The Nutcracker Audition Information

Auditions are August 17th and 24th
at Alamo City Arts Academy
 2800 NE Loop 410, Suite 307
San Antonio, TX 78218
Ages 5-10  1-2pm
Ages 11+  2-3:30pm
Registration Opens at 12:30pm.  You can register early by clicking here!
There is $0 cost to Audition
Performances are :
​Saturday, December 14th - 2pm & 7pm
at Fort Sam Houston Theatre
Friday, December 20th - 7pm with Eva's Heroes at Our Lady Lady of the Lake University
Saturday, December 21st - 2pm & 7pm
at Our Lady Lady of the Lake University*
Sunday, December 22nd - 2pm & 7pm
​at Our Lady Lady of the Lake University*
*indicates performances with Symphony Viva under the Direction of Dr. Joseph Kneer
**Alamo City Arts production of the Nutcracker is a traditional story ballet of the classic tale by E.A. Hoffman featuring Alamo City Dance Company.  This is the full story ballet.  This is not an end of season studio showcase. 
Frequently Asked Questions:
  1. What is an audition like?  The audition is done in a ballet class setting with a warm-up, across the floor technique and different combinations. We may ask some of our older dancers to do some acting or pantomime since it is a story ballet. Depending on the number of people auditioning and the age group it usually takes about 1-1.5 hours.  
  2. Do I/my dancer need to attend both auditions? You only need to attend one audition but you are welcome to attend both days.
  3. What should I/they wear to audition?  Whatever you normally wear to your ballet class, or whatever you are comfortable moving in. 
  4. How much is it to audition? We do not charge an audition fee, however there is a $100 performance fee if you participate in the production.  It is a flat fee regardless of how many parts you are cast in.  Members of Alamo City Dance Company will receive a discount on that fee.  For information on how you or your dancer can become a member of Alamo City Dance Company, please visit www.alamocityarts.org/dance-company.
  5. Can I watch my child audition? Auditions are closed and parents must wait in the lobby or their vehicles.  If your child is struggling with separation we recommend trying again next year.​
  6. How many shows will I/my dancer get to dance in? We only have one cast.  If you are cast in a role, that is your role for all the performances. 
  7. How many roles will I/my dancer get? The number of roles a dancer is assigned is dependent on age, availability, technical ability, previous performance experience and how well they perform at auditions.  Not everyone will be asked to participate in the Nutcracker.
  8. When will I find out if I am in the production?  Cast List will posted by August 31st at 7pm.
  9. I/my dancer have/has been cast in the show, what do I need to know? Those accepting their roles must attend an orientation meeting on September 7th at 2pm. A lot of information will be covered, please do not be late!
  10. When do I rehearse?  Rehearsals dates and times are dependent on roles you are cast in.  At registration you will be asked what your availability will be in the coming months.   We will do our best to accommodate your schedule.  Your availability can affect your casting.  A full schedule will be given at orientation.  We rehearse Fridays 7-9pm and Saturdays 1-5pm. Some Sundays and Weekdays may be called closer to production.
  11. What happens if I can't make a rehearsal? Rehearsal attendance is mandatory. In consideration for everyone's time, you will forfeit your part after 3 missed rehearsals.
  12. What happens if I don't like one of my parts?  Please make sure you check the cast lists carefully. Due to casting limitations, we are requiring that you accept all of your roles or none of your roles. If there are extenuating circumstances and you feel you cannot meet the demands of your parts, we will be happy to work with you, however the Artistic staff will have the final say on roles.
One last note from the director:
Please remember our production is original and has a live, professional, symphony orchestra.  Roles and choreography will be different from other Nutcracker productions we have done in the past as well as other productions  you may have participated in.   We produce a complete, full length story ballet, with professional and semi-professional company dancers taking leading roles.  That means each non-company dancer that wants to be part of this production will be put in roles that best fits their level of training, experience, stated availability and audition performance. This is not a studio showcase or an end of semester recital.  This production is a ballet, so it is important that you are attending ballet classes regularly to build stamina, prevent injury, as well maintain, and improve technique.  We only have a few rehearsals to set choreography and blocking so it is important that you come rehearsal prepared. Any absence or lack of commitment during rehearsals will necessitate adjustments to uphold the production's caliber. 

Good luck!
Katie R. Hall
Director
Alamo City Dance Company

​For questions
call or text 210.369.8311 or
​email [email protected]