Nutcracker Auditions | Lafayette Ballet

Dancers holding candles as angels in The Nutcracker.

Dancers jumping as peppermints in The Nutcracker.

Dancers posed on stage at the end of the snow scene.

The Nutcracker Auditions – Sept 12 & 13

Each year, approximately 150 local dancers bring this timeless holiday tradition to the Heymann Performing Arts Center along with guest artists from the Pacific Northwest Ballet. We would love for you to audition for this year’s production of The Nutcracker and be part of a tradition filled with beautiful dancing, dazzling costumes, and unforgettable memories.

Dancers of all levels are invited to audition and experience the excitement of performing on stage in one of the most beloved ballets of all time. Join us for a season of artistry, teamwork, and holiday magic. If you have any audition questions, please email Shannon@lafayetteballettheatre.org

Audition Details:

DATES
September 12, 2026 (Saturday) – Ages 15 to professional
September 13, 2026 (Sunday) – Ages 8 to 14

TIME
Time varies based on age of dancer – See info below

LOCATION
LBT Studio, 201 Petroleum Drive, Lafayette, 70508

DRESS
Please arrive in ballet class attire. Dressing room space is limited.

REGISTRATION
Please register online in advance HERE or forms will be available at the audition.

COST*
$36 – Credit Card Audition Fee – Pay HERE
$35 – Cash or check payment.
Please make checks payable to LBT or have exact change.
*Required of dancers ages 7 – 18.

Audition Times

Saturday, September 12:
11:00 am –1:30 pm – Ages 15 to Professional. Advanced Pointe work.

1:45 pm – 2:15 pm – Ages 15 and up auditioning for roles that do NOT include pointe work: Chinese and Spanish variations. Please arrive earlier to warm up independently.

Sunday, September 13:
1:00 pm –1:45 pm – Ages 8 –9 yrs

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Ages 10–11 yrs

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm – Ages 12 – 14 yrs

Parents are not allowed in the building for auditions. Dressing area in the building will be limited. Participants are asked to dress for the audition at home. Water fountains are open. We encourage dancers to bring water bottle from home.

Casting & Rehearsal Details

LBT will double cast most children’s roles; therefore, majority of children will perform only once. LBT must have total control in deciding which day your child is performing. There will be no substituting of days. Siblings and family members will be casted in the same performance. Please make us aware if you have a family member auditioning.

A parent of the child will be notified by email (the email address used in the registration form) with the casting information. If you choose to perform in the production, a participation fee is required. This cost includes per costume rental fee, and a rehearsal fee.

ALL REHEARSALS ARE REQUIRED. ONE (1) ABSENCE IS ALLOWED. The Nutcracker typically includes one rehearsal per week (with the exception of female Party Scene children and advanced Act II variations). Rehearsals will be on the weekends (with the exception of advanced level Act II variations). Rehearsals will begin in late-September and will continue through performance date. The week of the performance will require evening rehearsals at the Heymann Center, beginning Monday of production week through Friday.

Please contact Mitzi Heath or Shannon Heath (Artistic Directors) at Lafayette Ballet Theatre office (337) 345-5317, or online at Shannon@lafayetteballettheatre.org, with any questions you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHO CAN AUDITION?

Auditions are open to any dancers 8 years old (by December 1) and over, with at least one full year of ballet training. All dancers must be currently studying ballet, in an established dance program.

WHAT TYPES OF ROLES ARE AVAILABLE?

The Nutcracker has a variety of roles which are mostly age-based and skill-based.
Act I – Party Scene: party children, dolls, maids
Act I – Battle Scene: soldiers and bunny.
Act I – Snow Scene: snowflakes
Act II – Intermediate level students (8-14 yrs): Angels, Candy cane, Peppermints, and Polichinelles.
Act II – Advanced level – professional (15 yrs and over): Spanish variation (character shoes) and select Land of the Sweets variations.
All roles are open to qualified advanced level dancers. Pointe shoes required.

How do I register?

Please fill out our online registration in advance, or we will have paper forms to fill out at the audition.

WHEN ARE REHEARSALS?

Rehearsals will begin the last weekend of September and will continue through performance date. Rehearsals will be on the weekends (with the exception of advanced level Act II variations). Nutcracker rehearsals typically includes one rehearsal per week (with the exception of female Party Scene children and advanced Act II variations). Attendance is required at ALL rehearsals. One absence is allowed.
The week of the performance will require evening rehearsals at the Heymann Center, beginning Monday of production week through Friday.

How MUch DoES It CoST?

Audition Cost: $35 or $36 depending on cash or online payment

Participation Cost: $495 – Includes costume rental fee and rehearsal fee.
Parents will have the option to purchase performance photos in costume, an ad in the program, and Nutcracker swag from the Boutique.

When are results announced?

We will email parents (using the email in the registration form) to announce casting. Please respond within a few days to accept or decline the role for your child.

Rehearsals begin the weekend of September 25-27. There will be a mandatory parent meeting during your child’s first rehearsal.