Overview
The Joffrey Ballet is pleased to present a brillantly reimagined Nutcracker by Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon. Click here for more information.
Nutcracker Children’s Cast Workshops
Save the date and join The Joffrey Ballet for a special Nutcracker Children’s Cast Workshop this July! These workshops offer a sneak peek into Christopher Wheeldon’s production and prepare students for the auditions on September 6 and 9. Students who do not attend a workshop may still audition in September.
The workshops are free and space is limited; all participants must register through Eventbrite.
Register for a workshop here: nutchildrenscast.eventbrite.com
Tuesday, July 10
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Gentleman ages 10-15
Wednesday, July 11
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Ladies ages 8-10
2018 Nutcracker Children’s Cast Auditions
All auditions take place at Joffrey Tower (10 East Randolph Street). Please read all information below for details on what to bring, attire, expectations and more. Dancers do not need to rsvp or pre-register to audition.
Thursday, September 6, 2018
5:30-7:00 PM
Ladies ages 8-11, maximum height 4′ 5″ (no minimum height)
Sunday, September 9, 2018
11:00-11:45 AM
Gentlemen ages 10-17, maximum height 5′ 8″ (no minimum height)
12:00-1:00 PM
Ladies ages 11-18, between 5′ 0″ and 5′ 6″
1:30-4:30 PM
Ladies ages 9-18, between 4′ 5″ and 5′ 0″
AUDITION LOCATION:
Joffrey Tower
10 East Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
WHAT TO BRING:
Completed Audition Form
Copy of Proof of Age (ID, Passport, Birth Certificate, etc…)
4×6 Headshot (Ladies with hair in a bun)
WHAT TO WEAR:
Ladies – Leotard (black recommended), pink tights and ballet shoes. All hair must be prepared in a bun prior to the audition.
Gentlemen – T-shirt (black or white), tights, jazz pants or shorts, ballet shoes.
Students should arrive to Joffrey Tower dressed in their dancewear with hair in a bun for ladies, and a small bag for their shoes, warm ups and water. Please be mindful of our limited space and send your student with only what is necessary for the audition. We encourage students not to bring valuables to the audition. Thank you!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
The Children’s Cast is an important part of The Nutcracker each year. All Children’s Cast members are expected to commit to attending all scheduled rehearsals and performances. We also expect our Children’s Cast members to act respectfully and professionally when they share studio and the stage with our professional dancers.
Before the Audition:
· Please arrive 20 to 60 minutes prior to the audition to register. Please do not arrive more than 1 hour prior to the audition.
· Students must be the minimum age required on the day of the audition. Students younger/older than the required age will not be admitted.
· Height and age requirements will be verified by Joffrey Staff at the door prior to admission to the audition. The age and height parameters are strict and students who do not fall within the parameters will not be admitted into the audition.
· Parents will drop their students off in the lobby, and students will be escorted up the elevator by Joffrey staff and volunteers.
During the Audition:
· Students should have ballet training. During the audition, students will be asked to learn and perform Children’s Cast Role steps in groups.
· Dancers will be selected based on technical, artistic and performance ability.
· Some students may be released from the audition early and others may be asked to stay for additional auditions. Being released from an audition or being asked to stay does not indicate casting decisions.
After the Audition:
· Casting is at the sole discretion of the Artistic Faculty and all casting decisions are final.
· Cast members must be available for rehearsals in September, October, November, and December, 2018. All rehearsals are coordinated by Joffrey Ballet Masters and Joffrey Academy Staff, and will be held generally on Sundays and weekday evenings. Production Week may require day time rehearsals during the week.
· Performances take place December 1 to December 30 (No performance on December 25) at the Auditorium Theater.
Photo by Cheryl Mann.
