FAQs 

FAQs for Black Diamond Ballet’s Nutcracker Student Auditions 2026

Q: What is the age range for students eligible to audition?

Auditions are open to students aged 8-17. 

***Professionals please check the website and/or email info@blackdiamondballet.org with resume, headshot, and reel if possible. 

Q: How can I register for the audition?

• Registration can be completed online through our website. Please fill out the audition Student Application and pay the registration fee. Register here:  https://tinyurl.com/NC26studentauditions

Q: Is there an audition fee?

Yes, there is a non-refundable $30 audition fee. The fee amount and payment instructions are available on our website. Pay here: https://tinyurl.com/nc26auditionfee

 

Q: What are the audition dates and times? 

Sunday, August 9th

8 yrs -11yrs  Audition 11:00am - 12:30pm 

12yrs +     Audition 1:00pm - 2:30pm

 

Sunday, August 23rd

8 yrs -11yrs  Audition 11:00am - 12:30pm 

12yrs +     Audition 1:00pm - 2:30pm

 

Q: Do I need to attend both audition dates?

No, but it’s highly recommended.

Q: What are the mandatory tech week and performance dates* at the El Campanil Theatre? 

Subject to changes*

• Friday, Nov. 27th Load-in (adult volunteers needed- no dancers)

• Saturday, Nov 28th - Q2Q Act 1

• Sunday, Nov. 29th - Q2Q Act 2

• Monday, Nov 30th - Tuesday, Dec. 1st

• Wed, Dec 2nd - School Shows(2*)

• Thurs, Dec 3rd - School shows(2*) / evening DARK - Opportunity Junction 

• Friday, Dec. 4th - Invited Final Dress / Media day?

• Saturday, Dec. 5th - Sensory Friendly (1*)

  • Possible evening rehearsal after sensory friendly 

• Sunday, Dec. 6th - Matinee (1)

• Monday, Dec. 7th - Dark 

• Tuesday, Dec. 8th - Dark?

• Wednesday, Dec 9th - Brush up 

• Thursday, Dec. - 10th Brush up

• Friday, Dec. 11th - Evening Show (1)

• Saturday, Dec. 12th - Matinee &/or Evening Show (1 or 2)

• Sunday, Dec. 13th - Matinee (1) (Adult volunteers needed for strike/load-out)

Q: Do I need to be available for all performances?

Short answer, yes. BDB typically has more than one cast for our Nutcracker season. Your open availability makes casting and rehearsals easier. However, if you are NOT available for all performances you must indicate conflicts on your audition application form. This will affect casting decisions and roles given. 

Q What are the weekly rehearsal times and location?

All rehearsals will be held at Pittsburg Performing Arts Academy, 329 Railroad Ave, Pittsburg. 

Tentative Weekly Rehearsal Schedule (based on role selection and can vary week to week):

Weekly Rehearsals begin Friday, September 11th, 2026

Fridays 6pm - 9pm

Saturdays 3pm - 7pm

Sundays 11am - 3pm 

Q: What should I bring to the audition?

Please arrive in your ballet attire, pointe shoes (if applicable), and water.

Q: What should I wear to the audition?

Female dancers should wear a black leotard, pink tights, and ballet slippers. Dancers on pointe should bring their pointe shoes.  Male dancers should wear a white fitted t-shirt, black tights, and ballet slippers. Hair should be neatly styled in a bun for females.

Q: Are parents/guardians allowed to watch the audition?

Parents and guardians are not permitted to observe the auditions.

Q: What is the format of the audition?

The audition will consist of a ballet class, including barre and center work, followed by choreography from the Nutcracker.

Q: How long does the audition last?

The audition typically lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours. Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and warm-up.

Q: What roles will I be considered for?

Student cast members are considered for our party scene children, battle scene (mice and soldiers), gingersnaps, waltz of the flower roles. All casting decisions and changes are made at the discretion of the Artistic Director. BDB produces two weekends of shows, plus 3-4 daytime school shows, so you may have multiple roles and they vary show to show or even week to week. 

Q: What criteria are used to evaluate dancers?

Dancers are evaluated based on technique, artistry, musicality, rehearsal & performance availability, height, and other factors. 

Q: When will I be notified of the audition results?

Audition results will be emailed by August 25th. This announcement will only mention whether or not you have been cast in our 2026 Student Cast. Roles and parts will be decided post-parent meeting and contract signing. Please ensure your contact information is accurate on the application. 

Q: When will I know which shows and roles I’m performing in?

Casting is subject to change throughout the season. However, BDB will do our best to announce casting before tickets go on-sale Sept. 15th.

Q: What is the participation fee and when is it due?

Participation Fee: $350 (included costume cleaning and maintenance fee)

Fee Schedule:

$150 due at time of contract signing at Mandatory Parent/Guardian Meeting (8/28/26)

$100 due on or before (9/15/26)

$100 due on or before 10/15/26)

Q: Can I audition if I am injured?

It is not recommended to audition while injured. Please contact us to discuss possible alternatives or rescheduling.

Q: Is previous ballet training required?

Yes, previous ballet training is required, pointe work is not required. Concurrent enrollment in ballet classes at your home studio  is required during the duration of the season. 

Q: What opportunities are available for students who are accepted?

Accepted students will have the opportunity to train with our professional faculty and dancers, participate in our public and school show/field trip performances, and additional outreach performances. 

Q: Can I re-audition if I am not accepted?

Yes, dancers are welcome to re-audition in subsequent years. We encourage you to continue your training and try again.

Q: What if I have more questions?

If you have additional questions, please contact our audition coordinator at rehearsaldirector@blackdiamondabllet.org  or call 925-318-5333. You can also visit the audition section of our website for more information.