The NUTCRACKER AUDITIONS

Performance Dates

December 19 at 6:00 PM

December 20 at 3:00 PM

Locations
  • Audition & Rehearsals: 545 International Golf Pkwy, Suite 16, St. Augustine, FL 32095
  • Dress Rehearsal & Performance: Betsy Lovett Arts Center, 2264 Bartram Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Audition Information

Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Check-In: 10 minutes before your scheduled audition time

Registration

To register, complete the Online Form.

Registration Deadline: Friday, August 21 by 8:00 PM. No walk-ins will be accepted.

Participation Fees
  • One role (e.g., Little Mice): $159
  • Two or more roles: $259
  • Solo, Duo, Trio, or Quartet: Additional $40 (total $299)
  • Partner Role (Pas de Deux): Additional $150

Family Discount: 10% off for each additional sibling

Eligibility
  • Male dancers: Ages 5 and up, with dance or acting experience
  • Female dancers: Ages 5 and up, currently enrolled in ballet classes
Audition Breakdown
  • Ages 5–7: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
  • Ages 8–11: 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
  • Ages 12 and up: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Dancers auditioning on pointe must have a minimum of two years of pointe training.

What to Wear
  • Girls: Black color leotard, tights, ballet skirt (optional), ballet tights, ballet shoes, hair in bun
  • Boys: White or black fitted t-shirt, tights, black shorts or jazz pants, ballet shoes
  • Ages 10 and up: Bring pointe shoes if applicable
Rehearsals

Weekly rehearsals begin Saturday, September 5 and continue through Friday, December 18. Full cast rehearsals begin in late November. Dress rehearsal on stage  is scheduled for Friday, December 18.

Rehearsal Schedule

All regular rehearsals are held on Saturdays only. There are no rehearsals during the weekdays.

Saturday rehearsal schedules vary from week to week based on the production’s needs. Not every dancer will be required to attend every Saturday rehearsal, and rehearsal times will differ depending on casting, roles, and rehearsal requirements.

The only exception is the week leading up to the performance, when dancers are required to attend a limited number of weekday run-through rehearsals as part of the final production preparations.

Expectations
  • Closed auditions – no parents or observers.
  • Dancers must arrive dressed and ready: please do not arrive more than 15 minutes early.
  • Dancers will be evaluated on technique, artistry, and performance.
  • All casting decisions are final and made by Artistic Faculty.
  • Please bring water if needed.
FAQs
  • Can a dancer decline a role?
    Yes; however, dancers who decline a role will not be eligible to audition the following year with Jax City Ballet School.
  • How will I find out about my dancer’s part?

    Casting will be posted by audition number on www.JaxCityBalletSchool.com following auditions.An email notification will be sent when casting is available. Please do not contact the school to ask when casting will be released. Casting will be posted as soon as the artistic staff has completed the review process. We ask that families allow at least one week after auditions for casting decisions to be finalized. Unlike some organizations that may determine roles before all dancers have been seen, our casting decisions are made only after the audition process is complete. Our artistic team carefully observes and evaluates each dancer before making final decisions. This approach allows us to cast fairly, thoughtfully, and in the best interest of both the production and the dancers. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we take the time necessary to ensure every dancer receives proper consideration.

  • What costume items am I responsible for?
    Families must provide dance shoes, undergarments, and makeup. Students must also wear nude leotards (if needed), footed ballet pink tights, and pink ballet canvas slippers. Tights and shoes should match in color. Boys may be required to wear specific pants or socks depending on their role. All costumes are provided by Jax City Ballet School.
  • How do I get updates & information?
    All updates will be emailed and shared on our social media pages and on our main website. If you have questions at any time, please reach out to us directly.
  • Are parents allowed backstage during the performance?
    No. Only approved volunteers will be allowed backstage. Chaperones will supervise dancers in dressing rooms and backstage areas. Families interested in volunteering will have an opportunity to sign up once volunteer registration opens. Volunteer positions are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis while spots remain available. Only volunteers who have signed up and received approval from Jax City Ballet School will be permitted backstage during rehearsals and performances.
  • How much are tickets to performances?
    Ticket prices vary depending on seat location. The Nutcracker performances sell out quickly.
  • Will there be a video?
    Yes. Families may order a digital download of the performance.
  • What is the attendance policy?
    Dancers may miss only three rehearsals prior to December 1. Mandatory rehearsals include all in-studio run-throughs and dress rehearsals.

    We understand that illnesses, family obligations, school events, and other unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we will do our best to work with families whenever possible. Our goal is to support our dancers while maintaining the quality and safety of the production. However, consistent attendance is essential to a successful performance. Dancers who miss excessive rehearsals, arrive frequently late, or are absent from mandatory rehearsals may have their roles adjusted or may be removed from the production at the discretion of the Artistic Director. Rehearsals will not be scheduled on major holidays, including Thanksgiving Day and other holidays designated by Jax City Ballet School. Families will be notified in advance of any holiday-related schedule adjustments.

  • Questions?
    Email jaxcityballetschool@gmail.com or text 904.554.2722

 We can’t wait to see you shine on stage this year!