Each year, Cincinnati Ballet auditions talented young performers to be part of our upcoming productions. This is a unique opportunity to dance alongside Company dancers and gain experience in professional productions.
The 2026-2027 Season will include opportunities to participate in The Nutcracker and Family Series: Hansel and Gretel.
Participation in Cincinnati Ballet productions is by audition only.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must be age 8 and up by the audition date.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Casting notices will be sent via email.
Cincinnati Ballet is looking for talented young dancers and gymnasts to be part of our upcoming production of The Nutcracker. This audition will be open to young performers throughout the Cincinnati region.
The Nutcracker also features gymnast roles and a special audition time will be held as noted below.
DANCER AUDITIONS
GYMNAST AUDITION
PERFORMANCE DATES
December 17 – 27, 2026
YOUNG PERFORMERS REHEARSALS
Fridays from 4:30 – 7:30 PM
Saturdays from 11:30 AM – 6:45 PM
Select roles may be required to attend mid-week rehearsals
Audition Fee: $30
Online pre-registration closes Friday, August 28, at 12:00 PM (EST)
Walk-up registration is also available
LOCATION: Auditions take place at Cincinnati Ballet’s Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance located at 1801 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.
AUDITION CHECK-IN: Check in will open 60 minutes prior to the audition. Please check in at least 30 minutes prior to the audition start time.
WHAT TO WEAR: Academy uniform leotard (black leotard for dancers not enrolled in the Academy), ballet pink or flesh-tone tights, and ballet slippers OR a white shirt, black tights or leggings, and ballet slippers. Hair pulled back and neatly secured. Gymnasts may wear gymnastics attire and bare feet.
WHAT TO PREPARE: Dancers do not need any prepared material for the audition. Gymnasts (Nutcracker only) should be comfortable performing cartwheels, back-walkovers, and round-off back handsprings. Audition participants may be excused early or asked to stay longer. Your patience is appreciated.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE: Audition participants must be available to attend all performances and mandatory rehearsals. Please note: not every role will be called to every rehearsal.
