Calling all Chicago theatre kids!
The Joffrey Ballet is opening its doors next month, giving local adolescent dancers the chance to earn a spot in the 2026 production of The Nutcracker.
Think you or a loved one has what it takes to make the cut? Here are all the audition details.
Joffrey Ballet Nutcracker auditions 2026
The Joffrey Ballet will hold auditions for The Nutcracker on three separate dates in September for children ages 8 – 18.
Audition dates are separate into gender categories and age groups on different dates. Times and specifications are as follows:
- September 10, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | General Audition #1
- Dancers of all genders
- Ages 8+ on audition day
- Maximum height 4’7” (no minimum height)
- September 12, 2026 | Worker Child Video Audition | Submissions due by 9:00 PM
- Dancers of all genders
- Ages 10–18 on audition day
- No minimum or maximum height
- Designed for children with disabilities, including wheelchair users
- Dance training is not required
- Video submissions should be no longer than two minutes
- September 13, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | General Audition #2
- Male dancers
- Ages 10 – 18 on audition day
- Minimum height 4’7” | Maximum height 5’8″
- September 13, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM | General Audition #3
- Female & non-binary-identifying dancers
- Ages 10 – 18 on audition day
- Minimum Height 4’7” | Maximum height 5’6″
Each audition will be directed by Joffrey Ballet artistic leadership. All Chicago-area children with dance experience are welcomed to audition.
Pre-registration is required. Sign up and learn more here.
