CASTING CALL

The Joffrey Ballet will be holding open auditions for the Children’s Cast of Christopher Wheeldon’s The Nutcracker at its downtown studios in Joffrey Tower, 10 East Randolph Street, on Thursday, September 7, and Sunday, September 10, with a video submission audition for a specific role that closes at 9 p.m. on Saturday, September 9.

All students in the Chicago area with dance experience that meet casting criteria are welcome to audition.

This annual audition is for all young dancers, from any studio or school, interested in auditioning for Wheeldon’s The Nutcracker, whether they have participated in Joffrey’s Nutcracker in the past or not.

The audition will be directed by staff from The Joffrey Ballet. The age and height parameters are strict and students who do not fall within the parameters will not be admitted into the audition. Details are as follows:

Thursday, September 7
5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
General Audition #1

Audition for dancers of all genders age 8 or older on audition day. Maximum height 4’7” (no minimum height). Dancers may be asked to return to audition on Sunday, September 10, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 10
10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
General Audition #2

Auditions for male-identifying dancers ages 10 to 18 on audition day. Minimum height 4’7”, maximum height 5’8”.

Sunday, September 10
11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
General Audition #3

Auditions for female and non-binary-identifying dancers ages 10 to 18 on audition day. Minimum height 4’7”, maximum height 5’6”. Dancers may be released before 4:30 p.m.

Anytime through Saturday, September 9
9 p.m.

Diverse movers are encouraged to submit a video audition for the role of Worker Child, performed in a non-motorized wheelchair specially crafted for The Nutcracker. Dance training is not required. Dancers should be comfortable waiting for long periods of time and performing silently in a group setting on a stage with bright lights, loud music, and a large audience.

Video submissions close at 9 p.m. on Saturday, September 9. Applicants must be:

• Ages 12 to18 on audition day.
• Dancers of all genders.
• No minimum or maximum height requirements.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required at least one day in advance of your audition. In-person forms will not be available. If you have questions about pre-registration, please email [email protected]. For full audition details visit joffrey.org/nutcracker-childrens-cast/.