The Nutcracker 2026 — Lake Forest, Illinois
At LoMastro we produce The Nutcracker every other year. Dancers ages 8-18, from any studio or school in the greater Chicagoland area, are welcome to audition. Ages 5-7 must be currently enrolled at LoMastro.
Performances & Tickets
Dec 11 at 6:30pm
Dec 12 at 2pm & 6pm
Dec 13 at 2pm & 6pm
The favorite holiday tale comes to life set to Tchaikovsky's famous score, with beautiful costumes and dancing sure to please the entire family!
Over 100 youth will perform in our professionally produced production, alongside professionals in principal roles.
Tickets on sale November 1.
Nutcracker Auditions — September 26, 2026
Dancers age 8 and up from any studio or school are welcome — you don't have to train at LoMastro to perform with us.
Open auditions are Saturday, September 26 at our Lake Forest studio, 840 S. Waukegan Rd. Dancers age 7 must be currently enrolled at LoMastro. Audition groups are set by age, height, and experience.
→ Full audition groups, requirements, attire, attendance policy, and the Audition / Participation Contract are in the 2026 Information Packet.
What do I need to do to Audition?
Everyone must be pre-registered online prior to the audition day.
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Select “Enroll in a class”
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Select “Nutcracker Audition 2026”
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Enroll in ALL Audition groups appropriate for your child’s age/height/experience.
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Follow the prompts to complete your enrollment and pay the non-refundable $35 audition fee.
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Then, complete the Audition / Participation Contract and bring it with you on the audition day, along with a 4X6 headshot (doesn’t need to be a professional photo). Be sure to arrive at the designated registration time.
Perform Without Auditioning
Not every role requires an audition.
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Primary Ballet & Tap (Age 5-6) and Elementary Ballet & Tap (Age 6-7) — enrolled students can perform onstage December 11-13. Commitment forms due October 1.
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Fritz & Friends — boys ages 8-12 play Fritz and his friends. No ballet experience, no audition, and no fees. Contact us to take part.
Students enrolled in Primary Ballet & Tap for 5-6 year olds, have the option to star in our Nutcracker performances at the John & Nancy Hughes Theatre at Gorton Center December 11-13. The children will learn the choreography during their Primary Ballet & Tap class time!
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Students enrolled in Elementary Ballet & Tap for 6-7 year olds, have the option to star in our Nutcracker performances at the John & Nancy Hughes Theatre at Gorton Center December 11-13. The children will learn the choreography during Rehearsals on Fridays Oct 30, Nov 6, 13, 20 and Dec 4 from 4:15-4:45 PM!
Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party
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Ages 4-9 will step into the enchanting world of the Kingdom of the Sweets! In addition to delightful sips and treats our children's tea party will feature:
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A magical abridged performance in-studio with special appearances by the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara, and more!
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A chance to meet and greet your favorite characters
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A holiday craft to bring home
Each $58 Tea Party ticket admits 1 child to the party.
Tickets are very limited for this special event... don’t wait! Tickets go on Sale Nov 1 at 10 AM.
Dec 5, 2026
3:00 PM
The Nutcracker
LoMastro Performing Arts Academy
840 S. Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Tickets
Tickets are $32-41 in advance, reserved seating. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Tickets go on sale Nov 1 at 10 AM.
Dec 11, 2026
6:30 PM
Cast B
The Nutcracker
John & Nancy Hughes Theater at Gorton Center
400 E. Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Dec 12, 2026
2:00 PM
Cast A
The Nutcracker
John & Nancy Hughes Theater at Gorton Center
400 E. Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Dec 12, 2026
6:00 PM
Cast B
The Nutcracker
John & Nancy Hughes Theater at Gorton Center
400 E. Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Dec 13, 2026
2:00 PM
Cast B
The Nutcracker
John & Nancy Hughes Theater at Gorton Center
400 E. Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Dec 13, 2026
6:00 PM
Cast A
The Nutcracker
John & Nancy Hughes Theater at Gorton Center
400 E. Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we have to take classes at LoMastro to audition?
No. Dancers ages 8-18 from any studio or school are welcome. Dancers age 7 must be currently enrolled at LoMastro.
What if my child auditions and isn't cast?
You're not charged the production fee. Only the $35 audition fee is non-refundable.
Is there anything for younger children?
Students in Primary Ballet & Tap (5-6) and Elementary Ballet & Tap (6-7) can perform without auditioning. Ages 4-9 can attend the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party.
How much time does it take?
Fridays from October 2 through December 4, plus mandatory dates December 6 and December 10-13. No rehearsals Thanksgiving week. Each role is called for only part of each Friday.
My son wants to be involved but doesn't dance
Boys ages 8-12 can play Fritz or one of Fritz's friends. No ballet, no audition, no fees.
When do tickets go on sale?
November 1 at 10 AM. Tickets are $32-41, reserved seating.
When will we know if our dancer is cast?
Casting is emailed within one week of auditions.