Audition for Studio West’s 2026 Production of The Nutcracker

Studio West Dance Academy invites eligible ballet students to audition for our 2026 production of The Nutcracker, performing November 27–29 at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts.

Auditions are open to currently enrolled SWDA ballet students—including Free Boys Dance students—who will be at least 7 years old by September 12 and are registered for the required number of classes for their level.

Every dancer who auditions will receive a role in the production.

Wednesday, September 9: Ballet Levels 5–8

Ballet 7 and 8 Auditions
4:15–6:15 PM

Ballet 5 and 6 Auditions
6:15–8:00 PM

Callbacks
8:15–9:00 PM

Required Parent Volunteer Meeting
6:30 PM

Saturday, September 12: Pre-Ballet (ages 7+)–Ballet 4

Pre-Ballet and Ballet 1
12:45–2:05 PM
Required Parent Volunteer Meeting: 1:00 PM

Ballet 2
2:15–3:25 PM
Required Parent Volunteer Meeting: 2:30 PM

Ballet 3
3:35–4:45 PM
Required Parent Volunteer Meeting: 3:50 PM

Ballet 4
5:00–6:15 PM
Required Parent Volunteer Meeting: 5:15 PM

Required Parent Volunteer Meetings

At least one adult representative from each dancer’s family must attend one of the scheduled parent volunteer meetings. These meetings provide important information about production participation, rehearsal expectations, volunteer responsibilities, and performance requirements.

Before Auditioning

Participation in The Nutcracker requires a commitment from both dancers and their families. If you have questions about the rehearsal schedule, performance requirements, or whether the commitment will work for your family, please call or email the studio before audition day. We’ll be happy to help you determine whether participation is a good fit.

Required audition paperwork and the applicable participation fee payment are due on the dancer’s audition day. 

Please note that participants must be 7 years or older by the audition date in order to participate. 

We look forward to welcoming our dancers to another magical Nutcracker season!