South Carolina Ballet is pleased to announce open auditions for children’s roles in the 2025 statewide touring production of Nutcracker. This annual holiday classic offers a rare opportunity for young dancers to join the cast of a full-scale professional ballet, performing alongside South Carolina Ballet’s company artists on some of the state’s most prestigious stages.
Designed for dancers ages 4–10, these auditions will be held at locations across South Carolina in August, September, and October. Participants will be considered for a variety of age-appropriate roles, including party children, mice, soldiers, and angels. For many, this marks a first experience onstage in a professional production—an exciting and inspiring milestone in their dance journey.
2025 Audition Schedule
Columbia, SC
Sunday, August 17, 2025
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Columbia Conservatory of Dance
1545 Main Street, Columbia, SC
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Sumter, SC
Sunday, September 14, 2025
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Miss Libby’s School of Dance
155 W. Wesmark Blvd., Sumter, SC
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Florence, SC
Sunday, October 5, 2025
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
School of Dance Arts
1001 S. Cashua Drive, Florence, SC
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Indian Land, SC
Sunday, October 12, 2025
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Dance U Studio
8356 Charlotte Highway, Indian Land, SC
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Lancaster, SC
Sunday, October 12, 2025
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Lancaster High School Multipurpose Building
325 Woodland Drive, Lancaster, SC
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What to Expect
Children will be guided through a simple ballet class and brief movement combinations by South Carolina Ballet’s rehearsal staff. No formal audition solo is required, and prior performance experience is not necessary. Dancers will be assessed on coordination, musicality, and ability to follow direction in a rehearsal setting.
Requirements
- Open to male and female dancers, ages 4–10
- Dancers must be available for all rehearsals and performances in their area
- Rehearsal schedules will be provided upon casting; attendance is mandatory
Audition Attire
- Girls: Black leotard, pink tights, ballet slippers, hair in a slick bun, light stage makeup (lip and cheek color, light eyeshadow)
- Boys: White t-shirt or leotard, black tights, ballet slippers
Registration
Audition fees and procedures vary by location. Please visit each audition’s registration page for full details and to sign up in advance.
A Holiday Tradition
For over 60 years, Nutcracker has been one of South Carolina Ballet’s most beloved productions, drawing thousands of audience members each December. Incorporating original choreography, stunning costumes, and large-scale scenic design, the production is both a cherished family tradition and a powerful introduction to the magic of professional dance.
By participating in Nutcracker, young dancers not only gain valuable stage experience but also become part of a larger community of artists and audiences who make the performing arts thrive in our region.
