2025 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 26, 2025

9:30 – 10:00 am – Children ages 5-6 yrs (Must be 5 by Sept. 1)
10:00 – 10:30 am – Children ages 7-8 yrs
10:30 – 12:00 pm – Boys & Girls ages 9-11 yrs (Boys will be dismissed after barre combinations and return for boys audition.)
12:15 – 12:45 am – Boys ages 9-11 yrs
12:45 – 1:30 pm – Adults & Actors (No dance experience required!)

Sunday, July 27, 2025

9:30 am – Doors open
10:00 – 10:30 am – Dancers ages 12+ Beg/Adv Beginner (students taking 1-3 dance classes per week)
10:30 – 11:45 am – Dancers ages 12-14 yrs (students taking 2-3 dance classes per week)
*Dancers may be asked to stay for the next audition.
11:45 – 12:15 pm – Pointe Audition 12-14 yrs (1-2.5 yrs en pointe) *Limited roles available
12:30 – 1:45 pm – Dancers ages 15+ (students taking 3 or more ballet classes per week)
1:45 – 2:30 pm Pointe Auditions 15+ (3 yrs en pointe) *Corps and soloist roles
Dancers auditioning on pointe must attend the appropriate age group that proceeds the pointe audition. 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 30 at The Academy of Dance Arts if required.
• Video auditions will be accepted no later than July 28. 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 24, 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. 24.
• Students participating must be enrolled in at least one ballet class at an established dance school or training facility during the production period.
• 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 classes 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 24 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 24 through November 16.
  • 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:
    • The Academy of Dance Arts in Warrenville, IL
  • Tech/Dress Rehearsals will be November 24-27. Times to be provided during orientation.
  • Performances will be November 28-30 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 prior to July 28 before casting begins and will be taken into account when casting the show. 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.