Ballet Quad Cities Announces Community Cast Auditions for 

The Nutcracker

Ballet Quad Cities ~ 613 17th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201 ~ 309-786-3779

Wednesday, August 26, 2026
BQC Studios
613 17th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201

Audition Times
Ages 7–10: 4:30–5:15 PM
Ages 11 and above: 5:30–6:30 PM

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
All dancers must pre-register by completing the Nutcracker Audition Registration Form located at the bottom of this page by August 25. A parent or guardian signature is required for all dancers under 18. Submission of the form indicates that both dancers and guardians have read and understand the following commitments involved in participating in The Nutcracker.

CASTING

Ballet Quad Cities’ The Nutcracker is a professional production performed for audiences of more than 8,000 annually. Casting is determined based on costume availability, height, technical ability, rehearsal attendance, and stage presence. Auditioning does not guarantee that a dancer will be awarded a role.

The cast list will be posted in the lobby of the BQC Studios at 4:00 PM on September 8, 2026.

All dancers accepting roles must:

• Initial the cast list in person
• Pick up their Nutcracker Packet by Friday, September 11, 2026

NUTCRACKER PACKET

Each dancer must pick up a Nutcracker Packet no later than September 11th. The packet will include:

• October’s rehearsal schedule
• Costume fee information
• Volunteer sign-up forms
• Shoe and tight requirements
• Nutcracker Cast T-Shirt order forms
• Hair and makeup guidelines for performances

Each family is required to complete:

• A minimum of two volunteer shifts/tasks in Davenport
• A minimum of one volunteer shift/task in Cedar Rapids

REHEARSAL COMMITMENT

Attendance at all rehearsals is essential to the success of the production. Please do not audition if you are unable to commit fully to rehearsals and performances.

• Two or more absences may result in loss of role.
• Arriving consistently late or unprepared may result in loss of role.
• Dancers must arrive 15 minutes before rehearsal begins.
• Dancers must arrive with hair in bun, pinned away from face, in leotard, tights and ballet shoes.
• Spacing rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and all performances are mandatory.
• Rehearsals for some roles may begin as early as Saturday, October 3.
• Rehearsal time slots for younger children’s roles such as Party Children, Small Mice, Soldiers, Angels, and Cookies typically include Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons. 
• These roles are generally rehearsed one to two times per week, with additional rehearsals added during the two weeks leading up to performances.
• Additional roles such as Clara, Fritz, Large Rats, Chinese, and Ukrainian may be called for weekday rehearsals beginning November 2 from 3:00–4:15 PM, depending on school schedules.
• All dancers are expected to maintain excellent attendance in their ballet technique classes throughout the rehearsal period. Consistent class attendance is important to maintaining the technical level required for casting and performance.
• Please list all rehearsal conflicts, school release times, early dismissals, and school holidays on the audition registration form.

COMMUNICATION

All Nutcracker communication will be sent through: [email protected]

• Please make sure this email address is added to your contacts so messages are not sent to spam. Not reading your email is not an excuse for missing a deadline or rehearsal.
• For emergencies, contact Ballet Quad Cities at: 309-786-3779
• BQC also utilizes Remind text messaging for important updates. Please include all preferred phone numbers and email addresses on the audition registration form.

MANDATORY COSTUME FITTING

There will be a mandatory costume fitting on October 10, 2026 (Times TBA)

Missing the costume fitting may result in loss of role.

IMPORTANT DATES

September 8 Cast list posted at the studio at 4:00 PM

September 11 Deadline to initial cast list and pick up Nutcracker Packet

October 10 Mandatory costume fitting

November 27 No rehearsals — day after Thanksgiving

November 28 Mandatory Nutcracker rehearsal

PARAMOUNT THEATRE — Cedar Rapids, IA

December 3 Evening spacing and technical rehearsals (Time TBA)

December 4 Evening dress rehearsal (Time TBA)

December 5 Public Performances 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

ADLER THEATRE — Davenport, IA

December 10 Evening spacing and technical rehearsals (Time TBA)

December 11 School Matinee Performances 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM

December 12 Public Performances 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

December 13 Public Performance 2:00 PM