2026 NUTCRACKER AUDITIONS - CHILDREN & YOUTH
THE NUTCRACKER OPEN CHILDREN & YOUTH AUDITION | AUGUST 22, 2026
THE NUTCRACKER PERFORMANCES | December 17 - 23, 2026
San Diego Civic Theatre
WITH LIVE MUSIC FROM THE SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Join us Saturday, August 22nd to audition for a role in Golden State Ballet’s The Nutcracker, and have the opportunity to be a part of San Diego’s biggest professional Nutcracker production this December! Youth roles are available to children between the ages of 6-18 years old. (Note: Students must have current ballet training in order to audition).
Selected children will join the professional dancers of Golden State Ballet onstage to present THE NUTCRACKER at the Civic Theatre, featuring choreography by Artistic Director, Raul Salamanca. Dancers will perform to live music from musicians of the renowned San Diego Symphony, playing Tchaikovsky’s classic score. The magic returns for San Diego’s favorite Nutcracker!
Audition Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Auditions will be held at the Golden State Ballet Academy Studios located at:
6338 Riverdale Street
San Diego, CA 92120
Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your audition time to fill audition registration material. Current ballet training and experience is required.
There is a $25 audition fee.
*Fee is waived for students enrolled in Golden State Ballet Academy.
Audition Times
BOYS & GIRLS Ages 4-5, 12:15pm - 12:45pm (GSBA students only; not open to public)
BOYS & GIRLS Ages 6-7, 12:45pm - 1:15pm
BOYS & GIRLS Ages 8-10, 1:15pm - 1:45pm
BOYS & GIRLS Ages 11-12, 1:45pm - 2:15pm
BOYS & GIRLS Ages 13-14, 2:15pm - 2:45pm
BOYS & GIRLS Ages 15-18, 2:45pm - 3:15pm
CALL-BACKS (Invite-Only), 3:15pm - 3:45pm
All auditioning must attend the audition for their age group and should be available to stay additional time (if needed) on the day of the auditions.
Audition Attire:
Dancers should come dressed in ballet attire for the audition:
Girls wear: tights, leotard, and ballet shoes (pointe shoes if applicable for ages 13+), hair in a bun. No dangling jewelry.
Boys wear: fitted t-shirt with bicycle shorts/tights or sweatpants, and ballet shoes.
Performance and Rehearsal Information:
The Nutcracker will be performed at the Civic Theatre with the San Diego Symphony.
Rehearsals will be held on Saturdays, beginning September 12, running through December 12, with the exception of November 28. Rehearsal start date may vary by role. Advanced students may have additional rehearsals on weekday evenings. Mandatory rehearsals are: December 5 and December 12. Mandatory tech week at the theater begins December 14. Tech week rehearsals will be held in the evening after school hours. All casting is at the sole discretion of Golden State Ballet Artistic Staff.
There is a non-refundable participation fee of $350 per performing GSBA dancer, and a non-refundable participation fee of $450 per performing non-GSBA dancer. Participation fees help cover the cost of rehearsal hours, teacher fees, wardrobe, and theater expenses.
Attendance Policy:
Please be aware, as this is a professional production, attendance at all rehearsals is extremely important. If a cast member has more than one unexcused absence, he or she may run the risk of forfeiting their participation fee and losing their role in The Nutcracker.
For more information, email us at info@gsballetacademy.com.
Performances:
Thursday, December 17 at 7:30pm
Friday, December 18 at 7:30pm
Saturday, December 19 at 2pm & 7:30pm
Sunday, December 20 at 1pm & 5:30pm
Tuesday, December 22 at 1pm & 5:30pm
Wednesday, December 23 at 1pm & 5:30pm
*All performance dates and times are subject to change.