Les Grands Ballets, in partnership with the École supérieure de ballet du Québec (ESBQ), are delighted to announce the audition dates for children's roles in the famous ballet The Nutcracker. Children and teenagers selected for various roles will participate in the show, which will be presented from December 12 to 30, 2024, at Place des Arts in Montreal. Additionally, some roles will also participate in the performances scheduled from December 5 to 8, 2024, at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
Save the dates
Septembre 6 and 7, 2024
École supérieure de ballet du Québec
4816 Rue Rivard, Montréal
See detailed schedule (French only)
Who can audition?
Only students of the École supérieure de ballet du Québec can audition for this iconic show. It is an exceptional opportunity to gain enriching and formative experience in a professional environment. The auditions will be open to students from the professional program and the recreational division. Some roles are reserved for the professional division.
The ties between the two institutions are deep. Founded in 1966 by Ludmilla Chiriaeff, the founder of Les Grands Ballets, ESBQ has become the affiliated school of Les Grands Ballets over the years. As a training partner, this true talent pool offers high-level training and supervision, allowing young dancers to acquire the necessary foundation to join a company such as Les Grands Ballets. ESBQ students have the opportunity throughout the year to participate in major productions by Les Grands Ballets such as The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella, thus performing on stage at Place des Arts in Montreal. Since the appointment of Ivan Cavallari as artistic director in 2017, 16 former ESBQ students have already joined the company, in addition to numerous alumni who have collaborated on various productions as extra dancers.
In order to be able to audition for certain roles (Children Of The Party, Mice, Rats, Angels and Reindeers), it is possible to join the ESBQ’s recreative division. For questions about the Recreative division, write to division.recreative@esbq.ca.
New audition process
Please note that there is a new process to simplify and improve the audition experience:
By applying, candidates agree to play the role assigned to them, regardless of their initial preference.
Final decision: The roles will be assigned by Les Grands Ballets' team, who will then communicate the results directly to the selected candidates. Applicants who are not selected will also be informed.
What will be the rehearsal schedule and where will it take place?
Anyone selected to audition will be expected to attend rehearsals at th Wilder Building (1435, rue De Bleury, Montreal). For your information, here is a preliminary rehearsal schedule.
How to register for the auditions?
To register, complete the registration form before midnight on Tuesday, September 3.
