Nutcracker Auditions
Maine State Ballet holds annual open auditions for The Nutcracker. All dancers ages 5 and up (as of October 15th) are eligible. At least one year of Classical Ballet training is encouraged. There is no audition fee.
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Nutcracker Audition Dates and Times
Plan to arrive early enough to fill out the Audition Form or download now and be ready for your start time.
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Wednesday, August 27, 2025
4:30pm-5:30pm Grades K-1
6:00pm-7:00pm Grades 6-7
7:30pm-8:30pm Grades 8 and Up
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Thursday, August 28, 2025
4:30pm-5:30pm Grades 2-3
6:00pm-7pm Grades 4-5
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Virtual Audition
If you are unable to attend the scheduled audition, please submit the following to nutcracker@mainestateballet.org by August 28.
1. Audition form - download here.
2. A short video or video clips of the dance combinations given for your age group - instructions here.
Nutcracker Performance Dates and Times
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Friday, November 28 at 2pm
Saturday, November 29 at 2pm
Sunday, November 30 at 2pm
Saturday, December 6 at 2pm and 7pm
Sunday, December 7 at 2pm
What to Expect at the Audition
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Please arrive at the Maine State Ballet Studios with enough time to fill out the Audition Form, have your height measured, and receive your audition number before your scheduled audition time. Dancers will participate in an abbreviated ballet class as part of the audition process.
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Dance attire is pictured below.
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Casting and Roles
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Casting takes approximately two weeks to complete. Casting notification will come by email. Those cast will also receive rehearsal and other relevant information regularly.
Generally, roles for younger dancers include the following:
Grades K through First Grade: Reindeer
Grades 2-4: Little Pages
Grades 3-4: Cherubs
Roles for other dancers are assigned at the discretion of the Artistic Staff. Maine State Ballet casts each ballet based on factors such as the production's specific needs, and dancer experience, technique, performance qualities, and availability. We strive to balance the goal of delivering a professional performance with the desire to include as many dancers as possible.