2024 Open Auditions

Fox Valley Ballet, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, is excited to announce open auditions for The Fox Valley Nutcracker. We invite dancers of all levels to audition for a role in this beloved Fox Valley holiday tradition as we return to the stage.

Schedule

Saturday, July 27, 2024

10:00 – 10:30 am – Children ages 5-6 yrs (Must be 5 by Sept. 1)
10:30 – 11:00 am – Children ages 7-8 yrs
11:00 – 11:30 am – Boys ages 9-11 yrs
11:30 – 12:30 pm – Dancers ages 12+ Beg/Adv Beginner (students taking 1-2 dance classes per week)
12:30 – 1:00 pm – Adults & Actors (No dance experience required!)

Sunday, July 28, 2024

10:00 – 11:30 am – Girls ages 9-11 yrs
11:30 – 12:15 pm – Dancers ages 12-13 yrs (students taking 2-3 dance classes per week)
*Dancers may be asked to stay for the next audition.
12:15 – 1:30 pm – Dancers ages 12+ (students taking 3 or more ballet classes per week)
1:30 – 2:30 pm Pointe Auditions (dancers must attend one of the earlier auditions on this day. See FAQ for details.)

Audition Details

• Auditions will be held at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre in Batavia, IL.  Please enter off of Wilson St. and check-in at the “Cast and Crew Only” Door.
• Parents will be asked to wait outside during the auditions.  
• Ballet attire is required for auditions. Boys must wear a white t-shirt with black pants/shorts.
• Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your audition time to check-in and warm up.
• Bring a headshot (no larger than 4×6) to the audition. Headshots will not be returned.
• Callbacks will be Wednesday, July 31 at The Academy of Dance Arts if required.
• Video auditions will be accepted no later than August 1. See FAQ for details.

Participation Requirements

• Non-refundable audition fee of $25 per participant is due at the time of registration.  *Audition fee will be applied to the participation fee.
• Non-refundable participation fee of $275 per participant to assist with production costs including costumes, choreographers, venue rental, etc. Participation fee is due by the first rehearsal on August 25, or cast member will not be allowed in rehearsal. Participation fee also includes a cast t-shirt.
• Participation fee discounts are available for families with 2 or more participants. Parents/Guardians can perform in the show with the participation fee waived.  Audition fee still applicable. Financial assistance or payment plans are available for those in need and must be worked out prior to Aug. 25.
• Students participating must be enrolled in at least one ballet class at an established dance school or training facility during the production period.
• NEW – Dancer’s must provide proof of enrollment by September 1st of their enrolled dance class. Those that get cast for pointe roles MUST be enrolled in 3 ballet technique class and a min. of 2 pointe classes a week to be eligible to perform in those particular roles (This includes corp roles as well).
• Mandatory orientation meeting on Sunday, August 25 at 11:00 am. Participants and at least one parent/guardian must attend or will not be eligible to participate. Some rehearsals will begin immediately following the orientation meeting that day..
• ALL REHEARSALS ARE MANDATORY. Please DO NOT audition if you cannot commit to the rehearsals and performance dates. Participants may not be required for every Sunday or for the entire rehearsal day but we do ask that they hold the day for rehearsals if called.
  • Rehearsals are Sunday, August 25 through November 17.
  • Rehearsals will be on Sundays between 12:00 pm and 5:00pm. Times may vary depending on the role and participants may not be needed each week.
  • Rehearsals will be held at:
    • Soleunique Dance Complex in North Aurora, IL – Aug. 25- Oct. 13
    • The Academy of Dance Arts in Warrenville, IL – Oct. 20-Nov. 17
  • Tech/Dress Rehearsals will be November 24-27. Times to be provided during orientation.
  • Performances will be November 29-30 and December 1 at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre.
• Weekly rehearsal schedules will be posted in the cast portal in advance. Schedules are typically posted prior to the first week of the month.
• The Fox Valley Nutcracker has a ZERO ABSENCE POLICY.  In extreme cases, an absence may be considered for a religious obligation, wedding, or school-related event. If you anticipate a potential conflict, it must be listed on the audition form or emailed to the Artistic Director by August 1st to be considered. An unexcused absence may result in dismissal from the show or replacement in a role. Please note any potential conflicts on audition form. See FAQ for more information.