A classical ballet in two acts, four scenes and prologue, based on ETA Hoffman’s fairy tale, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” written in 1816.
Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Produced by Susan Buck & Betsy Carr
It is Christmas Eve and the Stahlbaum Family decorate their parlor for the annual party. Their children, Clara and Fritz, creep in to tuck a special gift under the tree. Soon the family is joined by all their friends and a wonderful party begins. The children dance, and the grownups, too, join in the merry making. Suddenly, a mysterious gentleman appears at the door – it is Herr Drosselmeyer, a dollmaker and magician who at first frightens the children, but then enchants them with magic tricks. He reveals two of his marvelous dolls, who perform for the guests. Clara would dearly love the Ballerina Doll for her very own, but Drosselmeyer has other ideas and presents her with a magical Nutcracker. In a tantrum, her brother, Fritz, snatches the Nutcracker from Clara’s arms and stomps on it with all his might. Drosselmeyer comforts the tearful Clara and bandages the broken Nutcracker to make him well. The guests dance once more before departing, then Clara is hurried off to bed.
That night, Clara sneaks back into the parlor to visit her poor Nutcracker and soon falls asleep, curled around him. At midnight, the magician returns and casts a spell over the sleeping house. Clara imagines she awakens to see gigantic mice dashing past her, stealing her mother’s furniture and even the doll cradle with the Nutcracker inside! The mice gather Clara to steal her too, when a life-size Nutcracker magically appears to protect her. He summons his toy soldiers and a fierce battle rages between the tiny army and the huge mice, led by their Mouse King. Just as the ferocious King has her brave champion cornered, Clara throws her slipper to distract him and saves the day! Clara can hardly believe what happens next. The Nutcracker turns into a handsome young prince and invites her to his home through the Land of the Snow.
Arriving in the Kingdom of the Sweets, they are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy who calls on all of her friends to entertain their special visitors. Finally, everyone joins in a grand farewell.
The next morning, Clara will awaken remembering her fantastic dream…..or was it a dream?
The Nutcracker 2026
WORKSHOP AUDITION August 2026
(Attend both days of the Workshop/Audition)
Age requirements as of September 1
10:00 – 11:00 Ages 7-10 New to DAA Nutcracker (Completed Ballet Elements & Up)
11:00 – 12:00 Ages 8-13 Returning DAA Nutcracker Dancers (Mini Fusion Co, Mini CDT, Ch. Int.)
12:15 – 1:30 Ages 11-14 Four plus years of Ballet training (Junior & Teen Fusion Co, Junior CDT)
1:30 – 3:30 Ages 14+ Six plus years of Ballet training (Senior Fusion Co, Teen CDT, 1st /2nd CDT)
Audition attire is same as ballet class dress code.
- Audition Application and Information available May 1.
- Attendance in 2 Summer Dance Camps is strongly encouraged for dancers age 7-11. See our Dance Camp page for options. (All CDT dancers will attend the DAA Summer Intensive; Dance Camp attendance is optional for Mini CDT dancers wanting more classes.)
- Audition Application/Audition Fee due June 15th payable to Company Dance Traverse.
- Nutcracker Act II Variations & Finale Workshop (advanced dancers age 13+) August dates/times TBD Mandatory
- DAA/CDT Nutcracker Auditions are open to DAA Students that meet the above criteria.
DETAILS! (Most roles are double cast):
“Awesome or Brilliant Cast” Performances – Thu at 7:00; Sat at 2:00 & Sun at 1:00
“Awesome or Brilliant Cast” Performances – Fri at 7:00; Sat at 7:00 & Sun at 5:30
- Awesome & Brilliant Cast Designation released by October 15th
- Lambs (youngest dancers) rehearse Fridays 5:15-6:15 beginning September
- Battle Scene (Soldiers & Mice) rehearse Fridays 5:15-6:30 beginning September
- Party Children rehearse in September on Friday 5:15-6:30, then move to Party Scene rehearsal Sunday 1:00-3:00 starting TBA
- Angels rehearse Fridays 5:15-6:15 beginning September
- Act 2 Variations (advanced dancers age 13+) rehearse during our Nutcracker Workshop 10-2 August dates TBA. Workshop begins with Class, Finale, and then work on individual Variations. (additional $165 workshop fee applies). Rehearsal will continue on Saturdays (time will vary dependent on casting), typically 1:30-3:30.
- Dancers selected for “The Nutcracker” will pay rehearsal fee to help defray the Production Costs (Rehearsals, Costumes, Sets & Choreography). Payable to CDT prior to first rehearsal. CDT Dues cover this fee if you are a Company Dance Traverse Dancer.
- Dancers will supply their own tights, shoes and nude camisole leotard.
- Theater Week Tech & Dress Rehearsals are for all casts Tentative Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday approximately 4:00-9:00. Younger Dancers will rehearse approximately 5:30-7:00.
- Dancers are allowed 2 excused absences (please try to be at all rehearsals). After 2 excused absences, dancers may lose a performance if they miss a 3rd Please plan weekends accordingly.
- Typically, No Rehearsal Thanksgiving Week/Weekend.
Dancers must be enrolled in at least one ballet class per week at DAA and available for weekend rehearsals from September through Performances.