Join the cast of
The Nutcracker 2025

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2025 welcomes the fourth region-inclusive cast to tell the story of Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker as they battle the Mouse King and his army of menacing mice before venturing to the land of sweets. Through this uniquely fun narrative ballet, Moscow Movement Arts Center offers community-centered performance opportunities for students of all ages to develop personal artistry and expression while gaining valuable experience and life-long memories.

What is The Nutcracker?

The Nutcracker, Russian Shchelkunchik, made its world premiere in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1892 and is the last of Pyotr Tchaikovsky's three ballets. The story of The Nutcracker is loosely based on the E.T.A. Hoffmann fantasy story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, about a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King. Hoffmann’s story is darker and more troubling than the version that reached the stage; the Imperial Russian Ballet choreographer Marius Petipa chose to follow a light adaptation of the story written by Alexandre Dumas père. The ballet’s big success still lay in the future–during the Cold War, when the Russian ballet, thanks to a Russian choreographer, became an American Christmas tradition. George Balanchine, helped make the ballet popular in North America. during his success in the early 20th century. Balanchine had been working in ballet in the United States for many years when his company, Ballet Society, performed a version of the Nutcracker in New York in 1955 that became the template and inspiration for all versions performed across North America in the decades since.

FAQs

What on earth is a "polichinelle"?

French for the Commedia dell'arte character Pulcinella. Click to learn more.

Do I need to be an M-MAC student to audition/be cast?

You do not need to be a student at Moscow Movement Arts Center in order to participate--all are welcome! Any interested participant has a multitude of ways available in order to get involved. Whether you are a student in our classes throughout the week or not, if you have a curiosity and/or a desire to join us--welcome, welcome!

Do you allow double-casting?

With over 150 available roles (!), it is possible to be double cast. You are not required to be double cast, but if you are a performer at heart and have an interest in performing in both acts--let us know!

Do I need to attend all rehearsals?

Attendance at rehearsals is vital for the individual dancer. It is the time in which repertoire is learned, committed to memory, and polished it with fellow cast-mates. When a dancer misses rehearsal, it not only puts them at a disadvantage, but it has an impact on their fellow dancers. It is therefore extremely important that dancers attend all scheduled rehearsals.

Does it cost money?

There is no fee to audition, there is a participation fee once cast. Participation Fees are dedicated to the purchasing and maintenance of costumes, venue rental, run crew, etc. For those seeking to offset the cost of performing, we offer financial assistance as detailed below.

Is there financial assistance?

Yes! Inclusivity and accessibility are at the forefront of our value system at MMAC, so it is important to us to offer alternative avenues that enable participation while easing financial stress.