Wednesday, September 10th.

• Saturday, October 4th
• Saturday, October 18th
• Saturday, October 25th
• Saturday, November 8th
• Saturday, November 15th
• Saturday, November 22nd

Are rehearsals mandatory?

Yes, all rehearsals are mandatory. Because The Nutcracker is a group production, even a single absence can affect spacing, choreography, and the overall experience for other dancers. It’s also difficult for students to catch up once something has been missed.

We understand how busy families are and are mindful of the time commitment this production requires. That’s why we schedule rehearsals efficiently and provide the full season schedule before rehearsals begin—so families can plan accordingly.

May I withdraw my child from Nutcracker once the cast is published?

Casting The Nutcracker is a detailed and time-intensive process. We work hard to provide equal opportunities for all students and to help each dancer reach their personal best. Every dancer who walks through our doors is important to us.

However, when a student withdraws after casting, it becomes very difficult to recast roles and maintain the integrity of the production. For this reason, we kindly ask that families only audition if they are confident in their commitment to participating in the show.