NEW HAVEN, Conn. — September 15, 2026 — New Haven Ballet will hold auditions September 19–20 for its annual production of The Nutcracker, returning to New Haven's historic Shubert Theatre December 11–13, 2026.
Students enrolled in Creative Ballet I through Level 8 for Fall 2026 are eligible and encouraged to audition. Every eligible student who auditions and participates will be part of the production and appear on stage, with performance assignments varying according to role and cast.
For young dancers, The Nutcracker offers an opportunity to experience the excitement of performing a full-length classical ballet on a professional stage while developing confidence, artistry, discipline, and teamwork.
New Haven Ballet's 2026 production will be presented at the Shubert Theatre, 247 College Street in New Haven, with performances beginning Friday, December 11, and continuing through Sunday, December 13.
The production is Lisa Kim's full-length staging of The Nutcracker, featuring professional guest artists from New York City Ballet alongside young dancers from New Haven Ballet's school. The production includes elaborate sets, a growing Christmas tree, a snowstorm, costumes, a new pas de deux, and Tchaikovsky's iconic score.
One of the distinguishing features of New Haven Ballet's Nutcracker program is its commitment to giving every eligible student who auditions and participates an opportunity to be part of the production.
Artistic Director Lisa Kim notes, "The Nutcracker is about much more than putting on a performance. It gives our young dancers the opportunity to experience what it means to be part of a full scale ballet production. To work together, commit to something larger than themselves, and discover the confidence that comes from stepping onto a professional stage. We want every eligible dancer to have the opportunity to be part of that experience."
Kim further states, "For younger dancers, The Nutcracker can be a first experience performing before a large audience. For more advanced students, the production provides an opportunity to take on increasingly demanding choreography and deepen their performance experience."
Audition times are scheduled according to age and class level. Students enrolled in Creative Ballet I through Level 8 for Fall 2026 are eligible to audition. Students must submit an audition registration form and performance fee.
Families can find the complete audition schedule and registration information at:
New Haven Ballet Nutcracker Audition Information
New Haven Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Shubert Theatre
247 College Street
New Haven, Connecticut
December 11–13, 2026
Children's Matinee
Friday, December 11 at 10:00 a.m.
Public Performances
Friday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 12 at 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 12 at 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 13 at 1:00 p.m.
Tickets will go on sale in the fall through the Shubert Theatre and its box office in October.
Fall 2026 registration is also underway at New Haven Ballet. Students interested in beginning or continuing their ballet training can explore classes offered through the school's children's and student programs.
For students who dream of performing on stage, The Nutcracker provides an opportunity to combine classroom training with the experience of rehearsing and performing as part of a large-scale production.
From the Nutcracker's battle with the Mouse King to the journey through the Land of Snow and the Land of Sweets, The Nutcracker brings together dancers of different ages and levels to create a shared holiday tradition.
For young dancers in Creative Ballet I through Level 8, the journey begins with an audition.
Audition. Dance. Discover your place in the story.
New Haven Ballet is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide the greater New Haven community with exceptional classical ballet training, performances, and outreach programs that nurture appreciation of ballet and foster the joy of dance.
New Haven Ballet
70 Audubon Street
New Haven, CT 06510
Phone: 203-782-9038
Email: administrator@newhavenballet.org
Website: newhavenballet.org
Nutcracker information and audition registration:
newhavenballet.org/nutcracker/
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