SALT LAKE CITY – Ballet West is looking for all interested youth to dance on the same stage as professional ballet artists and get a behind-the-scenes look into the historic production of America’s First Nutcracker™. There is no cost to participate for those cast in the production.
For Eunice Stafford, Associate Principal at Trolley Corners, she remembers performing in Ballet West’s Nutcracker from the age of 8 to 13 in the role of buffoon, party girl, and soldier.
“There is no other experience like being in Nutcracker,” Stafford says. “Going to the Capital Theatre to rehearse and meet all the other dancers, getting to wear a professional costume, being backstage, and actually performing in front of an audience is like no other. Also, performing with the orchestra and choir is so much more than just doing a recital.”
Performing with Ballet West is more than just landing the coveted roles of Clara and Fritz, says Student Rehearsal Director & Principal Faculty Courtney Hellebuyck.
“Our production of Nutcracker is the oldest in America. There is a strong sense of pride in every dancer onstage at the Capitol Theatre surrounding that, both the professional, and the student performers alike.”
“The 81 children in each cast of Ballet’s West’s The Nutcracker are the heart and soul and carry the story from beginning to end for all 1,657 sold-out audience members to enjoy,” Hellebuyck continues. “To be part of history, not to mention share the stage with Ballet West professional dancers is nothing short of sheer magic.”
Auditions are open to the community on Saturday, Sept. 12 for boys and girls ages 8-20 with heights of 48”-72 at the Jesse Eccles Quinney Ballet Center 52 W 200 S, Salt Lake City. Pre-Registration is highly recommended. For more information, visit www.balletwest.org/
For those who are new to the experience, or would like some extra prep, Ballet West is hosting a Nutcracker Audition Workshop on Sept. 5 at the following locations:
- Utah County Campus | 564 W 700 S #403, Pleasant Grove | 2 PM – 3:30 PM | Cost: $12
- Ballet Centre | 52 West 200 South, Salt Lake City | 5 PM – 6:30 PM | Cost: $12
Parents can also participate in the unique Nutcracker experience by chaperoning in-studio rehearsals and backstage performances, providing an exclusive behind-the-scenes view of the entire production process from studio to stage.
ABOUT BALLET WEST
Ballet West, led by Artistic Director Adam Sklute, has been celebrated for innovation and excellence since 1963. Based in Salt Lake City, it presents classical masterpieces, historic works like America’s first, and longest-running Nutcracker, and bold new creations that push the art form forward. Through the Frederick Q. Lawson Ballet West Academy, Ballet West trains the next generation of ballet artists and audiences in classical technique. The company also extends its reach to the broader community through one of the largest outreach and education programs in the country.
The 2026-27 Season is generously sponsored by Salt Lake Zoo, Arts & Parks, George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, and Intermountain Health.
