Charlottesville Ballet invites dancers ages 5–18 to audition for The Nutcracker 2026! Casted students perform alongside our professional company in a full-scale production seen by thousands of audience members each season, and scholarship applications are available via our Keith Lee Dance Fund for those cast.
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Policy Change Notice | Charlottesville Auditions | Lynchburg Auditions | Production Policies | Rehearsal & Performance Dates | FAQ
Casting is exclusively decided by the CB Leadership Team. Performances of CB’s The Nutcracker are part of the professional company’s season and are not an Academy production. Therefore, casting is based upon technical level and artistry according to the roles available, and not all dancers will be cast. Dancers may be placed in one or multiple casts. Casting will not be impacted by previous roles. Correspondence discussing casting will be reviewed regarding student health, safety, or accessibility accommodations.
POLICY CHANGE NOTICE—Audition Registration:
- Online pre-registration required: Registration will close two days prior to the audition. Students will NOT be allowed to sign up late.
- Weekly ballet class enrollment required: Students must note their dance school (Charlottesville Ballet Academy and other dance schools allowed) and level (Ballet/Tap and Ballet/Jazz classes will meet this requirement for students aged 8 and under) in the comments when registering. If left blank, CB staff will reach out via email and phone. If the information is not provided within one week, the student will be dropped from the audition without refund or credit of previously assessed fees.
Complete policy information available below.
The Nutcracker Audition Dates
Charlottesville Auditions | Cast A, B, & C
Date: Saturday, August 22
Location: Charlottesville Ballet – Downtown at IX | 949 Second Street SE, Suite #404 | 434.227.7592
Audition Fee: $20
Time/Ages: Choose one audition time.
Registration Deadline: Thursday, August 20—click on the button below to register.
Rehearsal and Performance Dates for Charlottesville dancers are available here.
Lynchburg Auditions | Cast C
Date: Friday, August 21
Location: Academy Center of the Arts | 600 Main Street Lynchburg, VA 24504
Audition Fee: $20
Time: 5:00-6:30PM
Ages: 5-18
Registration Deadline: Thursday, August 20—click on the button below to register.
Rehearsal and Performance Dates for Lynchburg dancers are available here.
Production Policies
- Online pre-registration required: Registration will close two days prior to the audition. Students will NOT be allowed to sign up late.
- Weekly ballet class enrollment required: Students must note their dance school (Charlottesville Ballet Academy and other dance schools allowed) and level (Ballet/Tap and Ballet/Jazz classes will meet this requirement for students aged 8 and under) in the comments when registering. If left blank, CB staff will reach out via email and phone. If the information is not provided within one week, the student will be dropped from the audition without refund or credit of previously assessed fees.
- Scheduling notice: Preliminary rehearsal and performance schedules will be available on the audition webpage. If you are unable to perform in any particular cast, reach out to [email protected] prior to the audition to let our production team know.
- Audition attire: Leotard & tights OR black shorts/pants/tights & white t-shirt (tucked in); ballet shoes; no jewelry; hair pulled back neatly off the neck and out of the face in a bun or updo.
- Casting is exclusively decided by the CB Leadership Team. Performances of CB’s The Nutcracker are part of the professional company’s season and are not an Academy production. Therefore, casting is based upon technical level and artistry according to the roles available, and not all dancers will be cast. Dancers may be placed in one or multiple casts. Casting will not be impacted by previous roles. Correspondence discussing casting will be reviewed regarding student health, safety, or accessibility accommodations.
- If you are unable to perform in any particular cast, reach out to [email protected] prior to the audition.
- If cast, you must accept/decline your role by emailing [email protected] by the acceptance deadline, which will be noted on the casting website. Your dancer may be in more than one cast, so be sure to check all instances of their name before accepting.
- Ensure that your child’s name is correctly spelled and email [email protected] with any spelling edits when accepting the role. We will use this list of names in the official program.
- Each dancer will be assessed a performance fee ($195) and the credit card on file on your account will be charged upon acceptance.
- Students are required to attend all Staging Days, Put-Togethers, Dress Rehearsals, and Performances and wear the appropriate attire as applicable for their casting (Rehearsal and Performance Dates available below).
- Students may miss no more than one of their weekly rehearsals.
- Students are required to attend a minimum of one Review Rehearsal Day, if applicable, for their casting.
- If an absence is necessary due to an unforeseen illness or emergency, immediate notice must be given to [email protected].
- If your student misses two consecutive rehearsals due to illness, we require a doctor’s note be sent to [email protected].
- A make-up private lesson may be required in the event of an absence at the student’s expense.
- Students who do not meet attendance requirements will not be allowed to perform in this year’s production, without refund or credit of previously assessed fees.
- By participating in this professional production, Charlottesville Ballet is hereby granted permission to take photos and videos of the dancers to use in brochures, studio website, posters, social media advertisements, or other promotional material. Permission is also hereby granted for Charlottesville Ballet to copyright such photos and videos.
- Rehearsal and Performance Dates are available below.
- See FAQs at the bottom of this webpage.
Rehearsal and Performance Dates
Jump to: All Charlottesville Casts | Cast A (Dec 5 & 6) | Cast B (Dec 12 & 13) | Cast C (Dec 19 & 20) – Charlottesville Dancers |
Cast C (Dec 19 & 20) – Lynchburg Dancers
CAST A, B, & C – CHARLOTTESVILLE DANCERS
| Friday, August 28 | STAGING REHEARSAL | CB’s Downtown Location | 949 Second Street SE, Suite #404 Phone: 434.227.7592 | (Times: TBD based on roles) *Approximately 4:00-8:30PM |
| Saturday, August 29 | STAGING REHEARSAL | CB’s Downtown Location | 949 Second Street SE, Suite #404 Phone: 434.227.7592 | (Times: TBD based on roles) *Approximately 12:00-6:30PM |
| Saturday, September 12 | PARTY SCENE STAGING REHEARSAL | CB’s Downtown Location | 949 Second Street SE, Suite #404 Phone: 434.227.7592 | (Times: TBD based on roles—Party Scene only) *Approximately 12:00-6:30PM |
| Fridays: September 11, 18, 25 October 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 November 6, 13 OR Saturdays: September 12, 19, 26 October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 November 7, 14** | WEEKLY REHEARSALS | CB’s Downtown Location | 949 Second Street SE, Suite #404 Phone: 434.227.7592 | (Times: TBD based on roles) Each role will not rehearse the full time. They will be given approximately 60-75 minute rehearsal blocks during these times. Fridays: *Approximately 4:00-8:30PM each day. OR Saturdays: *Approximately 1:00-5:00PM each day. **Note: Schedule may be adjusted on November 7 & 14 due to CB’s performances of Salute. Students cast in Salute will be excused from any conflicting rehearsals. |
| Saturday, November 21 | PUT-TOGETHER REHEARSAL Cast A & Cast C (Charlottesville Dancers) Only | CB’s Downtown Location | 949 Second Street SE, Suite #404 Phone: 434.227.7592 | Cast A & Cast C (Charlottesville Dancers) Only: (Times: TBD) *Approximately 10:00AM-8:30PM |
| Sunday, November 22 | PUT-TOGETHER REHEARSAL Cast B | CB’s Downtown Location | 949 Second Street SE, Suite #404 Phone: 434.227.7592 | Cast B: (Times: TBD) *Approximately 11:00AM-9:00PM |
| — | DRESS REHEARSALS & PERFORMANCES | — | Please see tables below for each Cast’s unique dates/times! |
CAST A – CHARLOTTESVILLE DANCERS
| Wednesday, December 2 | DRESS REHEARSAL | Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Arts Center (MLKPAC) | 1400 Melbourne Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901 Phone: 434.973.2555 | (Times: TBD) *Approximately 4:00-9:00PM |
| Friday, December 4 | DRESS REHEARSAL | Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Arts Center (MLKPAC) | 1400 Melbourne Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901 Phone: 434.973.2555 | (Times: TBD) *Approximately 4:00-9:00PM |
| Saturday, December 5 | PERFORMANCES | Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Arts Center (MLKPAC) | 1400 Melbourne Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901 Phone: 434.973.2555 | [Students do not perform in Nutcracker Sweets at 11:00AM] Show 1 at 3:00PM |
| Sunday, December 6 | PERFORMANCES | Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Arts Center (MLKPAC) | 1400 Melbourne Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901 Phone: 434.973.2555 | Show 1 at 1:00PM |
CAST B – CHARLOTTESVILLE DANCERS
| Tuesday, December 1 | REVIEW REHEARSAL | CB’s Downtown Location | 949 Second Street SE, Suite #404 Phone: 434.227.7592 | Approximately 4:00-8:00PM (Times: TBD based on roles) Each role will not rehearse the full time. |
| Thursday, December 3 | DRESS REHEARSAL | Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Arts Center (MLKPAC) | 1400 Melbourne Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901 Phone: 434.973.2555 | (Times: TBD) *Approximately 4:00-9:00PM |
| Wednesday, December 9 | REVIEW REHEARSAL | CB’s Downtown Location | 949 Second Street SE, Suite #404 Phone: 434.227.7592 | Approximately 4:00-8:00PM (Times: TBD based on roles) Each role will not rehearse the full time. |
| Friday, December 11 | DRESS REHEARSAL | Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Arts Center (MLKPAC) | 1400 Melbourne Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901 Phone: 434.973.2555 | (Times: TBD) *Approximately 4:00-9:00PM |
| Saturday, December 12 | PERFORMANCES | Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Arts Center (MLKPAC) | 1400 Melbourne Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901 Phone: 434.973.2555 | Show 1 at 3:00PM & Show 2 at 7:00PM |
| Sunday, December 13 | PERFORMANCES | Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Arts Center (MLKPAC) | 1400 Melbourne Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901 Phone: 434.973.2555 | Show 1 at 1:00PM & Show 2 at 5:00PM |
CAST C – CHARLOTTESVILLE DANCERS
| Thursday, December 17 | DRESS REHEARSAL | Academy Center of the Arts | 600 Main Street Lynchburg, VA 24504 Phone: 434.973.2555 | (Times: TBD) *Approximately 4:00-9:00PM |
| Friday, December 18 | DRESS REHEARSAL | Academy Center of the Arts | 600 Main Street Lynchburg, VA 24504 Phone: 434.973.2555 | (Times: TBD) *Approximately 4:00-9:00PM |
| Saturday, December 19 | PERFORMANCES | Academy Center of the Arts | 600 Main Street Lynchburg, VA 24504 Phone: 434.973.2555 | Show 1 at 3:00PM & Show 2 at 7:00PM |
| Sunday, December 20 | PERFORMANCES | Academy Center of the Arts | 600 Main Street Lynchburg, VA 24504 Phone: 434.973.2555 | Show 1 at 1:00PM & Show 2 at 5:00PM |
CAST C – LYNCHBURG DANCERS
| Friday, August 28 | STAGING REHEARSAL | Academy Center of the Arts | 600 Main Street Lynchburg, VA 24504 Phone: 434.973.2555 | (Times: TBD based on roles) Each role will not rehearse the full time. They will be given approximately 60-75 minute rehearsal blocks during these times. *Approximately 3:00-7:30PM |
| Fridays: September 11, 18, 25 October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 November 6, 13, 20 December 4, 11 | WEEKLY REHEARSALS | Academy Center of the Arts | 600 Main Street Lynchburg, VA 24504 Phone: 434.973.2555 | (Times: TBD based on roles) Each role will not rehearse the full time. They will be given approximately 60-75 minute rehearsal blocks during these times. *Approximately 3:00-7:30PM |
| Thursday, December 17 | DRESS REHEARSAL | Academy Center of the Arts | 600 Main Street Lynchburg, VA 24504 Phone: 434.973.2555 | (Times: TBD) *Approximately 4:00-9:00PM |
| Friday, December 18 | DRESS REHEARSAL | Academy Center of the Arts | 600 Main Street Lynchburg, VA 24504 Phone: 434.973.2555 | (Times: TBD) *Approximately 4:00-9:00PM |
| Saturday, December 19 | PERFORMANCES | Academy Center of the Arts | 600 Main Street Lynchburg, VA 24504 Phone: 434.973.2555 | Show 1 at 3:00PM & Show 2 at 7:00PM |
| Sunday, December 20 | PERFORMANCES | Academy Center of the Arts | 600 Main Street Lynchburg, VA 24504 Phone: 434.973.2555 | Show 1 at 1:00PM & Show 2 at 5:00PM |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does auditioning guarantee that I will be cast?
Not all dancers who audition will be cast. We do our best to offer meaningful opportunities for student performers, but casting depends on the production’s artistic requirements. Thank you for understanding!
I want to audition, but I can only perform in Charlottesville / I can’t perform in a particular cast. What should I do?
Charlottesville dancers should expect to perform in any cast—certain roles will be given to students in Lynchburg, but many CBA students will also perform in Lynchburg. Students auditioning in Lynchburg will only be cast to perform in Lynchburg.
If you are unable to perform in any particular cast, please reach out to [email protected] prior to the audition to let our production team know. We are happy to take that into consideration, but please note it may mean you cannot be cast.
What should I wear to the audition?
Please wear a leotard (any color) & tights or black shorts/pants/tights & white t-shirt (tucked in). Please bring ballet shoes and pointe shoes (if you are currently taking pointe). Hair should be pulled back neatly off the neck and out of the face in a bun or updo. Students should not wear any jewelry.
Do students audition one at a time?
All students will audition for the entire duration, and not on an individual basis.
What should I expect during the audition?
Students can expect to learn and then perform excerpts of choreography from the available roles. Young dancers should focus most on not talking, following directions, and smiling while dancing!
Do I need to have anything prepared for the audition?
You do not need to arrive at the audition with anything prepared—all choreography will be taught during the audition.
Do my CBA/LBA classes affect the results of my audition?
Students are cast based on their behavior and performance within the audition itself. However, students are required to be enrolled in at least one ballet class (whether at CBA/LBA or another dance school; Ballet/Tap & Ballet/Jazz classes accepted for ages 8 and under) to audition. See Production Policies for more information.
I have to miss the Staging Rehearsal/Put-Together/Dress Rehearsal. Can I still participate?
No. Unfortunately, due to the limited rehearsal time, especially in tandem with Charlottesville Ballet’s professional company and in the theatre itself, students who are unable to make these rehearsals cannot be cast.
How many days of weekly rehearsals am I allowed to miss?
Students are allotted one unexcused absence from weekly rehearsals. If an excused absence is necessary due to an unforeseen illness or emergency, please give immediate notice to [email protected]. If your student misses two consecutive rehearsals due to illness, we require a doctor’s note be sent to [email protected]. A make-up private lesson may be required in the event of any absence.
How do you determine what roles are available?
Students are invited to audition for the opportunity to perform alongside Charlottesville Ballet’s professional company. Those involved gain the experience of being in a professional production, and parts are available based on the artistic requirements and the narrative of the ballet.
When can I expect to hear results from the audition?
Auditioning students should receive an email the week following the audition with a link to the Casting webpage. Should there be any unexpected delays, we will reach out to inform you of the adjusted timeline.
If I am cast, how do I accept my role?
You can accept your role by emailing [email protected]. Upon acceptance, a performance fee of $195 per student will be automatically charged to your account.