DESCRIPTION:

Step into a world where dreams take center stage and imagination knows no bounds. My First Nutcracker is a reimagined holiday adventure for audiences of all ages—an interactive and whimsical retelling of the classic Nutcracker story, specially designed to captivate young hearts and rekindle the magic of the season in adults.

Told through the eyes of Clara, a girl whose imagination transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, this enchanting journey begins at a joyful holiday party and unfolds into a vibrant dreamscape filled with dancing sweets, fantastical creatures, and moments of interactive wonder. The audience becomes part of the story, helping Clara navigate her candy-colored dreamworld and discover the magic hidden in everyday moments.

SEEKING:

Seeking non-union Dancer/Actors for My First Nutcracker - Current Production & Future Replacements

Seeking highly skilled dancers with strong backgrounds in ballet and contemporary, who are also confident, expressive actors. The production includes spoken text, so comfort with dialogue and storytelling is essential.

This is an interactive, immersive children’s theater experience, and we are especially looking for performers who genuinely enjoy engaging with young audiences. A playful spirit, adaptability, and a strong sense of ensemble are key.

Roles Needed:

This is a gender expansive production. The gender of the roles as presented in the source material do not denote the gender of the cast individual. 

 

CLARA MARIE [TRACK 1] : 

Clara is the beating heart of the story—the source from which all imagination springs. Through their eyes, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and a simple holiday party blossoms into a vibrant dreamscape of dancing sweets, swirling snow, and fantastical adventure. This is not a passive dreamer; Clara is active, brave, and deeply connected to their world, transforming it moment by moment with curiosity, courage, and heart.

The performer playing Clara must be a skilled storyteller with a natural command of the stage. They need strong comedic instincts, the ability to connect directly and sincerely with young audiences, and the emotional depth to carry earnest, heartfelt moments. This role demands dynamic audience interaction, a playful spirit, and an openness that invites children and adults alike into the magical world of the story. Clara doesn’t just experience the magic—they create it.

NOTE: This role is currently cast. We are seeking future replacements. 

 

DROSSELMEYER / NUTCRACKER PRINCE [TRACK 2]

The mysterious toymaker with a twinkle in their eye, Drosselmeyer is part magician, part storyteller—they set Clara’s journey into motion. As the Nutcracker, they lead Clara through the Land of Sweets, embodying both wisdom and the gallant charm of a fairytale hero.

Partnering needed. Tumbling a plus. 

 

MOTHER / SNOW / DEWDROP / SWEETS / FLOWERS / ENS [TRACK 3]

This track showcases a versatile performer portraying a variety of magical and maternal figures. We are looking for someone who embodies maturity and play in equal parts.

Mother sets the cozy, festive tone of the holiday party.
As Dewdrop, they add elegance and sparkle to the dream world.
In the Land of Sweets, they transform into vivid, lively characters—Sweets, Flowers, and more—each bringing Clara’s imagination to life through joyous and interactive storytelling.

Partnering needed.

 

FRITZ / MOUSE KING / SNOW / CAVALIER / SWEETS / FLOWERS / ENS [TRACK 4]

We are looking for someone who has a good handle on comedy—able to balance physical humor, character contrast, and audience interaction while maintaining clarity in storytelling. 

Fritz is Clara’s mischievous sibling, full of youthful energy.

The Mouse King is a playful, clown-like villain, dramatic and delightfully over-the-top.
The performer also plays Snow, a regal Cavalier, and various Sweets and Flowers, each embodying different sides of the dream. 

Partnering needed. Tumbling a plus. 

NOTE: This role is currently cast. We are seeking future replacements. 

 

SWING [TRACK 5]

Covers Tracks 1 & 3

 

SWING  [TRACK 6]

Covers Tracks 2 & 4

 

DURATION:

Workshop: October 27 & October 28, 10AM - 6PM (Midtown Manhattan)

 

Production Rehearsals: November 17th - November 30th, 10AM - 6PM (Midtown Manhattan)

Nov 27th and 28th off for Thanksgiving

Designer Run: Tuesday, November 25th

 

Tech: December 2nd - 5th (Theatre Row)

Previews: Saturday, December 6th (Theatre Row)

Opening: Sunday, December 7th (Theatre Row)

Closing/Strike: December 21st (Theatre Row)

 

Performance Schedule: (Theatre Row)

Saturday, December 6, 11 AM & 2:30 PM 

Sunday, December 7, 11 AM & 2:30 PM  

Monday, December 8 OFF 

Tuesday, December 9, 11 AM & 5:30 PM 

Wednesday, December 10, 11 AM & 5:30 PM 

Thursday, December 11, 11 AM & 5:30 PM 

Friday, December 12, 5:30 PM 

Saturday, December 13, 11 AM & 2:30 PM 

Sunday, December 14, 11 AM & 2:30 PM 

Monday, December 15 OFF 

Tuesday, December 16, 11 AM & 5:30 PM 

Wednesday, December 17, 11 AM & 5:30 PM 

Thursday, December 18, 11 AM & 5:30 PM 

Friday, December 19, 5:30 PM 

Saturday, December 20, 11 AM & 2:30 PM 

Sunday, December 21, 11 AM & 2:30 PM 

 

PERSONNEL:

Adapted for young audiences by Barbara Zinn Krieger

Producer: New York City Children’s Theater & Sammy Lopez

Artistic Director: Barbara Zinn Krieger

Director & Choreographer: Kristen Brooks Sandler

Featuring the Music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Created in Collaboration with Thistle Dance

 

DURATION
Nov 17- Dec 22
SALARY

$900.00 per week

 

AUDITION INFORMATION

WHERE

Online Submissions

WHEN

Accepting submissions now through August 19th.

WHAT TO PREPARE

Please fill out the google form, found here:

https://forms.gle/3d7C2RJuBtRNZHj46

We will review all submissions received. Those who are called back will receive communication for a zoom interview, and then an in person audition / work session.

 

Send any questions to Operations@nycchildrenstheater.org