Every year, our studio transforms. The mirrors that reflect tendus and pirouettes all season begin to reflect something else 👇🏻

Snowflakes, soldiers, mice, and a girl named Clara stepping into a world of wonder.

For 24 years, CCDC dancers have brought Tchaikovsky's beloved score to life on stage, and this season, we're inviting dancers old and new to be part of that story once again!

Whether you've danced the role of a mouse and dreamed of one day becoming the Sugar Plum Fairy, or you're stepping into a CCDC audition for the very first time, The Nutcracker is a tradition built on months of hard work, new friendships, and the unforgettable feeling of taking a bow in full costume as the curtain falls. We can't wait to see who will bring this year's production to life!

Here's everything you need to know to be part of it.

Information Meeting

Families new to our production are strongly encouraged to attend an information meeting at CCDC on Tuesday, August 18th at 6:00pm. This is a great opportunity to learn about the commitment involved and get your questions answered before audition day.

Adults interested in character roles should contact the Artistic Director at director@carrollcountydancecenter.com.

Audition Information

Audition day is where it all begins… the first step in a journey that will carry our dancers from a quiet studio in August to a packed theater in December. We will hold auditions for our 24th annual performance of The Nutcracker on Saturday, August 22nd, 2026.

Auditions are open to dancers age six and older, and you do not need to be a CCDC student to audition. All are welcome to come along.

The audition schedule is as follows:

• 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Dancers age 14+

• 2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. — Dancers ages 11–13

• 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. — Dancers ages 8–10

• 5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Dancers ages 6–7

Pre-registration is required to audition, and there is a $15 audition fee.

Rehearsals will be held on Saturdays and Sundays, September through December, and are mandatory. It's a real commitment… but it's also where the magic is made, as choreography becomes memory, castmates become friends, and a group of individual dancers grows into a company telling one story together. Detailed information and a contract will be emailed prior to the audition.

Performance Details

After months of rehearsal, the journey reaches its destination… we invite you to save the date of Saturday, December 12th, 2026 for our annual performance of The Nutcracker! The performance will be held at The Eichelberger Performing Arts Center in Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Before the curtain rises, join us for a beloved CCDC tradition, Breakfast with Clara and Nutcracker Tea, on Saturday, November 28th at Carroll County Dance Center & Ballet Conservatory. It's the perfect way for our dancers and their families to celebrate together as the season builds toward its finale.

Stay tuned for more details on performance times and ticket sales! We can't wait to welcome this year's cast and begin the journey to the stage together!