DESCRIPTION:

Step into a world of wonder, music, and imagination with MY FIRST NUTCRACKER, NYCCT’s joyful introduction to the beloved holiday classic. Created especially for young children and their families, this 60?minute adaptation invites audiences to follow Clara Marie on a magical journey into the Land of the Sweets, where curiosity leads to courage and imagination opens every door.

Featuring Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, vibrant storytelling, and ballet-based expressive movement, MY FIRST NUTCRACKER offers a warm, accessible, and inclusive holiday experience. Children are welcomed into the story through imaginative interactivity and clear, engaging narration—making this the perfect first theater or dance experience for ages 3–8.

This production reflects NYCCT’s mission to inspire young people’s imaginations and support social?emotional growth through original theatrical experiences. By centering themes of curiosity, family, holiday tradition, and female empowerment, MY FIRST NUTCRACKER connects timeless storytelling with the developmental needs of today’s children. It also continues NYCCT’s long?standing commitment to creating high quality, artistically dynamic productions.

Produced in December 2026, MY FIRST NUTCRACKER brings together the creative vision of playwright Barbara Zinn Krieger and director/choreographer Kristen Brooks Sandler to reimagine a classic tale for New York City’s youngest generation of curious children. 

 

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.

 

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. 

 

SWING [TRACK 5]

Covers Tracks 1 & 3

 

SWING  [TRACK 6]

Covers Tracks 2 & 4

 

DURATION: 

Production Rehearsals: November 14th/15th - November 29th

Designer Run: TBD, Sunday, November 29th

Production Location: Theatre Row, Theatre 3

Tech: December 1st - 4th

Previews: Saturday, December 5th @ 11AM

Opening: Saturday, December 5th @ 2:30PM

Closing/Strike: December 22nd

Performance Schedule:

Saturday, December 5

11 AM & 2:30 PM 

Sunday, December 6

11 AM & 2:30 PM  

Monday, December 7

OFF 

Tuesday, December 8

OFF

Wednesday, December 9

11 AM & 5:30 PM 

Thursday, December 10

11 AM & 5:30 PM 

Friday, December 11

11 AM & 5:30 PM 

Saturday, December 12

11 AM & 2:30 PM 

Sunday, December 13

11 AM & 2:30 PM 

Monday, December 14

OFF 

Tuesday, December 15

11 AM & 5:30 PM 

Wednesday, December 16

11 AM & 5:30 PM 

Thursday, December 17

11 AM & 5:30 PM 

Friday, December 18

11 AM & 5:30 PM 

Saturday, December 19

11 AM & 2:30 PM 

Sunday, December 20

11 AM & 2:30 PM 

 

Monday, December 21

OFF

Tuesday, December 22

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 14/15- Dec 22

SALARY

$950/wk x 5 weeks ($4,750 total) 

 

 

AUDITION INFORMATION

WHERE

Online Submissions

 

WHEN

Accepting submissions now

 

WHAT TO PREPARE

Please fill out the google form, found here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzqBPnmTlG8Li-iYqYeqbLzd4cIcF9EcVeuu78J32Bcq5inQ/viewform?usp=header

 

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