Open Auditions for the 2026 M3 Dance Production of the Nutcracker |
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M3 Dance is thrilled to announce open auditions for the 9th annual production of the Nutcracker! With an eclectic cast of over 75 performers consisting of students, adults, and professionals alike, our cast comes from many Chicago Area dance studios and professional companies. Our show contains roles that will feature students who enjoy ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, and tumbling. Performances are held at Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin in their gorgeous 1,200 seat theater. See below for information on how to join our cast.
AUDITION INFORMATION:
CALLBACK INFORMATION
Dancers will leave Saturday’s audition with a paper handout inviting them to callbacks on Sunday, August 23, 2026. Callbacks will run from 10:00am-5:00pm. The paper handout will list the times we would like dancers to arrive and what styles of dance they should be prepared to perform. Dancers will NOT be needed the entire time, but may be called for multiple sessions within that timeframe. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled callback time ONLY for the part(s) circled on the handout.
Callbacks are an opportunity to work with dancers in smaller groups. This allows them to be considered for as many roles as possible. IF the artistic team would like to see dancers again for a specifi c role, it will be circled on their paper. This DOES NOT mean they will get the roles they are being called back for. Dancers will also be considered for roles NOT circled on their handout.
AUDITION CHECKLIST
RESULTS
Families can expect to hear about casting results up to 2 weeks following the audition. Audition results will be sent out via email. Families will then be asked to join our Nutcracker BAND group.
PARTICIPATION FEE
This fee covers: all rehearsals, costume rental fees, administrative expenses, theater expenses, production costs, costume cleaning and maintenance fees, and more. This fee is non-refundable and is due by the first day of rehearsals.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance for all rehearsals is MANDATORY. Dancers with poor attendance may be removed from their roles at the discretion of the Artistic Team. A warning email will be sent before action is taken. Please make every effort to be at your rehearsals.
REHEARSAL INFORMATION
Rehearsals will be held on Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays beginning the weekend of September 11, 2026 . Please assume 1 rehearsal hour/week for as many parts as you receive (Ex: 3 parts = *at least* 3 hours/week). ALL rehearsals are mandatory and attendance is taken at each rehearsal.
TECH WEEK
The below dates/rehearsals are MANDATORY for all participants. Please reserve these days in your family calendars.
PRODUCTION DATES
VOLUNTEERS
A show of this magnitude requires a large team of volunteers. There are many different departments to our show that require a variety of skill sets.
If you are interested in learning more about any of the above volunteer opportunities, please contact us at [email protected]
SPONSORSHIP & DONATIONS
If you or someone you know would like to support our 501(c)(3) nonprofi t organization, please contact us. Any individual or business looking to donate goods, services, or finances towards our show will receive a tax deductible receipt as well as exclusive perks and benefits surrounding our show.
Thank you for choosing to be a part of our production!
AUDITION INFORMATION:
- When: Saturday, August 22, 2026
- Where: Synergy Dance Academy, Bloomingdale, IL
- Time: 1:00-7:00pm (Exact audition times will be announced one week prior to 8/22)
- Audition Cost:
- Ages 7-9 and Non-Dancers $20.00
- Ages 10-17 $30.00
- Adults 18+ No Charge (Only Attend Sunday Auditions)
CALLBACK INFORMATION
- When: Sunday, August 23, 2026
- Where: Synergy Dance Academy, Bloomingdale, IL
- Time: 10:00am-5:00pm (Exact times will be listed on your dancer’s Callback paper)
Dancers will leave Saturday’s audition with a paper handout inviting them to callbacks on Sunday, August 23, 2026. Callbacks will run from 10:00am-5:00pm. The paper handout will list the times we would like dancers to arrive and what styles of dance they should be prepared to perform. Dancers will NOT be needed the entire time, but may be called for multiple sessions within that timeframe. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled callback time ONLY for the part(s) circled on the handout.
Callbacks are an opportunity to work with dancers in smaller groups. This allows them to be considered for as many roles as possible. IF the artistic team would like to see dancers again for a specifi c role, it will be circled on their paper. This DOES NOT mean they will get the roles they are being called back for. Dancers will also be considered for roles NOT circled on their handout.
AUDITION CHECKLIST
- Attire:
- Girls - black leotard, pink/skin toned tights, hair in a bun, add leggings or shorts for jazz/contemporary roles, add ballet skirts for classical/pointe roles
- Boys - tighter fitting solid colored clothes that are easy to move in, ballet shoes or socks
- Tumblers - Leotard & leggings/shorts, bare feet, tumbling shoes, or clean tennis shoes
- Supplies: Dancers should bring ballet shoes, pointe shoes (if applicable), jazz shoes, character skirts (if you already own one). Dancers should also be prepared to dance barefoot (no socks). Convertible tights are strongly recommended for quick transitions between dance styles.
- Audition Form & Audition Fee: All dancers auditioning will need to fill out our audition form HERE. Audition fees will be paid online upon form submission.
RESULTS
Families can expect to hear about casting results up to 2 weeks following the audition. Audition results will be sent out via email. Families will then be asked to join our Nutcracker BAND group.
PARTICIPATION FEE
- All Students $300
- Youth Males Roles $200
- Adult Female Roles $125
This fee covers: all rehearsals, costume rental fees, administrative expenses, theater expenses, production costs, costume cleaning and maintenance fees, and more. This fee is non-refundable and is due by the first day of rehearsals.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance for all rehearsals is MANDATORY. Dancers with poor attendance may be removed from their roles at the discretion of the Artistic Team. A warning email will be sent before action is taken. Please make every effort to be at your rehearsals.
REHEARSAL INFORMATION
Rehearsals will be held on Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays beginning the weekend of September 11, 2026 . Please assume 1 rehearsal hour/week for as many parts as you receive (Ex: 3 parts = *at least* 3 hours/week). ALL rehearsals are mandatory and attendance is taken at each rehearsal.
TECH WEEK
The below dates/rehearsals are MANDATORY for all participants. Please reserve these days in your family calendars.
- Sunday, November 29, 2026 - FULL Run @ Synergy Dance Academy
- Monday, November 30, 2026 - Load In (no dancers) Volunteers Needed @ Hemmens
- Tuesday & Wednesday, December 1 & 2, 2026 - Dress Rehearsal @ Hemmens (4:30pm start)
- Thursday & Friday, December 3 & 4, 2026 - FULL Run Dress Rehearsal @ Hemmens (4:30pm start)
PRODUCTION DATES
- Saturday, December 5 - 12:00 pm
- Saturday, December 5 - 5:00 pm
- Sunday, December 6 - 12:00 pm
VOLUNTEERS
A show of this magnitude requires a large team of volunteers. There are many different departments to our show that require a variety of skill sets.
- Costumes - Alterations, organization, sizing, creation, embellishments, mending, etc.
- Props & Set - building, painting, decorating, & creating pieces for the show
- Load-In/Load Out - loading costumes, set pieces, supplies, etc. from storage to & from the theater
- Backstage - quick changes, prop preparation, set changing, working backstage during the show
- Dressing Rooms - assisting with dressing, managing, and organizing dancers
- Boutique - gathering items, inventory, price marking, selling during performance
- Advertising/Marketing - sharing & publishing marketing materials, find print & in-person opportunities
- Sponsorships & Donations - recruiting & connecting with small and large businesses who would like to help support our production
If you are interested in learning more about any of the above volunteer opportunities, please contact us at [email protected]
SPONSORSHIP & DONATIONS
If you or someone you know would like to support our 501(c)(3) nonprofi t organization, please contact us. Any individual or business looking to donate goods, services, or finances towards our show will receive a tax deductible receipt as well as exclusive perks and benefits surrounding our show.
Thank you for choosing to be a part of our production!
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SPONSORSHIPS AND DONATIONSIf you or someone you know would like to support our show, OR you belong to or know of a business that would like to support our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, please contact us. All donations are tax deductible. Thank you for choosing to be a part of our production!
Financial donations can be given online using the button below. |