OPEN AUDITION: THE NUTCRACKER
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Cleveland Ballet
23020 Miles Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44128
The ability to perform on stage is the end-goal for all students. Performances provide students the chance to demonstrate their skills, knowledge, artistry, and growing confidence! The Academy of Cleveland Ballet is directly affiliated with the Cleveland Ballet, allowing students the unique opportunity to perform alongside the professional company on the stages of Playhouse Square.
​
This gives our students invaluable knowledge that only comes from such experiences.
​​
We will be holding open auditions for Cleveland Ballet's beloved holiday tradition, our production of The Nutcracker on Saturday, September 19, 2026. This audition is open to the public! Students enrolled in Academy of Cleveland Ballet's Beginner Ballet 2 and levels 1-4 (ages 5-18+) and adult ballet may audition. Roles offered will include (but are not limited to): Party Children & Parents, Soldiers & Cadets, Little Mice, Rats, Angels, Truffles, Gingerbreads, and Entourage dancers for Chocolate and Tea.​​
​
ONLINE PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
The online registration form will open on August 15, 2026. Please check back here to register in advance!
​
If you have questions regarding the audition, please email academy@cleveballet.org or call 216.320.9000 ext. 108
AUDITION TIMES & INFORMATION:
Saturday, September 19, 2026
​
9:30AM | Doors Open
10:00-10:40AM | Ages 5-7
11:00-11:40AM | Ages 8-11
12:00-12:40PM | Ages 12-14
1:00-1:40PM | Ages 15-18
2:00-2:30PM | Ages 18+
​
For the ease of our staff, please come no earlier than 30 minutes prior to your audition time.
LOCATION:
Cleveland Ballet
23020 Miles Rd., Cleveland OH
ATTIRE
Academy students should wear their ballet uniform that is worn to weekly classes. Students auditioning from local studios, please wear a black leotard and pink tights. Gentlemen should wear a white t-shirt and black tights, and ballet shoes.
Please have hair secured back from the face. Ladies, please bring pointe shoes if you have them.
Adult ballet students auditioning may wear exercise attire with ballet shoes.
Please note that safety pins may be used to secure the audition number.
THE NUTCRACKER PERFORMANCE DATES & LOCATION
December 11-20, 2026
Connor Palace Theatre, Playhouse Square
Students are subject to doing a variety of shows (up to 11) depending on casting and availability.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This production has a set number of roles and pre-made costumes. Spots are limited and students are not guaranteed a role if they participate in the audition. Ability, height, and level are all taken into account and we ask that all students and parents respect any casting decision made by the Artistic Director.
Rehearsals take place on Saturdays beginning October 3, 2026 during the hours of 2:00 and 6:00pm (specific times are dependent on casting and may vary week-to-week).
​
Rehearsals will take place at Cleveland Ballet's studios.
​​
There will be a fee to participate in the production*
The Academy of Cleveland Ballet families & students - $50
Students participating from the public - $100
​
*Production fee helps cover wardrobe and backstage management production costs.
