A 30-Year Tradition
For 30 years, The Nutcracker: A Storybook Ballet has brought dancers, families, and community members together for a magical holiday tradition in North County.
This milestone season celebrates the generations of performers, volunteers, instructors, and audience members who have helped bring the production to life year after year. We are honored to continue sharing this story with our community and cannot wait to welcome dancers to the stage for another unforgettable season.
2026 Production Details
Auditions and rehearsals for this season’s production will be held at Class Act Dance. Families interested in participating should review the audition details below and complete the RSVP form before attending the information meeting.
Mandatory Information Meeting: August 19, 2026 | 6:30–7:30pm (parents and dancers are welcome to attend)
Audition Date: August 22, 2026
Ages 6-7: 9:00-9:45am (Level 1 Technique)
Ages 8-10: 10:00-10:45am (Level 1/2 Technique)
Ages 11-12: 11:00am-12:00pm(Level 2/3 Technique)
Ages 13+: 12:30-2:30pm (Level 3-5 Technique)
Adult Dancers: 3:00 - 4:00pm (Party Scene Casting)
Callbacks: August 23, 2026 (by invitation only)
Performance Dates:
Friday, December 4, 2026 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 5, 2026 – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 6, 2026 – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 12th (sensory friendly performance) – 2:00 p.m.
Performance Location:
Performances from December 4 - 6th will be held at the Alex and Faye Spanos Theatre, San Luis Obispo, CA
Sensory friendly performance will be held at the Templeton Performing Arts Center, Templeton, CA
Who Can Audition?
Auditions are open to all dancers in our community who are interested in being part of this year’s Nutcracker cast. Dancers should arrive prepared to learn choreography and participate in a group audition setting.
Please review the age and level expectations carefully before signing up. Casting is based on many factors, including age, level, availability, performance needs, and overall production balance.
Production Commitment at a Glance
Being part of The Nutcracker: A Storybook Ballet is a wonderful opportunity for dancers to grow as performers, build confidence, and take part in a beloved holiday tradition. Because this is a full-scale production, participation does require a commitment from both dancers and families.
Cast members are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals, arrive on time, come prepared, and be available for all required production dates, including weekly rehearsals, tech week, dress rehearsals, and performances. Regular attendance is important, as each dancer plays a role in the overall success and safety of the production.
2026 Cast Commitments at a Glance
Production fee: $150–$300 depending on number/type of roles; $100 for adult dancers
Advertising commitment: $75 minimum
Volunteer commitment: 25 hours or $400 opt-out
Cast members must meet rehearsal, tech week, and performance commitments.
2026 Cast & Parent Resources
Everything you need for the 2026 Nutcracker season, including cast expectations, production fees, volunteer requirements, important dates, apparel information, and the Cast Member Agreement, can be found in the Parent Packet below.
Rehearsal Attendance & Wellness Policy
Attendance & Tardiness
Dancers are expected to:
Arrive on time and ready to rehearse at their scheduled call time and in proper attire.
Attend all rehearsals for which they are called.
Remain for the full scheduled rehearsal unless prior arrangements have been made.
Notify the appropriate production contact as soon as possible if an absence or late arrival is unavoidable. (email info@ncdpaf.org)
Treat scheduled Nutcracker rehearsals as a priority once a role has been accepted.
Tardiness and absences can affect not only the individual dancer, but also fellow cast members, partnering, spacing, choreography, and the progress of the entire cast.
Illness
Please do not send a dancer to rehearsal when they are ill or contagious.
If your dancer becomes ill and cannot attend rehearsal, please notify the designated production contact as soon as possible. Depending on how much choreography is missed, the Artistic Directors may determine that additional rehearsal or another adjustment is necessary to ensure the dancer can safely and confidently perform the role. If additional rehearsal time is needed, families may be responsible for any associated studio rental or director/choreographer costs. Any additional fees will be communicated with the family in advance.
Injury
Please notify the Artistic Directors promptly of any injury that may affect your dancer's ability to rehearse or perform.
A dancer should never rehearse through an injury, as healing is post important. The Artistic Directors will work with the dancer and family to determine appropriate participation, observation, modification, or return to rehearsal. If an injury prevents a dancer from safely fulfilling the requirements of a role, casting may need to be adjusted for the safety of the dancer and the needs of the production.
Our Three-Step Attendance Policy
When there is a pattern of unexcused absences, repeated tardiness, or repeated lack of communication about attendance, the following process will be used:
Step 1 — First Warning & Conversation
The Artistic Director and Production Manager will speak with the dancer's parent/guardian regarding the attendance or tardiness concern. The goal of this conversation is to identify the issue and work together toward a solution.
Step 2 — Second Warning
If the attendance or tardiness issue continues, the Artistic Director and Production Manager will again communicate with the parent/guardian. At this point, the family will be reminded that continued attendance problems may result in a casting change.
Step 3 — Casting Adjustment
If the problem continues after two warnings, the dancer may be removed from the role. This decision will be made by the Artistic Director in consultation with the Production Manager and will be based on the needs, safety, and integrity of the production.
Communication is Key
We understand that illness, injury, and unexpected family circumstances happen. This policy is not intended to create additional stress for families, but rather to support consistent communication and rehearsal attendance whenever possible. Communication makes a difference.