Auditions for The Nutcracker

Score Written by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Directed and Choreographed by Jennifer Verba
Associate Choreographer Krista Shovlin

Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center announces auditions for Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker to be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, for Dancers in Kindergarten through 12th Grade.

The Audition

Auditions will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 9:00am – 1:00pm in Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center’s Rehearsal Hall. Please enter through the Artist’s Entrance on 9th Street Entrance.

  • Auditions for dancers ages 6-10 (5th Grade and younger) will be held from 9:00am-9:30am.

  • Auditions for dancers in 6th-12th grade will be held from 9:30am-1:00pm.
    (Students who do not train en pointe or partner will be dismissed between 11:30am-12:00pm.)

    • Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before your scheduled audition time to check in.

    • Please bring a current headshot and resume.

  • Dancers should be prepared to do combinations in Ballet, Character & Pointe (if currently trained). Dancers ages 6-10 only need Ballet shoes; dancers ages 11-18 please bring Ballet & Pointe (only if currently trained) shoes. Proper dress attire for the audition - Option 1 (Feminine): dance leotard, tights, ballet skirt optional, and hair in a secure bun. Option 2 (Masculine): solid color fitted shirt, black jazz pants or tights, and hair secured back. No Jewelry.  

Current Lincoln Park students under the age of 18 must download and complete the following Application for Minors in Performances formand bring with them to auditions.

Students under the age of 18 who do not attend Lincoln Park, please download and complete this full version of the form and bring to your audition.

To sign up for an audition time slot, please complete the online form.

**You will receive a confirmation email after completing the form.

Synopsis

Clara’s magical adventure captures the hearts of audiences of all ages in this beloved holiday classic. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, beautiful costumes and scenery, and captivating choreography, The Nutcracker has become a cherished Lincoln Park tradition. The story begins on Christmas Eve as young Clara celebrates with family and friends. Her mysterious and magical godfather, Drosselmeyer, arrives with his nephew and delights the guests with a puppet show in which dolls are transformed into life-sized dancers. Drosselmeyer has a special gift for Clara, a beautiful Nutcracker doll. As the evening draws to a close, Clara shares a dance with Drosselmeyer’s nephew, hinting at the sweetness of a first romance. That night, Clara is swept into a dream-filled world of fantasy. At the stroke of midnight, life-sized mice and their fearsome Mouse King appear. The Christmas tree magically begins to grow, and Clara’s Nutcracker comes to life. With the help of his soldiers, the Nutcracker defeats the Mouse King and whisks Clara away through the enchanted Land of Snow, where they dance among the Snow Queen and her dazzling Snowflakes. Clara’s dream continues in the second act as the Nutcracker Prince escorts her to the Land of Sweets, where they are welcomed by the Sugar Plum Fairy. In Clara’s honor, a delightful array of sweets comes to life, including Cupcakes, Bon Bons, Licorice, Lollipops, Candy Canes, Marzipans, Bakers and Gingerbreads, and Flowers and Dew Drop. The celebration culminates in an enchanting variation by the Sugar Plum Fairy, followed by a lively grand finale. As the magical night comes to an end, Clara awakens from her dream and rushes to the Christmas tree to embrace her treasured Nutcracker doll. Holding him close, she cherishes the wonderful memories of an unforgettable Christmas Eve adventure.

Schedule

Rehearsal

*Each role will not be required to be at rehearsal every day.

  • Tuesday, November 3 - Friday, November 6, 2026: 4:00pm-9:00pm

  • Monday, November 9 – Tuesday, November 10, 2026: 4:00-9:00pm

  • Thursday, November 12 - Friday, November 13, 2026: 4:00pm-9:00pm

  • Monday, November 16 – Friday, November 20, 2026: 4:00pm-9:00pm

*Start Full Cast Rehearsals

  • Monday, November 23 - Tuesday, November 24, 2026: 4:00pm-9:00pm

Mandatory Run Through Rehearsals

  • Tuesday, December 1, 2026: 4:30pm-8:00pm

  • Wednesday, December 2, 2026: 4:30pm-8:00pm

  • Thursday, December 3, 2026: 4:30pm-8:00pm

  • Friday, December 4, 2026: 4:30pm-8:00pm

Mandatory Tech Rehearsals

  • Sunday, December 6, 2026: 1:00pm-6:00pm

  • Monday, December 7, 2026: 4:30pm-9:00pm

  • Tuesday, December 8, 2026: 4:30pm-9:00pm

  • Wednesday, December 9, 2026: 4:30pm-9:00pm

  • Thursday, December 10, 2026: 4:30pm-9:00pm

Performances (Mandatory)

  • Friday, December 11, 2026: 7:30pm

  • Saturday, December 12, 2026: 2:00pm

  • Saturday, December 12, 2026: 7:30pm

  • Sunday, December 13, 2026: 2:00pm

  • Friday, December 18, 2026: 9:30am
    (Possible shortened performance for Student Matinee. Not all cast members would be called)

  • Friday, December 18, 2026: 7:30pm

  • Saturday, December 19, 2026: 2:00pm

  • Saturday, December 19, 2026: 7:30pm

  • Sunday, December 20, 2026: 2:00pm

Seeking strong dancers and performers for LPPAC’s production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. All genders, types, and ethnicities encouraged to submit.   

Performers of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, gender identities and expressions, and performers living with disabilities are encouraged to audition.