THE NUTCRACKER

The Nutcracker 2026

Audition & Participation Information

We are delighted to invite New Haven Ballet students to audition for our annual production of The Nutcracker, to be presented at the historic Shubert Theatre in New Haven.

This beloved production is often one of the most memorable performance experiences of the year. Dancers take part in a full-length classical ballet on a professional stage, build confidence and artistry, and share in a meaningful holiday tradition with their peers and families.

Every eligible student who auditions and participates will be part of the production and appear on stage. Performance assignments vary by role and cast. Not all dancers will perform in every performance.

Auditions for The Nutcracker are September 19-20, 2026. To register for the audition, Fall 2026 students in CB I – Level 8 must submit a registration form and performance fee.

2026 NUTCRACKER AUDITION REGISTRATION

NUTCRACKER INFORMATION MEETING

Saturday, September 12, 2026


9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.


Whitney Avenue Studio

591 Whitney Avenue

New Haven, Connecticut

Stop by anytime between 9:30 and 1:00 p.m. to meet Volunteer Coordinator Deana Vendetto and NHB Administrator Ruth Barker, who will be available to explain the audition and rehearsal process, review participation requirements, answer questions, and assist families with registration. Families new to The Nutcracker are warmly encouraged to attend.

NUTCRACKER ELIGIBILITY & REHEARSALS

Students enrolled in Creative Ballet I and above for Fall 2026 are eligible to audition. Student accounts must be current in order to audition and participate. Students are expected to maintain regular attendance in their ballet classes and participate consistently in rehearsals so they feel confident, prepared, and supported in their roles.

Mandatory Rehearsal Schedule

• Pre-Ballet through Level 8 rehearse on Saturdays and Sundays
• Levels 6–8 also rehearse on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Creative Ballet I & II rehearse two weeks prior to the show and Tech Week

Tech Week (Shubert Theatre)

December 8–11, 2026

All cast members are required to attend daily rehearsals at the Shubert Theatre during Tech Week. This is a critical part of the production process, when dancers bring together staging, spacing, costumes, and performance preparation on stage. Attendance at rehearsals is required in order to perform in The Nutcracker. Students who miss more than two rehearsals may be unable to participate in the production.

AUDITION REGISTRATION

Registration opens July 1. If you have any questions, please contact the NHB Office at 203-782-9038 or administrator@newhavenballet.org.

Kick off the holiday season with New Haven Ballet when they return to the Shubert Theatre to perform Lisa Kim’s full-length production of The Nutcracker, a favorite holiday tradition.

A treat for the whole family starring New York City Ballet’s Sara Adams and Victor Abreu as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier, who are joined by many bright young dancers from New Haven Ballet’s School and special guest artists to round out the talented cast.

The production features larger-than-life sets with a Christmas Tree that grows to colossal heights, a snowstorm, exquisite costumes, a new pas de deux, and the timeless score by Tchaikovsky that will fill the rafters when local singers lend their voices to the Waltz of the Snowflakes. New Haven Ballet’s Nutcracker allows audiences to enjoy New York City Ballet stars at modest ticket prices, the convenience of the Shubert’s location, roomier seats, an upgraded sound system, and a phenomenal show!

The Shubert Theatre is located at 247 College Street in the heart of New Haven’s popular downtown restaurant and shopping district. Tickets go on sale in the fall and may be purchased at Shubert.com or the Shubert Box Office at (203) 562-5666. The Shubert Theatre is ADA-accessible. For accommodation requests, please call Tel. 203-562-5666.

Children’s Matinee:

Friday, December 11 at 10:00 a.m.

Public Performances are offered:

Friday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 12 at 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 12 at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 13 at 1:00 p.m.

The Story

The Stahlbaum family is celebrating the holidays with friends. Herr Drosselmeyer, Clara’s uncle, arrives late with his nephew. He entertains the guests with magic and makes life-sized toy dolls dance. Uncle Drosselmeyer also gifts Clara a Nutcracker, which delights everyone, including her jealous brother Fritz. As the party ends, Clara is saddened to see her Uncle and his nephew leave. She has made good friends with her uncle’s nephew at the party.

After everyone falls asleep, Clara awakens to noises and sneaks into the parlor to investigate. She is surprised that the mice have grown enormously, and Uncle Drosselmeyer is orchestrating them. The mice steal away the family’s gifts. Uncle Drosselmeyer uses his magic to make the house disappear, and then he makes the Nutcracker grow to life-size – and come alive. A battle ensues between the mice, their Mouse King, and the toy soldiers, who have also magically grown and come to life. Thankfully, with help from Clara and the soldiers, the Nutcracker wins the battle. Uncle Drosselmeyer turns the Nutcracker into a handsome Prince who resembles the nephew Clara met at the party. Clara and the handsome Nutcracker Prince journey through the Land of Snow, where snowflakes and the Snow King and Queen are dancing.

Tiny reindeer lead Clara and the Nutcracker Prince into the Land of Sweets with ethereal angels and beautiful fairies. The Sugar Plum Fairy greets them. Clara and the Nutcracker Prince tell the story of their fierce battle and are invited to a celebration where all of the Sweets perform. The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier also dance. Finally, it is time to leave. The Sweets present gifts to Clara and the Nutcracker Prince as they wish them well on their way.