Upcoming 2026 Auditions

Nutcracker 2026 “Matinee Minis”

Open auditions for children ages 4 to 6 to step in to the world of dancing in Redding City Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the Cascade Theatre.

Saturday, September 26, 1pm
Matinee Mini Parent Info Meeting

Saturday, September 26, 1:30pm
Matinee Mini Auditions

Friday, October 2
Tentative Rehearsal Start Date

All audition events take place at our studio located at 935 Locust St, Redding

REGISTER NOW

  • Dancers should come to rehearsals on time, prepared to dance. Dancers who miss more than two rehearsals without prior approval will be in danger of being cut from the cast or having a reduced part, at the choreographer’s discretion. Attendance at all run-throughs and tech rehearsals is mandatory. We will be as accommodating as we can regarding missed rehearsals due to illness.

    Scheduling conflicts (previously scheduled events) should be included on the audition form. Emergency circumstances will be considered when determining fulfillment of attendance requirements.

  • Available performer roles are subject to change based on auditions. Placement is based on age, experience, height, etc. 2025 Matinee Mini opportunities may include “Snow Flurries” and “mini Angels”

  • The “Matinee Mini” program is intended to give young children a taste of Nutcracker participation without the late nights and heavy commitment. “Matinee Mini” dancers will only dance during our two matinee performances at the Cascade Theatre:

    December 12, curtain at 2pm

    December 13, curtain at 2pm

  • Our show runs on your generous volunteer support. We ask that each family sign up for and complete 5 hours of volunteer work on the production. Possible areas are: costumes, promotions, poster distribution, t-shirt distribution, etc. Each family is also asked to assist with selling ads and sponsorships for the program.

  • Tentative Schedule of All Cast Rehearsals

    Saturday, Oct 31st
    9am – 1pm Full run-thru (more specific times TBD)

    Saturday, Nov 7th
    9am – 9:30am Full run-thru

    Saturday, Nov 14th
    9am – 9:30am Full run-thru

    Saturday, Nov 21nd
    9am – 9:30am Full run-thru (with costumes)

    Saturday, Dec 5th
    9am – 9:30am Full run-thru (with costumes)

    Monday, Dec 7th
    4 – 5pm Tech rehearsal- no costumes

    Tuesday, Dec 8th
    4 – 5pm Full run-thru

    Wednesday, Dec 9th
    4– 5pm Full run-thru

    Saturday, Dec 12th
    Matinee 1:15pm call, 2:00pm show time

    Sunday, Dec 13th
    Matinee 1:15pm call, 2:00pm show time

  • Performance package includes t-shirt, show recording (one per family), costume use, and choreography. Performance fees are non-refundable if a dancer drops out after the date of the first rehearsal. Refunds, if approved, are minus the credit card processing fees.

    *Redding City Ballet is a non-profit 501-c (3).

    Matinee Mini dancers pay a flat performer fee of $120. Fee categories can be explained as follows:

    Audition fee ($15): Cast-related office supplies, audition instruction

    Costume fee ($25): Costume cleaning, alterations, and repairs

    Performer fee ($25): Choreography, instruction, rehearsal time

    T-shirt fee* ($20): Annual cast t-shirt in size and style of your choice (hooded sweatshirt $15 extra)

    Video fee ($15): Access to online recordings by contracted videographer, assessed only once per family

    Ticket fee ($20): Service fee for complimentary seats for dancer and one guardian during matinee performances

    * Dancer may upgrade from shirt to hoodie for additional $15 OR order shirt plus hoodie for additional $35