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Nutcracker Open Auditions Information

We’d love to have you dance with us in the 62nd Annual Nutcracker. Sign up below to be notified about the 2027 Nutcracker auditions that will take place at the end of August. 

Welcome to our 61st production of The Nutcracker!

Performances at San Jose Center for Performing Arts

Rehearsals at SJDT Studios beginning September 12

Pre-Registration required 

Performance Fee: $75

Thank you for auditioning!
Important Dates 

  • Cast list released September 5

  • Rehearsals begin September 12

  • Mandatory Parent & Adult Performer Meeting: Friday, November 13th, 2026 at 7:00 PM

  • Theater Week Dec 8th – 10th

  • December 11th Once Upon a Nutcracker – 10:00 am & 1:00 pm

  • December 12th – 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm

  • December 13th – 1:00 pm & 6:00 pm

Auditions will be held on Saturday, August 29th, 2026

Primary Dancers : 6-10 year olds – No previous dance experience required 

  • Approximate: SJDT Level 1-2
  • Registration 9:00am-9:45am
  • Audition 10:00am-11:00am
  • Mandatory Parent Meeting: 10:00am-10:45am

Intermediate Dancers – A: 8-13 year olds 

  • Approximate: SJDT Level 3-4
  • Registration 10:00am-10:45am
  • Audition 11:00am-12:00pm
  • Mandatory Parent Meeting 11:00am-11:45am

Intermediate Dancers – B: 10-14 year olds – at least 2 years of ballet experience 

  • Approximate: SJDT Level 5
  • Registration 11:30am-12:15pm
  • Audition 12:30pm-2:00pm
  • Mandatory Parent Meeting 12:30pm-1:15pm

Advanced Dancers: 11+ (at least 1-2 years of pointe)

  • Approximate SJDT Level 6-7 
  • Registration: 1:00pm-1:45pm
  • Audition: 2:00pm-4:00pm
  • Mandatory Parent Meeting 2:00pm-2:45pm

Adult Pointe Dancers: 3+ years of pointe classes

  • Registration: 1:00pm-1:45pm
  • Audition: 2:00pm-4:00pm

Adult Dancers – no previous dance experience required

  • Registration 3:30pm-4:15pm
  • Audition 4:30pm-5:30pm
Important Information
  • Rehearsals are each Saturday from September 12 – December 5
    • Each dancer may have one pre-approved excused absence
    • Performers are required to attend every rehearsal they are scheduled for
    • There will be no rehearsals November 22 – 29
    • Advanced and Adult Pointe Dancers will have additional weeknight rehearsals on select Monday to Thursdays throughout the rehearsal season 6:00pm – 8:00pm
    • Mandatory Rehearsal Dates: No excused absences
      • November 14
      • November 21
      • December 5
  • Mandatory Theater Week December 8th – 10th is 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm at San Jose Center for Performing Arts
  • Dancers must arrive 10 minutes before each rehearsal or they will be considered tardy. Excessive tardies may result in removal from the performance.
Requirements for Parents

  • Mandatory Parent Meeting: August 29th during Auditions. Parents of multiple dancers you only need to attend one meeting. See times above.

  • Mandatory Parent & Adult Performer Meeting: Friday, November 13th, 2026 at 7:00 PM

Nutcracker is a volunteer-supported production. As part of each youth dancer’s participation, every family is required to complete volunteer service. Volunteer requirements are based on the dancer’s highest-cast role and are outlined below.

Parent Volunteer Requirements by Casting Level:

Beginning Roles (Primary dancers)

  • 10 pre-show volunteer hours
  • Volunteer during 2 of the 6 performances

Intermediate Roles (Soldiers, Mice, Cookies, Party Scene, etc)

  • 15 pre-show volunteer hours
  • Volunteer during 3 of the 6 performances

Advanced Roles (including Corps de Ballet & Divertissements)

  • 25 pre-show volunteer hours
  • Volunteer during 4 of the 6 performances